What is the best audiobook service? You're not alone if you've ever wished you could read more but can't find the time. Maybe you're commuting an hour each way to work, folding endless loads of laundry, or logging miles on the treadmill. Audiobook services solve a problem that's become all too common: wanting to consume great literature, learn new skills, or just escape into a good story, but lacking the chunks of uninterrupted time to sit down with a physical book.
Subpar
Everand claims to want "a world of stories and knowledge designed for modern readers." With over 1.5 million audiobooks and ebooks in their catalog, they position themselves as different by focusing on personalized recommendations and exclusive originals from big names like Stephen King and Roxane Gay. But behind their slick marketing and seemingly competitive pricing lies a fundamental shift that has left many loyal users feeling betrayed.
Everand's switch from "all-you-can-read" to "credit-based" is a major downgrade
Everand used to be the Netflix of audiobooks - offering unlimited access to their entire catalog for a flat $9.99 monthly fee. While there were some hidden throttling mechanisms that limited how many popular titles you could access each month, it was still a great value. Now, they've completely overhauled their model to mimic the popular credit-based audiobook platform system, offering three tiers: Standard ($11.99/month for 1 Unlock), Plus ($16.99/month for 3 Unlocks), and Deluxe ($28.99/month for 5 Unlocks). That works out to $5.67 to $11.99 per audiobook - and many former subscribers are furious about this bait-and-switch.
Former Everand users experienced model shift as betrayal
To understand what this shift in business model meant for longtime Everand users, imagine returning to your favorite all-you-can-eat buffet only to discover they've put all the best dishes behind lock and key. That's what happened when loyal Everand subscribers logged in after the platform's overhaul to find their carefully curated to-read lists suddenly restricted - of hundreds of bookmarked titles, only a pitiful handful remained freely accessible.
Unlocks with a higher price point
Where voracious listeners once enjoyed unlimited access to bestselling audiobooks and new releases for a flat $9.99 fee, they now faced a cafeteria-style system where only the equivalents of day-old bread and lukewarm soup remained "unlimited." Basically everything worth consuming is now rationed to just 1, 3, or 5 "Unlocks" per month at a higher price point. All plans do come with a 30-day free trial, during which you'll receive your allotted Unlocks (1, 3, or 5 depending on tier), but it's no wonder Everand displays an average rating of just 1.2 stars on Trustpilot.
The details reveal an even less appealing picture for avid listeners
But wait, it gets worse. Unlike most audiobook services, where credits convert to permanent or semi-permanent ownership (depending on whether DRM is involved), Everand "Unlocks" only stay accessible as long as you maintain your subscription. (If you cancel and later resubscribe with the same email, you'll regain access to previously unlocked titles.) And unfortunately, unused Unlocks expire after 30 days and don't roll over.
Everand's fall from audiobook grace
With Everand's drastic shift from being the "Netflix of audiobooks" to just another credit-based service, you're now stuck with a platform that offers significantly less value than before, and much less than their competitors. Their unlimited catalog used to be impressive and affordable at $9.99 monthly, but they've completely abandoned this unique selling point, forcing you into a restrictive model where most desirable titles are now "premium unlocks." While this service once benefited voracious readers who consumed multiple books weekly, it now serves virtually no one any better than the existing, better-positioned audiobook platforms. We no longer recommend Everand for any audiobook listener type - they've sacrificed what made them special to become a small fish in the audiobook industry pond, but without the resources to compete effectively.
Continued from above...
You're not alone if you've ever wished you could read more but can't find the time. Maybe you're commuting an hour each way to work, folding endless loads of laundry, or logging miles on the treadmill. Audiobook services solve a problem that's become all too common: wanting to consume great literature, learn new skills, or just escape into a good story, but lacking the chunks of uninterrupted time to sit down with a physical book.
Whether you're a multitasker by necessity or simply prefer listening to reading, audiobooks let you turn downtime into story time - and that's a win for anyone trying to squeeze more culture into their day. But not all audiobook services are created equal. Some operate on a subscription model, giving you a set number of credits each month to "purchase" titles you'll own forever. Others work more like Netflix, offering unlimited streaming from a catalog as long as you keep paying your monthly fee.
