Learning how to listen to audiobooks on Kindle is one of the best ways you can put your eReader to good use.
With their emergence, Kindle quickly became the device of choice for consuming books outside their traditional text format. Although they’re commonly known as “book tablets,” did you know you can also enjoy the audiobook version using the same device?
How to Listen to Audiobooks on Kindle: Easy-to-Follow Steps
Listening to audiobooks on Kindle is simpler than most people realize, especially as the devices were initially designed for accessibility.
Let’s get into the easy-to-follow steps to take so you can enjoy your favorite Audible audiobook.
Step #1: Visit the Audible Tab
While using your Kindle, you’ll first need to navigate to the Audible book icon through your Kindle Store. It should be located at the top-right of the page, easily clickable.
Once you’ve reached this tab, the screen shows you an extensive list of great titles.
Step #2: Browse for Narrated Books
Fortunately, the general design of the Audible store is incredibly user-friendly.
You can search for titles by author, ISBN, genre, or even look at new releases. There are plenty of other filters to consider, helping to match you with the perfect title.
Once you’ve settled on the book titles you want to work with, you can add them to your cart.
It’s important to note that Audible also has plenty of free audiobooks on its platform to consider. If you’re looking for massive deals on audiobooks, look for the $0.00 audio book titles.
Step #3: Purchase an Audiobook
Now that you’ve chosen the perfect audiobook, it’s time to purchase it.
You’ll have to fill out some personal information if you’ve never bought a title through Audible. You will also need to input your credit card number for the transaction.
Once you have successfully paid, the title will be available in your library and stored in the cloud. You can access the audiobook from any of the registered devices on your Audible membership using the cloud.
Step #4: Download the Audiobook
The next step of the process is to download your audiobook, so it’s ready for listening.
Once the download is complete, you can click on the title, which will automatically start playing through your Kindle. Depending on your model type, you may have to pair your favorite headphones with the tablet first.
At the bottom of the screen, you’ll find a notification that explains which device is currently connected to the Kindle. If you haven’t paired a device yet, click “No Devices Connected” and follow the on-screen instructions.
After this step, you can easily listen to any audiobook you desire using any Bluetooth device.
Do I Need Audible to Listen to Audiobooks on a Kindle?
Unfortunately, not all Kindles come with Audible support, especially the older models. In these instances, you can still access the many benefits of listening to audiobooks without Audible.
However, you will require a third-party program and access to a PC. Programs like Audible Manager allow you to transfer Audible books to and from your PC and Kindle.
All you’ll need is a USB cable to carry your titles over. Another option is to use the web browser built into your Kindle (if supported).
You can still access Audible using your web browser or opt to use other audiobook streaming services. You may find this is an easier solution, especially if you’re working with a late-model kindle. Also, you might be able to find additional free audiobooks on other sites.
Listening to Audiobooks: Extra Things to Consider
Now that you know the steps to set up audiobooks on your Kindle, there are a couple of important things to note.
Do Kindles have headphone jacks?
Kindle eReaders are primarily known for bringing the enjoyment of traditional paperback books to a digital format.
Most readers haven’t considered whether the tablet is designed for listening to audio or not. However, the recent emergence of the Audible audiobook companion on Kindle tablets has raised an important question: do Kindles have headphone jacks?
Currently, there aren’t any Kindle models that have built-in headphone jacks. Still, a couple of options are compatible with Bluetooth and can be used with headphone adapters.
Bluetooth-Compatible Kindles
First, let’s review the most popular Kindle models to consider if you want to use Bluetooth to connect your headphones.
- Kindle Paperwhite
The Kindle Paperwhite has an assortment of benefits, such as up to 32GB of memory and 4G optional connectivity. It also features a Bluetooth chip, perfect for people with wireless headphones.
Using the Bluetooth connectivity feature, you can pair your favorite headset or earbuds with your Kindle Paperwhite to enjoy an audiobook.
