best road trip audio book

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Blog – Posted on Friday, Jul 26

45+ best audiobooks for road trips in 2024.

So, you’re going on a road trip! What fun — that is, until it’s hour nine and you’re bored out of your mind at the wheel, unable to keep your eyes open to the pounding beat of tedium. 

If this sounds familiar to you, we have an eleventh-hour Good Samaritan for you: the audiobook. Criminally underrated, good audiobooks will captivate you on the edge of your seat, weave whole worlds in the confines of your car, and keep you so vitally engaged that you’ll be trying to find excuses to lengthen your road trip.  

However, as you might know, the road to hell is paved with good intentions and monotone narrators. So we’ve taken care to gather the absolute 45+ best audiobooks for road trips in this post to make your own road trip a little more fun. Since each audiobook adds a different flavor to your journey, we’ve organized them below by genre. Feel free to jump to the one that fuels your fancy!

Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain, narrated by Nick Offerman

One of the funniest American authors in history (Mark Twain) is narrated by one of the funniest American actors alive right now (Nick Offerman, of Parks and Recreation fame ). Need we say more to convince you that this audiobook will make your trip worthwhile? If so, we’ll let Doug, an Audible editor, have the final word:

“I am not exaggerating when I say that this is one of the best things I have ever listened to. Nor would it be dishonest to say that this recording made me fall in love with Twain's classic ode to adolescence all over again. But perhaps the strangest thing, as I keep telling all my friends, is that I completely forgot how truly laugh-out-loud funny this book is. I have the narration to thank for that. Parks and Recreation 's Nick Offerman is known for playing the quintessential gruff male, but he thoroughly astonishes here, bending his baritone effortlessly to give Twain's characters life.”

Perfect for your road trip if: you’ve always wanted Ron Swanson as a driving buddy. Time duration: 7 hours and 52 min.

Bleak House by Charles Dickens, narrated by Sean Barrett and Teresa Gallagher

Always wanted to read Dickens , but could never find the time or energy to do so? Then this audiobook may be the answer to all of your road trip prayers, for you can let Sean Barrett and Teresa Gallagher read Dickens to you. Far from distracting, their magnificent dual narration enhances the melodrama that Dickens deftly builds. It’s not easy to do justice to such a sprawling masterpiece, but this audiobook more than rises up to the task.

Perfect for your road trip if: you’re ready to get fired up over the ridiculous bureaucracy of the chancery court system. Time duration: 35 hours and 14 min. 

Beloved by Toni Morrison, narrated by Toni Morrison

If you haven’t read this remarkable 1988 Pulitzer winner, there’s no time like a road trip to dip your toe in! Admittedly, you’re more likely to be dunked headfirst into the deep end by Morrison, as this fantastically frightening tale of a slave woman haunted by her murdered daughter is going to keep you awake and alert at the wheel. 

Made all the more unforgettable by Morrison’s narration, Beloved conjures vivid images of slavery in America and compels the listener to ponder horrors both historical and imaginary. (Needless to say, if you’re going down a long, dark road at night, you might want to save this one for later.)

Perfect for your road trip if: you want to take a terrifying magical realist trip of the mind in addition to your vehicular journey. Time duration: 12 hours and 3 min. 

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, narrated by Jake Gyllenhaal

Whether you want to take a trip down memory lane or read The Great Gatsby for the first time, Jake Gyllenhaal’s (!) narration is sure to liven up your travels. From the sparkling descriptions of Gatsby’s famous parties to the incisive drama of the Tom-Daisy-Gatsby love triangle, you’ll feel the long stretches of road start to melt away in favor of a Jazz Age paradise. Just don’t pull a big yellow Rolls-Royce out there — if you know what we mean 😉

Perfect for your road trip if: you’re looking to bone up on one of the “Great American Novel” contenders. Time duration: 4 hours and 49 min. 

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, narrated by Elisabeth Moss

For fans of the phenomenal Hulu adaptation and dystopian stories in general, we have The Handmaid’s Tale , as told by the dramatically gifted Moss (who also stars in the TV show). Though it’s not exactly light and easy fare, this mesmerizing tale of a single-minded woman trapped in a mega-patriarchy will have you thinking very differently about the world we live in. Narrative-wise, you’ll also be holding your breath right up to the final word. And if you still have reservations, know that Moss's conviction and urgency turns this already excellent tale into a vital one.

Perfect for your road trip if: you’ve had your “Songs to Smash the Patriarchy To” Spotify playlist on repeat the whole time. Time duration: 12 hours and 6 min.

On the Road by Jack Kerouac, narrated by Will Patton

A classic take on a classic tale. Jack Kerouac’s On the Road , which centers around Sal Paradise and Dean Moriarty’s manic travels through the United States, may be the quintessential book of the wild Beat generation of the 1960s. Needless to say, Will Patton’s pitch-perfect interpretation gets its spirit down pat. His melodious voice is a flawless match for the free-flowing groove of Kerouac’s prose — and it will surely make a fine companion for your own road trip as you meet the same open road that beckoned Sal and Dean across the breadth of the country!

Perfect for your road trip if: you’re on the road (especially to New York or San Francisco). Time duration: 11 hours and 8 min. 

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, narrated by Thandie Newton

You can’t miss the audiobook of this Victorian-era classic, read by Thandie Newton of Westworld fame. (Fun fact: she also played the titular character in the film version of Beloved. ) Newton’s crisp yet impassioned narration will breathe life into Jane Eyre like you’ve never known before, carrying you swiftly and enjoyably through Jane’s difficult childhood and education at Lowood, her stint as a governess at Thornfield, and her iconic love affair with Mr. Rochester. Alas, our one criticism is that Newton stays faithful to the text and doesn’t quip, “Listener, I married him” — but wouldn’t it be great if she did?

Perfect for your road trip if: you’re always happy to be lost in a romantic (and Gothic) haze. Time duration: 19 hours and 10 min.

World War Z by Max Brooks, narrated by Alan Alda, Mark Hamill, etc.

The Zombie War is finally over, but what of the people remaining in its wake? This book is their story: the narrator traveled across America to interview the survivors, recording their testimonies in a documentary-style format.

Such a setup pretty much makes this story tailor-made for an audiobook, as the interviews translate seamlessly into the aural medium. If that’s not enough, it may boast one of the best multiple-cast members ever (think Alan Alda, Mark Hamill, Martin Scorsese, Simon Pegg, Brian Tee, Nathan Fillion, Kal Penn, René Auberjonois, and more). Spectacular stuff — not to mention the five additional hours of previously unrecorded content on this particular audiobook.

Perfect for your road trip if: you’re down for a serious undertaking (with zombies). Time duration: 12 hours and 9 min.  

Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, narrated by Dominic Hoffman

This is the perfect choice if you want to be transported into another country — specifically, within Africa. A gripping tale about two sisters who are born into different villages in Ghana in the 18th-century (and the wildly different trajectories that they and their descendants take over the next 300 years), Homegoing is a modern triumph. Experience it through its audiobook, which is read beautifully by Dominic Hoffman.

Perfect for your road trip if: you love getting swept up in rich historical fiction. Time duration: 13 hours and 11 min. 

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, narrated by Allan Corduner

Famously narrated by Death, The Book Thief isn’t exactly a cheery read. It’s a story about a girl in 1939 Nazi Germany who steals books and is by turn beautiful, tear-jerking, and enduring. 

Which is why this audiobook may be perfect for a lonesome trip out across the country. Not everyone can claim to give voice to Death itself, but Allan Corduner does it fabulously in this reading of The Book Thief , adding amazing dimension and poignancy to the written words. (Just a bit of friendly warning: bring tissues with you on this road trip, unless you want to be blinded by tears during the final thirty minutes of the audiobook!)

Perfect for your road trip if: you don’t mind a good cry on the highway. Time duration: 13 hours and 56 min. 

Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes, narrated by Jeff Woodman

Built upon the timeless short story of the same name, Flowers for Algernon is the moving tale of a mentally slow cleaner who engages in an experiment to become a genius — with unexpected results. The entire novel is presented through a series of journal entries, or “progress reports,” that are written by Charlie. ("I reely wantd to lern I wantid it more even then pepul who are smarter even then me. All my life I wantid to be smart and not dumb.”) Heartbreakingly rendered by narrator Jeff Woodman, who switches between regular Charlie and genius Charlie with magnificent ease, this audiobook is set to become just as much of a classic as its novel. 

Perfect for your road trip if: you want to hear a relatively short but very powerful story. Time duration: 8 hours and 58 min. 

The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden, narrated by Kathleen Gati

Prepare to be swept off of your feet (or, off of the gas pedals) with this spectacular rendition of The Bear and the Nightingale . Katherine Arden’s lush retelling of Russian folklore was critically acclaimed when it was first published in 2017, introducing readers to a young Russian girl named Vasilisa who must step up to protect her loved ones from a threat that was supposed to have only existed in fairy tales. And Kathleen Gati’s velvety, hypnotic voice will turn your car into a cozy living room — complete with a crackling fire — as a nurse tells you stories from long ago.   

Perfect for your road trip if: you’re driving through snowy, Russia-like terrain and want to feel warm and comforted. Time duration: 11 hours and 48 min. 

The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay, narrated by Humphrey Bower

Though it sounds like a self-motivational handbook , The Power of One is actually a profoundly moving novel about a young boy named Peekay who’s raised in pre-apartheid South Africa. Peekay is bullied by his peers and constantly strives to escape their torment — a quest helped by his relationship with a medicine man, who reshapes his entire worldview. But as Peekay grows older, greater troubles than school bullies rear their ugly heads: the outbreak of World War II, the loss of his mentors, and worse. 

Humphrey Bower miraculously brings every single character, with all their accents and mannerisms, to life in the audiobook… which serves as an important window into a time and place that’s oft forgotten.

Perfect for your road trip if: you want a spiritual philosophy to guide you on your journey. Time duration: 21 hours and 33 min. 

MYSTERY AND THRILLER

The dead zone by stephen king, narrated by james franco.

This famous 1979 King novel concerns a man, Johnny Smith (not to be confused with the explorer), who acquires psychic abilities after an accident in his youth creates a “dead zone” in his brain. From then on, young Johnny can tell people things that they don’t even know about themselves — or, more eerily, things that haven’t even transpired yet. Yet, despite his abilities, all Johnny wants is a normal life. But when he’s approached by a sheriff hoping to solve a series of murders, he agrees to help... with no idea what clairvoyant floodgates he’s opening. 

As with all King stories , this one depends on the gradual build of atmospheric tension, which James Franco does with great aplomb in the audiobook. Consequently, it’s another one we wouldn’t recommend for a dark, lonely drive.

Perfect for your road trip if: you wish you could know exactly how long it’ll take to get through each long stretch of traffic. Time duration: 16 hours and 12 min. 

The Sherlock Holmes collection by Arthur Conan Doyle, narrated by Stephen Fry

It doesn’t get better than one British icon narrating another British icon’s adventures. Neither probably need an introduction, but just in case you don’t know them already: Sherlock Holmes is the world’s most famous fictional detective and Stephen Fry is an acclaimed actor, screenwriter, author, and comedian.

More than that, Fry is a profound devotee of Sherlock Holmes. He narrates with the skill of a celebrated performer and the enthusiasm of a fan, which alone makes this audiobook worth the money and time. Note that this isn’t the complete edition — it’s missing around 12 of Sherlock Holmes’ short stories. If you don’t mind that, this might just be the audiobook for you!

Perfect for your road trip if: you enjoy solving mysteries as you drive. Time duration: 62 hours and 52 min. 

Bird Box by Josh Malerman, narrated by Cassandra Campbell

Not a great pick for nervous drivers, to say the least — this post-apocalyptic thriller will have you gripping the steering wheel in anticipation of seeing “The Problem” on the side of the road. But don’t let that put you off, because Malerman’s masterful suspense-building combined with Campbell’s taut narration makes for an unforgettable audiobook experience. It’ll also inspire gratitude that your journey isn’t quite as harrowing as Mallorie’s with her two young children! 

And, of course, when you finally reach your destination, you’ll be perfectly primed to watch the Netflix film starring Sandra Bullock.

Perfect for your road trip if: you’re not easily unnerved (or prone to tunnel vision). Time duration: 9 hours and 8 min. 

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty, narrated by Caroline Lee

Another blockbusting bestseller that inspired not only an audiobook, but an HBO show, Big Little Lies is a juicy domestic thriller that follows three women and their children in suburban Sydney. Madeline is the seemingly flawless mother who’s still reeling from her divorce; Celeste is a busy caretaker to twins who conceals the marks left by her abusive husband; and Jane is a young mom to the eccentric Ziggy, hiding the darkest secret of all. All are united through their children’s kindergarten class, and a scandal that erupts when Ziggy starts bullying a fellow classmate… or does he? Big AND little lies are layered like pastry, and just as delectably exposed, in this audiobook narrated by Australian-born Caroline Lee.

Perfect for your road trip if: you like your stories as twisty as your backroad shortcuts . Time duration: 15 hours and 55 min.

Duma Key by Stephen King, narrated by John Slattery

When construction worker Edgar Freemantle relocates to Florida for some much-needed R&R, he never considers that what he finds there could be worse than the accident he’s just survived. But a combination of his brain injury, his rekindled obsession with artwork, and the strange supernatural properties of the land soon causes Freemantle to gain unimaginable powers… which he must use to stop a malevolent force arising in Duma Key. 

This recent Stephen King bestseller is narrated by John Slattery of Mad Men fame, who builds the lore of Freemantle’s psychic abilities and Duma Key’s disturbing history in an extremely tantalizing way.

Perfect for your road trip if: you’re headed anywhere but Florida. Time duration: 21 hours. 

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, narrated by Davina Porter

Let’s take a turn for the steamy. If you have a penchant for romance and you’re driving alone (or with friends around whom you feel very comfortable), this audiobook may be perfect for you. Read by Audie Award winner Davina Porter, this version of Outlander paints a particularly, shall we say, evocative picture of eighteenth-century Scotland… and the strapping young men who live there. After nurse Claire Randall is transported two centuries back in time, she finds herself falling for (and falling into bed with) one such man, Jamie Fraser. But their romance is tested by more than time, as violence befalls Jamie’s clan and threatens Claire’s survival.

Perfect for your road trip if: you’re driving through the rolling hills of Scotland (or perhaps have a paramour in the passenger seat). Time duration: 32 hours and 38 min. 

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, narrated by Kate Rudd

This 2011 smash hit, penned by YA superstar John Green, is sure to bring tears to your eyes and new sense of perspective. Presented by Kate Rudd, who does a commendable job of capturing the sardonic narrator Hazel Grace Lancaster, The Fault in Our Stars follows Hazel (who has thyroid cancer) as she falls in irrevocable love with fellow teen cancer sufferer Augustus Waters (who has osteosarcoma). 

