Whether you’re new to audiobooks or have listened to more than you can count, the right audiobook tips can help you get even more out of every chapter. From picking better narrators to fitting books more easily into your day, small changes can make a big difference.
These audiobook hacks are designed to help you save money, build lasting habits, and enjoy your listening time more—wherever and whenever you press play.
1. Access audiobooks with your library. Apps like Libby, Hoopla, and BorrowBox offer free access to thousands of audiobooks with a library card.
2. Adjust playback speed. Experiment with speed—many listeners find 1.2x to 1.5x feels more natural, especially with slower narrators.
3. Set a sleep timer. Avoid waking up three chapters later by using a sleep timer. Most apps offer 15-, 30-, or 60-minute options.
4. Bookmark before bed. Drop a bookmark before you doze off. It’s easier to rewind to a known spot than to guess where you stopped paying attention.
5. Preview narrators before committing. Always sample the narration. Even a great book can be ruined by the wrong voice.
6. Return books you don’t like. Many popular services, such as Audible, will let you swap out a dud.
7. Combine audiobooks with physical reading. This is especially helpful for dense books—follow along with text while listening.
8. Use audiobooks for language learning. Listening to books in your target language helps with pronunciation and vocabulary.
9. Try audiobooks during routine tasks. Cleaning, commuting, exercising—these are perfect times to squeeze in listening.
10. Explore alternative platforms. Libro.fm, Audiobooks.com, Everand, and Chirp may better fit you than Audible.
11. Use your existing music subscription to listen to audiobooks. If you already pay for Amazon Music or Spotify Premium, you may have access to a rotating catalog of audiobooks at no extra cost.
12. Use Libation to manage your Audible library. Libation is a free desktop app that helps you organize, back up, and download your Audible purchases—especially useful if your library is starting to feel unwieldy.
13. Discover partner libraries in Libby. Some libraries let you add branches from other areas in Libby, giving you more titles and shorter wait times.
14. Use bookmarks creatively. Mark quotes, emotional moments, or plot twists you want to revisit or discuss.
15. Keep an Audible Wishlist. A wishlist will help you spot deals faster during sales.
16. Use audiobooks to avoid screens before bed. Swap TikTok for a novel. Your sleep quality may improve.
17. Explore bedtime stories, soundscapes, and meditations. Audible’s Sleep Collection offers relaxing content designed to help you wind down before bed.
18. Combine with puzzles or coloring. Low-focus activities pair well with light fiction or memoirs. Find more ideas in our guide: 30 Things to Do While Listening to Audiobooks.
19. Try familiar books first. Listening to a book you’ve already read can ease you into the format.
20. Try new genres in audio format. You may hate fantasy in print but love it with a great narrator.
21. Try a full-cast audiobook. Books with a full cast can feel like a radio play—ideal for immersive storytelling. We’ve collected our top picks here: The Best Audiobooks Narrated by a Full Cast.
22. Keep a listening journal. Jot down what you listened to and your thoughts. This can help with retention and recommendations.
23. Set up an Amazon Household to share your Audible titles. Audible’s Family Library lets you share books with a partner or child.
24. Take advantage of free audiobook trials. Many platforms—including Audible, Everand, and Audiobooks.com—offer free trials with a book or two included. Use them to test services and find new favorites.
25. Use noise-canceling headphones. Block out distractions and immerse yourself fully in the story, especially in noisy environments.
26. Listen to audiobooks for personal development. Turn commute or exercise time into a learning opportunity.
27. Download audiobooks for offline listening. Essential for travel or areas with poor internet connectivity.
28. Use audiobooks to help with dyslexia or reading difficulties. Audio format can make stories more accessible. Pro tip: you may want to increase the speed.
29. Explore audiobooks narrated by celebrities or well-known actors. Hearing a familiar voice can add a unique and captivating dimension to the story. See our guide to the Best Audiobooks Narrated by Celebrities.
30. Explore audiobooks with immersive 3D audio. Some newer audiobooks utilize 3D audio for a more spatial listening experience. See our guide to spatialized 3D audiobooks.
31. Use audiobooks to spark creativity. American painter Thomas Kinkdale once said: “I love audiobooks, and when I paint I’m always listening to a book. I find that my imagination really takes flight in the painting process when I’m listening to audiobooks.”
32. Use audiobooks to help establish new routines. Associating specific books with activities like morning walks can strengthen habit formation.
33. Pair audiobooks with a relaxing bath. Create a spa-like experience with a captivating story.
34. Explore audiobooks of poetry. To experience the beauty of language in a new auditory form. We’ve collected some of our top picks in our guide to the Best Poetry Audiobooks.
35. Join online challenges or book clubs. Monthly audiobook challenges or clubs can keep you motivated and introduce you to new genres.
36. Use audiobooks to enhance your cooking skills. Listen to audio cookbooks or food memoirs while preparing meals.
37. Look for audiobooks with sound effects or music. These can enhance the atmosphere and create a more immersive experience. Check out our guide to the Best Immersive Audiobooks for some of our top picks.
38. Create a “listening ritual” to enhance enjoyment. Light a candle, make a cup of tea, or find a cozy spot to listen, creating a dedicated time for your audiobook experience.
39. Experiment with different headphone types. Over-ear, in-ear, bone conduction—find what’s most comfortable for long listening sessions. Check out our Best Audiobook Headphones & Earbuds guide for our top picks.
40. Celebrate your obsession with audiobook-themed merch. Show your love for audiobooks with mugs, shirts, or tote bags featuring bookish quotes or narrator shoutouts. Check out the Audiobook Addicts Etsy Shop for some ideas!
41. Use audiobooks for bedtime stories with children. Professional narration can bring stories to life even when you’re tired.
42. Consider microlearning with short-form audio content. Services like Blinkist offer condensed versions of nonfiction books.
43. Track your listening statistics. Some apps show your total listening time, books completed, and other metrics that can motivate continued engagement.
44. Use audiobooks for cultural immersion. Listen to books from or about countries you’re interested in, narrated by native speakers when possible.
45. Join an audiobook community. Places such as r/audiobooks on Reddit offer discussions about narrators and specific audiobooks from fellow audiobook enthusiasts.
Audiobooks are one of the easiest ways to bring more stories, ideas, and learning into your everyday life. With a few thoughtful adjustments, you can turn background noise into a habit that actually sticks—and enjoy the process more while you’re at it.
However you choose to listen, the key is making it sustainable and enjoyable. These audiobook tips aren’t rules—they’re starting points to help you get more out of the books you already love, and discover a few new favorites along the way.
