The 5 Best Ways to Listen to Audiobooks: Why Microlistening Is the New Reading

So, you want to read more. We know, you really do! But figuring out how to listen to audiobooks in a way that actually works can be hard. Remember that 20-hour bestseller? It probably sits untouched in your library. 

And when you finally press play, your attention drifts after ten minutes. Not to mention, by the time you get home, most of what you heard is already gone. For pure entertainment, that's fine. A long drive paired with a gripping memoir can be a great experience. But if your goal is to learn something useful, a 20-hour self-help audiobook isn't always the smartest investment of your time. But don't feel bad, thousands of Headway users have experienced the same thing!

That's where Headway comes in. It distills the key ideas from bestselling authors into 15-minute summaries — designed for busy readers who want insight without the marathon. Learn smarter, not longer, with Headway.

➡️ What is Headway and how does it work?

Quick answer: What is the best way to listen to audiobooks?

The best way to listen to audiobooks depends on your goal.

For entertainment, use the "Deep Dive" method with noise-canceling headphones. For learning, try the "Micro-Dose" approach — get core ideas from self-help bestsellers in actionable summaries with Headway instead of committing to 10-hour books. You can also boost retention with the "Hybrid" method (reading the physical book while listening), stay focused with the "Speed-Run" at 1.5x playback, or turn your commute into a classroom using CarPlay.

Now let's break down each method one by one.

The five best ways to listen to audiobooks, ranked by goal

1. The "Deep Dive" (Immersion): 

Best for: Fiction, memoirs, sci-fi, and biographies

Put on noise-canceling headphones and let yourself get lost. Audible and Libby are the go-to audiobook apps for this kind of long-form listening experience. This style works when you have uninterrupted time and want to fully engage with a story. The popular titles in this category often run for 10–20 hours.

2. The "Micro-Dose" (Knowledge): 

Best for: Self-help, business, and personal growth

Instead of committing to a 10-hour book, get the core ideas in 15 minutes. Headway specializes in this approach, turning popular titles on relationships, career, money, and mental health into bite-sized audio summaries that you can actually finish. Now, you can learn more because you can retain more. Think of it like reading the best audiobook review and key takeaways combined.

3. The "Hybrid" Method:

Best for: Complex material where retention matters

Read the physical book while listening to the audio simultaneously. This dual-input method helps you stay focused and can significantly boost retention. Kindle users often pair their ebook with the Audible version for this exact reason. Amazon makes this easy for subscribers with its Whispersync functionality.

4. The "Speed-Run:" 

Best for: Staying engaged with familiar material

Listen at 1.5x or 2x playback speed. Faster audio keeps your brain engaged and prevents your mind from wandering. Most audiobook services let you adjust the speed. Start at 1.25x if you've never tried it. This functionality is standard across all major apps.

5. The "Commute University:"

Best for: Maximizing daily drive time

Turn traffic into learning time using CarPlay or Android Auto. Your daily drive becomes a classroom where you can multitask safely. This method works especially well with Headway summaries or shorter podcasts since you can complete something meaningful before you reach work.

📘 Improve learning efficiency with Headway.

The nine essential tools and apps for audiobook listeners

Choosing from dozens of the best apps can feel overwhelming. Here's a breakdown of the top audiobook services based on what you actually need:

Important: We haven't included prices, as they may vary depending on the plan you choose and any active promotions. For the latest and most accurate pricing, we recommend visiting the official website before making a purchase.

📘 Current prices for the Headway app are here. 

🎧 See how Headway stacks up against popular options such as Audible, Blinkist, Shortform, getAbstract, and AI tools like ChatGPT.

How to stop "zoning out" while listening

Even the best audiobook won't help if your brain checks out after five minutes. Here's how to stay engaged:

• The 20-minute rule: A person's focus typically drifts after about 20 minutes. So, plan for this. Take a short break, switch to a Headway summary for variety, or simply pause and reflect on what you heard.

• Interactive listening: Don't just let the audio play in the background; challenge yourself to engage with it. Headway's skill islands and quizzes force your brain to stay active. You're not just passively hearing words; you're testing what you learned.

• Occupied hands, free mind: Your brain processes audio best when your hands are busy, but your eyes aren't reading. Listen while folding laundry, driving, or walking. Avoid listening while scrolling on TikTok or reading texts because visual language processing interferes with audio comprehension. 

➡️ How to stop scrolling addiction and reclaim your time in 5 easy steps?

Best ways to listen to audiobooks for free (legally)

Not everyone wants a monthly subscription. The good news is that there are many legitimate free audiobooks available:

• Library apps: Libby and OverDrive connect to your public library and let you borrow free audiobooks with your library card. Hoopla works similarly and has no waitlists. These apps offer full audiobooks at zero cost. Your local library likely has thousands of titles waiting for you.

• Public domain: LibriVox offers free audiobooks for classic books in the public domain. The quality varies since they're volunteer-narrated, but all the classics are covered. There are no fees or subscriptions, just free access.

• Free tiers: Headway offers a free daily read and listen option, so you can try microlearning without risk. It's a smart way to see if short-form audio fits your lifestyle before committing to any paid service.

Book club recommendations: Many book clubs share free trials and promo codes for audiobook services. TikTok's BookTok community regularly posts deals. It's worth checking out before you pay full price for any audiobook.

Turn your listening into learning with Headway

The best audiobook method depends on what you want to get out of it. Entertainment calls for immersion — grab that 20-hour fantasy novel and let your local library do the work. Learning calls for something sharper and shorter.

➡️ How exactly can bite-sized learning help you?

So, don't just let audio play in the background while you zone out. Choose the method that matches your goal. And if that goal is to gain genuine knowledge from bestsellers without the time commitment, Headway is built exactly for that. It's why millions of users prefer microlearning over marathon listening.

Don't have time to dedicate more than 5 hours? Try the smart way to listen. Download Headway and get the key insights from bestsellers in just 5–15 minutes.