You can probably see where this one is going. Even so, don’t let the prospect of tragedy keep you from Green’s unique and honest story of first love under unusual circumstances, which Rudd renders with great sensitivity and care.

Perfect for your road trip if: you’re in the mood to bawl at the unfairness of the world (and Green’s lovely prose). Time duration: 7 hours and 14 min. 

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz, narrated by Lin-Manuel Miranda

Continuing in a candid, coming-of-age vein, we have Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe , read by the inimitable Lin-Manuel Miranda. It traces the lives of two Mexican-American teenagers, Dante and Aristotle, whose easy alliance based on their names deepens into a bond that surprises both of them — transcending both geographical boundaries and society’s expectations. 

Miranda’s invested narration makes the eighties setting feel like present-day, and he switches seamlessly from infectious energy during light moments to weighty solemnity during serious ones, making the dramatic finale of Aristotle and Dante feel more than earned.

Perfect for your road trip if: you’re tired of the Hamilton soundtrack, but still want to listen to Lin-Manuel Miranda weave a beautiful story for you. Time duration: 7 hours and 29 min. 

Heartburn by Nora Ephron, narrated by Meryl Streep

And if you adore the nuanced observational style of Woody Allen, but not so much the man himself, this is the audiobook for you. Largely ignored by critics when it was first released, Heartburn — an autobiographical novel about the real-life affair Ephron’s husband had during her second pregnancy — has become a sleeper hit for its sharp depiction of upper-middle class life, coupled with the raw, genuine emotion of heartbreak. Deftly narrated by Meryl Streep (who played Ephron’s character in the 1986 adaptation), this audiobook is a classic in the making, and will have you yelling righteously at Ephron’s husband for a good portion of your drive.

Perfect for your road trip if: you want to bask in misandry AND the unquestionable brilliance of Ephron and Streep. Time duration: 5 hours and 30 min. 

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell, narrated by Rebecca Lowman and Maxwell Caulfield

Another exceptional addition to the YA canon , Fangirl revolves around a Harry Potter -esque series called Simon Snow — and an obsessive devotee to the series called Cath. Our heroine has just started college and isn’t quite sure how to “adapt” from fangirl life to real life all on her own, especially in the wake of her mother’s death and the absence of her twin sister. Will she be able to escape the realm of the fictional and strike out on her own — while not forgetting who she truly is? This much-loved novel about the overpowering love of novels will resonate with fangirls and fanboys everywhere, and the sublimely balanced narration of Lowman and Maxwell elevates it to superfan-worthy status.

Perfect for your road trip if: you want a cute, fun story to carry you through to your destination. Time duration: 12 hours and 49 min.

SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY

The hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy by douglas adams, narrated by stephen fry.

Sure, your road trip probably isn’t going to take you outside of the galaxy (or, indeed, outside of the country), but wouldn’t it be nice to think so? Narrator extraordinaire Stephen Fry takes on Douglas Adams’ eclectic and eccentric cast of characters, from poor everyman Arthur Dent to depressed robot Marvin, with wicked glee in this adaptation. Just a quick warning: this audiobook might be too much fun for a mere road trip. 

Perfect for your road trip if: you’re always up for a totally unexpected futuristic adventure . Time duration: 5 hours and 51 min. 

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline, narrated by Wil Wheaton

In a select few cases, an audiobook can compete with the movie adaptation — and come out on top. This is the case with Ready Player One , which has an excellent premise (a boy named Wade Watts must venture through a virtual reality game in search for fortune in the year 2044) and brilliant execution. Wil Wheaton’s performance is also pretty extraordinary — not least because he’s a piece of eighties trivia in the novel himself. Don’t look elsewhere if you’re up for a dose of nostalgia mixed in with fun. 

Perfect for your road trip if: you already have an eighties playlist chock-full of Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Madonna ready to go. Time duration: 15 hours and 40 min. 

The Diamond Age by Neal Stephenson, narrated by Jennifer Wiltsie

Neal Stephenson might be more known for Snow Crash , but The Diamond Age is the one that makes this cut thanks to Jennifer Wiltsie’s brilliant narration. With stellar dramatic timing and an ear for the characters’ voices, Wiltsie does a fantastic job rendering a challenging book that would trip up a lesser narrator. In The Diamond Age , a young poor girl named Nell comes across a dangerously influential document in the future: the Young Lady's Illustrated Primer , an interactive book that can teach a girl to think of herself. And thus begins Nell’s bildungsroman journey — one that will intertwine with the creator of the Primer himself.

Perfect for your road trip if: you’re a fan of steampunk or rebellious young women — we personally enjoy both. Time duration: 18 hours and 32 min. 

The Lord of the Rings series by J.R.R. Tolkien, narrated by Rob Inglis

Perfect for a short jaunt to the beach. Just kidding! The total audiobook series clocks in at a whopping 117 hours and 27 minutes , which is enough to occupy you if you were driving coast-to-coast across America — twice. 

Nevertheless, Rob Inglis’ narration is more than equal to the task of keeping you awake the entire time. He does justice to the sheer epic-ness of the main trilogy and plunges into The Hobbit with warmth. (Pro-tip: just remember to turn up all of your windows when Inglis vaults into the folksy songs of Lord of the Rings with gusto, or else you might find that you’ve got some explaining to do to your neighboring car-driver.)  

Perfect for your road trip if: you’ll be in the car for days on end (and said car is full of Tolkien fans — otherwise you’ll have a mutiny on your hands). Time duration: 117 hours and 27 min.  

The First Law trilogy by Joe Abercombie, narrated by Steven Pacey

If you’re impatient waiting for the next Game of Thrones book to come out (as are we), consider giving Joe Abercrombie’s First Law trilogy a shot. Bloody, uncompromising, and undeniably epic, this audiobook series promises you 70+ hours of relentless action. Stephen Pacey’s narration adds another dimension to the writing: his many voices and accents bring out Abercrombie’s colorful characterizations, enhancing each different culture, background, and personality. Best of all is that the trilogy is miraculously complete — so there’s no need to wait nine years for the next installment!

Perfect for your road trip if: you wish you could watch Game of Thrones while driving. Time duration: 71 hours and 58 min. 

His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman, narrated by Philip Pullman

Sometimes marketed as Harry Potter for adults , His Dark Materials can actually be read (or listened to) by people of all ages. The story centers around one orphaned girl named Lyra Belacqua, who becomes caught in the middle of a vast political conspiracy involving “dust,” disappearing children, and great armored bears. 

So rest assured that the audiobook — narrated by a full cast, including Philip Pullman himself — will tease and test the limits of your imagination! And if you find that it tickles your fancy (and if your road trip takes longer than expected), there are two more books in the series for you to devour. 

Perfect for your road trip if: you’ve got a boring drive ahead of you and want to lose yourself in a completely different world. Time duration: 10 hours and 45 min. 

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, narrated by Neil Gaiman

It’s quite a unique experience listening to a creator narrating his own story, exactly how he had imagined it — and nobody does it better than the ever-visionary Neil Gaiman. The Graveyard Book features a young boy named Bod Owens whose family is killed. Naturally, he’s raised by ghosts in a graveyard: a precarious situation that will eventually make living and dead collide as Bod must fight to preserve those that he loves when he grows up. Gaiman digs into the narration with delicious fun, making the experience a delight to listen to. 

Perfect for your road trip if: you’re on a family jaunt, as adults and children alike will be entranced by Gaiman’s magical narration. Time duration: 8 hours and 24 min.

The Harry Potter series, narrated by Jim Dale or Stephen Fry

No list is complete without the most universally beloved fantasy series of all time . J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter , which is about a boy wizard and his battles against evil as he grows up at an English wizarding school, has cemented itself in readers’ hearts for more than two decades now — and you can bet that it’ll be magical company for you on your road trip, whether you’re re-visiting Harry or dropping in on him for the first time.

As for the audiobook, there’s a great war brewing between which narration is the more definitive — Jim Dale’s or Stephen Fry’s. Some stake that Jim Dale perfectly compliments Rowling’s whimsy, while others declare that Stephen Fry is the Ron to Rowling’s Harry. Suffice to say that both are masterful and that we’ll let you decide for yourself which narrator you prefer.

Perfect for your road trip if: you’re due for a re-read, or want an utterly fantastical story to guide you on your journey (ideally to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park). Time duration: 118 hours and 57 min. 

Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, narrated by Martin Jarvis

If you’ve been wondering what’s all the fuss behind Amazon Prime television adaptation of Good Omens , but just can’t find the time to sit down and devote yourself to a good binge session, this audiobook might be the answer to your prayers. In Good Omens , a mild-mannered angel and a brassy demon must retrieve the Antichrist, who’s conveniently disappeared, before the end of the world might actually becomes reality. Martin Jarvis’ reading is inspired, giving full voice to the bewitching combination of Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman. Trust us, Armageddon's never been this fun before. 

Perfect for your road trip if: you love Biblical fanfiction and/or hilariously odd couples. Time duration: 12 hours and 32 min. 

Becoming by Michelle Obama, narrated by Michelle Obama

For a turn into the supremely inspirational, we have Michelle Obama’s bestselling memoir, Becoming . The book is divided into three sections: Becoming Me, Becoming Us, and Becoming More, all of which detail different periods of the author’s life. The first encompasses her Chicago upbringing, Ivy League education, and career beginnings as a lawyer; the second relays her relationship with Barack; and the third reveals all about their family’s life in the White House. Beautifully crafted and breathtakingly intimate, Becoming becomes even more wonderful with Obama’s own voice narrating the audiobook. In other words: Becoming lives up to the hype.

Perfect for your road trip if: motivational podcasts are your typical fare, and you want to up the ante even more. Time duration: 19 hours and 3 min. 

Educated by Tara Westover, narrated by Julia Whelan

The ultimate tale of overcoming adversity, Tara Westover’s memoir Educated also begins with her childhood — which was unconventional, to say the least. Westover’s father was a paranoid survivalist who wouldn’t allow his family to visit doctors, receive federal assistance, or attend school… meaning that Westover (now a world-renowned author) only had access to a handful of books growing up. But she studied independently and managed to get into BYU, then Cambridge, finally securing a fellowship at Harvard and a doctorate from Trinity College. Her odds-defying journey is charted with remarkable fluency in this audiobook, narrated by Julia Whelan — a TV star and fellow across-the-pond academic (having been a student at Oxford around the same time Westover was at Cambridge).

Perfect for your road trip if: you’re embarking on an ambitious college tour. Time duration: 12 hours and 10 min. 

Carsick by John Waters, narrated by John Waters

So, you’re a trailblazing filmmaker who rose to prominence in the eighties with cult classics like Cry-Baby , Hairspray , and Pink Flamingos . What are you going to do next? Go hitchhiking across the United States, obviously — but before you do that, come up with the wildest possible scenarios, both extraordinarily fortuitous and treacherously bad, to include in the record of your travels. 

The result of this undertaking, John Waters’ Carsick , is a gloriously madcap collection that’s two parts fiction, one part unbelievable fact. With an audiobook narrated by the man, the myth, the legend himself, you’ll learn more about Waters and how his mind works than you will from watching any of his idiosyncratic films (and that’s saying something).

Perfect for your road trip if: you want to share the road with a famous screenwriter who understands your plight better than most. Time duration: 8 hours and 8 min.

Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris, narrated by David Sedaris

One of Sedaris’ funniest essay collections, Me Talk Pretty One Day covers Sedaris’ experiences from elementary school to an infamous move to France. You can read the most popular piece in the collection (“Me Talk Pretty One Day”) here , but do yourself a favor and get the audiobook, because — spoiler alert! — it’s even better. (As it turns out, David Sedaris the narrator is a fine match for David Sedaris the author.) His own narration picks up nuances in the text that you wouldn’t notice, doubling the laughter quotient and confirming once again Sedaris’ status as a master of comedy.

Perfect for your road trip if: you want to cringe-laugh all the way to your destination. Time duration: 5 hours and 51 min.  

Yes Please by Amy Poehler, narrated by Amy Poehler

On the female comic side of things, there’s Amy Poehler’s enthusiastically titled memoir — and as one might expect from its uproarious author, the contents of her book follow suit. Yes Please recounts everything in Poehler’s life up to 2014, from her days at SNL to her experimentation with drugs to the aftermath of her divorce with Will Arnett. (Yes, please, we’re still sad about that one.) Throughout it all, Poehler retains her signature upbeat wit, never dwelling on the past or wallowing in what went wrong — but perpetually projecting gratitude, happiness, and hope for what comes next.

Perfect for your road trip if: you ever need a Leslie Knope-flavored pick-me-up. Time duration: 7 hours and 31 min. 

Bossypants by Tina Fey, narrated by Tina Fey

Bringing up the other half of our favorite modern comedy duo, meet Tina Fey’s memoir Bossypants . Her writerly prowess, honed through years as SNL’s head writer and subsequently on 30 Rock , shines through clearly here: Fey is acerbic and unflinchingly honest about the not-so-glamorous aspects of her life. Highlights of Bossypants include chapters on her early improv experiences, the impossible standards for women in show business, and how horrible it is to lose weight — but all delivered with sharp, scintillating humor.

If that weren’t enough, her comedic timing in the audiobook is (obviously) second to none, netting her an Audie Award for Best Audiobook of the Year and a legit Grammy nomination. (Want to sample the magic? Here’s a clip of Fey narrating a bit about her childhood.)

Perfect for your road trip if: you’d like hours of LOLs at the hands (and voice) of one of the best writers and entertainers of the twenty-first century. Time duration: 5 hours and 30 min.

Born a Crime by Trevor Noah, narrated by Trevor Noah

Here’s another famous comedian who wants to spend time with you in your car. Host of The Daily Show , Trevor Noah published a memoir to universal acclaim in 2016. His story is extraordinary and primarily focuses on Noah’s formative years, growing up in apartheid and post-apartheid South Africa. And, lest we forget that Noah is today a world-famous comedian, this audiobook reminds us in spades! A born impersonator, Noah can mimic pretty much every single accent and voice in the world — making Born a Crime ’s reading that much more buoyant and enjoyable during a road trip. 

Perfect for your road trip if: you’re intrigued by Noah’s verbally chameleonic abilities and his personal history. Time duration: 8 hours and 44 min. 

NON-FICTION

A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson, narrated by Richard Matthews

Written by international treasure Bill Bryson, author of A Walk in the Woods and Notes from a Small Island , A Short History of Nearly Everything is the ultimate book for history buffs. A self-professed non-expert, Bryson consults with the world’s top authorities, from archaeologists to mathematicians, to put together a definitive manual on science for us laymen.

The audiobook is similarly engrossing, as you might expect. Richard Matthews takes on the conversational, friendly tone of the book, so that the audiobook’s feel is that of a friend wittily explaining the world to you. If you’re casting around for an audiobook that will turn your journey into A Short Road Trip With Not Nearly Enough Time To Finish This Nonfiction Book, this is it. 

Perfect for your road trip if: your goal is to become an interesting dinner companion by the end of the trip. Time duration: 18 hours and 13 min. 

"Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!": Adventures of a Curious Character by Richard P. Feynman, narrated by Raymond Todd

From the mind of Nobel Prize-winning physicist comes this collection of unexpectedly colorful anecdotes — not just about science, but about everything that intrigued the titular Mr. Feynman throughout his life. These topics include, but are not limited to: Feynman’s safe-cracking “hobby,” his love of samba music and Brazilian culture as a whole, and his slight case of nerves before presenting the Wheeler-Feynman absorber theory in front of, you know, Albert Einstein. The audiobook, thanks to Raymond Todd’s evocative narration, paints a picture of a man who was so much more than his career — and impacted countless lives in myriad ways.

Perfect for your road trip if: you’re tickled by the idea of a physicist making you laugh. Time duration: 11 hours and 31 min.

Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari, narrated by by Aziz Ansari

Nonfiction audiobooks comprise a tricky territory, as it’s easy for them to end up being dry events: straightforward recitals of the words on the page. Luckily, that’s far from the case Aziz Ansari’s Modern Romance , which is a deep dive into the state of (you guessed it) modern romance, from dating apps to emojis in Tokyo. What’s more, it contains Ansari’s reliable humor, so that you can laugh while you learn and listen. Unsurprisingly, Ansari is a gifted performer — keeping the text lively and adding just the right hint of self-awareness to his narration. 

Perfect for your road trip if: you’d like to reel off interesting facts about 21st-century romance on your next date.  Time duration: 6 hours and 14 min. 

What If? Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions by Randall Munroe, narrated by Wil Wheaton

Randall Munroe of xkcd fame and Wil Wheaton of, well, being-an-eighties-icon fame team up for this marvelously ponderous audiobook that answers all the questions you ever had (or never even thought of) re: science, the universe, and everything. For instance: what would happen to us in the event of a robot apocalypse? If cows could photosynthesize, how much food would they need? And the question on everyone’s mind: could you get drunk from drinking a drunk person’s blood? Equal parts silly and scientific, this audiobook is sure to be a hit with erstwhile fans of Bill Nye and Neil DeGrasse Tyson. 

Perfect for your road trip if: you want some random hypotheticals with which to entertain your Airbnb hosts. Time duration: 6 hours and 35 min.

Devil in the White City: a Saga of Magic and Murder at the Fair that Changed America by Erik Larsson, narrated by Scott Brick

Living up to the saying, “Truth is stranger than fiction,” Devil in the White City recounts the astounding true story of an architect and a murderer in Chicago in the 1890s. Our architect, Daniel H. Burnham, is the man who needed to construct a world-famous exposition in the space of 18 months. In every other chapter, we meet the murderer, Dr. Henry H. Holmes — America’s first serial killer who built an actual torture palace just miles away.

Suffice to say that the audiobook is just as gripping, as the ever-gifted Scott Brick walks you through this creepy but undeniably fascinating part of the past. Needless to say, it’ll keep you on the edge of your driver’s seat — especially if you’re road-tripping through the Windy City.  

Perfect for your road trip if: you loved Chicago , but wanted more murder. Time duration: 14 hours and 58 min. 

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear, narrated by James Clear

Now we’re getting into the actual motivational stuff — and what excellent stuff it is! In this book and self-narrated audiobook, James Clear draws on various fields of science and psychology to determine exactly why old habits die hard, and what practical steps we can take to rewrite them. This is no cobbled-together collection of clickbaity tips, but thoroughly researched, scientifically sound, detailed information on how to change your life for the better. And with Clear’s confident yet not overtly self-promotional voice guiding you through it, you’ll feel like you really can build some of his suggested atomic habits… as soon as you get out of the car.

Perfect for your road trip if: you’ve just hit traffic and want to take back control of your life! Time duration: 5 hours and 35 min.

The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins, narrated by Mel Robbins

This fantastically inspiring audiobook from Mel Robbins (no relation to Tony) will have you itching to put her counsel to good use. Robbins will show you how, in just five seconds, you can push yourself to reach potential you never thought possible… and improve your mental health, personal relationships, professional standing, and more! Author and narrator uses her own experiences to bolster her advice, which comes in sharp snippets that are so easy to absorb, this guide really will go by in (what feels like) a mere five seconds.

Perfect for your road trip if: being able to accomplish something (like drive across multiple states) in five seconds or less sounds like a dream right about now. Time duration: 7 hours and 35 min.

Want even more audiobooks? Check out our posts on the best fantasy audiobooks and best sci-fi audiobooks . Or learn how to find free audiobooks in our guide the the 20 Best Places to Find Free Books online (check out the last three!)

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The 25 Best Audiobooks for Those Extra-Long Road Trips

Make the drive feel a little shorter with our top picks.

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There's nothing quite like hitting the open road for a summer road trip. You know the feeling: You're driving down the highway, watching the country pass by, and singing along to your favorite songs, and then you look at your GPS and realize you have hours (and hours) left to drive. Once you've exhausted all of the car games, you might be looking for another form of entertainment. Enter: Audiobooks. The list of audiobooks is practically endless, and there's truly something for everyone. Gone are the days of switching out the CDs for your books on tape—now you just download them to your phone. It couldn't be easier or more enjoyable.

Greenlights, Written and Read by Matthew McConaughey

McConaughey's memoir tells stories of his unconventional childhood, his rowdy college years, and his career as a Hollywood star, alongside bumperstickers of wisdom he's learned along the way. Of course, his famous Texas accent makes the audiobook version all the more enjoyable.

The Institute, Written by Stephen King and Read by Santino Fontana

The Institute, a 2020 Audie award winner for thriller/suspense, is Stephen King at his finest. In this fast-paced novel, kids with extraordinary abilities like telekinesis and telepathy are kidnapped and taken to an institute where their powers are harnessed for evil. 

Daisy Jones & The Six, Written by Taylor Jenkins Reid and Read by an Ensemble Cast

Reid tells the story about the rise and fall of a fictional 1970s rock band. The ensemble cast of Jennifer Beals, Benjamin Bratt, Judy Greer, and more sets this audiobook apart. A miniseries adaptation produced by Reese Witherspoon for Amazon Prime Video is in the works.

The Rural Diaries, Written and Read by Hilarie Burton Morgan

Narrated by the actress herself, Morgan tells the story of her life with husband Jeffrey Dean Morgan on their Mischief Farm in Rhinebeck, NY. Her poignant memoir is hilarious, heartbreaking, and relatable.

Boyfriend Material, Written by Alexis Hall and Read by Joe Jameson

This romantic comedy is a laugh-out-loud romp. Luc is the son of an aging rock star, and Oliver is a successful (if slightly stuffy) barrister. The two start fake dating in an attempt to repair Luc's bad boy image. Their group of friends make this a truly hilarious affair.

Heartburn, Written By Nora Ephron and Read By Meryl Streep

You simply can't go wrong with a laugh-out-loud novel by Nora Ephron, the beloved writer behind three of your favorite movies ( When Harry Met Sally , Sleepless in Seattle , and You've Got Mail , of course ). Just remember to  sign up for a free trial of Audible  to get your first two audiobooks free.

Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling, Read by Jim Dale

Any list of audiobooks—or books, for that matter—would be incomplete without a mention of the  Harry Potter series. Whether you've never read it or have it practically memorized, we know you'll delight in the magic of this audio retelling. 

Yes Please, Written and Read by Amy Poehler

The audiobook version of Amy Poehler's Yes Please delivers the goods, and then some. Among the many narrators and guests you'll hear from here is Amy herself, Carol Burnett, Seth Meyers, Michael Schur, Patrick Stewart, Kathleen Turner, and even Amy's parents. So even if you've already read the book, you'll want to download this version ASAP.

At Blackwater Pond: Mary Oliver reads Mary Oliver

The late poet Mary Oliver was and remains beloved for a reason: Her transcendent poetry reminds us of the miraculous beauty of nature, animals, and the like. Here, she reads a selection of her own poems in her signature, quiet way.

The Lord of the Rings, Written by J.R.R. Tolkien and Read by Rob Inglis

One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to keep them from...feeling really, really bored on a long road trip. Fans of the cult-favorite Tolkien trilogy will be thrilled to know that it, too, has gotten the audiobook treatment. Nearly as spellbinding as the books themselves, we think this version is perfect for fans of all ages.

My Life in France, Written by Julia Child and Alex Prud'Homme and Read by Kimberly Farr

Listen to the late Julia Child's biographical account of how she became the celebrated chef we now remember her to have been. With equal doses of sweetness, humor, and honesty, Child's story is incredibly charming and inspiring (not to mention kid-friendly), and it'll teach you never to give up on your dreams—no matter your age. 

Where the Crawdads Sing, Written by Delia Owens and Read by Cassandra Campbell

Where the Crawdads Sing will transport you to the North Carolina coast for a glorious and somewhat heartbreaking adventure. The audio version is a Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick too. 

Girl, Wash Your Face, Written and Read by Rachel Hollis

Best-selling author, motivational speaker, and CEO Rachel Hollis has been a fount of wisdom for her millions of fans for years now. Now, she's distilling that wisdom into words in the form of this inspiring self-help read. Women in particular will love her sassy, uplifting, no-frills take on success, motherhood, and life.

Inheritance, Written and Read by Dani Shapiro

Dani Shapiro's calm, steady voice and gorgeous prose will guide you along this not-so-steady memoir. In it, the best-selling author chronicles the events that took place after she discovered that her biological father was never, in fact, her father at all.

Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, Written and Read by Neil deGrasse Tyson

If, at red lights, you quietly ask yourself things like, "What's the meaning of life?" and "What  is a black hole, anyway?" you'll enjoy this mind-opening audiobook from Neil deGrasse Tyson. Don't worry: It's intended to be listened to by people without formal science backgrounds, so you don't have to worry about any of the information going over your head.

What If? Written by Randall Munroe and Read by Wil Wheaton

Absurd, hypothetical questions are what road trips were made for, right? This audiobook has all the answers for the deep questions you really never think about until you hit the open road, from the silly to the philosophical. ( Pssst ...have we mentioned that if you  sign up for a free trial of Audible , you'll get your first two audiobooks free?)

The Case Against Sugar, Written by Gary Taubes and Read by Mike Chamberlain

Fair warning: This one might have an impact on your usual rest stop order. First published in 2016, Gary Taube's exploration of Americans' unhealthy obsession with (and addiction to) sugar continues to cause quite a stir among his large reader base.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Written by Mark Twain and Read by Nick Offerman

Kids will love Tom Sawyer's mischievous, playful ways. Adults will love listening to actor and comedian Nick Offerman reimagine this childhood classic. It's a win-win.

Born a Crime, Written and Read by Trevor Noah

Any fans of comedian Trevor Noah will get a kick out of his self-narrated audiobook. Subtitled "Stories From a South African Childhood," his accounts are equal parts hilarious and tragic.

A Short History of Nearly Everything, Written by Bill Bryson and Read by Richard Matthews

There's no better time to brush up on world history than on a long drive. And should you choose to do so via this audiobook, you'll get a whole lot more than you bargained for: Bill Bryson's best-selling book tackles nearly every one of the biggest, most far-out questions humans have ever asked. 

Katie Bowlby is Digital Director at Country Living, where she covers gift guides, product reviews, crafts, and TV shows like Yellowstone. She’s currently stitching up a cross-stitch pattern for the magazine’s next issue 

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21 of the Most Entertaining Audiobooks for Your Next Road Trip or Flight

Laugh-out-loud memoirs, poignant novels, and family-friendly tales are among the picks for our favorite audiobooks to listen to on your next long drive or flight..

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Long drives don’t feel so long when you’re listening to a good book.

Cover images courtesy of the publishers

Looking for a travel companion this summer and can’t stand the thought of another podcast? How about an adventurous mouse, a mystical witch, a glamorous midcentury socialite . . . or even Mary Shelley? All are characters from the best books who come to life on this list of seriously great audiobooks. Whether you’re flying to foreign lands or taking a road trip across the country with your kiddos, we’ve rounded up 21 books to keep you company while you travel.

And if you’re looking for free audiobooks for your next road trip or flight, there are plenty of free trials to be had. Our best piece of advice? Stop swiping through various apps and books-on-tape and dig into the offerings of Amazon and Audible.

If you’re traveling on a family road trip with elementary-age children

Entertain and educate little ones (and yourself!) on long drives.

1. The Ramona Quimby Audio Collection by Beverly Cleary (HarperAudio, 2011)

• Buy now: amazon.com

Introduce your young traveling companions to Cleary’s most famous protagonist in this collection about a young girl named Ramona and her family. The series begins with Beezus and Ramona and takes readers all the way through Ramona Quimby, Age 8 . She’s as precocious and delightful as you remember, and better yet, all eight books (that’s 19 hours!) are read by actress Stockard Channing . It’s a delightful convergence of a childhood classic, a beloved author, and an iconic narrator who seems to be having the time of her life.

2. Redwall by Brian Jacques (Listening Library, 2003)

The first in a 22-book series, Redwall centers on Matthias, a young mouse who must rescue his friends at Redwall Abbey from the villainous rat Cluny the Scourage. Read by the author, it’s a classic story full of adventure, humor, whimsy, and derring-do, with a supporting cast that includes a badger.

3. The Assassination of Bangwain Spurge by M. T. Anderson and Eugene Yelchin (Dreamscape Media, 2018)

An adventure story for slightly older kids, this novel is about Bangwain Spurge, an elven historian on a journey to unfamiliar lands. It’s spritely and hilarious, with elements of satire that will keep adults intrigued. Listeners follow Spurge on his mission to bring peace between his nation and the goblin kingdom he visits, an exploration that might spark deeper conversations about what it means to “win” a war—and who gets to write history. 4. Grimm’s Fairy Tales by The Brothers Grimm (Native Publishing House, 2020)

• Buy now: audible.com

No matter how old you are, a collection of fairy tales is always welcome. This audio collection of Grimm’s fairy tales can serve as a delightful trip down memory lane for the whole family. They’re perfect for both long car rides, as well as shorter jaunts, and a short enough for things like drives to the store but entertaining to binge on road trips.

If you’re traveling with tweens and teens

Keep the attention of older kiddos with Akata Witch or The Guncle .

Images courtesy of the publishers

Four books that will keep older kids off their phones (and actually listening) mile after mile.

5. Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor (Tantor Audio, 2018)

Akata Witch is the first in a popular trilogy about Sunny, a Black American girl with albinism who lives in Nigeria. She’s a misfit who discovers she has mystical powers, providing an opportunity for listeners who also feel out of step with the world to daydream about their own purpose. The narrator, Yetide Badaki, has read many YA fantasy novels and does great work here.

6. The Guncle by Stephen Rowley (Penguin Audio, 2021)

What’s a Guncle? A Gay Uncle, according to author Rowley, who also narrates his novel about a washed-up TV star who must take in his young niece and nephew after their mother, his best friend, dies. With elements of satire and insight about today’s social media–driven world, it’s a lot funnier than the premise suggests and great for older teens.

