There’s a quiet truth most readers know: as much as we love our paperbacks and Kindles, sometimes our eyes (and schedules) just can’t keep up. Enter the best Audible books – the alternative to productive reading while doing just about anything else.
You press play and immediately a very attractive voice enters your world, rich with character and pacing that matches your intrigued heartbeat. Soon, the voice turns into a full story with a narrator. And you… you're no longer in your car, or washing dishes or folding your laundry. What are you even talking about? Instead, you’re in 18th-century France, on Mars, in the middle of a courtroom or stuck in a love triangle. Because audiobooks aren't just voices in your headphones, they're an escape to different realities.
Based on listener rating, review volume, sales data and curated lists, we’ve made up a list of the best Audible audiobooks of all time, to help you discover a voice you can fall in love with instantly. The narrators of these top audiobooks don’t just tell a story. They perform it, transform it, and stay with you long after the last word.
So without further ado, let’s get you acquainted with your next life-changing listen.
Table of Contents
– Best Audible Books in Fiction
– Best Audible Book in Nonfiction
The Best Audible Books in Fiction
Fiction can truly come alive through performances that rival the stage. Whispered magic, sharp dialogues, or full-cast epics, the Audible audiobooks below don’t just tell, they enchant and pull you in:
1) Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Narrated by: Ray Porter
Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure
Listener Rating: 4.9/5 stars (over 193,000 reviews)
Ryland Grace wakes up alone in space, with no memory of who he is or why he’s there. As his memories begin to return, he realizes he’s the sole survivor of a critical mission to save Earth from extinction. With time running out and no help within light-years, it seems he’s on his own… until an unexpected ally changes everything.
2) Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
Narrated by: Jim Dale (U.S. version)
Genre: Fantasy
Listener Rating: 5/5 stars (over 148,000 reviews)
The final battle between good and evil begins as Harry, Hermione and Ron set out to destroy Voldemort’s Horcruxes. With no safety at Hogwarts and the Ministry of Magic under dark control, the trio is forced into hiding and on the run. Secrets from Dumbledore’s past and the legend of the Deathly Hallows add new layers to their quest. As the war reaches its climax, Harry must make the ultimate sacrifice.
3) Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
Narrated by: Wil Wheaton
Genre: Science Fiction, Pop Culture
Listener Rating: 4.8/5 stars (over 260,000 reviews)
It’s 2045, and the real world is in a miserable state, but the virtual reality universe known as the OASIS offers an escape. When the creator of the OASIS dies, he leaves behind a game: whoever solves his puzzles inherits his vast fortune. Teenager Wade Watts joins the high-stakes hunt, battling ruthless competitors and uncovering secrets that blur the line between virtual and real.
4) Dune by Frank Herbert
Narrated by: Scott Brick, Orlagh Cassidy, Euan Morton, and others
Genre: Epic Science Fiction
Listener Rating: 4.7/5 stars (over 125,000 reviews)
Paul Atreides is the son of a noble family sent to rule a harsh desert planet where a powerful substance called "spice" is found. After his family is betrayed, Paul must survive in the desert and discover his true purpose. As he grows stronger, he becomes a leader known as Muad’Dib and plays a key role in changing the future of humanity.
5) The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Narrated by: Polly Stone
Genre: Historical Fiction
Listener Rating: 4.8/5 stars (over 107,000 reviews)
Two sisters in Nazi-occupied France during World War II. Vianne stays home and tries to protect what little she has left, while Isabelle throws herself into danger with the resistance and risks everything to fight the enemy. Their choices, their sacrifices, every part is devastating and beautiful all at once.
6) The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Narrated by: Jeremy Irons
Genre: Philosophical Fiction
Listener Rating: 4.7/5 stars (over 83,000 reviews)
The story follows Santiago, a young shepherd who dreams of finding a hidden treasure near the Egyptian pyramids. Guided by mysterious signs and wise mentors, he sets out on a journey of self-discovery. Along the way, he learns that true treasure lies not in gold, but in following one’s heart and destiny. Jeremy Irons brings a haunting, almost mystical quality to Santiago's journey in The Alchemist. His voice alone is half the experience.