- Kindle Oasis 3
The Kindle Oasis 3 is an upgraded version of Paperwhite, offering several impressive features.
You’ll have a waterproof exterior designed with a wider reading surface and a 1GHz dual-core processor. It is also built with a Bluetooth chip, allowing you to pair headphones to the device.
- Kindle (2019)
The 2019 Kindle is essentially the standard model you would consider using if you wanted to read a digital book.
Interestingly, this is the least expensive option of the three Kindle models, and it’s also designed with Bluetooth. Using this feature, you can benefit from text-to-speech (TTS) through wireless connectivity.
Adapter-Compatible Kindles
If you already own a late-model Kindle, there’s no need to invest in a newer model to access the benefits of Audible content. All you’ll need to do is purchase an adapter that will allow you to connect headphones.
Amazon themselves sells the specific device you need, titled the “Kindle Audio Adapter.” These adapters are primarily designed for individuals that require accessible reading options.
They allow you to work with your Kindle to reap the benefits of TTS either by connecting headphones or speakers. You’ll also find they’re compatible with VoiceView on late-model Kindles.
Let’s look at the two Kindle models you can use this adapter to make the most of your audiobooks.
- Kindle Voyage
The Kindle Voyage is available at a relatively high price point, especially for being a more dated model. It also doesn’t boast Bluetooth connectivity, so you’ll have to invest in an adapter to listen to audiobooks.
However, it features two-point touch on its capacitive touchscreen, making it easy to use.
- Kindle Paperwhite 3
If you want a more budget-friendly eReader option, the Kindle Paperwhite 3 is a popular model.
It also requires an adapter for audio but features the same quality screen as the Kindle Voyage. You’ll also find it features a high-resolution Carta screen for easier readability.
Do I need the internet to use audiobooks?
Another important question to ask yourself before buying a Kindle for audiobooks is whether the internet is required.
Audiobooks are digital files you’ll download and stream from a specific service, like Audible. As such, you can guarantee you will require the internet to bring new titles to your device.
That said, all Kindles are designed to use internet connectivity. With their initial design, these eReaders needed to connect to the internet to download eBooks.
Today, you can use the same technology to get content through the Audible player.
That said, it’s important to note that not all Kindles are designed the same regarding online tasks. Some models are compatible only with WiFi, while others work with WiFi and data connectivity.
Let’s consider both options to help you decide which is best for you.
WiFi Connectivity
All Kindle eReaders are designed with WiFi connectivity, even the Kids Kindle, which doesn’t even have audio support.
Using WiFi is by far the least expensive option when it comes to listening to audiobooks. You won’t have to pay for data to connect to the internet, and you can use your eReader anywhere with an internet connection.
However, this can be challenging if you’re someone who travels a lot.
Unfortunately, not every location has accessible public WiFi, making it challenging to download new audiobooks. You may even have to tether your phone plan to get new content to listen to while traveling.
That said, WiFi connectivity is more than sufficient if you’re the type of person who prefers to listen to audiobooks at home. As the world becomes more digital, finding public WiFi is simpler, broadening the usefulness of eReaders.
Data Connectivity
Kindles are improving its technology over the years by also offering data connectivity. This feature is incredibly beneficial, especially if you travel frequently and aren’t always by WiFi.
Keep in mind, though, that it comes at an additional cost, as you’ll have to pay for a separate data plan to use their 4G connectivity.
Fortunately, 4G-compatible Kindles also come with WiFi, so you can choose between the two. Depending on your preferences and budget, investing in more expensive 4G Kindles can be beneficial, so you always have the option between two internet connections.
Listening to Audiobooks on Kindle Is Easy!
If you’re interested in learning how to listen to audiobooks on Kindle, the steps are easier than most audiobook listeners expect.
With Bluetooth connectivity, you can seamlessly enjoy content on Audible and other streaming services. Alternatively, you can use adapters to access fantastic audio for text-to-speech and audiobooks alike.