7. All those Explosions Were Someone Else’s Fault by James Alan Gardner (Audible Stories, 2017)

Actress Emily Woo Zeller reads this fun sci-fi novel set in a world where superheroes, called Sparks, are everywhere. The main character, Kim Lam, is a nonbinary, Asian American college student who’s transformed, along with their friends, into a Spark by a freak accident in a lab. Older teens who love comic book movies will be into this one.

8. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (Harper Collins, 2020)

Reserve this one for super-long road trips and flights because you’ve got to either listen to or read the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy after you finish this iconic prequel. (And this one alone will take you more than 11 hours to get through!) Written in 1937, The Hobbit follows the adventures of Bilbo Baggins as he embarks on a quest with his wizard friend, Gandalf, to take back a hoard of gold from the dragon Smaug and return them the treasure to its rightful owners, the dwarves. It’s a top way to introduce a kid to the fantasy genre.

If you want diverting nonfiction audiobooks

Immerse yourself in the worlds of fascinating people like Anthony Bourdain and Molly Shannon.

When you want to get lost in hilarious memoirs, fascinating tell-alls, and deep historical dives.

9. Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly by Anthony Bourdain (Random House Audio, 2001)

The late Anthony Bourdain came to prominence with this, his first book, a staggeringly raw memoir about what exactly goes on in a restaurant kitchen: the good, the bad, and the spoiled seafood. He narrated the audiobook, and his voice remains compellingly knowledgeable and authentic.

10. The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story edited by Nikole Hannah-Jones (Random House Audio, 2021)

The Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones reads her best-selling book, an expansion of the eye-opening series she helmed for the New York Times. The series, like the book, recalibrates our understanding of American history by focusing on the Middle Passage, the infamous, horrific journey that carried enslaved people from their home countries in Africa to the Americas. An all-star cast of writers joins in the narration, including ZZ Packer, Rita Dove, and Kevin M. Kruse.

11. Romantic Outlaws: The Extraordinary Lives of Mary Wollstonecraft and Her Daughter, Mary Shelley by Charlotte Gordon (Recorded Books, 2015)

This 2015 work is an epic dual biography of the early feminist Mary Wollstonecraft and her daughter Mary Shelley, the author of Frankenstein . Both Shelley and Wollstonecraft lived scandalous lives: Each had a child out of wedlock, and each risked public condemnation to publish their feminist writing. There’s plenty of juicy coverage of Lord Byron, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and other scoundrels of the time too.

12. Capote’s Women: A True Story of Love, Betrayal, and a Swan Song for an Era by Laurence Leamer (Penguin Audio, 2021)

Carrington McDuffie reads this deep look at Truman Capote’s last years, when word of the too-clear-eyed roman à clef he was writing got him banished from high society by Babe Paley, Gloria Guinness, and the other rich ladies who were scandalized by their appearance in his writing. He died before publishing it. Ryan Murphy is currently adapting the book into the star-studded second season of his anthology series Feud , with a cast that includes Naomi Watts, Demi Moore, Diane Lane, and more.

13. Hello, Molly!: A Memoir by Molly Shannon (HarperAudio, 2022)

For those times when you’re driving solo and need a friend, you can’t do better than Saturday Night Live alum Molly Shannon, who reads her new memoir in her inimitable style. Her story begins with a childhood tragedy and movingly tells how that shaped who she has become.

14. Becoming by Michelle Obama (Random House Audio, 2018)

This award-winning memoir is timeless, tackling the First Lady’s childhood, relationship with President Barack Obama, and her role leading initiatives at the White House and beyond. Hearing about her journey will help hours of your journey slip right on by.

Fiction to get lost in

The hours will slip away as you listen to short stories, road tales, and even a literary ghost story.

Dive into other worlds and compelling characters with these page-turners.

15. On Earth, We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong (Penguin Audio, 2019)

This short work of literary fiction won approximately a million awards in 2019, and here the author reads his work beautifully. The novel is told in epistolary form, as 20-year-old poet and family historian Little Dog writes to his illiterate mother, processing their lives, which brought them from Vietnam to the United States after the war. A captivating listen for a long day trip.

16. Milk Blood Heat by Dantiel W. Moniz (HighBridge, 2021)

A short story collection can be a good accompaniment to a road trip, and this one, read by Machelle Williams, crackles. The Florida-set stories are about people who find themselves at crossroads in life, with themes of race, faith, family, and violence all in play. In one, two estranged siblings take a fraught road trip with their father’s ashes; in another, a young woman of color recognizes the differences between her life and that of her white best friend. Searingly good sentences build to tragic and thought-provoking finales. 17. We Are the Brennans by Tracey Lange (MacMillan Audio, 2021)

Popular audiobook narrator Barrie Kreinik expertly reads this best-seller about the many interconnections between a large Irish Catholic family in upstate New York and the small town they inhabit. It’s the perfect book for driving around the Mid-Atlantic or New England, the audio equivalent of un-put-down-able.

18. The Sentence by Louise Erdrich (HarperAudio, 2021)

The Pulitzer Prize–winning Native American writer Louise Erdrich reads her latest novel , which somehow manages to be a love story, a mystery, and a ghost story at once. It’s as “of the moment” as book publishing gets, set in the summer of 2020 in Minneapolis, and includes the pandemic and George Floyd’s murder as plot points.

19. Dune by Frank Herbert (Macmillan Audio, 2006)

The best thing about this science fiction adventure? You can watch it on the big screen (aka the TV in your living room) once you finish it. This science fiction epic follows the trials and tribulations of Paul Atreides (played by Timothée Chalamet in the film), who is forced to move to a dangerous planet populated with sand worms, a drug called “spice,” and the mysterious people who guard it. And, yes, there are plenty of fights with villains as well as a torrid romance.

20. The Shining by Stephen King (Random House Audio, 2012)

This award-winning novel became an instant hit when it was was first published in 1977. It’s ideal for a long road trip or a flight to any place, spooky or otherwise. In this classic, Stephen King tells the tale of a man slowly losing his grip on reality and becoming increasingly irritated with his family in a very haunted hotel.

21. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn (Random House Audio, 2012)

Mystery and thriller fans will love this deep dive into a small-town tragedy read by Julia Whelan. Nick Dunne, a writing teacher, comes home on their fifth anniversary to discover that his wife, Amy, is nowhere to be found. And as the plot thickens, it becomes clear that none of the narrators featured in the book are reliable or trustworthy. What’s the truth? You’ll have to keep listening to Julia Whelan’s riveting narration to find out.

This story was originally published in 2019, and most recently updated on August 25, 2023 with current information. Erika Owens contributed to the reporting of this story.

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21 Best Audiobooks For Road Trips | Perfect Way to Make Your Long Drives Even More Enjoyable

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Note: The Travel Awaits team regularly updates content to provide the latest, and most accurate information to our readers. The updated content in this article may not reflect the views or opinions of the original author.

As I cruised the long, lonely stretches of Nevada’s Highway 93, I was transported to the 18th- and 19th-century streets of New York City, Albany, and Washington, D.C., alongside United States Founding Father Alexander Hamilton.

And as I gazed at the marvels of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in southern Utah, a part of me was in the Highlands of Scotland, right in the midst of a crew of feisty wizards and witches.

Such is the beauty of audiobooks – those wonderful creations that allow you to listen as a narrator reads a book. For me, they offer an unbeatable opportunity to make the most out of road trips with good planning .

As an avid road tripper, I have long turned to audiobooks as a means of battling the boredom of long drives. When I recently looked back at my audiobook history for the past year, I found that I had listened to 40 audiobooks, mostly while I was driving along desert, coastal or mountain scenery .

I’ve listened to hundreds and through my many years of experience, I have compiled a list of the best audiobooks for multigenerational family road trips — some fairly new, others older — to lighten your future road trips. Here are 11 of them.

A word of caution: While listening to audiobooks in a busy urban traffic environment, people react more slowly to hazards while emersed in listening. Conversely, and in a simpler environment of country roads or long interstate drives, drivers react more quickly while listening to audiobooks.

The crucial balance is to engage in listening to a level that keeps your cognitive thinking alert but doesn’t present too much of a cognitive challenge to prevent quick reactions while you are driving.

A note to our readers: De gustibus non disputandum est . This is a remarkable Latin phrase meaning “Of taste, there is no disputing.” It goes for tastes in books, too. Even if you don’t find a book you like here, don’t worry; 70,000-80,000 audiobooks are published every year. You’re bound to find the right book for every road trip!

Best Audiobooks For Road Trips

1. best audiobooks for kids – knight owl.

Christopher Denise’s Knight Owl is an amazing book meant for preschoolers. The puns and references are witty, and the message is relevant, but above everything else, this is a beautiful story about dreaming big no matter what size you are and how everyone can change the world for the better and find friends and happiness. It would certainly make a lovely bedtime listening.

2. Best Audiobooks For Teens – The Hunger Games

Suzanne Collins’s Hunger Games series is a compelling choice for fantasy lovers. It takes place in a near-future dystopian state where the sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen struggles to support her mother and sister. It is a well-written story and the pacing is good, while Tatiana Maslany’s narration heightens the drama and dread and will certainly keep you captivated while on the road.

Despite any second thoughts you may have about the series, whether it’s the movies or the follow-up books, its first installment is an enjoyable read that fits in the young adult category.

3. Best Audiobooks For Women – The Woman in Me, by Britney Spears

Britney Spears’s Woman in Me is her account of her own life, from the days of early fame to her involuntary placing under a conservatorship, and all the highs and lows in between. Fans everywhere have been waiting for Britney to reveal her side of the story, and finally, it is here, told with remarkable honesty and humor. It is the bestselling memoir everyone is talking about.

Moreover, it’s the first time the public gets to hear how fame and generational trauma have impacted the famous woman’s life. At five hours and 31 minutes, The Woman in Me is a short book for such an eventful career, but it gives you something to think about.

4. Best Audiobooks For Men – King: A Life

Jonathan Eig’s King: A Life is a deeply satisfying biography depicting the civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr . Narrator Dion Graham does an excellent job with King’s voice and the book itself is well written.

It covers most key events and people during the civil rights era and it shines a light on how the FBI and other high-ranking officials hounded King. It’s accurate to a fantastic degree because, unlike biographers before Eig who were denied access, Eig was able to go through the recently released FBI files.

5. Best Audiobooks For Families – The One and Only Ivan

Inspired by a true story, The One and Only Ivan is a gorgeous tale of how a mighty gorilla wins his freedom. A perfect mixture of humor and poignancy, Katherine Applegate’s realistic writing is perfect if you want your kids to grow up to be decent and loving individuals and learn a few precious life lessons along the way.

Katherine Applegate blends humor and poignancy to create an unforgettable story of friendship, art, and hope in the rich vein of similar classic books such as Charlotte’s Web and Stuart Little. It simply has to be one of the best animal fiction books for tweens and adults.

6. The Great Alone

Alaska has been on my travel must-list for years, and I had toyed with taking a trip there in 2020. That didn’t happen, but I was able to “travel” there anyway through The Great Alone , Kristin Hannah’s wonderful 2017 novel that is part coming-of-age story, part fictional travelogue for the area near Homer, Alaska that makes this inspiring story one of the best audiobooks.

I see The Great Alone as a way to transport to the wilds of Alaska, even if you’re stuck driving to spots in your own backyard. Or, if you’re lucky enough to be road-tripping through Alaska, the book would be a great introduction or accompaniment.

7. The Boys In The Boat

I love a nonfiction book that makes me think, “Why didn’t I know this?” That was the case with Daniel James Brown’s 2013 true story The Boys in the Boat , which chronicles a team of young rowers from the University of Washington on a quest for a gold medal in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin.

The rowing saga is compelling, but I also enjoyed the backstories — especially of team member Joe Rantz’s amazing odyssey as he moved around the states of Washington and Idaho while dealing with the trials of the Great Depression. It made me want to check out the backroads in the Northwestern U.S.

8. The Flight Attendant

With HBO’s series bringing attention to Chris Bohjalian’s suspenseful 2018 novel The Flight Attendant , I decided to listen to the book before watching the series.

Without giving any spoilers, I’ll say that the series departs quite a bit from the book. For one thing, the main setting is Dubai rather than Bangkok. I especially relished the book’s focus on flight travel, as well as its later locations such as Rome.

9. Kitchen Confidential

Although I had long been a fan of the late Anthony Bourdain’s TV series No Reservations , The Layover, and Parts Unknown , I had never read the book that started it all, Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly .

I finally got around to it in 2020. I found the audiobook highly entertaining, especially its descriptions of Bourdain’s early culinary adventures in Normandy, France, Cape Cod, and Massachusetts. A special treat with the audiobook is that Bourdain narrated it himself. The book is a perfect accompaniment to a foodie-focused journey.

10. The Dutch House

#3 on our list of the best audiobooks for road trips is Author Ann Patchett’s 2019 novel The Dutch House offers an enthralling story centering on family dynamics, wealth, and poverty, and how a magical house can make a life-long impression. I also loved the story’s settings in the suburban area around Philadelphia and the Columbia University area. It would make a great introduction to an East Coast road trip.

An added bonus: Movie star Tom Hanks narrates this powerful story.

11. Harry Potter

For some reason, I never read J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series when it became a worldwide sensation in the early 2000s and became synonymous with pop culture. I made up for the omission in 2020, listening to the entire series narrated by the incomparable Jim Dale who helps make it great for a family road trip. With 7 long books it’s perfect for a long trip for the entire family.

Along with offering a fun and exciting adventure story, the books wonderfully transport you to the sights and sounds of the Scottish Highlands. I’m late to this party, but I would love to take a road trip through places like Glencoe and Steall Falls, Scotland. The fourth book is hands down one of my favorite audiobooks.

12. Born A Crime: Stories From A South African Childhood

Trevor Noah, the host of Comedy Central’s The Daily Show , recounts his remarkable early childhood and young adulthood in his 2016 book Born A Crime: Stories From A South African Childhood .

For me, the insights into the waning years of South Africa’s apartheid and the first years of democratic rule were eye-opening in this young adult novel. Along with the serious topic, comedian Noah and his familiar voice offers a wild and engaging look at growing up in Johannesburg, South Africa. Noah narrates this wonderful road trip audiobook.

13. The Alice Network

I love a good spy story, and Kate Quinn’s 2017 novel The Alice Network serves that up brilliantly in a historical dual-timeline story during and after World War II.

I always know that a book is a hit with me if I do online searches for the story’s settings. That was the case with The Alice Network’s haunting descriptions of Nancy, Grasse, and Oradour-sur-Glane, France. This is one of the shorter options on this fantastic look making it a solid option for short road trips.

14. Alexander Hamilton

I’ll admit that I had tried to read Ron Chernow’s 2004 biography Alexander Hamilton a few years back but didn’t get through the 818-page tome.

