V’s Top 3 Cheapest Ways To Start Listening To Books Right Now
For a long time, I’ve wanted to consume more books. But, like many others out there, it’s hard to carve out enough time to sit down and read. I’ve always been envious of my friends who read several books a month.
Now that I live in Land O Lakes and have a longer commute, I’ve decided this is a perfect opportunity to try to utilize the extra time in the car by listening to audio books. The only challenge? Streaming services are a little pricey.
If you’ve been on the fence about spending the $15/month subscription, or don’t know where to start, here are three of the cheapest options available right now!
AUDIBLE
Amazon’s Audible is the leader in digital audiobooks. Until recently, they were pretty much one of the only options available. Audible offers a one-month free trial, where you receive 2 credits to listen to books. If you don’t cancel within the 30 day trial, you are then billed the subscription rate of $14.95 per month.
However, with growing competition, Audible is offering an amazing deal if you’re willing to pay up front. Through September 15th, you can join Audible for a flat rate of $99.50 for the entire year.
The only major difference between this and the monthly subscription is that they give you your 12 credits for the year up front. Otherwise, you pretty much get all the same perks.
A word to the wise: after the first year, the price jumps to $149.50. However, you can cancel any time.
I just finished listening to this book, “Where’d You Go Bernadette?” I loved it! Turns out, it’s also being turned into a movie to release next year:
WALMART
Yes! Walmart! They’re getting into the audiobook game, and they’re offering monthly memberships cheaper than Audible’s. They launched their new service, in partnership with Rakuten, a week ago.
Like Audible, they offer a free trial to check it out. However, unlike Audible, your free trial is one book instead of two.
Where Walmart is more competitive than Audible is the monthly membership. It’s $9.99 per month… $5 cheaper… and, like Audible, you get one book per month.
CLICK HERE for details about Walmart’s audiobook program
PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM
This option is clearly the least expensive because it’s FREE to borrow audiobooks from your public library!
To get started, you’ll need a library card. Some counties may require you to physically get one in person. After that, it’s pretty simple. After that, you’ll need to download a separate app to borrow the books. Most public library systems use one called LIBBY.
The only slight downside to borrowing audiobooks is the same as when you’re borrowing a physical copy: there may not be one available at the time you’d like to listen to it. However, you can join the wait list, and simply borrow a different book to listen to until the one you’d like becomes available. The library will also have a more limited number of titles than sites like Audible, etc. But, this is a great option for those who want more books without taking on extra expenses!
Get Started at your Public Library:
