Navigating the Audiobook Universe: A Closer Look at Scribd and Audible

Scribd vs. Audible: What’s the Best Choice for Audiobooks?

Considering an audiobook subscription and not sure whether to go for Scribd or Audible? Here’s what you need to know.

While Audible is all about audiobooks, Scribd gives you access to books, audiobooks, and even PDF documents. So, if you’re into more than just audiobooks, Scribd may appeal to you. But for pure audiobook selection, Audible, with its library of over 100,000 titles, many of them bestsellers, can’t be beaten.

You can listen to audiobooks any time you want – during chores, on your commute, or in bed at night without disturbing anyone else. They’re a great way to fit more books into your day. Plus, audiobook narration can add a whole new layer of enjoyment to your favorite stories.

So, let’s dive into more details on both platforms:

About Audible:
Audible, highly favored by many, mostly operates on a credit system. You get one or more credits per month which you can exchange for audiobooks. If you’re an avid listener, you might opt for annual plans that give you all your credits at once. What makes Audible stand out is its vast library. It has over 200,000 titles, and it’s owned by Amazon, so you know the quality will be top-notch. Plus, the audiobooks you download are yours to keep, even if you cancel your membership.

About Scribd:
Scribd offers a more varied selection, allowing unlimited access to audiobooks, ebooks, magazines, and even sheet music. But, its audiobook library is smaller, coming in at around 70,000 titles. Also, if you cancel your subscription, you lose access to your books.

The Content:
If you’re only interested in audiobooks, Audible might be your best bet. However, if you like to mix it up with ebooks, magazines, and documents, Scribd’s broader focus might draw you in.

Quality & Pricing:
Scribd’s audio quality is acceptable, but Audible offers a noticeably better sound. Scribd’s basic subscription is cheaper ($8.99/month vs. Audible’s $14.95/month), but this comes with a more limited selection.

Geographical Accessibility:
Both platforms have geographical restrictions but being owned by Amazon gives Audible a slight edge. It’s available in many countries outside the U.S, which could lead to cheaper local pricing and specific local books.

Conclusion:
In a nutshell, if you want a massive library of audiobooks, Audible is your go-to. Contrastingly, if you’re interested in a more diverse range of media types, Scribd might be a better fit.

However, bear in mind that the right selection depends on how much you read, what you like to read, and of course, your budget.

Lastly, whichever platform you go for, remember to treat yourself to a good set of headphones. Trust me, it makes all the difference to your listening experience!

Happy reading… or should I say, listening!