After watching the hugely entertaining Hamilton production on Disney Plus in summer 2020, I decided to give the book another go as an audiobook. I found it a fascinating and enjoyable deep dive into early-American history, with great descriptions of locations throughout the US such as New Jersey, and the District of Columbia.

At almost 36 hours, however, this perfect audiobook is no joke and may be hard to hold the concentration of a whole family!

15. Becoming

Along with the extraordinary life story that takes Michelle Obama from her time as a young girl in her childhood in the South Side of Chicago to eight years of living in the White House, the former First Lady’s 2018 memoir Becoming also offers a captivating look at her extensive world travels — from Kenya to England to India.

In addition, the book offers insights into travels across the United States during the election campaigns of President Barack Obama. The audiobook is especially enjoyable because Michelle Obama narrates it herself.

16. Where The Crawdads Sing

Every now and then, the descriptions in a book are so captivating that you feel like you’re there, smelling the sea air, feeling the sand between your toes, and hearing the calls of the marsh birds. That was the case with Delia Owens’ 2018 novel Where the Crawdads Sing .

Along with being an edge-of-your-seat story, the audiobook also offers a lovely depiction of North Carolina’s marshlands — a great option for your next road trip.

17. The Lightning Thief: Percy Jackson and the Olympians

Rick Riordan’s The Lighting Thief inaugurated the series revolving around the life of a regular 12-year-old boy, Percy who finds out he is the son of a Greek god. The whole series is an excellent read for anyone, and a safe pick for parents who are looking for exciting, fun, books for both boys and girls to read. The author’s sense of humor appeals to older grade and middle school children, and there won’t be many who will not enjoy these light, fast-paced reads. 

18. The Downstairs Girl

Stacey Lee’s Downstairs Girl is a captivating, engaging, and heartfelt story for young adult readers, fans of historical fiction and diverse reads, and those who are looking for stories of determined and inspirational young women. Expect numerous twists and turns as Jo Kuan takes on fixed ideas about race and gender. Set in a time of great social upheaval, it depicts the lives of those on the margins. Historical fiction buffs will also be rewarded with an extraordinary plot twist and a gratifying ending.

19. Hello Beautiful: A Novel

Ann Napolitano’s follow-up to Dear Edward is a profoundly moving novel about the deepest connections of family and love, trauma, and healing. It follows the closely-knit Padavano sisters contending with life and loss, love, death, and forgiveness at their Chicago home. The story is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, and it successfully gives us a deeply moving idea of what is possible when we choose to love someone not despite who they are, but because of it.

20. Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage

Alfred Lansing’s Endurance is one of the greatest adventure stories of the modern age and will make you fall in love with audiobooks if you haven’t already. Nothing will prepare you for this harrowing account of British explorer Ernest Shackleton’s fateful trip to the South Pole.

Half a continent away from its intended base, the ship Endurance was trapped in the ice and finally crushed, leaving Sir Ernest Shackleton and his men to drift over a frozen, desolated landscape of one of the most inhospitable regions of the world. The story of the voyage that has defined heroism for the modern age should make anyone who thinks non-fiction audiobooks are dull change their mind.

21. The Penderwicks 

Jeanne Birdsall’s book is a modern classic series about the delightful Penderwick family. The Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy is the first novel in a series about the Penderwick girls and the story is as breezy and carefree as a summer day – the four Penderwick sisters are spending a three-week vacation with their father and dog Hound.

It is the best fit for kids aged 8 to 12 as it covers the themes of friendship, growing up, and family. Under the simple premise of the family vacation, we are told a wonderful story about following your dreams.

How To Access Audiobooks

There are many ways to access audiobooks, but I like to use my local library’s selection. With a library card, and through the Overdrive or Libby apps on smartphones or tablets, many public libraries provide free access to a huge selection of audiobooks.

I use Overdrive, and I have worked out a system of always having a handful of books on my “hold” list. That means that when the book becomes available for borrowing, I get an email notification that I can download it. Because libraries have only a limited number of each title available for checkout, you often cannot get your chosen book immediately but need to get in line. If you keep your hold list stocked with titles, though, chances are you will always have something to listen to when you hit the road.

But if getting your selection immediately is important, there are a number of options for payment services that will allow you to get what you want when you want it.

From science fiction to romance, to history novels, to light humor to fairy tale fantasy, Audible, an Amazon company , offers the world’s largest selection of digital audiobooks and spoken word content. With Audible, customers can listen anytime and anywhere to professionally-narrated audiobooks across a wide range of genres. Amazon Prime also offers subscriptions that will enable you to access a limited number of audiobooks per month. Both services offer free 30-day trials.

I like connecting my phone to my car-play option and listening through the car’s stereo system, although I have also listened on an iPad.

Just like the radio or a podcast, listening to audiobooks can be a bit distracting while driving. I recommend only listening while you are on long stretches of interstate highway or when you’re driving through stretches of rural highways. I routinely turn off my audiobooks in city traffic.

I often travel solo on my road trips, so I have only myself to please when it comes to book selections. Although I think all of my selections would be good for anyone, couples might especially like Noah’s Born a Crime or Brown’s The Boys in the Boat . Also, history-loving couples setting out on a long road trip might want to tackle Alexander Hamilton together. Obviously, for families, the Harry Potter series can’t be beaten. And there is always the option of using headphones.

Finally, here’s an alternative list of audiobooks for you to consider (no spoilers from me): A Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire – George R. R. Martin One by One – Ruth Ware American Gods – Neil Gaiman A Man Called Ove – Fredrik Backman The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo – Taylor Jenkins Reid Bossypants -Tina Fey His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass – Philip Pullman It – Stephen King Dread Nation – Justina Ireland The Night Circus – Erin Morgenstern The Fifth Season – N. K. Jemisin The Green Book – Jill Paton Walsh To Sleep in a Sea of Stars – Christopher Paulini

Related Reading:

• 27 Tips For Planning The Perfect Road Trip
• Our Most Popular Road Trips From 2020 To Fuel Your Next Journey
• California PCH Road Trip: 9 Amazing Must-Stop Spots
• British Columbia Road Trip: Vancouver To Victoria

What Can You Listen To In The Car Besides Music?

As this article has clearly stated, besides music, an audiobook is the best way to pass the time during a long drive. While it is ultimately your preference on what type of book you’d like to read, or hear, audiobooks are a great outlet for getting in a good read quickly.

What Is A Good Book To Listen To In The Car?

Are you a fan of shows and movies like Game of Thrones and Dune ? These two fantasy epics would be the perfect books to bang out during a long road trip. Use your audiobooks to kill time and fit in that read that you never had the chance to before.

What Is the Average Audiobook Price on Audible?

The average audiobook price on Amazon’s Audible ranges from $10 to $25. If you listen to audiobooks regularly, my advice is to sign up for Audible’s subscription monthly plan starting at $7.95.

What Are the 3 Best Audiobooks for a Family Road Trip?

Depending on the age of your kids, a variety of books could be best for you, including A Wrinkle in Time, Where’d You Go, Bernadette: A Novel, and The Hobbit. Of course, there are hundreds of thousands of audiobooks available for any age so you are bound to find the right ones for your family road trips.

Are There Family Audiobooks With Multiple Narrators?

Yes, there are family audiobooks with multiple narrators also called “full cast” audiobooks. They offer an immersive and engaging experience owing to the multiple voices which are especially appreciated by kids. Sometimes the production of these audiobooks includes sound effects for even more fun and excitement while listening.

Where Can I Find Free Audiobooks?

You can find free audiobooks at Digitalbook.io, LibriVox, OverDrive, Loyal Books, Storynory, Light Up Your Brain, Lit2Go, Loyal Books, Mind Webs, Open Culture, Libby by Overdrive, and Podiobooks. With a little search, you’ll find even more sources of free audiobooks on the internet.

Cindy Barks is an Arizona-based newspaper reporter, freelance travel writer, and travel blogger. Her blog, NearandFarAZ gives readers an insider's view of the wonders of the U.S. Southwest, and a traveler's take on far-off locales from Panama to Hong Kong to the Czech Republic. Regardless of the destination, her goal is to find the perfect scenic hike, city walk, beach stroll, or road-trip jaunt, and bring it to life in her blog. Cindy's articles about outdoor adventures have appeared in numerous regional and national publications.

40 Of The Best Audiobooks For Your Road Trip And Beyond

Rachel Smalter Hall

Rachel Smalter Hall may be a professional Book Rioter, but she still hangs out in the public librarian clubhouse. Two of her top three loves include audiobooks and knitting, and her favorite song is Cold Hearted Snake as performed by Alyssa Edwards and Coco Montrese on season 5 of RuPaul’s Drag Race. She co-runs a boozy book club in Lawrence, Kansas, in her spare time. Twitter: @rach_smalls Website: Rachel Smalter Hall

View All posts by Rachel Smalter Hall

We at Book Riot *heart* audiobooks just as much as we heart adventure. Here are 40 of the best audiobooks of all time that we’ve been listening to lately on long drives — from brand-new to backlist, romance to history. Enjoy them on your next road trip or wherever you get your listening fix.

Great Fiction Audiobooks

Big little lies by liane moriarty, read by caroline lee.

What begins as a lighthearted satire about suburban Australian parenting gets very dark and very twisty, very fast. The pace is quick, the characters are compelling, and Caroline Lee gives a knockout performance. — Rachel Smalter Hall

The Good Lord Bird by James McBride, read by Michael Boatman

Historical fiction about the odd couple that is ten-year-old Little Onion — a cross-dressing freed slave from the Kansas Territory — and John Brown — the infamous abolitionist — just begs to be performed out loud. Michael Boatman brings this hysterical and heartbreaking winner of the National Book Award to life. — Rachel Smalter Hall

The Known World by Edward P. Jones, read by Kevin Free

This devastating book may not be ideal for a road trip situation. But still, I felt a palpable summer atmosphere in this story of a fictional Virginia district at the height of slavery, whose most remarkable slave-owner is a free black man. Listen to this when you’re by yourself on a summer night. — Kristel Autencio

Stone Mattress by Margaret Atwood, read by Rob Delaney et al.

Atwood’s recent short story collection flew a little under the radar. If you missed this in print, do yourself a favor and listen to the audiobook. Comedian Rob Delaney is just one of the many outstanding performers to take on these dark little stories. They’re hilarious, biting, and wonderfully strange. — Rachel Smalter Hall

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain, Read By Nick Offerman

There’s no question that Mark Twain’s stories have shaped the course of American literature, and Nick Offerman completely embodies that all-American feeling. Just like Tom Sawyer, Nick Offerman is a wholesome boy from a small midwestern town who has a wicked mischievous streak. (He also happened to grow up into a mustachioed carpenter and comedian, which feels relevant somehow. I don’t know, just go with it.) – Rachel Smalter Hall

Best Mystery Audiobooks

Bird box by josh malerman, read by cassandra campbell.

If you need an audiobook that will help you drive all night without falling asleep, go with this. Bird Box is terrifying. The audio only magnifies this experience by keeping the pace moving slowly even though you want it to move more quickly. — Jessica Woodbury

Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng, read by Cassandra Campbell

A haunting, slow-build of a novel that I’ve been absolutely loving. The narration is also wonderfully done. It’s one of the best audiobooks for long, solo car rides. — Nikki VanRy

Pleasantville by Attica Locke, read by J.D. Jackson

Locke is a great writer for fans of Grisham and Lehane, who like their plots with extra twists and full of thrills. Set in the thick of black politics in Houston, it’s full of intrigue, betrayals, shady backroom deals, and courtroom showdowns. — Jessica Woodbury

The Whites by Richard Price writing as Harry Brandt, read by Ari Fliakos

Price is one of the best crime writers there is, and Ari Fliakos slips between the narration and the rhythms of blue collar cop talk seamlessly. The plot keeps moving, the character studies are riveting, and there’s not a single false step until the big climax. — Jessica Woodbury

Best Romance Audiobooks

Destiny’s captive by beverly jenkins, read by thomas penny.

This fun listen is easy to follow even without the previous books in the series. Noah Yates is an Afro-Spanish merchant and shipowner from California who has a bit of a run in with a lady pirate in the Caribbean, who is also just a touch of a Cuban Revolutionary. The two butt heads (and swords) and have a heck of a good time. — Jessica Pryde

Landline by Rainbow Rowell, read by Rebecca Lowman

Georgie McCool has a deal to produce her dream TV show, but she’ll have to miss Christmas with her husband to meet her deadline. Her marriage is looking rocky when she discovers a time-traveling telephone that can dial the past. Bring on the 90s pop-culture references and a strong female lead who kicks ass and takes names. — Rachel Smalter Hall

Suddenly One Summer by Julie James, read by Karen White

James is an auto-buy, and I know I can count on her audiobooks, which are performed flawlessly by Karen White. A divorce lawyer agrees to take on her neighbor’s sister case. He’s a cocky journalist and she’s skeptical about love. They share James’ trademark mutually denied attraction and irritation with each other. It’s terrific. — Jessica Tripler

A Thousand Pieces of You by Claudia Gray, read by Tavia Gilbert

YA Dimensional Science Fiction at its most interesting. In a relatively quick pace, a girl jumps dimensions to find her father’s murderer… any maybe find true love. The prose is fantastic, but for me the audiobook narrator really makes this novel. — Jessica Pryde

Science Fiction Audiobooks

The girl with all the gifts by m. r. carey, read by finty williams.

A zombie road adventure, a meditation on the meaning of personhood, a clash of scientific, military and humanistic worldviews brought to life by superbly drawn characters, especially a very unusual little girl trying to make sense of it all. Finty Williams has a lovely, smooth delivery that clearly distinguishes the characters. — Jessica Tripler

The Humans by Matt Haig, read by Mark Meadows

The narrator is an alien who has assumed human form. Listening to his observations about humanity would be enough, but then there’s a really good, funny, and heartwarming story in there, too. — Cassandra Neace

Lock In by John Scalzi, read by Wil Wheaton or by Amber Benson

It’s a smart, futuristic, techno thriller that does very interesting things with gender, like ignoring it almost completely. The publisher produced two versions, one read by Wil Wheaton and the other by Amber Benson. — Cassandra Neace

The Water Knife by Paolo Bacigalupi, read by Almarie Guerra

A near-future dystopia that takes place in the American Southwest where water is a scarce commodity. Doesn’t seem all that unreasonable, does it California? Against this too-close-for-comfort backdrop is a familiar detective / mystery novel with corruption and crime at the center. Almarie Guerra’s smooth delivery almost makes you forget this isn’t a real thing that’s happened…yet. — Rachel Manwill

Best Fantasy Audiobooks

The  harry potter   series by j.k. rowling, read by jim dale or stephen fry .