7) The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Narrated by: Alma Cuervo, Julia Whelan, Robin Miles
Genre: Historical Fiction, LGBTQ+
Listener Rating: 4.6/5 stars (over 91,000 reviews)
Hollywood legend Evelyn Hugo’s life has been messy, dazzling, and painful, and she is finally ready to tell the truth about all of it. Through her seven marriages, Evelyn reveals a hidden love, personal sacrifices, and the cost of fame. As journalist Monique Grant records her story, she discovers surprising connections between Evelyn’s past and her own.
8) The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Narrated by: Andy Serkis
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
Listener Rating: 4.8/5 stars (over 66,000 reviews)
Bilbo Baggins, a quiet hobbit, didn’t ask for any of this. One moment he’s enjoying his breakfast, and the next he’s marching through goblin caves with dwarves and the wizard Gandalf. However, he’s already on a mission to reclaim a stolen treasure from the dragon called Smaug. As the journey unfolds, he discovers the courage and cleverness he never knew he had. Serkis’s narration adds so much character to the story, you can hear Bilbo's nerves, his wit, and even his growth as the adventure unfolds.
9) It by Stephen King
Narrated by: Steven Weber
Genre: Horror
Listener Rating: 4.7/5 stars (over 62,000 reviews)
A group of childhood friends in the town of Derry, Maine, are haunted by a shape-shifting evil that often appears as a terrifying clown named Pennywise. After confronting it as kids, they are forced to reunite as adults when the creature returns. As they face their deepest fears, they uncover the dark history of their town and the true nature of the evil beneath it. The story jumps between childhood and adulthood, trauma and terror.
10) The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
Narrated by: Tom Hanks
Genre: Literary Fiction
Listener Rating: 4.6/5 stars (over 57,000 reviews)
Danny and Maeve are exiled from their childhood home by their stepmother after their father's death. Over the years, the grand house turns into a symbol of everything they lost and can't let go of. As they struggle to move on, their bond and memories keep pulling them back. It's a deeply moving novel about family, forgiveness, and the ties that shape us. Tom Hanks narrates with this quiet warmth that makes the heartbreak land even harder.
The Best Audible Books in Nonfiction
When it comes to nonfiction audiobooks, the stakes are higher. It’s one thing to read the author’s story on a page, but it’s an entirely different experience to hear them speak those words. The raw emotions and honesty in the narrator’s voice add a deeper meaning, especially when the storyteller is narrating their own story (as is often the case with the titles on this list).
These are some of the best Audible books in nonfiction that will make you stop, replay, and truly remember:
1) Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Narrated by: Trevor Noah
Genre: Memoir, Humor
Listener Rating: 4.9/5 stars (over 216,000 reviews)
This is comedian Trevor Noah’s memoir about growing up in apartheid and post-apartheid South Africa as the mixed-race son of a Black mother and white father, a union that was literally illegal at the time. Through a series of sharp, funny, and moving stories, he shares his experiences with poverty, racism, and resilience. Noah reads it himself, and it feels like sitting across from him as he riffs on race, moms, and survival.
2) Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins
Narrated by: Adam Skolnick, with commentary by David Goggins
Genre: Memoir, Self-Help
Listener Rating: 4.9/5 stars (over 203,000 reviews)
This one punches you in the gut, then tells you to get up and run 20 miles. From childhood abuse, racism and poverty to becoming a Navy SEAL and ultra-endurance athlete, David Goggins defied all odds. His story shows how pushing through pain and challenges can make you stronger. The author proves that with hard work and mental toughness, anyone can overcome limits.
