Discover the Kindle models with audiobook function and how you can optimize your listening experience. (Image: Source: Adobe Stock / by Joostverbeek)
Are you also fans of not only reading books, but also experiencing them as audio books? Amazon also recognized this wish and equipped his latest Kindles with the audio function, but not every Kindle supports this function.
In this guide you can find out which devices are compatible, how you can use audible and other services and what you should pay attention to to enjoy the best listening experience.
Which Kindle models support audio books?
Amazon has not equipped all Kindle models with an audio book function. The Kindle Paperwhite (from the 10th generation) and the Kindle Oasis are currently offering the opportunity to play audio books.
Both models are compatible with Audible, Amazon’s audio book platform. All you need is a Bluetooth-compatible device such as headphones or speakers, since Kindle models do not have an integrated speaker.
You can see whether your Kindle is capable of this on Amazon via the device into the device. Pay attention to the VoiceView screen reader via Bluetooth.
You can quickly and easily see whether a device is audible via the device page.
So you use Audible on your Kindle
To hear audio books on a compatible Kindle, you need an audible account and an audio book that you can buy or borrow. This is how it works:
- Register via the Amazon website on an unique account and buy an audible audiobook.
- Connect your Kindle with WLAN and synchronize your library. The audio book appears automatically.
- Go to the Audible library on your Kindle, select the audio book and connect a Bluetooth device.
Incidentally, Audible often offers free test months – ideal to test the function!
Which e-book reader can also play audio books?
In addition to the Kindle models Amazon Kindle Paperwhite and Amazon Kindle Oasis, models from PocketBook and Kobo are also able to play audio books.
The PocketBook Touch HD 3, which offers a jack plug for wired headphones and Bluetooth for wireless connections, can play audio books and music. Another model is the InkPad 4, which also supports Bluetooth for connecting with wireless audio devices.
The Kobo Libra 2 is another alternative that supports various audiobook formats and is Bluetooth-capable. While Kindle devices are often limited to audible, devices such as those of PocketBook or Kobo offer more flexibility when using different audio book formats.
It is important to check the specific functions before buying an e-book reader to ensure that the device is compatible with your desired audiobook formats or services.
What are alternative solutions for non-compatible Kindle models?
If your Kindle does not support audio books, you don’t have to completely do without listening pleasure. There are some practical alternatives that can help you to enjoy audio books.
One way is to use your smartphone or tablet. With the Audible app you can play your audiobooks directly and have anywhere. Another option is the combined use: read the e-book on your Kindle and listen to the audio book in parallel on your smartphone. Thanks to Audible’s whispersync function, the reading progress remains automatically synchronized between the two devices.
If audio books are particularly important to you, it could also be worthwhile to think about a new, compatible Kindle model.
Do you use the Audiobook function yourself regularly? How do you proceed if you want to secure the listening experience? Have you secured a new model or have you found a detour? Do you have any further tips or questions? Write us in the comments – we look forward to your exchange!