Key takeaways
- Free audiobooks almost never come with synced text, so a read-along has to be created from the recording.
- LibriVox recordings are public domain, with source texts mainly from Project Gutenberg and audio hosted on the Internet Archive, so they are free to use for any purpose.
- HushBook has a built-in store of public domain audiobooks from LibriVox and the Internet Archive. It transcribes the recording on your phone and highlights each word as the narrator reads. Tap any word to jump to it.
- The core read-along is free to start. It also has profiles for dyslexia or ADHD and low vision.
- Limits: the transcript comes from speech recognition, so unusual names can come out wrong, and HushBook cannot import protected files such as Audible downloads.
You can read along with a free audiobook, word by word, on your phone. The books are free, the app is free to start, and the highlighting happens on your device.
The catch is that free audiobooks almost never come with synced text. You get a recording, and the book's text lives somewhere else. This guide covers where to find free audiobooks you can legally use, and how to turn them into a read-along with HushBook.
What does read-along mean?
Most people want one thing: to hear the narrator and see the words, with the current word marked. That's what HushBook does. It highlights each word as it's spoken, scrolls the text as the audio plays, and lets you tap any word to jump to that point in the recording.
It's different from text-to-speech, where a synthetic voice reads a text aloud. Here a human narrator reads, and the app finds where each word falls in the recording. There's a longer explanation in the immersive reading guide.
Where do free audiobooks come from?
LibriVox
LibriVox is a volunteer project that records public domain books and gives the audio away. Its About page says: "All our audio is in the public domain, so you may use it for whatever purpose you wish." The source texts come mainly from Project Gutenberg, and the Internet Archive hosts the audio files.
That means thousands of classics with human narrators, free to download and keep. Many of these books are very old, and as LibriVox itself warns, may contain outdated or offensive language or ideas.
Internet Archive
The Internet Archive hosts the LibriVox audio files, so the same recordings are available there too.
Your own files
Any recording you legally own as an ordinary audio file works too, such as an MP3 or M4B. If you're unsure which format you have, M4B vs MP3 explains the difference.
How do you read along with a free audiobook in HushBook?
- Get the audiobook. HushBook has a built-in store of public domain audiobooks from LibriVox and the Internet Archive. Search for a title and download it. Or import your own MP3 or M4B.
- Let it transcribe. HushBook transcribes the recording on your phone, so the audio never leaves your device. The transcript is matched to the audio word by word.
- Press play. Each word highlights as the narrator reads it, and the text scrolls along. Tap a word to jump there. Change the speed, or keep listening with the screen locked.
The core read-along is free to start, so you can try it on a free LibriVox book without paying for anything.
Who is it useful for?
- Anyone who loses their place. When your mind wanders, the highlighted word shows you exactly where the narrator is.
- Language learners. You hear a word and see how it's spelled at the same moment.
- Readers with dyslexia or ADHD. HushBook has a profile with dyslexia-friendly fonts and a focus view. There's more on audiobook apps for dyslexia.
- Readers with low vision. Another profile uses a high-contrast, hyper-legible font and large type for the highlighted line.
- Classics readers. Older language is easier to follow when you can hear it and see it.
What can't it do?
Two honest limits.
- The transcript comes from speech recognition. Unusual names, invented words and old-fashioned spellings can come out wrong. It's good, not perfect.
- It can't import protected files. Audiobooks locked to a store, such as Audible downloads, can't be moved into another app. HushBook works with files you can legally import, which is why the free public domain library is the best place to start.
Pick a book and try it
If you've never read along with an audiobook, start with a book you already half-know. A short classic from LibriVox is a good test, because you'll notice quickly how much easier it is to stay with the story when the words are in front of you. There's a quick overview of the idea at audiobook with text.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
How do I read along with a free audiobook?
Download a public domain audiobook from the HushBook store, or import your own MP3 or M4B. HushBook transcribes it on your phone, then highlights each word as the narrator reads.
Where can I find free audiobooks to read along with?
LibriVox and the Internet Archive offer free public domain audiobooks, and HushBook's built-in store lets you browse and download them.
Are LibriVox audiobooks really free?
Yes. LibriVox says all its audio is in the public domain and may be used for any purpose. The books are old, and some contain outdated or offensive language.
Is HushBook free?
The core read-along is free to start, so you can try it on a free LibriVox book.
Is this the same as text-to-speech?
No. Text-to-speech uses a synthetic voice to read a text. HushBook follows a human narrator and highlights each word as it is spoken.
Can HushBook read along with Audible audiobooks?
No. It cannot import protected files such as Audible downloads. It works with audio files you can legally import, such as LibriVox MP3 or M4B files.
Is the transcript always accurate?
Not always. It comes from speech recognition, so unusual names, invented words and old-fashioned spellings can come out wrong.
Try read-along on a recording you own
Import an MP3 or M4B audiobook, let HushBook create the transcript on your phone, and follow every word with the narrator. Free to download, with optional Pro.