The Best Audiobooks According to Reddit

Looking for your next great listen? With more than 50 million active daily users in 2023, Reddit hosts a vast array of opinions and tastes. It’s the perfect place to source recommendations, with various subreddits dedicated to books and audiobooks.

The most prominent subreddits for audiobooks are r/audiobooks and r/audible. There are also many more general (e.g. r/books) and genre-specific (e.g. /RomanceBooks) subreddits that can be helpful. All of these communities are filled with passionate readers and listeners always willing to share their favorite titles and give their opinions.

If you hang out on Reddit long enough you’ll see many of the same titles mentioned whenever a user asks for recommendations. So in this blog post, I’ve curated the best audiobooks according to Reddit for your convenience and pleasure. Sit back, put on your headphones, and let’s journey into the realm of Reddit’s top audiobooks.

Note: while this list includes something for most listeners, you’ll see it does skew toward sci-fi and fantasy, the two genres that seem to be most popular with Reddit users.

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Project Hail Mary is arguably the most recommended audiobook by Reddit users. Narrated by Ray Porter, this sci-fi novel about a lone astronaut on a desperate mission to save Earth is praised for its humor, gripping storyline, and vividly portrayed protagonist, Ryland Grace. Porter’s performance effectively conveys Ryland’s ingenuity and determination, bringing this thrilling interstellar journey to life.

Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman

Dungeon Crawler Carl is a popular LitRPG (literary role-playing game) novel. It offers an engaging blend of adventure, humor, and unusual circumstances. The audiobook, narrated by Jeff Hays, captures the humor and the tension of the story exceptionally well making it a much-mentioned recommendation in Reddit discussions. In fact, the narration is so good even users who aren’t usually into LitRPG rave about this audiobook.

We Are Legion (We Are Bob) by Dennis E. Taylor

A standout in the realm of science fiction audiobooks, We Are Legion, We Are Bob has a unique premise – a software rep, Bob, is killed and wakes up as a spaceship-bound AI centuries later. The humor and existential themes, coupled with Ray Porter’s engaging narration, make it a go-to choice for Redditors.

World War Z by Max Brooks

This is not your typical zombie book. Told as a series of interviews with survivors of a global zombie apocalypse, World War Z is a chilling exploration of geopolitics, human resilience, and of course, the undead. The audiobook boasts a star-studded cast including Mark Hamill, Alan Alda, and more, bringing this terrifying world to life.

Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Daisy Jones & the Six is an entrancing novel about the rise and fall of a fictional 70s rock band. The full-cast audio production, including Jennifer Beals and Benjamin Bratt, brings a unique listening experience that Reddit users often praise. The back-and-forth dialogue and interview format of the book make it perfect for an audiobook.

Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

Read by the gifted Stephen Fry (UK version) and Jim Dale (US version), the Harry Potter audiobook series consistently comes highly recommended. Both narrators bring distinct and memorable voices to the series’ many characters, which has captivated listeners of all ages. Whether you’re a Potterhead or new to the wizarding world, these audiobooks are a must-listen.

The First Law Series by Joe Abercrombie

The First Law series is a favorite among fantasy fans on Reddit. This grimdark trilogy is known for its complex characters, intricate plot, and morally gray universe. The audiobook version, narrated by Steven Pacey, is hailed for bringing the gritty world of Abercrombie’s creation to life, enhancing the dark and immersive experience.

The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

A classic in the realm of comedic science fiction, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is a wildly entertaining ride across the universe. Stephen Fry’s narration adds another level of humor and wit, capturing the absurdity and hilarity of Adams’ writing perfectly. Redditors often point out that Fry’s narration feels like a natural fit for the text, making this audiobook an unforgettable experience.

The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells

Martha Wells’ Murderbot Diaries series offers an irresistible blend of action, humor, and introspection. These novellas follow a self-aware security bot who, despite a desire for solitude and binge-watching TV, constantly ends up saving humans. Kevin R. Free’s narration is frequently praised on Reddit for capturing Murderbot’s sarcastic and introverted nature.

11/22/63 by Stephen King

One of Stephen King’s most celebrated novels, 11/22/63 is about a man who travels back in time to prevent the JFK assassination. The audiobook is frequently praised on Reddit as a compelling tale of alternate history and time travel full of suspense, nostalgia, and historical insight. King’s imaginative storytelling is enhanced by Craig Wasson’s spot-on narration.

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

While The Lord of the Rings has long been a favorite in audiobook format, the recent version narrated by Andy Serkis (who portrayed Gollum in the film adaptations) has quickly gained a following on Reddit. Serkis’ familiarity with the material and his ability to create distinct voices for each character has been praised for adding a fresh and engaging experience to this timeless classic.

Red Rising by Pierce Brown

Red Rising is a gripping sci-fi series often highlighted in Reddit discussions. The series is set on a colonized Mars and follows a lowly miner, Darrow, who infiltrates the ranks of the elite to avenge his people. Tim Gerard Reynolds’ narration is frequently lauded for its intensity and emotional depth, enhancing the powerful themes and gripping action of the story.

A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson

This book is an excellent way to brush up on your knowledge about, well, nearly everything! Bryson’s humorous and accessible approach to complicated scientific concepts makes it a hit with Redditors. Narrated by the author himself, this is a must-listen for anyone looking for an engaging and enlightening audiobook.

Born a Crime by Trevor Noah

In this memoir, comedian Trevor Noah narrates his own experiences growing up in post-apartheid South Africa as a child of mixed race, in violation of the Immorality Act of 1927. Noah’s unique perspectives, paired with his skillful storytelling and humor, create an audiobook that is both thought-provoking and entertaining.

Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett

Another Reddit favorite, Good Omens is an apocalyptic comedy about an angel and a demon teaming up to stop the end of the world. The charm and wit of Pratchett and Gaiman’s writing are further highlighted by Martin Jarvis’s entertaining narration. His ability to capture the humor and distinct character voices makes the audiobook a highly recommended listen. Note: there is also a full-cast version which is equally fantastic!

The Expanse Series by James S.A. Corey

A staple in the realm of modern sci-fi, The Expanse series is often recommended on Reddit. This sprawling, political, and character-driven saga is brought to life by the steady and nuanced narration of Jefferson Mays. The depth and breadth of the universe in these books are made even more immersive through the audiobook format.

I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

I’m Glad My Mom Died is a raw, emotional, and deeply personal memoir by iCarly and Sam & Cat star Jennette McCurdy about her struggles as a former child actor and her complicated relationship with her overbearing mother. In the audiobook version, McCurdy herself narrates the story, adding a genuine layer of authenticity. Redditors often recommend this book for its sincerity and the touching portrayal of McCurdy’s personal journey toward healing and understanding.

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

Patrick Rothfuss’s The Name of the Wind is a favorite among fantasy enthusiasts on Reddit. This coming-of-age tale about a gifted young musician who becomes the most notorious wizard his world has ever seen is beautifully narrated by Nick Podehl, whose narration captures the magic and mystery of Rothfuss’s richly detailed world.

In conclusion, the power of community shines brightly on platforms like Reddit, where members offer a plethora of audiobook recommendations that cater to a broad range of interests. While each of these audiobooks in this list has been praised for its compelling content and high-quality narration, the ultimate ‘best’ audiobook will always be a subjective choice, unique to each listener.

Therefore, consider this list as your starting point, an invitation to a world of diverse narratives waiting to unfold through your headphones. As always, the joy of audiobooks lies in exploring and immersing oneself in new stories and worlds. So plug in, press play, and lose yourself in these extraordinary audio adventures. Here’s to your next favorite audiobook – Happy listening!