As we lead busier and busier lives, audio entertainment becomes a larger and more significant part of our lifestyle, and why not? You can consume them while performing the multitudes of tasks you’re to handle on a day-to-day basis, from driving to cleaning your house to cooking, and there’s something in it for everyone. 

Difference Between Audiobooks and Podcasts!

Two of the most popular forms of audio entertainment are podcasts and audiobooks, and if you don’t know the difference between both, don’t worry, for I’ve got you covered! In today’s piece, we will look at the difference between audiobooks and podcasts, replete with examples. 

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What Are Audiobooks?

As the name suggests, audiobooks are audio versions of books. They allow you to experience the narrative in the audio format whenever and wherever you are, adding to your convenience. Usually, audiobooks are professionally produced by voice artists and can be purchased digitally or through CDs. Audiobooks can also enhance your book experience as the story is dramatized without forsaking any vital elements, as in a movie. This often ensures better immersion and enjoyment of the book.

Moreover, you can listen to them without taking out any separate time like you need to do while reading. You can be hitting the road or gardening and yet immersed in some exquisite work of literature. Unlike physical books, you don’t need any space to store them. You can access a wide range of titles from your smartphone, regardless of your genre and other preferences. Some popular audiobook providers are Audible, Scribd, and Audiobooks.com.

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What Are Podcasts?

On the other hand, podcasts are audio programs on various topics, from science and social affairs to literature and history. Usually, they are released serially and are divided into episodes, sometimes seasons, and you can subscribe to remain notified about their future episodes. They can have one narrator speaking directly to their listeners to several who hold and record conversations between themselves. Like audiobooks, you can listen to them anytime and anywhere you want.

They can be on anything, so you have almost infinite options to choose from. Self-improvement, horror stories, movie reviews: you name it! Listening to podcasts often offers you new perspectives and gives you more knowledge about something you might not otherwise be aware of. What’s more, a lot of podcasts have social media communities where you can participate and enrich your experience of what you consume through a specific podcast. Some popular podcast providers are Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts. You can also get the Free Audible Trial now 🎧 and get free Audible Original Podcasts instantly!

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Audiobooks vs. Podcasts: Difference Explained!

I think you have a fair idea of what distinguishes audiobooks from podcasts, but are you wondering which is right for you? Which of the two should you listen to in your free time? This section should help you with that. 

First off, audiobooks usually require more commitment. Since they adapt books in audio format, they have a linear structure you must follow until you reach the end. If that doesn’t suit you, podcasts might be the better option, as they are usually episodic. This implies you don’t have to listen to past or future episodes and begin from anywhere. That’s not always true either; for instance, one of the most popular podcasts of all time, Serial, would feature a linear story for each of their seasons, and you had to listen to all of them chronologically for the best result. 

Audiobooks are generally much higher quality than podcasts if we move on to production quality. Publication houses, professional studios, and acclaimed voice artists usually produce them. This means you get the best sound effects, the best narrators, and a better production quality than you’d usually get in a podcast. The production qualities in podcasts vary broadly. They can be very professional shows and more conversational and casual as well. It all depends on the particular podcast you’re listening to.

Lastly, when it comes to cost and accessibility, podcasts easily reign supreme. Unless you’re accessing audiobooks through public domain providers like LibriVox or your local libraries, they require a subscription fee or the cost for an individual title. On the other hand, podcasts tend to be free, supported by advertisement models or some content behind a paywall. 

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Conclusion: Audiobooks vs. Podcasts

At the end of the day, it all boils down to your personal preferences, but by now, you should be clear on the differences between audiobooks and podcasts. Both of them offer some enthralling and distinct forms of audio entertainment, and they offer it at the convenience of your smartphone whenever and wherever you want. 

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