How to Get DRM-Free Audiobooks [A Complete Guide]

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Digital Rights Management (DRM) is a system designed to protect digital content, such as music, audiobooks, eBooks, and software, from being copied or shared without permission.

Think of it as a digital lock on your audiobooks, allowing you to listen only on specific platforms or apps. When you download content with DRM, there are restrictions on how you can access or use it.

While DRM helps protect the rights of content creators and publishers, it can also limit users’ freedom and be quite restrictive.

This article has 5 websites where you can buy drm free audiobooks in Mp3 and other formats for flexibility of use across devices and apps.

The Impact of DRM on Audiobooks

Whether DRM is a necessary protection or an unnecessary restriction on user rights remains a topic of debate among audiobook creators, producers, and listeners.

Fortunately, some audiobook platforms take a more open approach, offering DRM-free (or you might say “cage-free”) audiobooks that give listeners true ownership and flexibility.

Before discussing services that offer drm-free audiobooks, Here is a list of issues that DRM can cause with audiobooks:

1. Limited Access: Audiobooks with DRM often can only be played on specific platforms or app, which means you can not listen to them on any device or app of your choice. I like Smart Audiobook Player on my Android phone but it can’t play Audible books on it.
2. Device Restrictions: You may only be able to listen to the audiobook on a limited number of devices that your audiobook platform supports, which means no MP3 players like SHOCKZ OpenSwim while swimming.
3. Sharing Limitations: DRM prevents you from sharing your audiobook with others, even after purchasing it legally. While this is a point of debate, it’s often seen as beneficial for content creators, given the nature of digital content.
4. No Backup: If something happens to your app or account (e.g., the app shuts down or you lose access to your account), you may lose your access to the audiobooks. You can not play audiobook on other apps because of DRM.
5. Account Tied to Platform: The audiobook is often tied to a specific platform which is inconvenient if you want to switch platforms or apps.
6. Over-Complicated Permissions: Some DRM systems are overly complex and require extra steps like authorizing each device or app you want to use, which can be frustrating for users.

5 Reasons to Get DRM Free Audiobooks

If you love swimming, you’ve probably discovered there are only a few ways to enjoy audiobooks underwater.

Most involve using waterproof headphones paired with an MP3 player, meaning you will need your audiobooks in MP3 format before your next swim session.

That’s just one example of why DRM free books can be so valuable. Learn more from how to listen to audiobooks while swimming.

I have seen countless posts on Reddit [Examples here and here] from audiobook fans looking for DRM-free options, and the reasons are both practical and passionate.

Here are some of the top reasons listeners prefer DRM-free audiobooks:

• Support Indie Creators – Many DRM-free platforms support independent authors and narrators directly.
• Freedom to Use – Play your audiobooks on any app or device, without restrictions.
• No Platform Lock-in – Own your audiobooks outright. If a service shuts down or changes its policies, you still keep your collection.
• Easy Sharing – Share your audiobooks with family or friends, just like you would a paperback.
• Flexible Backups – Save your audiobooks wherever you like, including cloud, hard drive, or external storage.

5 Platforms to Get DRM Free audiobooks

Here are 5 audiobook services that offer cage-free audiobooks.

1. Libro FM

Libro FM is the most ethical audiobook platform in my opinion. They have over 500,000 audiobooks in their catalog.

Libro Fm is one of the few places where every audiobook is DRM-free, or as we call it, cage-free, according to Nick Johnson co founder of the platform.

A DRM-free model fits our independent nature and it means you can listen to the audiobook anytime, anywhere, on any device, Nick Johnson

Once you purchase a title, it’s truly yours. You can download it and listen using any app that supports the format, or use Libro.fm’s own apps for Android and iOS.

There are no restrictions and no locked-in platforms.

Another feature I love about Libro.fm is their focus on supporting local bookstores. With every purchase, you can choose a bookstore to support, something all book lovers want to do.

Plus, you have the flexibility to cancel or pause your membership without losing any credits or audiobooks.

Your credits never expire, and you’ll also enjoy personalized book recommendations based on real human suggestions.

In my opinion, Libro.fm is the most ethical audiobook platform out there. With a catalog of over 500,000 titles, they stand out by offering DRM-free audiobooks across the board.

2. DownPour

Downpour is another excellent platform offering DRM-free audiobooks. With a growing collection of around 80,000 titles, and hundreds added every month, it is a solid alternative for anyone looking to truly own their audiobooks.

One of the best things about Downpour is the flexibility it offers.

You can:

• Purchase audiobooks as digital downloads, CDs, MP3 CDs, or even as digital rentals.
• Download in MP3 or M4B format, making it easy to listen using your favorite audiobook app.

Importantly, you don’t need to sign up for a membership to make purchases.

However, if you do choose to join the Downpour Audiobook Club, it costs $12.99/month and includes:

• 1 credit per month (good for any audiobook in their collection)
• Access to members-only deals and sales

This makes Downpour a flexible, DRM-free option for both casual and avid listeners.

3. AudiobooksNow

AudiobooksNow offers a massive collection of over 380,000 audiobooks, and the best part? You can purchase titles with or without a membership.

They offer a unique Club Pricing program that significantly lowers the cost of audiobooks. The Club Pricing Plan is designed to help audiobook lovers save more with regular purchases.

You have two options:

• A monthly plan
• Or an annual plan for just $35.99/year, which gives you all the Club Pricing benefits for an entire year. You can cancel anytime, no questions asked.

With Club Pricing, you’ll enjoy:

• 50% off your first audiobook each month
• 35–40% off on additional audiobooks purchases all month long

This makes AudiobooksNow a great budget-friendly option, especially for frequent listeners who want DRM-free audiobooks.

4. LibriVox

If you are looking for DRM-free audiobooks in public domain, LibriVox is a fantastic resource.

Run entirely by volunteers, LibriVox offers thousands of audiobooks, that are in the public domain, which means they’re free to download, share, and enjoy.

All LibriVox audiobooks are completely drm free.

5. Lit2Go

LearnOutLoud offers a curated selection of over 2,000 free educational audio and video titles, perfect for kids, teens, and lifelong learners.

Their free audiobook collection includes a wide range of subjects, from literature and history to science and self-development.

The best part? All audiobooks are DRM-free, so you can download and listen without any restrictions.

I recommend downloading these audiobooks in MP3 format, which is ideal for use across various audiobook apps, MP3 players, and devices.