Over the past few years, audio books have taken off, with millions now listening to their favourite books.

Among that newfound interest came two major options for audiobook lovers: software and subscription services. This guide will help you understand both your options so you make the best choice for you.

What Is Audio book Software?

Audiobook software is the term used to describe applications or software which a person uses on their phone or tablet/computer to play different kinds of audio books. These software platforms give users access to a variety of features. These features range from controlling playback speed, bookmarking, and so on, to enable the listening process.

Examples of popular software apps for audio books include Audible, Apple Books, and Google Play Books, to mention just a few. Each has its own set of unique features and the capacity to support different types of audio-book files, such as MP3 or AAX.

What is an Audio book Subscription?

An audiobook subscription is a service under which users can access many audio books based on recurring payments, mainly monthly. Services like Audible, Scribd, and audiobooks.com provide you with gigantic catalogues of titles, which you can stream or download during your membership.

One of the huge advantages of an audiobook subscription is access. Users can enjoy thousands of audio books, often new releases, bestsellers, and even exclusive content, for a single fee of subscription.

Key Differences Between Audio book Software and Audio book Subscription

1. Ownership vs. Access

Generally, with audiobook software, you pay to download any available audio books to your library. That way, if you paid for a book, you have access to it forever more, even if you quit subscribing to their service.

On the other hand, an audiobook subscription service is mostly a question of access rather than ownership. A subscription grants access to a wide and diversified catalogue of titles, but you still don't own the books themselves. If you cancel, you will lose access to all these books unless the service allows you to make credit-based purchases of some of them.

2. Pricing Structure

Most platforms require you to purchase audio books individually, and there's no recurring fee, so you might incur expenses quickly if you are an enthusiastic listener. Many sites, however, offer discounts, deals, or bundles; hence you can often get your library of audio books pretty cheaply.

On the other hand, subscription services typically bill flatly every month, meaning that it can be very affordable for those who listen to a few books per month. For instance, in Audible's bottom-of-the-line offering, a single audiobook is part of the monthly subscription, while additional books are available through a credit system. Scribd uses a more Netflix-like model: unlimited access to whatever's available in its library for a flat fee.

3. Content variety and availability

With audiobook software, you purchase individual titles, so you get to decide exactly which books you will add to your library. But sometimes your choices are controlled by the platform that offers the service or by what is available.

An audiobook subscription brings much greater access to numerous titles. For example, Scribd, along with Audible, offers bestsellers, new releases, and niche books that you probably can't find elsewhere.

4. Flexibility and Customization

Audio books typically offer more flexibility and customization control than any other form of listening. Most will enable you to alter the playback speed, skip forward and backwards, and download or delete books with ease from your device.

Subscription provides access to synced and offline listening, but the experience is bound by terms and conditions given in the platform you subscribe to. To illustrate this further, some subscription services have limits on the books that can be downloaded simultaneously, and others may even delay you if you are streaming too many within a certain time frame.

Conclusion Which Is Better for You?

Decide which of the two service types suits you best from your listening habits and preferences. If you want to own all your audio books and listen to your favourite once more, then audiobook software is the proper choice for you.

If you are more keen on having variety and convenience, then the audiobook subscription way might be the only way out. Subscription services will give access to thousands of books for a fixed monthly price. This is basically suitable for the diehard who might enjoy discovering new genres and authors.

For less expensive options, you may also investigate free audio books via Apple Books or your neighborhood library. Pen to Press Publication may provide special audio book services fit for your requirements for a more customized experience. Choosing any service will improve your whole listening experience by means of the appropriate platform.