10 Best audiobooks 2026 in the United States

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Book 1, is a popular choice in audiobooks, especially for children and fans of fantasy and magic. The narrator, Jim Dale, is well-known for his engaging performance, bringing the characters and magical world to life with his voice. This can significantly enhance the listening experience, especially for younger audiences. The audiobook runs for a substantial 8 hours and 18 minutes, which is a good length that can occupy several listening sessions, making it convenient for long trips or daily commutes.

Being in the fantasy and magic genre, it appeals to both children and adults who enjoy imaginative and adventurous stories. The format is unabridged, meaning the entire text is included, ensuring you don't miss any part of the story. It’s available in English, making it accessible to a wide audience. On the downside, the long listening length might be a bit overwhelming for very young children or those with shorter attention spans. Additionally, while Jim Dale's narration is generally praised, some listeners might prefer a different style or voice.

If you are new to audiobooks or looking for a captivating fantasy story for children, this audiobook is a strong contender with its high ranking in Audible Books & Originals.

The Kobo Clara Colour eReader is primarily designed for reading eBooks, especially those that benefit from color, such as comics and graphic novels, thanks to its 6-inch E Ink Kaleido 3 display. It offers great features like adjustable font settings, Dark Mode, and a comfortable screen that reduces blue light, making it easy on the eyes during long reading sessions. Its waterproof design and 16GB storage add durability and space for a large library.

Regarding audiobooks, this device supports them but does not have built-in speakers or a headphone jack, so users will need Bluetooth headphones to listen. The device excels more in its eReading capabilities rather than audiobook features such as narrator performance or audiobook format variety, which depend on the apps and services Kobo supports rather than the hardware.

If audiobooks are a key priority, this eReader will work but may not offer the smoothest or richest audiobook experience compared to specialized devices or apps. For users who want a versatile device that excels at colorful eBooks and can also handle audiobooks reasonably well, it stands out as a solid choice with a user-friendly design and eco-conscious build.

The Kobo Elipsa 2E is a sleek and eco-friendly eReader designed primarily for reading eBooks, with additional audiobook functionality enabled through its Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. Its standout feature is the large 10.3-inch glare-free E Ink touchscreen, providing a comfortable reading experience without eye strain. With 32GB of storage, it can hold thousands of books and documents, and users can connect to the Kobo Store for access to millions of eBooks and audiobooks.

For audiobook playback, the Elipsa 2E requires wireless headphones or speakers connected via Bluetooth since it does not have built-in speakers. Battery life during audio playback lasts about 2 hours, which may necessitate more frequent charging for listeners who use this feature extensively. The device is more focused on reading than delivering a rich audiobook experience.

This eReader is well-suited for users who want a versatile device with note-taking capabilities and occasional audiobook playback. Those who prioritize advanced audiobook features, such as adjustable narration speed or enhanced audio controls, might prefer a dedicated audiobook player or a smartphone app.