11 Common Audiobook Formats You Must Know
Audio files come in all shapes and sizes, but the most common audiobook formats can be divided into two groups: those that you should care about and those that you can ignore.
1. Lossy Compressed Audio Formats
Lossy compression is a type of compression that loses data during the compression process, which means sacrificing quality and fidelity for file size in the case of audio. The good news is that you won’t be able to tell the difference in most cases.
AAX(.aax)
Audible created the AAX file format, which is DRM-encoded and can only be played on Audible software. However, with the help of Audible Converter, you can convert AAX to MP3 and play the MP3 files on your favorite audio players or other third-party music apps.
M4A/M4B(.m4a/.m4b)
Both formats include metadata such as chapter markers, images, and hyperlinks, but only the latter allows “bookmarks,” whereas the former does not.
AAC(.aac)
AAC is the standard audio compression method used by YouTube, Android, iOS, iTunes, later Nintendo portables, and later PlayStations. The compression algorithm used by AAC is much more advanced and technical than MP3, and it is widely used today.
Ogg (.ogg)
Vorbis was first released in 2000 and quickly gained popularity due to its open source nature. Because MP3 and AAC have such strong footholds, OGG has had a difficult time breaking into the spotlight; for the time being, it’s primarily used by open source zealots.
WMA(.wma)
WMA was created to address some of the flaws in the MP3 compression method, and it is superior to MP3 in terms of objective quality. However, few devices and platforms support WMA, and it offers no real advantages over AAC or OGG.
2. Lossless Compressed Audio Formats
Lossy compression allows files to be 2x to 5x larger, while lossless compression reduces file size without sacrificing quality. Lossless compression is much more difficult to achieve, but there are a few good formats for it.
FLAC (.flac)
FLAC is the most popular alternative to MP3 for CD audio, and it can compress a source file by up to 60% without losing any data. FLAC is supported by most major programs and devices, and it is free to play on any PC or Mac.
ALAC (.alac)
While ALAC is good, it’s slightly less efficient than FLAC when it comes to compression, and Apple users don’t have a choice between the two because they’re both supported by iTunes and iOS.
WMA (.wma)
WMA Lossless is the worst in terms of compression efficiency when compared to FLAC and ALAC, and it’s a proprietary format, so it’s no good for open source software fans. If you want lossless audio across multiple devices, stick with FLAC.
What’s the best format for audio books?
If you want accurate audio representation, use lossless audio compression; most people can’t tell the difference between the two. If you’re satisfied with good enough audio quality or need to save disk space, use lossy audio compression instead.
What is the best format for audio books?
MP3 and AAC are the best lossy formats; AAC is better in terms of quality and compression space savings, but MP3 is so widely used at this point that you’ll have a better chance of submitting your MP3 audiobook in this format. FLAC and WAV are the best lossless formats.
Are Audible books in MP3 format?
You can play Audible books on an MP3 player if you remove the DRM from them, and a useful tool called TuneFab Audible Converter can help you convert Audible AAX books to popular formats like MP3, M4A, WMA, and AAC without having to worry about DRM or file compatibility.
Are audiobooks MP3 files?
Most portable music players, such as the Apple iPod and Microsoft Zune, support the MP3 format, which is a compressed audio format commonly used to store music files and audiobooks on a hard drive.
How do audio books make money?
When you record an audiobook with ACX, you have the option of setting your own per-finished-hour rate or splitting royalties 50/50 with the rights holder (usually the book’s author or publisher). If you charge a flat rate, you’ll be paid when the book is finished.
How do I listen to audio books?
Downloaded audiobooks can be listened to.
- Open the Google Play Books App on your Android phone or tablet.
- Tap Library.
- At the top, tap Audiobooks.
- Tap the audiobook you want to listen to, and it will begin playing automatically.
- Optional: You can change how the audiobook is played, or set a sleep timer:
Is Audible worth the price?
If you listen to audiobooks on the go and enjoy reading, paying a monthly fee for an Audible membership is well worth it. You can mark your place in an audiobook and take notes using the Audible app, but it’s not as convenient as having a copy of the book that you can flick through on a screen or tablet.
Can you download Audible books to your phone?
You can download and listen to your Audible titles directly from the Audible for Android, iOS, and Windows 10 apps after purchasing them. To download an audiobook, you’ll need a stable Wi-Fi or cellular data connection and enough space on your device.
Can I add my own books to Audible?
Open the Audible app, tap Discover, then search for and tap the audiobook you want to add to your library.
How can I listen to audiobooks for free?
Where can I get free audiobooks on the internet?
- Libby by Overdrive.
- Podiobooks.
- Project Gutenberg.
- Lit2Go.
- Loyal Books.
- Mind Webs.
- Open Culture.
- Libby by Over
How do I listen to audio books on my computer?
Audiobooks can be listened to on your computer, mobile device, Google Home, and Google Assistant, and the audio files can be exported.
- Open Google Play Books on your computer. Click My books. Audiobooks.
- Select the book you want to download, then click More. Export.
How do I listen to audio books on my iPhone?
How to use your iPhone to listen to audiobooks
- Open the Apple Books app on your iPhone and select “Audiobooks” from the menu at the bottom of the screen.
- From here, you can search for an audiobook by browsing categories such as “New and Trending,” “Top Charting Audiobooks,” or “Special Price Deals.”
Who is the best audiobook narrator?
Audiobook Narrators: 21 Amazing (and Prolific) Voices
- One of my favorite things about audiobooks is how a good narrator can give a character a voice that I would never have imagined myself.
- Cassandra Campbell.
- Orlagh Cassidy.
- Kevin R.
- Dion Graham.
- Holter Graham.
- Jennifer Ikeda.
- JD Jackson.
How do I get paid to read audiobooks?
The 17 Best Sites For Getting Paid To Read Aloud Books
- Voices.
- Spoken Realms.
- The Voice Realm.
- Bunny Studio.
- Voice Jungle.
- Backstage.
- Voice 123.
- Audio Creative Exchange (ACX)
How much do audiobook narrators get paid?
Non-union narrators with experience can expect to earn between $90 and $250 per finished hour, with a ceiling of $150 per hour for a non-union narrator. Veteran or experienced narrators can expect to earn $168.25 per hour or $1,346 for an eight-hour finished audio book.