Are you an avid listener, trying to juggle Audible, Spotify, Hoopla, and other audiobook apps? Losing track of which book is where and what you’ve started?
Here’s how to organize multiple audiobook subscriptions without the chaos!
The Smart Search Order for multiple Audiobook Services
Before spending money or credits (on a book you might already own), establish a consistent search hierarchy for your audiobook subscriptions:
- Library apps first (Hoopla, Libby, BorrowBox…)
- Free/included services (Spotify Premium audiobooks, Kindle Unlimited, Audible Plus, Everand classic plan)
- Amazon Whispersync deal, Chirp, or direct from the author (for lower purchase prices than the value of an audiobook credit)
- Credit-based services (Audible, new Everand plan, Audiobooks.com)
Pro tip: Install the Library Extension browser plugin and make it a habit to browse for upcoming listens on your laptop. It automatically shows any digital library availability while browsing Goodreads, Amazon, or any book site, saving you from buying books you can borrow for free.
Track Your Audiobook Library Across All Platforms
Managing a “to-listen” list across multiple audiobook subscriptions can be done with a system:
Simple Spreadsheet Method
- Column 1: Book title
- Column 2: Available where? (note all your services)
- Column 3: Status (Want/Started/Finished)
You can get my free printer-friendly audiobook tracker from my downloads page, adding the service in the Notes section.
App-Based Tracking
- Goodreads: Use “Want to Read” shelf + notes field for service availability
- StoryGraph: Create custom tags (#onaudible #onhoopla #onlibby)
- Phone notes: Simple lists like “HOOPLA: Book A, Book B, Book C”
Time-saving hack: When you discover a book you want, immediately check all your audiobook services (or just peak at LibraryExtension) and note where it’s available. This prevents duplicate purchases and helps you prioritize free options.
Master the App Batching Strategy
I have stopped jumping between audiobook apps randomly, it was just too confusing, and I too often forgot which book I was listening to and where it was. Instead, I use the “app batching” method now:
- Focus on one service at a time for multiple books
- Finish everything you want from that app before switching
- Reduces decision fatigue about which app to open daily
- Easier progress tracking than managing books across multiple platforms
Series strategy: Get each book wherever it’s cheapest or free, even if that means switching audiobook subscriptions mid-series. Your budget matters, and when you are deeply immersed in the middle of an epic series, you will definitely not forget what you were listening to!
Level Up Your Audiobook Subscription Management
Monthly Audit System
- Which audiobook subscriptions did I actually use?
- Any started books I forgot about?
- What’s expiring soon? (library holds, Audible credit expirations, books leaving subscriptions)
Pro tip: Found a book you desperately want on an audiobook subscription you don’t usually use? Go ahead and grab that beauty, but unsubscribe right away so you won’t forget later in the month. If the subscription turns out to be great for you, you can just re-subscribe (who knows, maybe even with an attractive “we’re trying to win you back”-offer!).
Quick Problem Solving
“Can’t find a book I know I have” → Search your email for a purchase, if you can’t find it there, search your digital library apps and “Completed” sections in your audiobook apps
“Started something, can’t remember where” → Check “Continue Listening” in every app
“Paying for unused audiobook subscriptions” → Set monthly phone reminders for usage audits, and immediately cancel any new trials, you can always re-subscribe!
“Overwhelmed by choices” → Stick to your search hierarchy and app batching method
Action Plan for better Audiobook Subscription Management
- Set up your tracking system (journal page or app-based)
- Install Library Extension browser plugin
- Audit current audiobook subscriptions and cancel unused ones
- Establish your personal search order
- Try app batching to see if it suits you
Managing multiple audiobook subscriptions doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With these systems in place, you’ll spend less time organizing and more time listening to the books you actually want to hear, without accidentally buying books you can get for free.
Happy listening!
Eline Blackman (pronouns: she/they) fell in love with books as a child – with being read to and reading herself. 10 years ago, she bought her first Audible book. It was love at first listen! An average of 250 audiobooks per year has become the new normal and you will rarely see Eline without a wireless earbud. Romance and Fantasy are the go-to genres for this audiobook fan.