iTunes Review: Audiobook Downloads and Rentals

Apple's iTunes music store is the other big behemoth in the Audiobook space. It actually gets its files from Audible, though it does not have all of the latter's titles. While it's hard to calculate the number of titles iTunes stocks, 20,000 is one number floating around on the web. The selection is sizable and contains a number of popular titles from the likes of J.K. Rowling, Stephanie Meyer, Michael Crichton, and Alice Sebold. There's The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Twilight, and just about any other best seller out there. Unlike the other services we reviewed, iTunes does not offer a subscription-based service. It offers a pure à la carte service.

It's therefore suited to the more casual reader, the individual who doesn't think they'll go through a book a month. Since audiobooks are purchased on a per-title basis, the prices range rather widely. While some titles definitely come in at a cheaper price than a monthly subscription fee (i.e. some classics go for $6.99 or less, while a subscription plan can cost $24.95 per month), most popular titles are considerably more, making the subscription plans cheaper. The exception is with some titles, such as those in the Twilight series, that cost two credits from the likes of Audible; here the cost is about the same.

iTunes audiobooks are different in another way: the format. iTunes audiobooks come in one file type: the AAC (Apple Audio Codec) format. The first thing to know about this format is that it's only compatible with Apple audio devices (iPod and iPhone) and computers running iTunes (Mac or Windows). If there's no "i" in your digital audio player, and you don't want there to be, you'll have look elsewhere. The second thing to know about iTunes audiobooks files is that they carry built-in DRM (Digital Rights Management). This means they can only be played on five approved computers and can not be converted.

Here's something else about the AAC format, and it's good news: the audio quality is pretty good. Not surprisingly it's indistinguishable from the files we downloaded from Audible. Still, it's not exactly CD-quality and sensitive ears may note some flatness or harshness. We're a bit picky about audio, but realize that many users will not pick up any differences.

If you've used the iTunes store to shop for music, movies, or apps, you'll have a pretty good idea what to expect from the audiobook section. There's a fair amount of editorial content, as well as audio previews. You'll also find user reviews for many titles, as well as recommended reads. Like other audiobook services, the iTunes store offers the occasional free audiobook. Unlike others we've seen, you will occasionally find free chapters offered.

Is iTunes a bargain? Not if you're a voracious reader-listener. Occasional readers who live through their iPods and iPhones will get the most out of the iTunes store. While many audiobooks on the iTunes music store are cheaper than their CD counterparts on Amazon.com, they're generally not cheaper than the same title purchased through Audible, Simply Audiobooks, or eMusic subscription services.

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