We love  Harry Potter  audiobooks obviously, but finding the best narrator for you is key when listening to this series. In an earlier post, we pitted the two leading Harry Potter narrators against each other to see which one is truly the best.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, read by the author

Gaiman reads many of his own audiobooks and The Graveyard Book is among my favorite audiobooks of his. This one is especially good if your road trip includes children. — Chris Arnone

His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman, read by the author

The entire His Dark Materials trilogy is read by a full voice cast. Pullman reads the narration while actors read the parts. The production value is quite high and these are great reads. — Chris Arnone

Throne of the Crescent Moon by Saladin Ahmed, read by Phil Gigante

This rollicking adventure is about a group of magic users in a kingdom called Dhamsawaat who are called to save the city from an evil ghul. There are some genuinely scary parts, but I was mostly listening to this with a big grin on my face. — Kristel Autencio

The Walls Around Us by Nova Ren Suma, read by Georgia King and Sandy Rustin

Told from dueling perspectives, the audiobook utilizes two narrators to emphasize the two protagonists. One a ballerina with a dark secret, the other a delinquent locked in a juvenile facility. It works incredibly well. The two narrators keep the story grounded in what’s actually happening, as the story quickly moves into the surreal. — Rachel Manwill

Memoir & Biography Audiobooks

As you wish: inconceivable tales from the making of the princess bride by cary elwes, read by the author.

Not only is listening to Cary Elwes like having your insides rubbed down by a velvet glove; this also features cameos from Billy Crystal, Robin Wright, and more. Everyone who made this cult film is clearly still in love with it. Their anecdotes are full of infectious warmth. This makes it one of the best audiobooks for a family car ride. — Rachel Weber

Not My Father’s Son by Alan Cumming, read by the author

Actor Alan Cumming’s memoir about the strained relationship with his abusive father is the kind of story I’d be interested in, whether the author was famous or not. Rather than a “this is my whole life” memoir, Cumming takes a very specific moment in his adult life to examine his childhood. He does it so very powerfully. Plus, his spectacular Scottish accent is a delight to listen to, even as his experience is so excruciating. — Rachel Manwill

Paris Letters by Janice MacLeod, read by Tavia Gilbert

Janice MacLeod was on her way up the corporate ladder when she realized she wasn’t sure what she was climbing for. She saved up her money, quit her job, and moved to Europe. MacLeod shares just enough of the gritty details that you can imagine doing the same. — Jesse Doogan

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand, read by Edward Herrmann

Louis Zamperin goes from running track in the Olympics, to surviving on a raft as sharks and Japanese bombers surround him, to being a prisoner of war, and then back to life in the U.S. Plus the audio is narrated by Edward Herrmann (Richard from Gilmore Girls in my mind), who is wonderful. — Valerie Michael

Funny Audiobooks

Carsick by john waters, read by the author.

Because why not experience the most ridiculous road trip of all time while you’re on a road trip? John Waters splits his book into two: a fictional trip narrating the best possible outcome and the worst; and his actual trip, which is also fun but not nearly as insane. — Jessica Pryde

Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris, read by the author

The master of satire delivers short stories about his early life. — S. Zainab Williams

Self-Inflicted Wounds by Aisha Tyler, read by the author

HILARITY ensues. This woman is not afraid to bare all about her most embarrassing moments. — S. Zainab Williams

This book is so many different things along with being a celebrity memoir that I feel comfortable recommending it to just about anyone. It’s funny and heartfelt and just a joy. — Jessica Woodbury

Born A Crime: Stories From A South African Childhood   by Trevor Noah, Read By The Author 

Noah’s narrative voice is crisp, clear, and there is very little in the way of mumbling or whispering. You may yet turn out to be a menace to society what with the bursts of laughter and tears, but once you pick the volume, you never have to change it again. Plus, it’s a brilliant memoir. –  Yash Kesankurthy

Historical Audiobooks

Dead wake: the last crossing of the lusitania by erik larson, read by scott brick.

I knew absolutely nothing about the Lusitania other than that it was a passenger liner sunk by a German submarine in the early years of WWI. Erik Larson examines this fateful cruise with the precise research and engaging narrative that he brings to any of his subjects. The audio version is as good a choice for history buffs as it is for mystery lovers, because the tension builds like a good, old-fashioned thriller. — Rachel Manwill

Games Without Rules: The Often-Interrupted History of Afghanistan by Tamim Ansary, read by the author

A comprehensive (and depressing) presentation of Afghan history and how superpowers both near and far have interfered in it for profit or power. — Rachel Cordasco

The Last Gunfight: The Real Story of the Shootout at the O.K. Corral and How It Changed the American West by Jeff Guinn, read by Stephen Hoye

If you’re interested in Wyatt Earp and the history of the American frontier, this one’s for you. — Rachel Cordasco

Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy by Karen Abbott, read by Karen White

A profile of four white women on the different sides of the Civil War and how their gender colored their participation. The narration moves at a steady clip, and Karen White’s narration adds a lot of verve to the story. — Kristel Autencio

Best Nonfiction Audiobooks

The birth of the pill by jonathan eig, read by gayle hendrix.

A captivating look at how and why the birth control pill was created and the cultural context in which it was born. So many fascinating insights into the characters behind it. And, there’s just the right amount of science to give the story appropriate depth. — Rachel Manwill

The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer by Siddhartha Mukherjee, read by Stephen Hoye

This is one of my favorite nonfiction audiobooks of all time. It is meticulously researched, empathetic, fascinating, and just truly masterful. This audiobook is long but worthwhile. I have read it in print and listened to it and I am just constantly awed by its quality and depth. — Valerie Michael

Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari, read by the author

Comedian Aziz Ansari teams up with sociologist Eric Klinenberg to tackle love and romance in the digital age. I love the mix of serious statistical research and Flo Rida analogies. Ansari gives the audiobook a little extra flavor with ad libs and asides you won’t find in the print. — Rachel Smalter Hall

What If? Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions by Randall Munroe, read by Wil Wheaton

A fun romp with short, self-contained chapters to dip in and out of. Munroe answers such questions as “If a bullet with the density of a neutron star were fired from a handgun (ignoring the how) at the Earth’s surface, would the Earth be destroyed?” This is one of the best audiobooks for the science geeks in your life. — Nikki VanRy

The Daily Show : An Oral History by Chris Smith, Read By A Full Cast

Still sobbing about Jon Stewart’s departure? Want to peek behind the scenes of this political news show? Chris Smith’s all-encompassing history is one of the best audiobooks. It brings in interviews from the show’s correspondents, staff, and writers.

Want more of the best audiobooks?

Want to listen to even more of the best audiobooks? We got you . Learn how to listen to audiobooks on your phone here . Find  free audiobooks  or a list of our favorite full-cast audiobooks . Book Riot also covers new audiobook releases every week in our audiobooks newsletter . Curated lists of the best audiobooks from this month’s releases, straight to your inbox.

We also want to hear from you. Hit the comments to share the best audiobooks you’ve listened to recently!

Just for Book Riot readers: sign up for an Audible account , and get two  from our list of the best audiobooks for free!

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15 of the Best Audiobooks for Road Trips

Going on a road trip soon and looking for guaranteed entertainment? If you’re anything like me, the first thing you’ll reach for is an audiobook. Listening to music on the road is great, but sometimes you just want to dig into a really good story.

Especially if you’re on the road often, finding the time to read can be near impossible. Keeping up with your reading goals or your ever-growing TBR becomes much more accessible when you listen to the audiobook instead.

It can be easy to gravitate toward stories about road trips, but I admit that’s a bit too… meta for me. I have a history of listening to stories that are easy to binge and super engaging with top-tier narration — and you’ll find some of my favorites in this article.

No matter how long your drive, there’s a title here for you in these picks for the best audiobooks for road trips . There’s a mix of lengths, narration styles, and genres ready for you to enjoy.

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

Finding me: a memoir by viola davis, the eye of the world by robert jordan, audiobooks for short road trips (1–5 hours).

Sometimes, a short audiobook that packs a punch really hits the spot. When I used to commute to an office for a combined two hours a day, I would listen to shorter audiobooks to keep my mind active and my spirits up. Below are four of those standout titles.

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

Narrated by the author, 3 hours 30 minutes

I used to have a silly aversion to young adult novels, but The Poet X was a story that really changed my mind. Written in verse by a slam poet, the story of Xiomara Batista grabs your heartstrings at the beginning and refuses to let go until the end. Xiomara wants to attend her school’s poetry club and express her emotions and thoughts through her words, but her religious family attempts to hold her back.

The author, Elizabeth Acevedo, narrates her own story with power and unapologetic truth. This is one of those stories that begs to be listened to instead of read.

Listen on Scribd , Audible , or Libro.fm

Sounds Like Me: My Life (So Far) in Song by Sara Bareilles

Narrated by the author, 3 hours 52 minutes

If a half-spoken, half-sung audiobook is appealing to you, I suggest grabbing Sara Bareilles’ memoir immediately. Made up of a series of essays and broken up with song interludes, Sounds Like Me: My Life So Far in Song chronicles Bareilles’ path to success from singing in front of her family as an energetic young girl to living life as a chart-topping singer, songwriter, and Broadway writer and actress.

This memoir gives you the same empowering, upbeat feeling that her songs do, even when discussing more difficult topics. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry — and you might even sing along.

An Elderly Lady Must Not Be Crossed by Helene Tursten

Narrated by Ann Richardson, 4 hours 52 minutes

How can you not be intrigued with a title like that and a cover that looks like a cross-stitch pattern? Stories of elderly women straying from society’s expectations seem to be on the rise, and here the main character Maud is no different. I’ll let the last line of the book description sell it to you: “Luckily, Maud is no stranger to taking matters into her own hands… even if it means she has to get a little blood on them in the process.”

Hilarious storytelling, Audie-worthy narration, and bonus cookie recipes at the end make for an entertaining listen.

Narrated by Rainn Wilson, 4 hours 40 minutes

The Phantom Tollbooth is my favorite book of all time, so it was the first one I thought of listing here. My paperback edition is holding on by threads and I even have one of the book’s illustrations tattooed on my arm. It chronicles a boy named Milo’s story into a different universe of sorts and what he learns along the way. It’s an excellent choice for the entire family, and everyone will take something different away from it.

Norton Juster reads the book’s introduction, and actor Rainn Wilson takes the reins for the rest of Milo’s story. In my opinion, this choice is great when you need a little inspiration on a long, flat country road.

Listen on Audible or Libro.fm

Audiobooks for Medium Road Trips (5–10 hours)

I have a few friends out of state, and they’re about a six-hour drive away. Every time I plan on visiting them, I listen to a really compelling, colorful fiction story — or an equally compelling memoir. Especially during nighttime drives, books with shock value and really engaging narratives save me from drinking too much caffeine to stay awake. Here are five to start with.

Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson

Narrated by Marin Ireland, 6 hours 40 minutes

Marin Ireland has to be one of the best audiobook narrators I’ve ever listened to, hands down. She takes some of the quirkiest stories and nails them every single time, so it’s no surprise that one of her works is on my list. Kevin Wilson is known for his offbeat characters and plot lines; Nothing to See Here is about twin children that catch fire when they throw a tantrum and the babysitter that helps them accept who they are.

From the children to the babysitter to the snobby stepdad, Marin provides a unique voice for every character that has you thinking, “Is there a cast narrating this thing?!”

I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

Narrated by the author, 6 hours 25 minutes

Disclaimer: If you’re looking for a light and breezy listen, this isn’t the right choice for you. But if you’re looking for a heartbreaking story about the realities of child acting, narcissistic mothers, and how to find humor in tough situations, I strongly encourage you to pick this one up.

I was growing up when Jennette McCurdy was in her prime at Nickelodeon, and reading about what she went through was tough. But despite everything, she delivers her story with poise and thoughtful reflection. If you’re up for an emotionally difficult story, this one’s for you.

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin

Narrated by Scott Brick, 7 hours 2 minutes

You may have heard of author Gabrielle Zevin because of her most recent, breakout success, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow — but Gabrielle’s backlist is full of nothing but hits. My personal favorite of hers is The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry , and the audiobook lends a quirky and clever tone to the main character, A.J. Fikry.

Admittedly, I’m always charmed by books about books and bookstores, so this audiobook was a no-brainer to add to the list. When I go on vacation, I try to shop at as many local indie bookstores as I can — and if A.J. Fikry’s bookstore was real, I would definitely make a special trip.

The Sound of Gravel: A Memoir by Ruth Wariner

Narrated by the author, 9 hours 3 minutes

It’s impossible to deny the true crime genre is more popular than ever, and the consumer demand for these stories feels insatiable. I find that a lot of people turn to true crime podcasts for road trips, but memoirs are another excellent choice. Some of the most interesting stories come from those who have escaped cults — which is exactly where Ruth Wariner grew up. Her father had over forty (forty!!) children and the entire family grew up and lived in a polygamist cult in Mexico.

As you can imagine, the stories Ruth has to share are almost larger than life. The older she gets, the more she questions the only system she’s ever known — and much like with Jennette McCurdy’s story, hearing Ruth narrate her own story makes it that much more emotional. I fell in love with Ruth’s passion and strive for a better life.

Narrated by the author, 9 hours 15 minutes

The audiobook for Finding Me: A Memoir famously helped Viola Davis achieve EGOT status, winning the Grammy in 2023 for best audiobook, narration, and storytelling. That alone should be reason enough to pick this one up, but from the second you press play it’s clear why this audiobook is such a success.

Viola says of her own story: “My hope is that my story will inspire you to light up your own life with creative expression and rediscover who you were before the world put a label on you.” If you’re looking for some inspiration during your travels, this is the pick for you.

Audiobooks for Long Road Trips (10+ hours)

For those that love a long road trip, drive for work, or are moving cross-country, you could listen to a bunch of shorter audiobooks… or you could let yourself be totally immersed in one world for dozens of hours at a time. I’ll admit I’ve listened to less audiobooks at this length, but below are six standouts from the ones I have.

The Guest List by Lucy Foley

Narrated by Jot Davies, Chloe Massey, Olivia Dowd, Aoife McMahon, Sarah Ovens, and Rich Keeble, 10 hours 22 minutes

When I listen to thrillers, I’m always surprised at how quickly I’ll blast through hours and hours of story because I’m so engrossed in the narration. The Guest List by Lucy Foley is the perfect example of this. With a full, engaging cast and Agatha Christie-like storytelling, The Guest List is guaranteed to knock you off your feet and have you wondering… could something like this happen to me?

If you find yourself on a road trip for some kind of event, like a family reunion, wedding, or another affair, The Guest List might be a good fit to pass the time.

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

Narrated by Julia Whelan, 10 hours 46 minutes

Emily Henry is known for her beachy reads, so if your road trip destination is sandy and warm, People We Meet on Vacation might be the perfect listen. Narrated by Julia Whelan (who wrote and narrated the next selection on this list), this book is the perfect moodsetter for your vacation.

Part-romance, part-comedy, this friends-to-lovers story will warm your heart and make you anxious for the feeling of sand between your toes. Who knows — you might even fall in love just like the main characters, Poppy and Alex.

