Yes, there are several websites where you can listen to audiobooks for free. Many of these offer public domain books, which means they’re free to access and listen to legally. Here are some popular free websites for audiobooks:
1. LibriVox
- Website: https://librivox.org
- About: LibriVox offers free audiobooks of public domain books, read by volunteers from around the world. You can listen directly from the website or download the audiobooks to your device.
- Content: Mainly classics like Pride and Prejudice, Moby-Dick, Dracula, and many more.
- App: LibriVox also has a mobile app for easier listening.
2. Project Gutenberg
- Website: https://www.gutenberg.org
- About: Project Gutenberg is primarily known for offering free eBooks, but they also have a growing collection of audiobooks, including human-read and computer-generated ones.
- Content: A vast collection of classic literature and public domain books, such as works by authors like Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Mark Twain.
- Note: The audiobook selection is not as extensive as LibriVox, but it’s still a great resource for classic books.
3. Audiobook Sync (Seasonal)
- Website: https://www.audiobooksync.com
- About: Audiobook Sync offers free audiobooks for teens, usually during the summer months. They release two free audiobooks each week during the summer.
- Content: They focus on a range of genres, including young adult fiction, sci-fi, and fantasy, as well as some classic literature.
4. Open Culture
- Website: http://www.openculture.com
- About: Open Culture curates high-quality educational and cultural media, including a collection of free audiobooks.
- Content: The collection features works by classic authors such as Homer, Dostoevsky, Shakespeare, and more. It’s a great resource for both literature and philosophy audiobooks.
- Download/Listen: The audiobooks are available for free download or streaming.
5. Lit2Go
- Website: https://etc.usf.edu/lit2go/
- About: Lit2Go offers free audiobooks and accompanying text. The site is part of the University of South Florida’s educational resources.
- Content: They have a collection of classic literature, along with some short stories and poems, all available for free download or online listening.
6. Storynory
- Website: https://www.storynory.com
- About: Storynory provides free audiobooks, particularly aimed at children. They offer both classic fairy tales and original stories.
- Content: The site focuses on stories for children, so it’s great if you’re looking for family-friendly content.
7. YouTube (Public Domain Audiobooks)
- Website: https://www.youtube.com
- About: YouTube is another platform where you can find a wide selection of audiobooks, many of which are in the public domain. You can search for specific titles or find channels dedicated to audiobooks.
- Content: Everything from classic literature to modern works, though the availability and quality can vary.
8. Spotify (Public Domain & Creative Commons Audiobooks)
- Website: https://www.spotify.com
- About: While primarily a music streaming service, Spotify also hosts audiobooks, including those in the public domain or available under Creative Commons licenses.
- Content: You can search for audiobooks directly, or find playlists that compile public domain audiobooks.
9. Internet Archive
- Website: https://archive.org
- About: The Internet Archive is a nonprofit digital library offering a vast collection of free media, including audiobooks, movies, music, and texts. Many audiobooks on this site are in the public domain.
- Content: Thousands of books, including classics, educational resources, and historical texts.
10. Libby/OverDrive (Library Card Required)
- Website: https://www.overdrive.com
- About: If you have a library card, you can use Libby (the app for OverDrive) to borrow audiobooks for free from your local library.
- Content: The selection is vast, including contemporary titles, bestsellers, and much more. While not strictly a free service, it’s available at no additional cost if you have a library membership.
These sites provide a wealth of free audiobooks, particularly for classics and public domain works. If you’re looking for newer titles, the best option might be to check out a local library’s digital lending service via Libby or OverDrive.