Then there are the pay-per-title services, which let you buy audiobooks outright without any recurring commitment. Finally, there are library-based audiobook services, where your free ticket to entry is your library card. The model you choose will depend on how many books you listen to, whether you like to revisit favorites, and how much you're willing to spend.
Subscription services tend to dominate the audiobook landscape. They're popular because they offer decent value if you're a regular listener, typically giving you one or two credits per month that you can exchange for any audiobook in their catalog, regardless of retail price. This model works well if you devour lengthy fantasy epics or non-fiction tomes that would otherwise cost $30 or more. On the flip side, unlimited streaming services appeal to binge-listeners who tear through multiple books a week and don't care about "owning" them permanently. If you're the type who rarely re-reads (or re-listens), this can be a more economical route - though you'll want to make sure the catalog is robust enough to keep you entertained.
Audiobook subscription services differ when it comes to ethical considerations, too. You'll want to think about how the service supports authors and narrators, and their impact on the publishing industry as a whole. Some platforms offer better royalty rates or direct support for independent creators, while others prioritize corporate publishers. Library-based services allow you to borrow audiobooks for free using your library card, which supports public library systems. If supporting authors and fair compensation matters to you, you'll want to research how each service shares revenue with the people who create the content you enjoy.
So what should you actually look for when shopping for an audiobook service? Here are the key considerations:
Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and ranked the audiobook services available today. We've looked at catalog depth, pricing models, app functionality, and overall user experience to help you find the service that fits your lifestyle. Whether you're a daily commuter looking to make the most of drive time or a fitness enthusiast who wants company on long runs, we hope this review helps you find the best audiobook service for you.
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So You Want to Hear About Audiobooks
If you're looking to decide if you should take the dive and get into audiobooks, you've come to the right place! We here at Top Consumer Reviews love audiobooks and have quite the extensive collection ourselves. There are plenty of reasons you may be unsure if audiobooks are right for you, but here are some ways to help you determine if this is the right step for you.
Audiobooks can often seem intimidating. It's not the same as reading, and can take a lot of time to listen to an entire book, so it's natural to be unsure if this will be the right fit for you. One way to tell if this is something to consider, is to look at your current listening time. Do you have a long commute to work? A long workout you never miss? Even long showers? If you have time now, that you spend listening to music or podcasts, then you should have time for an audiobook. It might seem like a big time commitment at first, since the book listening time can be several hours long, but just remember to listen in chunks and fit it in where you normally listen to things. Soon you'll be flying through books in no time!
Some people worry if the audiobook method will be boring. While some books may be dry, each one is different and it just depends on your tastes to see if the book is one you will like or not. Additionally, audiobooks are rather like podcasts, they can have a wide range of people for different characters that really add to the experience. Audiobooks can even be read by their own author, especially if that author is famous. You can feel closer to the likes of Nick Offerman or Amy Poehler as you hear them narrate their own books and life stories.
If that hasn't convinced you of how fun audiobooks can be, think of this: Audiobooks can be shared. You can literally have your own book club by sharing your favorite new book with whomever you want. Now you can have friends and family join in the fun as you all listen and share your favorite new book.
Another concern you might have may be about the cost. Some audiobook stores have a recurring membership. This can be good if you decide you like the audiobook world and want to continue on with a series, or listen to audiobooks often. However, you might not want to commit to a subscription right off the bat, and that's understandable. Some stores will let you buy one book at a time, if you just want to test the waters first and then that would be your best bet. A one time purchase may be the best for starting out, but chances are pretty soon you'll want that membership and all the benefits that come with it!
All in all, audiobooks are not going to be for everyone. Some people just never get into the feel of it. If you can take the first step of trying it out though, you might discover a whole new world of reading that you enjoy. We think it's well worth the risk, and you should take the plunge and start your newest adventure today!
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