Last Updated on: Sep 01, 2023
Audiobooks and spoken audio content are becoming more and more popular among Canadians who enjoy listening to books and content on the go. Whether it’s for entertainment, education, or personal growth, audiobooks and spoken audio content offer convenience and versatility for busy listeners. But with so many platforms available, how do you choose the best one for your needs? In this article, we will compare the top three platforms for audiobooks and spoken audio content in Canada: Audible.ca, Libro.fm, and Libby (by OverDrive).
What We'll Cover
Audible.ca
Audible.ca is a subsidiary of Amazon and one of the most prominent players in the audiobook market. It offers a vast selection of titles across various genres, from fiction to non-fiction, from classics to bestsellers. With a monthly membership, you can enjoy benefits such as credits that can be exchanged for any audiobook, discounts on additional purchases, and access to exclusive content. You can also use Whispersync technology to seamlessly switch between reading and listening to the same book on different devices.
- Large and frequently updated catalog
- High-quality narration, often by celebrities or the authors themselves
- Monthly subscription cost, though there are frequent promotions and free trials
Libro.fm
Libro.fm is a unique platform that allows you to purchase audiobooks through your local, independent bookstores. By doing so, you can support local businesses and communities while enjoying great audiobooks. With a monthly membership, you can get credits and special discounts on audiobooks. You can also choose from a variety of DRM-free content, meaning you truly own the content you purchase and can listen to it on any device.
- Supports local businesses
- No strings attached – own your audiobooks
- Smaller catalog compared to Audible, though it’s growing steadily
Libby (by OverDrive)
Libby (by OverDrive) is a digital service provided by local libraries that lets you borrow audiobooks (and eBooks) for free with a valid library card. You can use the user-friendly app interface to browse, borrow, and listen to audiobooks on your smartphone or tablet. You don’t have to worry about late fees, as the content automatically returns after the lending period.
- Free access to a wide range of titles
- Supports local libraries and promotes community engagement
- Availability of titles can be limited based on the library’s catalog and current checkouts
- Wait times for popular titles
Choosing the best audiobook site depends on your personal preferences and needs. Some of the criteria you might consider are:
- The size and variety of the catalog: Do you want access to a large and diverse selection of titles across different genres and categories?
- The cost and value of the service: How much are you willing to pay for a monthly subscription or a single purchase? Do you get benefits such as credits, discounts, or exclusive content?
- The quality and convenience of the listening experience: How good is the narration and the sound quality? Can you switch between reading and listening seamlessly? Can you listen offline or on multiple devices?
- The social and ethical impact of your choice: Do you want to support local businesses and communities? Do you want to own your content or borrow it from a library? Do you care about the environmental footprint of your listening habits?
These are some of the questions you might ask yourself when choosing the best audiobook site for you. Ultimately, the best site is the one that meets your expectations and enhances your enjoyment of audiobooks and spoken audio content.
Conclusion
As you can see, each platform has its own unique strengths when it comes to offering audiobooks and spoken audio content. The best platform for you depends on your preferences, whether it’s supporting local businesses, accessing a vast selection, or borrowing from a local library. We encourage you to explore each platform and find the best fit for your audiobook and spoken content needs. Happy listening!
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I've always been a fan of physical books, but I've recently gotten into audiobooks during my commute. This article is a goldmine for a newbie like me. The pros and cons are particularly helpful.
