Firstly, let me say, great choice! The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien is a wonderful Fantasy story, and all the different versions of The Hobbit audiobook are a lot of fun. But it can be a bit confusing that there are so many available!
There are three main versions, and they offer very different listening experiences. Let me tell you the differences between them so you can pick the one you’ll enjoy most.
Most important: Listen to samples of each version before you decide! We all have different preferences when it comes to narration style and voice.
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The Hobbit Audiobook with Andy Serkis
What it is: Andy Serkis, who voiced Gollum in The Lord of the Rings movies, recorded this version in 2021. It’s a single-narrator, unabridged recording.
The listening experience: Andy Serkis is a fantastic voice actor, and you might even recognize some of the characters more easily if you have watched the movies. His Gollum is, of course, instantly recognizable. The production quality is crisp and modern, exactly what you’d expect from a 2021 recording.
Unabridged means: You get the complete, word-for-word original book by J.R.R. Tolkien. Nothing cut, nothing changed. If you listen to this, you can rightfully say you’ve “read the book.”
Best for:
- Fans of the movies who want that character connection
- Anyone who prefers modern, high-quality audio production
- First-time readers who want the full Tolkien experience
Where to get it:
- Audible**
- Libro.fm** (supports indie bookstores)
- Audiobooks.com**
- Hoopla (free with library card)
Related article: Find the best Audiobook service based on your listening habits!
Rob Inglis (1997): Warm Storyteller Voice
What it is: Rob Inglis recorded this version in 1997. Like the Andy Serkis version, it’s a single-narrator, unabridged recording.
The listening experience: My personal favorite is this older version narrated by Rob Inglis. I love listening to this narrator singing the songs and bringing the hobbits to life with his warm storyteller voice. If you want to feel like Gandalf is sitting next to you, reading for you, this is the best Hobbit audiobook! Like the Andy Serkis Hobbit, this version is unabridged and word-for-word the story J.R.R. Tolkien wrote.
Best for:
- Listeners who love a traditional storyteller approach
- Anyone who wants the narrator to sing the songs
- People who prefer a warmer, less theatrical narration style
Where to get it:
- Audible**
- Libro.fm**
- Audiobooks.com**
- Hoopla
BBC Radio Play: Full Cast, Dramatized
What it is: This full-cast production is an abridged version, created by the BBC as a radio play. Bilbo Baggins and his friends are all read by different actors, so each character sounds distinct, which helps you follow along easily.
The listening experience: I find audio plays so much fun! If you are new to audiobooks and it’s still difficult to stay focused, this might work particularly well for you, as it feels like listening to a movie. With so many distinct voices and sound effects, your mind stays engaged more easily.
Radio plays are also an amazing way to experience a familiar story in a new way. So, if you have already read the book several times, this might be the best Hobbit audiobook for you to choose now!
Abridged means: The original story was edited and shortened. You get the essence of The Hobbit, but not word-for-word as Tolkien wrote it. This version is under 4 hours compared to the 10+ hours of the unabridged recordings.
Best for:
- People trying audiobooks for the first time (easier to stay focused)
- Anyone who’s read The Hobbit before and wants a new listening experience
- Listeners who prefer shorter, more theatrical productions
- Fans who enjoy a “movie-like” audio experience
Where to get it:
Related article: Audiobooks.com vs Audible
Which Hobbit Audiobook Should You Choose?
The most important step: Listen to samples of all three versions, I cannot stress this enough! Voice preference is deeply personal. What I love about Rob Inglis might not work for you, and you might prefer Andy Serkis’ energy instead.
If you’re still deciding:
All three versions are excellent in different ways. The unabridged recordings (Andy Serkis and Rob Inglis) give you the complete Tolkien experience, perfect if this is your first time with The Hobbit or if you want to say you’ve truly “read the book.”
Between those two, it comes down to voice preference and production style. Andy Serkis is more theatrical with that movie connection. Rob Inglis is warmer and more intimate. Listen to a minute of each and you’ll know which one pulls you in.
The BBC Radio Play is brilliant for what it is: A condensed, theatrical experience. But remember, it’s abridged. If you haven’t read The Hobbit yet, I recommend choosing an unabridged version. Save the radio play for a re-listen when you want something fresh and shorter.
My personal recommendation?
- Rob Inglis for first-timers
- Andy Serkis for movie fans
- BBC Radio Play for re-reads.
Related article: A Beginner’s Guide to Audiobook Listening
Ready for more Middle-earth?
The Hobbit is the prelude to The Lord of the Rings trilogy. If you love Bilbo’s adventure, Frodo’s epic journey through Middle-earth awaits!
Check out my guide to choose the best Lord of the Rings audiobook!
For Tolkien completists: The Silmarillion is also available as an audiobook if you want to dive even deeper into Middle-earth mythology.
Happy listening!
Eline Blackman (pronouns: she/they) fell in love with books as a child – with being read to and reading herself. 11 years ago, she bought her first Audible book. It was love at first listen! An average of 200 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.