this post was submitted on 13 Apr 2025
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I just need something that can replace audible.
If you already have your own audiobook files, you can self host Audiobookshelf. I self host from my NAS and use the android app while I drive, but you can also listen in your browser as well and it syncs your progress.
I have it and I really like it. All audiobooks that I buy from Audible are downloaded with BookLibConnect and convertet to
.m4bwith AaxAudioConverter. I can then stream the books with AudioBookShelf.BookLibConnect and AaxAudioConverter are both Windows only so I have to use a VM but it is still worth it.
One of these days, I will dig into the code and rewrite the GUI to be cross platform.
Check if your library has access to libby. Or get a free library card from one of the big cities that does. You have to "check out" the books / audiobooks and they don't always have everything.
Fun tip for anyone reading this: You can probably get library cards to multiple libraries too. I live in MA, so I have one to my local library (which on Libby/Overdrive is several libraries that decided to roll up together under one banner, so that was cool), and to the Boston Public Library which naturally has a giant selection. Wait times can be long for newer stuff, but the more library cards you have the better the odds of getting something sooner than later.
Another service to check out others haven't mentioned is libro.fm. this one isn't self hostable or anything and is more of a direct replacement for Audible. Plus, they support local book stores with their sales and are a social purpose corporation.
How was your experience with Librivox? I personally found it a bit lacking in the current affairs department 😉. (Although I found Quartermain highly entertaining)
Seriously speaking though: I recently purchased the audio book of Picks and Shovels directly from the author. I hope this is the way of the future. I too am dependent on audible and hate every second.
I listen to a lot of LitRPG and the like, and most (if not all) first release on RoyalRoad and then on Amazon. Amazon pick up those that get traction and release them as audio books on Audible. There are certainly other studios (Soundbooth Theater, Penguin Audio), but some authors give exlusive rights to Amazon, unfortunately.
Libro.fm technically can but trying to buy on it instead of using codes J got through Kickstarter literally got mg Visa blocked. So personally I need to time the next time I actually try to buy from them.
The seem to have a large library, and for example carry all four Annihilation/Southern Reach books, which Audible doesn't.
Bug on the other hand remember to download the books you have on Audible with Libation. Too make your eventual change easier and less painful.
I will check out Libro.fm, never heard of them before but I saw that Penguin Audio sell their books via them.
As for Libation, it looks like it could replace BookLibConnect and AaxAudioConverter as a Linux alternative, which would be nice. Thanks for sharing!