3) Becoming by Michelle Obama
Narrated by: Michelle Obama
Genre: Memoir
Listener Rating: 4.9/5 stars (over 182,000 reviews)
In this inspiring memoir, Michelle Obama takes you from her childhood in Chicago all the way to the White House. She reflects on her family, education, career, and the challenges of public life. With honesty and warmth, she shows how she found her voice and used it to make a difference. This is a powerful story about identity, perseverance, and hope.
4) Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
Narrated by: Derek Perkins
Genre: History, Anthropology
Listener Rating: 4.7/5 stars (over 56,000 reviews)
Ever wonder how humans went from cavemen to tech bros? Harari connects the dots, big and small, in a way that’s surprisingly fun and often unsettling. The author explains how humans evolved, built civilizations, created religions, and shaped economies. He breaks down big ideas in a clear, engaging way that connects the past to today’s world.
5) Educated by Tara Westover
Narrated by: Julia Whelan
Genre: Memoir
Listener Rating: 4.8/5 stars (over 126,000 reviews)
Tara Westover grew up off the grid. No school, no doctors, just survival. Despite never setting foot in a classroom until she was 17, she taught herself enough to attend college and eventually earn a PhD from Cambridge. Her journey to Cambridge is jaw-dropping, but it’s her inner struggle with identity and family that really hits you.
6) Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
Narrated by: Matthew McConaughey
Genre: Memoir
Listener Rating: 4.8/5 stars (over 180,000 reviews)
In his memoir, actor Matthew McConaughey shares stories, lessons, and insights from his life and career, based on decades of journal entries. With humor and honesty, he reflects on his successes, failures, wild adventures, and personal growth. He sees life’s challenges as "greenlights", as in signals to keep going, learn, and move forward. It’s weird, funny, reflective, and full of that “alright, alright, alright” wisdom you didn’t know you needed.
7) The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
Narrated by: Roger Wayne
Genre: Self-Help
Listener Rating: 4.5/5 stars (over 175,000 reviews)
Mark Manson doesn’t sugarcoat things. He’s here to tell you life’s hard, you won’t be happy all the time, and that’s okay. He argues that we can’t care about everything, and by focusing on what truly matters, we can live a more meaningful life. With blunt humor and tough love, Manson encourages readers to embrace life’s challenges and accept imperfection.
8) Atomic Habits by James Clear
Narrated by: James Clear
Genre: Self-Help
Listener Rating: 4.8/5 stars (over 142,000 reviews)
Small changes, big impact. James Clear explains how little habits can lead to huge changes over time. He also gives super practical tips on building good habits and breaking bad ones, by focusing on small, manageable actions. With clear strategies and practical tips, the author shows how anyone can create lasting change by making consistent improvements.
9) How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Narrated by: Andrew MacMillan
Genre: Self-Help
Listener Rating: 4.7/5 stars (over 100,000 reviews)
In this classic self-help book, Dale Carnegie offers timeless advice on how to build meaningful relationships and influence others positively. He teaches principles like showing genuine interest in people, listening actively, and making others feel valued. The book emphasizes the power of kindness, respect, and empathy in both personal and professional interactions without being fake.
10) The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
Narrated by: Edward Herrmann
Genre: History, Sports
Listener Rating: 4.8/5 stars (over 43,000 reviews)
This is the true story of nine working-class American boys who formed the University of Washington’s rowing team and defied the odds to compete in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Set during the Great Depression, it follows their teamwork and determination as they take on elite rivals. At the heart of the story is Joe Rantz, a young man with a difficult past who finds purpose and belonging through the sport.
Summing Up
There you have it! Proof that some of the best stories don’t always have to live on shelves, but in your ears. So the next time you find yourself stuck in traffic, walking the dog, or cleaning the house, one of these best Audible books can transport you to a different world. From heart-racing thrillers to touching memoirs, these listens are more than background noise, they’re time machines, therapy sessions, comedy shows, and masterclasses all rolled into one.
