Should You Use Spotify for Audiobooks? An Honest Review

The Quick Answer

Spotify's audiobook service is best for Premium subscribers who already use the platform for music and want a seamless listening experience. However, there are some important limitations to consider before committing.

Experience It Yourself:

Ready to try Spotify audiobooks? Start with our recommended classic:

Listen to The Count of Monte Cristo

The Pros of Spotify Audiobooks

Seamless integration with your music library
Familiar, user-friendly interface
Cross-device syncing
Offline listening capability
High-quality audio streaming

The Cons to Consider

Premium subscription required
Limited to 15 hours/month without additional purchase
Individual book purchases required
Smaller library compared to dedicated audiobook services
No family sharing options

Pricing Structure Explained

Spotify's audiobook model works on two levels:

Premium Subscription: Required for access ($9.99/month)
Individual Books: Separate purchase for each title
Monthly Listening: 15 hours included, additional hours purchasable

User Experience Analysis

App Integration

The integration with Spotify's main app is seamless, allowing you to switch between music and audiobooks effortlessly. The familiar interface means no learning curve for existing Spotify users.

Playback Features

Variable playback speed
Sleep timer functionality
Automatic bookmarking
Chapter navigation
Progress tracking

Who Should Use Spotify for Audiobooks?

Spotify audiobooks are ideal for:

Existing Premium subscribers
Casual audiobook listeners
Users who value platform consolidation
Listeners who enjoy switching between music and books

Who Should Look Elsewhere?

Consider other platforms if you:

Listen to multiple books per month
Want to share books with family
Need access to the newest releases immediately
Prefer unlimited listening

Final Verdict

Spotify's audiobook service is a solid choice for existing Premium subscribers who are casual audiobook listeners. The platform offers a convenient way to manage all your audio content in one place, but the additional purchase requirements and monthly listening limits may be dealbreakers for heavy audiobook consumers.