10 Best audiobooks 2025 in the United States

The Kobo Libra Colour is a versatile eReader designed for a rich reading experience with its 7-inch glare-free colour E Ink Kaleido™ 3 display. It supports audiobooks, which is a significant plus if you enjoy switching between reading and listening. With 32GB of storage, this device can hold up to 150 audiobooks, making it suitable for avid listeners. The Kobo Plus subscription offers unlimited access to a vast library of eBooks and audiobooks, adding value for those who consume a lot of content.

The device is waterproof, allowing you to use it confidently near water, and its ergonomic design includes page-turn buttons and customizable font sizes, enhancing usability. However, there are a few potential drawbacks. The 4-hour battery life may be limiting for long listening sessions, and since the narrator performance will depend on the specific audiobook, it's not guaranteed to meet everyone's standards. Additionally, while the device supports multiple formats and genres, accessing some content may require additional purchases or subscriptions.

The Kobo Libra Colour stands out as a feature-rich option for those who want a multifunctional eReader that can also handle audiobooks effectively.

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.

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.