Thank You For Listening by Julia Whelan

Narrated by the author, 11 hours 15 minutes

I pre-ordered this one when it was announced because it’s pretty special — Julia Whelan is an experienced, award-winning narrator-turned-author. Thank You For Listening is about an audiobook narrator named Sewanee who’s down on her luck and losing inspiration. Sewanee’s story and sweeping romance with Brock McNight can warm even the iciest of hearts. Plus, it proves that audiobooks can change lives, but we all knew that already, right?

Julia effortlessly translates the charm and character depth she wrote on the page into an audiobook that will make a long road trip fly by.

Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse

Narrated by Cara Gee, Nicole Lewis, Kaipo Schwab, and Shaun Taylor-Corbett, 12 hours 46 minutes

If you’re on BookTok at all, you may have already heard of Rebecca Roanhorse. The first book in a trilogy, Black Sun is equal parts high fantasy, science fiction, and historical fiction and is the recipient of both the Hugo Award and Nebula Award for best novel. It’s hard to give a good summary without giving something away, but you can expect magic, politics, and celestial events.

With a full cast instead of a single narrator, the audiobook for Black Sun is like listening to a movie. It’s the perfect choice for a group of people with multiple, differing genre interests — there’s something for everyone here.

PS – the second book in the trilogy was published in 2022 and has an audiobook with the same cast, if you want to extend your listening from 13 hours to 26 hours.

The Huntress by Kate Quinn

Narrated by Saskia Maarleveld, 19 hours 3 minutes

Maybe you’re not taking a road trip to the beach or another destination, but instead, you’re on an educational excursion. I know museum hopping may not be the first thing you think of when you think of road trips, but if you find yourself on the hunt for knowledge, may I humbly recommend some historical fiction audiobooks?

My top recommendation is anything by Kate Quinn — The Huntress in particular. Saskia Maarleveld has narrated most of Quinn’s newest works, and she has an uncanny ability to put unique heart and emotion into every character on the page. If you want to pass the time on the road with a World War II history lesson rolled up with some espionage and thriller themes, grab The Huntress .

Narrated by Kate Reading, Michael Kramer, 29 hours 56 minutes

The Wheel of Time series is one of the most prolific modern fantasy series on the market today. The first novel, The Eye of the World , is actually one of the shortest out of the 14 in the series. With a beautifully visual writing style and dynamic, Robert Jordan weaves the tale of Rand al’Thor and his friends Perrin, Mat, Egwene, and Nynaeve as they navigate their roles in the universe and the dangers that threaten them at every turn.

Kate Reading and Michael Kramer narrate every novel in the series and it’s clear they’re industry veterans. Narrating a 30-hour book is no easy feat, but they make it feel like only a couple of hours have passed. The Eye of the World is perfect for those cross-country trips solo or with a group.

PS – there is another, more recent version of The Eye of the World , narrated by Rosamund Pike , who plays one of the main characters in the Wheel of Time series on Amazon Prime. I’ve heard it’s excellent, as well!

Tips for Listening to Audiobooks on Road Trips

Here are a few of my top tips for listening to audiobooks when you’re on the road, from someone who’s found herself without the right one a few too many times:

• Choose a list of audiobooks you’re interested in ahead of time. That way you have much less to pick from when you’re heading out.
• Download those audiobooks ahead of time to avoid any data charges or availability issues. Especially if you’re driving through country roads, good service and Wi-Fi at any rest stops are not guaranteed, and the last thing you want is to be without that audiobook you were so excited to listen to. (Ask me how I know.)
• Pick a book that everyone in the car will enjoy . Most of the books on this list will appeal to the majority of people, but if someone in the car doesn’t like true crime or high fantasy, take that into account before selecting one.
• If you’re using an app like Scribd or Audible , place a bookmark at the right time stamp whenever you pull over for a pit stop. Sometimes the app you’re using will jump slightly backward or forward when you get back in the car and resume playing and you might miss an important detail.
• Bonus tip: you may want to match the audiobook’s genre and vibe to the trip you’re going on . Going to the mountains? There are a ton of stories set in the mountains across every genre, from sickly sweet to downright terrifying. Matching the genre to your destination can sometimes help hype you up for the trip!

What are your favorite books to listen to on a road trip? Please share in the comments below!

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The Best Audiobooks for Road Trips

Since Charles and I first met, we’ve done more than a few major road trips together. We’ve literally spent years driving through Australia, New Zealand, Costa Rica, Mexico, Spain, Portugal, Ecuador, and of course, many zigzags across the USA and at home here in Canada.

There’s no denying that there’s something wonderful about the the open road, with all of that possibility in front of you. At no other point in your travels, save for perhaps the open sea, will you have so many options open to you.

Whether you’re driving through the mountains, across the plains, through tiny villages or giant cities, having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to see and do whatever you want. That being said, if you’re not prepared, road trips can eventually get tedious and boring.

After years of long road trips under our belts, we’ve figured out that one of the best ways to make a road trip easier and more fun are via audiobooks.

A great audiobook can make a long drive fly by so when you’re stuck in the car for hours on end, with nothing but open prairies or four lane highways for as far as the eye can see, these great audiobooks for road trips can save your sanity!

The best audiobooks for road trips 2022

Looking for a great audiobook for the family, or the best audiobooks for fantasy, romance, comedy or even science fiction? We’ve got you covered. The first part of this article is for the best adult audiobooks for road trips, but scroll down to the end ( or check out this post ) to see our top audiobook choices for the family.

Tip!  Always take a minute to listen to the audiobook sample in ” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener nofollow”>Audible to see if you like the narrator. Since most audiobooks run for hours, the narrator can truly make or break any audiobook. If you get a great narrator, you’ll likely listen to them even if the book isn’t your favorite, but a narrator with an irritating voice will instantly ruin even a great book. It will definitely save you some time and money!

Best Audible books for road trips

While there are a lot of ways to listen to audiobooks, we’re fans of Amazon’s Audible service. It’s easy, and because it’s Amazon, there’s a huge selection of titles.

If you’re in the USA, you can sign up with Audible for the USA directly through the link below!

An Audible membership is FREE for 30 days , and that includes two audiobooks for free. After that, your membership gives you one credit per month, which is good for any audiobook.

There’s more information on membership at the end of this post.

Try Audible for free for one month.

Best nonfiction audiobooks 

The power of habit: why we do what we do in life and business.

New York Times business reporter Charles Duhigg focuses on how habits form and how they impact our lives. He delves into scientific discoveries that explain how habits are formed, and how habits are crucial to the success of our lives, communities, and businesses.

This audiobook is in my personal favorite’s list. It’s an easy listen, but there are plenty of great nuggets of inspiration and information in here.

Author: Charles Duhigg

Narrator: Mike Chamberlain

See it on Audible now.

Outliers: The Story of Success

This is a fascinating intellectual look at the world of our society’s outliers – the best, the most successful, and the most famous of us. Gladwell wonders: “why are they different”? As he carefully examines the lives of great athletes, successful business people, and tech geniuses, he uncovers some interesting and unexpected truths.

This is a great listen, and perfect for when you’re in an inquisitive, thoughtful mood. I’ve listened to it a couple of times now, and enjoy it anew every time.

Author and Narrator: Malcolm Gladwell

Listen on Amazon now.

Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead

Dr. Brené Brown tackles the cultural myth that vulnerability is weakness. Instead, she argues that vulnerability is, in truth, our most accurate measure of courage.

It’s another one of my favorites.

Author and Narrator: Brené Brown

Get it now.

What If? Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions

I’m a big Wil Wheaton fan, from way back during his days as Wesley Crusher on Star Trek: The Next Generation. So, any time he narrates an audiobook, it’s a win for me. The author, Randall Munroe, is the creator of the popular xkcd webcomic, and answers interesting questions like “How fast can you hit a speed bump while driving and live?” and “If there were a robot apocalypse, how long would humanity last?” .

It’s an interesting listen, even if you’re not a huge science geek.

Written by: Randall Munroe

Narrated by: Wil Wheaton

Listen to a sample now.

Best fantasy audiobooks

A game of thrones: a song of ice and fire, book 1..

The Game of Thrones books are huge bestsellers and the entire series of Game of Thrones audiobooks are no different. Like the HBO TV series of the same name, they’re full of intrigue, great characters, and a gripping story. The book series, actually called A Song of Ice and Fire, in case you’re one of the few who hasn’t heard of it, chronicles two powerful families playing a deadly game for the rule of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros.

Narrator Roy Dotrice switches effortlessly between character voices and accents, and it’s a real treat.

This is perfect for long, epic road trips, with a whopping 33 hours and 46 minutes of listening time.

Author: George R. R. Martin

Narrator: Roy Dotrice

See The Game of Thrones: A Song of Fire and Ice audiobook here.

Check out the entire Song of Fire and Ice audiobook series here, including A Feast for Crows and more.

The Fellowship of the Ring: Book One in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

This is one of the most popular Fantasy audiobooks in Audible’s collection. This is the first book in the Lord of the Rings series, and follows the adventures of the Fellowship of the Ring – hobbits, elves, wizards, humans and dwarves alike – as they plunge into the beginning of the ultimate clash between good and evil.

Narrator Rob Inglis switches effortlessly between characters accents.

This unabridged edition is a whopping 19 hours and 7 minutes, so get comfy and settle in.

Author: J. R. R. Tolkien

Narrator: Rob Inglis

Listen on Audible now.

Best fiction audiobooks

Crazy rich asians.

This is a huge bestseller. Like the movie of the same name, Crazy Rich Asians is a hilarious look at the life of three super-rich Chinese families. There’s back-stabbing, gossip and scheming galore, and it makes an entertaining and easy listen.

Author: Kevin Kwan

Narrator: Lynn Chen

Listen to it on Audible now.

The Outsider

Yet another thriller by Stephen King, The Outsider lives up to his reputation for unsettling and gripping stories.

The story follows Detective Ralph Anderson’s investigation into the death of an 11-year-old boy. The investigation’s suspension and tension will keep you following closely.

Not suitable for kids.

Author: Stephen King

Narrator: Will Patton

Get it on Audible now.

Ready Player One

This is one of my all time favorite audiobooks. We listened to it as a family on our epic Oregon Coast road trip. It had every single one of us transfixed and we hesitated every time it was time to get out of the car and turn it off.

If, like us, you’re fans of video games and 1980’s movies, personas and nostalgia, it’s a must listen.

Ready Player One is set in the year 2044, and it follows the story of Wade Watts, who escapes the grim reality of his dystopian world by spending his waking hours in the realistic cyber world of the OASIS. Brilliant and eccentric OASIS creator James Halliday has left his immense fortune to the first person to find a well hidden Easter egg in the OASIS. There’s plenty of action, adventure, and even romance as Wade races to win the contest.

There’s now a movie of the same name directed by Steven Spielberg (which I hate to say was entertaining, but doesn’t do the book justice at all).

You’ll either love it intensely or hate it. Give the sample a listen before you buy.

Author: Ernest Cline

Narrator: Wil Wheaton

Here a sample of Ready Player One.

Best sci fi audiobooks

Fahrenheit 451.

Beautifully narrated by Academy Award-winning actor Tim Robbins, this is a great favorite of mine.

Fahrenheit 451, written by Ray Bradbury, is set in a bleak, dystopian world where books are almost extinct and television rules. This tells the story of fireman Guy Montag, tasked with destroying printed books and the houses where they’re hidden. In time, Guy meets a young neighbor, Clairisse, who introduces him to a past where people didn’t live in fear, and the ideas in books weren’t forbidden.

Author: Ray Bradbury

Narrator: Tim Robbins

Get it on Amazon’s Audible now.

Ender’s Game Alive: The Full Cast Audioplay

This is an all-new, original script written by Orson Scott Card for the Hugo award winning Ender’s Game (which was also made into a movie with Harrison Ford as Colonel Hyrum). Join Andrew “Ender” Wiggin as he trains in Battle School to fight the Formics alien threat.

This gets 4.5 out of 5 stars in over 9,000 reviews. That said, it wasn’t my favorite, but I think a lot of folks may enjoy it, so I’ve included it here.

Listen to a sample now to see if you like it.

Author: Orson Scott Card

Narrator: Full Cast Recording

Get it now on Audible.

We Are Legion (We Are Bob): Bobiverse, Book 1

The entire family really enjoyed the geekiness that is Bob. This quirky sci-fi comedy audiobook spans centuries as Bob, once a normal, living, breathing human being dies. When he comes back as a computer a century later, he never imagined he would one day be humankind’s only hope for survival. This audiobook delves into everything from space exploration to what it means to be considered human.

The narrator, Ray Porter, does a great job giving life to all of Bob 2.0’s emerging personalities and the story is incredibly fun to listen to. We’re almost done book 3 and are sorry the ride is coming to an end.

With 4.6 stars of five from 1,900 reviews, you know people are enjoying this one.

Listen to a sample now, but just be warned, you won’t want to turn it off.

Author: Dennis E. Taylor

Narrator: Ray Porter

Best mystery and horror audiobooks for road trips

Origin: a novel.

At the top of the best seller charts this year, Origin is the newest novel by The Da Vinci Code author Dan Brown. Like his other novels, Origin is an inventive thriller that navigates hidden history, religion, and technical advances.

As the book starts, Robert Langdon, Harvard professor of symbology and religious iconology, arrives to the unveiling of a discovery that’s supposed to “change the face of science forever.”

Author: Dan Brown

Narrator: Paul Michael

World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War

World War Z tells the story of the Zombie War that almost eradicated humanity. Max Brooks travels the world to get first hand experiences of survivors, from cities destroyed in the heartland of the USA to the most remote and inhospitable parts of the globe.

FYI, it was eventually adapted into the movie World War Z starring Brad Pitt however like most movies based on books, loses something intangible in the retelling.

Author: Max Brooks (Narrator, Author), Alan Alda (Narrator), John Turturro (Narrator), Rob Reiner (Narrator)

Narrators: Max Brooks, Alan Alda, John Turturro, Rob Reiner

Listen to a sample here.

Classic audio books for the road

Pride and prejudice.

Admittedly, I’m personally not a huge Jane Austen fan, but this gets 4 and a half stars (out of five) from a whopping almost 8,000 reviews. The narrator, Karen Savage, does a nice job switching between character voices with an English accent and an American accent as narrator.

Well worth a listen if you’re an Austin fan, and if you’re heading out on a long road trip, since the total length of this Pride and Prejudice audiobook is a considerable 11 hours and 1 minute.

Author: Jane Austen

Narrator: Karen Savage

See it on Amazon now.

Best romance audiobooks

Eleanor oliphant is completely fine: a novel.

Eccentric and awkward Eleanor Oliphant’s life spirals out of control after a chance encounter with Raymond.

This witty and uplifting quirky romance is soon to be made into a movie starring Reese Witherspoon.

I really love narrator Cathleen McCarron’s spot-on accents and the timbre of her voice here.

