Cheap Audiobooks That Don’t Suck: My 4 Go-To Methods After 2000+ Books
When I first discovered audiobooks, I had a tight budget but still wanted to be able to listen all the time. That forced me to dig deep and learn about finding quality cheap audiobooks without breaking the bank.
After 2000+ books listened, I have learned that publishers release their audiobooks across different platforms at different price points. The key is knowing where to look.
These 4 methods are what I actually use every month to keep my audiobook habit affordable while supporting authors fairly.
**The marked links and book covers on this page are affiliate links. If you use them to purchase something, I earn a fee at no additional cost for you. Disclosure**
How to Find Cheap Audiobooks: Quick Guide
Method 1: Strategic Whispersync Shopping
What it is: Amazon’s program that adds audiobook narration to Kindle books for as little as $1.99. Read how to find Amazon Whispersync deals!
What it’s all about: Best deals are on FREE Kindle books ($0.00) or Kindle Unlimited included books. This makes KU worth it even if you only listen to audio.
I always check Whispersync prices before buying any audiobook. Browse Kindle Unlimited for included books with cheap audiobook upgrades. You’ll often find free or KU included ebooks with $1.99-$7.49 audiobook add-ons. Same professional narration, massive savings!
Even if you only sign up for one month of KU, you can load up your library with tons of $1.99 audiobooks.
Where to find the best deals:
- Free Kindle books
- Kindle Unlimited included titles with audio upgrades
- Books you already own in your Kindle library
Check out my monthly-updated, curated list: New Romance Whispersync Deals
Method 2: Smart Library Strategy
What it is: Using Libby and Hoopla strategically, not just for “free,” but for smart spending.
What it’s all about: Access to Hoopla and Libby can be completely free with your local library card, but many libraries also offer non-resident cards for $25-50 per year. That’s still way cheaper than most subscriptions and often unlocks better selections.
Libraries are the best way to get popular, traditionally published books cheaply, even right after release. Libby is the only way you can still borrow Penguin Random House audiobooks!
My system:
- Hoopla first – No wait times, instant access
- Libby second – For popular titles (drawbacks are low sound quality and wait times, but still worth it over spending a credit!)
- Non-resident library cards – Unlock better selections for out-of-state and international readers
Pro tip: Many libraries let you get cards online now. I live in the EU, but have a library card from Queens Public Library with 10 monthly Hoopla borrows and Libby access for $50 a year. Check out my guide to Hoopla with a list of libraries that offer out-of-state ecards with Hoopla access.
Method 3: Subscription Cycling
What it is: Cancel subscriptions immediately after signing up, resubscribe only when needed.
What it’s all about: When you cancel a subscription, most platforms let you keep access for the entire billing period. If I’m not 100% sure I will continue using a subscription, I always cancel right away, so I won’t forget later and get charged again.
This also lets me take advantage of win-back offers. Audible regularly sends me 50% off deals to come back. And with such low prices for Audible credits, I can get really cheap audiobooks from their entire premium catalog.
Method 4: Deal Bookmarks and Emails
What it is: Systematic approach to browsing sales.
What it’s all about: I have bookmarks for the sales section of my favorite stores and browse through their cheap audiobooks with filters when the mood strikes. All these stores also offer email subscriptions to get notified of new deals so offers will come to you, instead of your having to hunt them down.
My system:
- Chirp Books** – Daily deals under $5, curated by the BookBub team
- Audible daily deals – One discounted book per day for members
- LibroFM sales section** – I check this monthly, they often have 50-70% off sales, even for recent bestsellers
- Social media follows – Authors and narrators announce their own sales
Pro tip: If you see something you want, but it’s not in a deal or not cheap enough yet, add it to your wishlist. Audible and Chirp will email you when an audiobook on your wishlist goes on sale.
Read my reviews of Chirp and LibroFM!
These methods have let me listen to 200+ audiobooks per year without going broke. The key is being strategic about where and when you buy, not settling for lower quality or buying something you don’t really want, just because it’s cheap.
Need more tips for affordable listening? Check out where to get quality unlimited audiobooks!
Happy listening!
Eline Blackman (pronouns: she/they) fell in love with books as a child – with being read to and reading herself. 10 years ago, she bought her first Audible book. It was love at first listen! An average of 250 audiobooks per year has become the new normal and you will rarely see Eline without a wireless earbud. Romance and Fantasy are the go-to genres for this audiobook fan.
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