Audiobook Downloads and Rentals FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Audiobook Downloads and Rentals

    Which is cheaper, an audiobook subscription plan, a rent-by-mail service, or an a la carte audiobook purchase?

    An audiobook that costs $40.00 on an à la carte service like iTunes can have the equivalent cost of $10.00 to $20.00 with a subscription service. Depending on how quickly you go through an audiobook, a rent-by-mail service may offer the best value since you can receive multiple titles in one month for one price. For frequent audiobook listeners these plans make a lot of sense.

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Top Audiobook Downloads and Rentals

Audible

Bottom line: Membership plan saves frequent readers money on the biggest download library in the audiobook business
Booksfree

Bottom line: Fast, free shipping with the biggest rental library makes this a great service for frequent listeners
eMusic Audiobooks

Bottom line: Cheapest plans and good selection, though it may lack some high-profile titles; audio quality is not top-notch
Simply Audiobooks

Bottom line: There are two plans to choose from, but the rental service is by far the best bargain
iTunes

Bottom line: Better for casual listeners; not as cheap as subscription services; must use iTunes/iPod/iPhone
Barnes & Noble

Bottom line: Good selection, often cheaper than iTunes, but checkout, download, and audio are disappointing

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