How to Get into Audiobooks [A Beginner’s Guide]

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Learn more from Privacy Policy

If you’re wondering how to get into audiobooks, it’s easier than you think. You don’t need any special setup to start.

Audiobooks are simply recorded versions of books that you can listen to instead of reading.

To get started, use a device you already own like your smartphone, choose a platform such as Audible or Libro.fm, and pick a short and interesting first book.

The key is to start small and pair it with an existing habit. Once it becomes part of your routine, audiobooks feel completely natural.

5 Steps to Get into Audiobooks        

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you learn how to listen to audiobooks and actually stick with it.

Step 1 — Choose Your Audiobook Device

Most people already have a smartphone, which works perfectly for audiobooks. You can listen anytime, anywhere without any extra device.

If you want alternatives, here are a few good options:

• Android MP3 player — Great as a dedicated audiobook or backup device.

• Bone conduction headphones — Perfect for workouts and outdoor use.

• Amazon Echo device — Ideal for listening at home during chores, or for kids and seniors.

There are more options to choose from. All major audiobook platforms have apps for Android and iOS.

You can also connect your phone to Bluetooth speakers or use car mode while driving.

Step 2 — Choose the Right Audiobook Platform

You can start by borrowing audiobooks from your local library using apps like Libby or Hoopla.

If you are looking for paid options, here are the best ones:

• Audible — The largest audiobook library available. The Premium Plus plan includes 70,000+ titles for free, discount on cash purchases, and exclusive sales. If you want almost any book in audio, Audible is your best bet.

• Libro.fm — A more ethical choice that supports local bookstores. You get DRM-free audiobooks, credits that never expire, and your purchase supports a bookstore of your choice. Read the full review to know more.

• Chirp Audiobooks — Perfect for discounted audiobooks with no subscription. Just sign up and buy titles at discounted prices (available in the U.S. and Canada).

Step 3 — Choose Your First Listen

Audiobooks take a bit of getting used to, so choosing the right first title makes a big difference.

Here are a few simple tips to help you pick your first listen.

• Pick something familiar, like a book you have already read or seen as a movie or a sequel in a series you know.
• Stick to genres you already enjoy in the beginning and pick the books by authors you love.
• Start with a short audiobook. It’s less overwhelming and helps you get comfortable with the listening experience.
• Listen to samples and check reviews before starting to get a sense of narration style.

Check out these best audiobooks for beginners.

• Audible’s first listens section
• The best audiobooks for first time listeners
• 30 Best audiobooks of all time

Step 4 — Pair Audiobooks With a Habit

The easiest way to get into audiobooks is to connect them to something you already do every day.

I started listening during my morning walks, and it completely changed the experience.

Now I actually look forward to my morning walks. I also listen while doing chores, driving, or commuting.

Once it becomes part of your routine, you don’t have to “find time” for audiobooks. It just happens naturally.

• 50 Things to do while listening to audiobooks
• 60+ Games to play while listening to audiobooks

Step 5 — Explore and Experiment

This is where it gets fun. There’s no single “right way” to enjoy audiobooks, so give yourself time to figure out what works for you.

Try different genres, narrators, and platforms until something clicks. Everyone develops their own listening style, and it takes a bit of experimenting.

Here are a few things to try:

• Start with short listening sessions. It helps you stay focused.
• Pair audiobooks with low-focus activities like walking or doing chores. It works best when your mind is free. I love listening on morning walks, but I find it hard to keep up during tasks that need full concentration.
• Experiment with narration speed until it feels comfortable. Most apps let you adjust playback speed. Find a pace that feels natural and easy to follow.
• It’s okay to lose focus. Don’t hesitate to rewind if you zone out. This is completely normal, especially in the beginning.
• It’s also fine to drop books you don’t enjoy. Audiobooks should feel enjoyable, not like a commitment.

Bottom line: don’t force it. Try different things until it feels natural in your routine.

It’s no secret that I love audiobooks, and there’s a good chance you will too once you get into the flow.

Start with one book, keep it simple, and build from there.

Check out the articles below to learn more.

• 6 Methods to get paid audiobooks for free
• Listen to audiobooks without a subscription
• 5 Audiobook platforms with free trials
• Audible Review — is Audible worth it?