Listening instead of reading – The advantages of audiobooks and audiobook apps

The world of literature offers us various ways to experience stories and acquire knowledge. Two of the most prominent methods are traditional reading and listening to audiobooks . Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, making them attractive to different target groups.

Some people can devour one book after another, while others prefer audiobooks. Our article explains why audiobooks are sometimes a good alternative to reading, which apps offer audiobooks of various genres, and outlines several criteria to consider when choosing an audiobook app .

Audiobook vs. Reading: A Comparison

Let's explore together the differences and similarities between audiobooks and reading, supplemented by scientific studies and findings, and the most frequently asked questions on this topic.

The advantages and disadvantages of traditional reading

Reading a book is an immersive experience that uniquely challenges our imagination and cognitive abilities. When we read, we are actively involved in the process of creating mental images and scenarios.

Advantages:

• Deeper understanding and retention: Studies have shown that reading enhances the understanding and retention of information. An article published in the journal "Psychological Science" indicates that readers are better able to remember details and context because they use more cognitive resources to process text.

• Improving language skills: Reading expands vocabulary and improves grammatical knowledge. Young readers develop a better feel for language through reading.

• Possible deceleration and reflection: Reading allows for a slower experience of stories, which offers space for reflection and a deeper engagement with the content.

Disadvantages:

• Time-consuming: Reading requires active time planning, which can be difficult, especially in a hectic lifestyle.

• Physical limitations: Printed books require physical handling and good lighting conditions, which can make reading difficult in certain situations.

This is what happens when you start reading more books again – A self-experiment

Audiobooks: Multitasking and convenience

Listening to audiobooks is a flexible and accessible way to enjoy stories and absorb information, especially for people with busy schedules.

Advantages:

Listening to the reader's voice and letting your imagination run wild – simply hearing a story instead of reading it in a book has numerous advantages:

• Convenience and accessibility: Audiobooks can be listened to on the way to work, while exercising, or doing housework. This makes it possible to use otherwise "dead" time. Listeners don't have to turn pages or strain their eyes. Especially after a stressful day with lots of screen time or long car journeys, eyes are often tired and reading is difficult – an audiobook can be a great alternative here.
• Multitasking : Another advantage is that other tasks can easily be carried out alongside listening, such as housework, which is much easier with the right entertainment from an audiobook.
• Entertainment while exercising: Doing sports on the exercise bike, having a yoga session or being outside (with headphones and smartphone in your pocket) – all of this is not possible when reading books, but is no problem when listening to audiobooks.
• Plenty of reading material in a short time: Those who like to read many books but have little time for it also benefit from audiobooks.
• A vivid experience: If the book is read aloud by someone who tells the story in a very vivid and exciting way, the listening experience can be very intense and enriching.
• Emotional depth through speakers: Professional speakers can bring additional emotional depth to the text through their interpretation and emphasis, which may be less tangible when reading silently.
• Also suitable for people with reading difficulties: Whether dyslexic or affected by a reading and spelling disability – audiobooks make book content accessible to those who are unable to read a book.
• To fall asleep: Relaxing and lighthearted stories are particularly suitable shortly before bedtime, as they help you to switch off.
• Sense of community: Audiobooks are ideal for playing to several people, such as children or a group of friends.

Disadvantages:

• Reduced receptiveness: Studies, such as those published in the “Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior”, suggest that listeners are less able to remember details when they hear a text compared to reading it.

• Lack of visual information: Textbooks or complex texts may lack visual aids such as diagrams or tables for clarification.
• Risk of distraction: Audiobooks require a certain level of concentration to avoid losing the thread, and it can easily happen that one becomes distracted by external noises or thoughts.

A user's experience with audiobook apps

Scientific findings and studies

Several studies have examined the cognitive differences between reading and listening to texts. A 2019 study found that both listening and reading activate the same brain regions responsible for language processing and comprehension. This suggests that both methods require fundamentally similar cognitive processes.

“Journal of Neuroscience” in 2016 showed that the deeper understanding and recall of complex information may be more effectively supported by visual reading, as it promotes the active construction of mental images and scenarios.

Diverse selection via audiobook apps

Audiobook apps like Storytel , Nextory , Bookbeat , Audible , Podimo , Legimi , and many others offer easy access to a wide variety of audio dramas. Depending on your taste, you'll find a large selection of different book genres: humorous novels, romance stories, mysteries, thrillers, and even children's books – there's something for everyone.

To get a good overview of the different audiobooks, the offer from Hörbuchapps.de , where you can read numerous reviews of various audiobook apps and easily find the best offers through free trial listening.

What is important when choosing an audio drama app?

Which audiobook app best suits your personal taste can vary greatly. Besides comparing the monthly cost of the app, the number of users, as well as possible subscription offers for families and offline mode, are considered crucial criteria.

In offline mode, you can listen to all audiobooks even when no Wi-Fi or mobile data is available, for example when traveling or in other places without internet access.

Family subscriptions allow access to audiobooks for the whole family. While some apps only offer access for one user, apps that can be used by up to five users are more practical.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is it better to read or to listen?

The answer depends on your personal preferences and circumstances. If you're aiming for deeper understanding and retention, reading might be more beneficial. If you want to be flexible and multitask, audiobooks are ideal.

2. Do audiobooks lose important details compared to reading?

It can happen that important details are less easily retained when listening than when reading, especially with complex texts. Nevertheless, professional speakers often offer an enriching experience through their interpretation.

3. Do audiobooks improve language skills in the same way as reading?

Audiobooks can improve listening comprehension and vocabulary, especially when listened to in a foreign language. However, active reading is more effective for grammatical development and spelling.

4. Which medium is better for children?

Both media have their advantages. Reading can promote language development, spelling, and comprehension, while audiobooks can strengthen listening comprehension and the ability to follow stories. A combination of both can be particularly enriching.

5. Are audiobooks better suited for certain genres?

Audiobooks are ideally suited for narrative genres such as novels or biographies, where emotional delivery plays a crucial role. Textbooks and academic books, which often rely on visual aids, might be better read.

In conclusion, both reading and listening to books make their own valuable contributions to personal and intellectual development. The choice of medium should be based on individual needs and daily habits – and ideally, both methods should be combined to get the best of both worlds.

Joachim Rodriguez y Romero

Owner and Managing Director of Kunstplaza . Publicist, editor, and passionate blogger in the fields of art, design, and creativity since 2011. Graduated with a degree in web design from university (2008). Further developed creative techniques through courses in freehand drawing, expressive painting, and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market gained through years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with key players and institutions in the arts and culture sector.

www.kunstplaza.de