Spotify is no longer just for music and podcasts – it now also offers Spotify Audiobooks. But is it worth using? This is a question. However, if you’re already a Spotify Premium subscriber, you can start enjoying these books right away. So, “is it worth it” depends more on the worth of buying the membership for this new activity. It’s new and might be a little bit strange to you. Don’t worry, we have tried it out for a while, here’s everything you need to know.
What Is Spotify Audiobooks?
Spotify Audiobooks is an extension of the platform’s audio content. There are tons of narrated books across various genres. I consider it a huge storage space mainly because I can find nearly every book in it. It now integrates audiobooks into the same app where you already stream music and podcasts, which is certainly good news for its old members.
Key Features of Spotify Audiobooks
A Growing Library of Titles
Spotify isn’t just dipping its toes into audiobooks – it’s expanding fast. There are thousands of titles available, you can discover titles from bestsellers to indie gems. Whether you like fiction, self-help, biographies, or even business books, there’s probably something for you. They keep adding more, so the selection will only get better.
Seamless Integration with Your Spotify App
There’s no need to switch between multiple apps. People usually like it if everything is organized in one place. And if you have been using Spotify for a while, this is like an extra bonus for you. Why not take advantage of it?
Offline Listening
You can download your audiobooks and listen to those fiction without an internet connection. This feature is useful enough, especially if you’re used to streaming everything and don’t always have Wi-Fi, like a long highway trip or school without providing internet services.
Adjustable Playback Speed
Some people like to take their time, others want to speed through a book in record time. With Spotify Audiobooks, you can tweak the playback speed to match your listening style.
Free Previews Before You Commit
Almost every book has a preview before you decide. It’s like flipping through pages at a bookstore but with audio. A simple yet useful feature – nobody wants to waste time on a book they won’t enjoy.
Pricing Model That’s Still Evolving
Spotify offers a mix of free and paid audiobooks. If you’re a Premium user, you get a set number of free hours per month. Want more? You can purchase individual books. It’s not an unlimited subscription like Audible, but for casual listeners, it might be enough.
Multi-Device Syncing
Start a book on your phone, and continue on your tablet, then finish on your desktop. Spotify keeps track of where you left off, so you don’t have to raise your awareness all the time. It’s convenient, even when you want to switch devices throughout the day.
Why You Should Try Spotify Audiobooks
Sometimes, you just don’t have the time or energy to sit down and read. Maybe your hands are busy, or your eyes are too tired to focus on a screen. In that case, all you need is an audiobook platform like Spotify. You can listen while commuting, cooking, or even lying in bed with your eyes closed. It turns any moment into a reading session without actually having to read.
Ever tried reading a book while cooking? That’s a hard task. But listening is a different story. Spotify Audiobooks let you “read” while doing other things – commuting, working out, folding laundry, staring at your ceiling at 2 AM. It turns dead time into something productive (or at least entertaining).
Moreover, you probably have Spotify open at least once a day, and you don’t need to download another app. Just search for an audiobook, hit play, and you’re in. If you’re a Premium user, some books are even included without extra cost.
Tip: How much is Spotify Premium? Spotify Premium usually costs around $9.99 a month.
Things to Consider – The Cons of Spotify Audiobooks)
Limited Selection
The library is growing, but it’s not as extensive as what you might find on dedicated audiobook platforms like Audible. When you’re looking for a very specific book or author, you might not find it on Spotify just yet. So, while the free books are nice, you’re not always going to have everything at your fingertips.
No Ownership of Books
This one might be a dealbreaker for some. With platforms like Audible, you buy a book, and it’s yours to keep forever. But the condition on Spotify is a bit different. If the audiobook is removed from the service or if you cancel your subscription, you can’t access the books anymore. So, if you’re someone who likes to have a permanent library, Spotify’s not quite there. The things you subscribe to are more like a limited time to read instead of a book.
Accessing Content Seamlessly with a VPN
If you’re traveling or live in a region where access to certain Spotify features, including audiobooks, is restricted, using a VPN like LightningX VPN could make your Spotify unblocked.
With LightningX VPN, you can easily switch your location (through the servers) and access Spotify’s full library from anywhere. It has 2000+ servers in over 50 countries, and this will certainly make your audiobook experience as seamless as possible, even if you’re outside the usual service area.
If you’re used to sharing Audible books with friends and family (especially those “family sharing” plans), Spotify doesn’t really offer that option. Your account is tied to you, and sharing audiobooks is a bit tricky. So, if you’re hoping to pass on a good read, you’re out of luck.
Final Words
For most of us, Spotify Audiobooks are still relatively new, but you can see that they’re offering a solid experience. If you’re already using Spotify daily, adding audiobooks to your routine does no harm. The library is growing, the features are improving, and for many people, it’s a no-brainer to give it a shot!
