Do you have a desire to access even more books? If your answer is yes, or always (like me) today’s post is for you. Today we’ll be featuring 4 of the best apps for book lovers in 2021. Without further ado, let’s dive into these reviews!
Stay tuned for the special offer for readers of this blog!
Anyplay
Anyplay is a relative newcomer on the block when it comes to audiobook apps. I partnered up with the app in early 2020 and since then they’ve come a long way! The app is perfect for those looking for a quality alternative to Amazon for their audiobooks.
The interface of the app is clean and easy to navigate. Users are able to create ‘playlists’ of books they’d like to listen to. This is one of my favourite features of the app, as it allows me to return to books I’d like to listen to at a later date.
If you’re not sure what to listen to, the app has a range of curated playlists for various genres, topics or authors. I find these helpful to discover new authors!
Other notable features include:
- Speed listening
- Sleep timer
- No ad interruptions
- Download feature
Range?
Anyplay has an impressive range of books, which is constantly being updated. I’ve been impressed with their commitment to ensuring the app has a range of new releases. Specific title availability may vary, depending on your region.
Pricing?
Unlike other audiobook platforms, Anyplay‘s pricing structure is subscription based. You don’t need to pay per book, but rather you pay a flat monthly fee and can stream as many of the books on the service as you like.
They offer a 7 day free trial. After the trial ends, there’s a range of pricing packages available (check it out here). The app is one of the most affordable audiobook apps out there, and definitely worth checking out! Cancel for free at any time.
Special offer.
Anyplay has offered a special discount to readers of my blog!
If you sign up for Anyplay before Jan 31st using code: FriendsofSteph you can get 1 month free on your Anyplay plan.
The code again for that is: FriendsofSteph
Thanks Anyplay!
Libby, by Overdrive
If you have a library card, Libby is an app that is worth having on your devices. The app connects to your local library and allows you to access your library’s range of ebooks, audiobooks and magazines for free.
The app is free to download and use, but does require you to have an active library membership.
The interface is free and easy to navigate, with an unobtrusive tutorial in app.
Features?
- Books returned automatically, so no fines!
- Download titles for offline reading
- Sleep timer
- Slow down or speed up audio
- Bookmarks, notes and highlights
Range?
Range varies depending on availability at your library. There are often only so many digital copies available, so like visiting the actual library, you may have to request to hold items.
Pricing?
Free, with an active library membership. Check with your local library to see whether they use Libby to manage their digital titles.
Goodreads
You’ve likely heard of this one! Goodreads is managed by Amazon, but allows readers to read book synopsis, review books they’ve read and track which books they’ve read.
Goodreads is well known by many book lovers. It can be useful if you’re wanting to keep track of which books you’ve read, or have an online list of those you’d like to read in future.
Reviews are listed on a five star scale for each book, and can be seen beneath each title. This can help to inform readers on their book buying. The app is also able to recommend titles based on what you have previously enjoyed.
Notable features?
- Review books
- Discuss books with other readers
- Book recommendations
- Reading challenges
Pricing?
Free! This book is a platform about books, but does provide links to where readers can purchase titles. This is predominantly listed as Amazon, who own the app.
Storygraph
Similarly to Goodreads, Storygraph allows readers to track their reader. While not technically an app, it can behave like one (for more details, check here). For readers who enjoy data, this app is worthwhile.
While I’m yet to personally check it out, Storygraph shows a lot of potential. It allows readers to track aspects of their reading journey in greater detail than is able to be done on Goodreads. For example, some readers use it to track how they’re going with reading diversely.
Storygraph also offers book recommendations to readers and the opportunity to partake in reading challenges.
Features?
- Book recommendations
- Reading data
- Reading challenges
Pricing?
At the time of writing, Storygraph is free to use. But from February 2021 they will be offering a premium option for the site which will offer users more features and keep the platform advertisement free. The company statement says that the bulk of their site will always be free to use.
Final Thoughts
If you’re wanting to get some more books in your life, these apps are all great options. I love listening to audiobooks when I’m in the car or doing housework. They’re perfect for when you’re on the go! If you’d like to try them out head to wherever you get apps and search for them.
If you’d like to try Anyplay and get a month free (until Jan 31st, 2021) head here and use code: FriendsofSteph
Thanks Anplay for partnering with me for this post!
*I do not receive a commission if you sign up to Anyplay. Anyplay does provide me with a personal membership in exchange for feedback on their app.
What’s your favourite audiobook? Let me know in the comments on this post!
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Steph Huddleston 
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