10 Free Classic Audiobooks
Free Audiobooks on Audible and Google Play
Audiobooks can be expensive to buy, but you can listen to many of them, including classic titles, for free on Audible or Google Play. There are many titles available, and in this article we’re talking about our top ten recommendations. Get your headphones or speakers ready, and dive into these incredible books!
Our Top 10 Audiobook Picks
1. 'Journey to the Center of the Earth' by Jules Verne, narrated by Tim Curry (8 hours, 20 minutes) – Available on Audible
If you’re craving an adventure, check out this science fiction classic that follows a group of scientists as they journey into the depths of our planet. You’ll be amazed at what they find! And listening to this Audible edition feels like Tim Curry is personally telling you the whole story.
2. '1984' by George Orwell, narrated by Simon Prebble (11 hours, 22 minutes) – Available on Audible
In this dystopian classic, readers will explore themes of mass government surveillance and total state control. It was published shortly after WWII, and the totalitarian government was modeled after the extremes seen throughout that period. "1984" is considered a classic for good reason, and everyone should read it at least once.
3. 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen, narrated by Rosamund Pike (11 hours, 35 minutes) – Available on Audible
"Pride and Prejudice" has been adapted for film, stages and more, and has stood the test of time. This classic romance is full of flirtation and comedy, and is loved by many.
4. 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker, narrated by Alan Cumming, Tim Curry, Simon Vance, Katherine Kellgren, Susan Duerden, John lee, Graeme Malcolm, and Steven Crossley (15 hours, 27 minutes) – Available on Audible
Fans of paranormal fiction will love this edition of the vampire classic. Audible put together a full cast of voice actors, so listening to the audiobook is quite the experience. Dive into this Gothic story and get swept away by the unique points of view, diary entries and each narrator's take on their characters.
5. 'Anne of Green Gables' by Lucy Maud Montgomery, narrated by Rachel McAdams (9 hours, 22 minutes) – Available on Audible
This Canadian classic is loved by readers of all ages, and the audiobook is no exception. It’s also read by a famed Canadian actress who will take you away to beautiful Prince Edward Island, where you can get lost with Anne and see how she adapts to life on the island.
6. 'Little Women' by Louisa May Alcott, narrated by Emily Bauer, Laura Dern, Lauren Fortgang, Allison Hiroto, Carly Robbins, and Suzanne Toren (12 hours, 15 minutes) – Available on Audible
Set during the American Civil War, "Little Women" follows the four March sisters as they struggle to survive in their New England home. This book is considered a timeless classic by many and has been adapted to screen multiple times. With a full cast of notable narrators, this audiobook edition is one you won’t want to miss.
7. 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald (4 hours, 48 minutes) – Available on Google Play
Travel back in time to the Roaring 1920s and party with Jay Gatsby at his mansion! This is F. Scott Fitzgerald’s most loved and popular novel and depicts life during the American Jazz Age. However, not everything in this story is all glamor and glitz.
8. 'Mrs. Dalloway' by Virginia Woolf (6 hours, 7 minutes) – Available on Google Play
Another classic piece of literature that takes place in the 1920s, "Mrs. Dalloway" explores a day in the life of its main character, Clarissa Dalloway. The story contains other interwoven stories, and illustrates the social structure of its time.
9. 'The War of the Worlds' by H. G. Wells (6 hours, 10 minutes) – Available on Google Play
Another science fiction classic, "The War of the Worlds" tells the story of an alien invasion that leaves humans scrambling to survive and fight off the Martian invaders. This book has been adapted multiple times and has inspired countless other stories.
10. 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley (7 hours, 16 minutes) – Available on Google Play
Mary Shelley wrote "Frankenstein" when she was only 18, weaving together elements of multiple genres. However, it is widely regarded as the first science fiction story. It follows Victor Frankenstein, a scientist whose experiments result in creating a monster.
Audible vs. Google Play
If you’re new to Audible you can sign up for a 30-day free trial. During that time, browse the Plus Catalogue for audiobooks that are available to listen to for free – all the titles listed in this article are there, along with even more.
Once your trial is up, a membership costs $14.95 per month. Each month you are given one credit, which can be used to “purchase” any audiobook, regardless of the price. Additional books can be purchased at 30% off for members.
Google Play does not operate on a subscription service. Instead, all audiobooks are purchased and/or downloaded through the app.
The Google Play titles listed in this article are all free, but read by auto-generated narrators. This means they are computer generated and not read by a human. Other audiobooks available for purchase will have narrator names listed, so you can see if they are auto-generated or not.
