Top 6 Best Audiobook Players

1. Audible

Audible is one of the most popular audiobook players, owned by Amazon. It offers a vast library of over 450,000 titles, including bestsellers, new releases, and exclusive content. Audible's audiobook player provides solid playback features, such as chapter navigation, bookmarks, a sleep mode, variable playback speed, and multitasking support for background playback and downloading. The app is user-friendly and compatible with various devices, including iOS, Android, Alexa-enabled devices, Fire tablets, Kindles, and Sonos. And for desktop, although Audible doesn't have a dedicated windows audiobook player app, it does have a compatible app of audiobook player for Mac. 

Audible's audiobooks are narrated by professional narrators, famous actors, public figures, or the authors themselves, making the listening experience more engaging and immersive.

Key Features:

• Extensive library: Access to a massive collection of audiobooks.
• Whispersync for Voice: Switch seamlessly between reading and listening.
• Car mode: Simplified interface for safe use while driving.
• Offline listening: Download audiobooks for playback without internet access.
• Sleep timer: Automatically stops playback after a set time.

Available on: Android, iOS, macOS

2. Smart AudioBook Player

The Smart AudioBook Player is a specialized audiobook player on phone. It offers features like speed control, bookmarks, and Chromecast support. The app's intuitive interface and customization options make it a favorite among audiobook listeners. It supports almost every audio format, including .m4b, and has built-in cover art searching and downloading. The lock screen feature helps avoid accidental chapter skipping, and the playback speed adjustment allows you to listen at your preferred pace.

Key Features:

• Variable playback speed: Adjust the speed to your preference.
• Bookmarks: Save your place and easily return to it later.
• Chromecast support: Stream audiobooks to your TV or speakers.
• Cover art search: Automatically find and download cover art.
• Lock screen controls: Prevent accidental skips and pauses.

Available on: Android

3. Google Play Books

Google Play Books lets you listen to your purchased audiobooks across various platforms and devices. It offers a seamless listening experience and integrates well with other Google services. The app provides features like bookmarks, speed control, and the ability to listen without a subscription. You can also use Google Assistant to control playback hands-free by saying, "Ok Google, read my book". Google Play Books is an excellent choice for those who prefer a pay-as-you-go model without any commitments.

Key Features:

• No subscription required: Buy audiobooks individually without commitments.
• Google Assistant integration: Control playback hands-free.
• Bookmarks: Save your place and easily return to it later.
• Speed control: Adjust the playback speed to your liking.
• Cross-device sync: Continue listening across multiple devices.

Available on: Android, iOS, Web

4. Kobo Books

Kobo Books offers a wide selection of audiobooks, including bestsellers, popular titles, classics, and free audiobooks. The Kobo Books app is available for iOS and Android devices, and you can also listen on select Kobo eReaders with Bluetooth support. Kobo Plus subscribers can enjoy unlimited access to thousands of audiobooks from the Kobo Plus catalogue. The app provides a seamless reading and listening experience, allowing you to switch between devices without losing your place.

Key Features:

• Extensive library: Access to a wide range of audiobooks.
• Kobo Plus subscription: Unlimited access to thousands of audiobooks.
• Cross-device sync: Switch between devices without losing your place.
• Bluetooth support: Listen on select Kobo eReaders with Bluetooth.
• Bookmarks: Save your place and easily return to it later.

Available on: Android, iOS, Kobo eReaders

5. LibriVox

LibriVox provides unlimited access to over 40,000 audiobooks, all of which are in the public domain. The LibriVox app makes it easy to find the book you want by browsing by title, author, or genre, or by searching by keyword. The app also features a sleep timer and unlimited bookmarks for each book. LibriVox is an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy classic literature for free.

Key Features:

• Free audiobooks: Access to over 40,000 public domain audiobooks.
• Browse and search: Find books by title, author, genre, or keyword.
• Sleep timer: Automatically stops playback after a set time.
• Unlimited bookmarks: Save multiple places in each book.
• Offline listening: Download audiobooks for playback without internet access.

Available on: Android, iOS, Web

6. Bound

Bound is an audiobook player that allows you to listen to your favorite DRM-free audiobooks. You can import audio files from various cloud services and play them back in a modern interface. For instance, you can import your own M4B files, effectively turning Bound into a dedicated M4B audiobook player. Bound automatically saves your listening position, so you never lose your place. The app supports multiple audio file types, including .mp3, .m4a, .m4b, and .aac. Bound also offers features like changing cover art, sorting based on author or title, and dark mode support.

Key Features:

• DRM-free support: Play your favorite DRM-free audiobooks.
• Cloud integration: Import audio files from various cloud services.
• Modern interface: Enjoy a beautiful and intuitive design.
• Automatic bookmarking: Save your listening position automatically.
• Multiple file types: Support for .mp3, .m4a, .m4b, and .aac files.

Available on: iOS

By choosing the right audiobook player, you can enhance your listening experience and enjoy your favorite books anytime, anywhere. Whether you prefer a subscription-based service like Audible or a free app like LibriVox, there is an audiobook player out there to suit your needs.