Books, Music & Media

Audiobooks

2 kinds worth knowing, 8 picks, and what to check before you buy.

Representative photo-style image of audiobooks — generated, not a specific product
Representative image, generated

Audiobooks suit people who have more listening time than reading time: commuters, dog walkers, people who knit or do woodwork, and anyone whose eyes are tired by evening. The gift that gets used fits into habits they already have, like a daily drive or a nightly wind-down. An audiobook subscription gives them months of choice, so it works when you don't know their tastes well. A few of the best fantasy audiobooks are a more personal pick for someone who already loves big, immersive series. Before you buy, find out which app or device they already listen on. A gift that fits their current setup gets used far more often than one that means signing up for something new.

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A subscription that lets them choose

A subscription gives them a set number of titles or credits each month, or open access to a catalogue, for a fixed stretch of time. It suits coworkers, teachers, Secret Santa draws and anyone whose reading tastes you can't pin down. Mystery fans, language learners and people into self-improvement can all find what they want. Before buying, check whether they already pay for a service, since a gift membership might not stack with their current account. Look at how long the gift lasts, whether unused credits carry over, and whether the titles stay theirs once the subscription ends. Make sure it works in Canada or the US, depending on where they live. If they only want one book, a single-title credit is simpler.

  • Representative photo-style image of audiobooks — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $50–$100

    Audiobook subscription

    This gift provides access to a vast library of spoken-word content, perfect for daily commutes or relaxing at home.

  • Representative photo-style image of audiobooks — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $15–$25

    Individual audiobook gift credit

    Offer the joy of a specific story or non-fiction title, allowing the recipient to choose their next immersive listening experience.

  • Representative photo-style image of audiobooks — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

    Language immersion audiobook course

    Support someone's journey to master a new language with structured lessons and conversational practice, accessible anywhere.

  • Representative photo-style image of audiobooks — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

    Personal development audiobook bundle

    Empower someone to learn new skills or gain fresh perspectives with inspiring non-fiction titles focused on growth and well-being.

  • Representative photo-style image of audiobooks — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

    Mystery thriller audiobook package

    Immerse a suspense enthusiast in gripping narratives and intricate plots, ideal for long journeys or cozy evenings.

  • Representative photo-style image of audiobooks — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

    Classic novels audiobook collection

    Delight a literary connoisseur with timeless stories and profound narratives from renowned authors, beautifully narrated.

  • Representative photo-style image of audiobooks — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

    Children's story audiobook collection

    Engage young listeners with captivating tales and educational content, perfect for quiet time or family road trips.

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Fantasy and science fiction worth hearing

Fantasy and science fiction often work better as audio than in print. Long books with big casts are easier to follow when a strong narrator gives each character a distinct voice, and a long series fills months of commutes. These titles suit friends, aunts and grandpas who already read the genre and like to settle into a world for a while. Before buying, find out which series they've already finished so you don't give them a repeat, and start with book one unless you know where they left off. Listen to a sample of the narrator, because a voice they dislike can ruin a good story. Check the running time too: some of these run more than 30 hours per book.

  • Representative photo-style image of audiobooks — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

    Fantasy science fiction audiobooks

    Transport an imaginative listener to other worlds with epic sagas, futuristic adventures, and magical realms.

How to choose audiobooks as a gift

  • Find out which app or device they already use so the gift works with it right away, without a new account.
  • Listen to a sample of the narrator first, since the voice matters as much as the story on a long listen.
  • If you're unsure of their taste, give credits or a subscription instead of a specific title.
  • For a series, start with book one unless you know exactly which books they've already heard.
  • Write a short note explaining how to redeem the gift, especially for grandparents or anyone new to audiobooks.

Usually safe to skip

  • Abridged editions often disappoint real fans, who notice cut scenes and would rather have the full book.
  • CD box sets tend to go unplayed now that most people listen on phones rather than car or home stereos.
  • Subscriptions for someone who already has one can go unused if they can't be combined with an existing account.

Questions people ask about audiobooks

Can you give an audiobook subscription as a gift?
Yes. Most audiobook services sell gift memberships that last a set number of months, or gift credits that can be redeemed for individual titles. You usually send a code by email or print it for a card. Check that the service works in the country where they live.
What are the best fantasy audiobooks for someone new to the genre?
Choose a first book in a well-known series with a narrator people praise, and one that isn't too long. A standalone novel or a trilogy is an easier start than a 14-book epic. Listen to a sample first to make sure the pacing and voice are easy to follow.
Is a single audiobook or a subscription the better gift?
A single title works when you know exactly what they want and haven't heard yet. A subscription or a set of credits is safer when you're unsure, and it keeps giving through the year. For Secret Santa or a coworker, flexible credits usually go over better.

Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.

Everything else

All audiobooks picks

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