Author: Gail Honeyman

Narrator: Cathleen McCarron

Listen to Eleanor Oliphant now.

Outlander: Outlander, Book 1

This hugely popular historical romance is a great listen. It begins in 1945 when Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is instantly transported to 1743 Scotland by touching an ancient stone ruin. There, she’s thrown into a romance with gallant James Fraser and warring border clans as she tries to make her way home.

Sure, unlike the TV show, you won’t be able to see Sam Heughan (who plays love interest Jamie on the TV show) shirtless, but it’s still worth a listen.

Diana Gabaldon (Author), Davina Porter (Narrator).

Best funny audiobooks for road trips

There’s nothing like a good laugh to break up a long drive. This list of comedy audiobooks for road trips features some of the best comedians around.

Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood

In this audiobook, The Daily Show host Trevor Noah tells the story of his journey from his childhood during the dwindling years of apartheid in South Africa to his life in the USA hosting The Daily Show.

His stories are in turn comical, dark, poignant, hilarious and sometimes simply weird. Whatever they are, it’s pretty clear that Trevor Noah is a voice well worth listening to.

Author and Narrator: Trevor Noah

Listen now.

Bossypants by Tina Fey

If you’re a Tina Fey fan, you’ll love this book. It’s full of her usual quick wit, sardonic reflections and self depreciating humor.

Don’t let the cheesy first minute of the sample turn you off, this is Tina Fey at her funniest.

Author and Narrator: Tina Fey

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)

This is classic Mindy Kaling: full of funny observations on friendship, weight, romance, and coworkers.

If you like her standup or tv roles, you’ll like this audiobook.

Author: Mindy Kaling

Narrators: Mindy Kaling, Michael Schur, B. J. Novak

See it now.

Best free audio books

It’s honestly tough to find good free audiobooks, but I’ve tracked down a few. Give these free Audible audiobooks a try to give your wallet a rest.

FREE: The Jester (A Riyria Chronicles Tale)

In this fantasy adventure short story, lead character Riyria is hired to get a jester’s treasure, and Royce and Hadrian are trapped in a booby-trapped cave.

While this is a companion story to The Riyria Revelations and The Riyria Chronicles, you don’t need to be familiar with them to enjoy the story. Narrator Tim Gerard Reynolds is a pleasure to listen to, and the hours listening to this passes quickly.

Author: Michael J. Sullivan Narrator: Tim Gerard Reynolds

Get it free on Audible.

The Hospital: The FREE Short Story: The First Mountain Man Story

The Hospital is a great, fast-paced listen, especially for a free Audible book. This is a dystopian tale of “Mountain Man” Augustus Berry who survives in an undead suburbia. There’s some strong language and potentially disturbing graphic violence. Narrator R. C. Bray has a rough, deep voice that I really enjoyed in this story.

Author: Keith C. Blackmore

Narrator: R. C. Bray

Get it free on Audible now.

Gabriel: Zero Point: The FREE Prequel Novella: Evan Gabriel Trilogy

This is an engaging drama adventure that follows recruit Evan Gabriel trying to make his way in the the elite Naval Special Forces of the North American Federation Navy. In this first book of a series, he’s on his way to becoming a respected North American Federation Navy Commander, but first he must work his way through a difficult journey as part of a top secret military experiment.

This book is set in a science fiction world of Mars and more remote planets, but it feels more like the personal journey of a military man.

Author: Steve Umstead

Narrator: Ray Chase

Listen free on Audible now.

Best audiobooks for family road trips

Audiobooks are a fantastic way to keep kids entertained on long drives, without resorting to a lot of screen time, or hearing endless bleats of “ I’m bored ” from the back seat. It also gives rise to meaningful family conversations as the stories are shared and topics you might never discuss (though are worth discussing) come up during breaks and meals.

I’ve included what we think are the best children’s audiobooks for road trips, but you can read our full list of the best audiobooks for family road trips here .

The list starts with the best audiobooks for older kids, but scroll further down to find some picks for great audiobooks for younger children.

Best audiobooks for teens and tweens

Listening to audiobooks with teens and tweens is an entirely different beast than listening with younger children. Once kids are in their tweens, there’s a whole world of tween and young adult audiobooks that are also entirely entertaining for adults.

Here are our very favorite audiobooks for road trips with tweens and teens.

Coraline is an inventive, dark children’s fantasy. Heroine Coraline finds herself trapped in a lost world behind the mirrors with other lost children.

This is narrated by the author Neil Gaiman, and he does an excellent job.

Author and Narrator: Neil Gaiman

See prices and details for Coraline now.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Book 1

The Harry Potter series of audiobooks are probably our favorite family audiobooks. To date, we’ve listened to five of the seven books in the series and have just started book 6.

We really love the audiobooks narrated by Jim Dale. He does a great job with all the voices, even Hagrid and Hermione Granger though some people prefer the Harry Potter audiobooks narrated by Stephren Fry. To be honest, we’ve listened to them both and you can’t go wrong with either of them.

Written by: J.K. Rowling

Narrated by: Jim Dale

See Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone on Audible

See the complete Harry Potter series on Audible

The Lightning Thief: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1

I’m personally not a huge fan of the narrator’s voice, but Charles and the kids loved it.

This series is a great choice for tweens, in particular, and both our son and daughter loved the Percy Jackson books during the tween years.

The best part is the books in this series can stand on their own, so you’re not forced to listen to every single one of them.

Written by: Rick Riordan

Narrated by: Jesse Bernstein

Series: Percy Jackson and the Olympians

Listen to a sample of The Lightning Thief.

Check out the complete Percy Jackson and the Olympians series here.

Peter and the Starcatchers

This take on the Peter Pan origins story is read by Jim Dale, who narrates the Harry Potter series.

It’s imaginative and engaging, and adults should enjoy it as well.

Written by: Dave Barry and Ridler Pearson

Hear a sample of Peter and the Starcatchers here.

Audio books for younger children

While some audiobooks for little kids are excruciating for parents, these picks should keep the adults happy as well.

Treasury of Classic Children’s Stories

These are sweet and nostalgic, and both parents and kids should enjoy these classic stories.

Written by: Oscar Wilde, Brothers Grimm

Narrated by: Audrey Hepburn, John Ritter, Sharon Stone and Orson Welles

Listen to a sample on Amazon.

The Ralph S. Mouse Audio Collection

This story of a mouse on the lookout for more excitement honestly couldn’t be more adorable.

Written by: Beverly Cleary and Tracy Dockray

Narrated by: B.D. Wong

Get it on Audible here.

Julie Andrews’ Collection of Poems, Songs, and Lullabies

If you love Julie Andrews, this is the collection for you and your little ones. It’s both charming and sweet.

Written by: Emma Walton Hamilton, Julie Andrews

Narrated by: Emma Walton Hamilton, Julie Andrews

Listen to Julie Andrews’ Collection here.

About Audible membership plans

You can order books on Audible  without  a monthly membership, but I’m actually a fan of the monthly membership.

An Audible membership is FREE for 30 days. 

Click here to sign up for free!

Audible has two membership types, Plus and Premium Plus. Both membership types offer a 30 day free trial, and you can cancel anytime.

Plus membership includes access to thousands of Audible Originals, podcasts, audiobooks and more.

An Audible Premium Plus membership includes one free title in the Audible premium selection, 30% off all additional premium selection titles, access to exclusive sales, plus everything you get with Audible Plus.  The one free title is credit is good for any audiobook, at any price.

Sign up for a free month of Audible Plus or Premium Plus.

You keep your audiobooks even if you cancel. If you want to buy more books, you save 30% on any additional purchases.

I especially love this last part – if you find you don’t like an audiobook once you’ve started it, Audible will let you exchange the book. I’ve returned an Audible book a couple of times with no hassles once I’ve started a book and realized I didn’t care for it.

Do you have any favorite audiobooks for road trips? Let us know your favorites below!

I am so much ecstatic, definitely looking forward to a road trip in near future. So much information covered lively, I can’t wait too long to take the taste of a road trip.

Really interested in the book on outliers. Great book recs!

Very helpful article. Thanks for posting this!

I just returned from my trip and your suggested Books are amazing it never failed me! It really entertains me on my long driving that makes me awake. More power for your blog! I’m looking forward to more of your blogs.

Thank you so much to writing this wonderful article. Love to listen to audiobooks when I travel. Thank you for sharing this.

The absolute BEST audiobooks EVER are the Hank the Cowdog series by John R. Erickson. Although they are for ages 6-11, I found them hilarious and may just have to purchase a few for my upcoming road trip- no kids involved!

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30 Best Audiobooks of All Time

Listen to new picks for 2022, non-fiction best-sellers and much more.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

The next time you find yourself in need of a creative way to pass the time, break out one of these best audiobooks of all time . (Don't forget to sign up for the Audible free trial using your Amazon account before you go, to make working your way through that TBR pile even more affordable). Some of our favorites are recorded with big-name casts full of voices you may recognize, others are just the author or a voice actor sharing the work; some are brand-new, others are classic literary texts reinvigorated through your headphones. The one thing they have in common is that all of them are positively captivating. Work your way through these, then hit up the Good Housekeeping Book Club for even more feel-good favorites.

'Sherlock Holmes' by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Actor Stephen Fry is an audiobook legend. In addition to voicing the hysterical Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy , he also did his own take on the Harry Potter franchise. This time, he takes on another titan of British literature: Sherlock Holmes. He reads all four novels and five collections of short stories featuring the world's greatest detective in a classic series mystery buffs will love.

'Lafayette in the Somewhat United States' by Sarah Vowell

This humorous biography of Revolutionary War hero Marquis de Lafayette is narrated by an all-star, A-team lineup of comedians, including Patton Oswalt, Fred Armisen, John Hodgman and Nick Offerman. It's still on Amazon's bestseller list for audiobooks , even though it came out in 2015. Even if you aren't a history person, this one is worth your time.

'Stone Mattress' by Margaret Atwood

Fans of The Handmaid's Tale will want to try Stone Mattress, a series of short stories by legend Margaret Atwood. Because each story has its own narrator, readers range from Catastrophe 's Rob Delaney to The Young and the Restless star Lorna Raver. Atwood herself narrates the last one, to top it all off.

Catch and Kill: Lies, Spies, and a Conspiracy to Protect Predators' by Ronan Farrow

Ronan Farrow won a Pulitzer Prize for breaking the Harvey Weinstein scandal for The New Yorker but the road to publication was a long and rocky one. News and history buffs will love this behind-the-scenes story about how he got his work out into the world — along with the scare tactics, from surveillance to intimidation, employed to try and stop him.

The 'Harry Potter' Series by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter needs no introduction, but the audiobook can be a great way to start kids off on the series. British actor Jim Dale's whimsical take on each of the characters' voices gives the story a renewed sense of wonder, so you'll fall even more in love with all of your favorite Hogwarts inhabitants.

RELATED: 30 Magical Harry Potter Gift Ideas for Your Favorite Potterhead

'One by One' by Ruth Ware

Does getting snowed in at a remote ski resort with your coworkers sound like your worst nightmare? Oh don't worry, it could get so much worse. And it does, in this gripping suspense by mistress of horror Ruth Ware. You'll want to hold your breath all the way to the shocking end.

Talking to Strangers' by Malcolm Gladwell

This immersive version of Gladwell's book explores the ways our approach to strangers can invite conflict. It features the voices of the criminologists, scientists and military psychologists Gladwell interviewed for the book, as well as reenactments of court transcripts and even audio from the arrest of Sandra Bland.

'Me Talk Pretty One Day' by David Sedaris

True confession time: I once laughed so hard while listening to David Sedaris that I nearly fell off a treadmill. So maybe sit down before you turn on this audiobook that features Sedaris moving to France and butchering the language, among other too-funny tales.

'A Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire' by George R.R. Martin

Lots of audiobooks have won awards, but this one has also broken records: It won a spot in the Guinness World Records for the " most character voices in an audiobook ." If you're counting, that's 224 characters to be e xact. According to the record, Roy Doltrice gives each of them a "distinct and distinguishable" voice, a real feat for any actor.

'The Dutch House: A Novel' by Ann Patchett

If there's a better voice for this expansive Patchett novel than Tom Hanks, we've never heard it. This moving story explores the bonds between siblings, the meaning of home and how much our past influences who we become.

'Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe' by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

Two loner teens Aristotle and Dante couldn't be more different, and that's part of what brings them together. The unlikely match form a deep and lasting friendship in this coming-of-age novel your tweens will adore. Hamilton creator and Mary Poppins Returns star Lin-Manuel Miranda narrates this one, so you know the voice work is stellar.

RELATED: 40 Fantastic LGBTQ+ Books to Read for Pride Month (and Beyond)

'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee

Actress Sissy Spacek narrates this classic novel with an unfussy and confident style that lets Harper Lee's story shine through. She doesn't need to rely on a bunch of gimmick voices and accents when the source material gives her so much fantastic material to work with.

'Lock In' by John Scalzi

In this sci-fi thriller, FBI detective Chris Shane's consciousness jumps between machines. And because Shane is therefore genderless, readers can fill in that information for themselves. You can listen to the book narrated by Amber Benson, or the version read by Wil Wheaton , depending on your preferred experience.

'The Glass Hotel' by Emily St. John Mandel

What does the collapse of a massive Ponzi scheme have to do with a woman mysteriously disappearing from a ship between ports of call? You'll just have to tune into this masterful audiobook from the author of Station Eleven and Sea of Tranquility.

RELATED: The 20 Best and Most-Anticipated Books of 2022

'Becoming' by Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama narrates her memoir herself, giving it an extra-personal feel. Listen to her tell her own story of her journey from the South Side of Chicago to the White House in this inspirational story about a woman coming into her own.

RELATED: Michelle Obama on Facing Criticism, Life After the White House and Advice for Meghan Markle

'Sabrina & Corina' by Kali Fajardo-Anstine

This stunning collection about Indigenous Latina women living in the Northwest will break your heart open, and the sensitivity and range of the cast that reads them is astounding. Short stories make great audiobooks for dipping into one at a time, so turn to this one if you don't have long stretches to fill.

RELATED: 22 Best Books by Latinx Authors to Read Beyond Hispanic Heritage Month

'The Vanishing Half' by Brit Bennett

Twin sisters raised in a small, Southern Black community run away at 16 and end up taking very different paths. One returns with her daughter years later, the other goes on to live as a white woman, with a husband who knows nothing about her background. It's a story about family and identity that addresses the subject of race in a fresh way that will stick with you.

RELATED: 25 Books By Black Authors to Add to Your Reading List

'At Home: A Short History of Private Life' by Bill Bryson

With so many of us spending more time at home these days, you may have found yourself thinking more about your own house and how it came to be the way that it is. This comforting book delves into the history behind our habitat and habits that may make you look at your own surroundings in a new way.

'The Graveyard Book' by Neil Gaiman

This spooky tale follows the story of Nobody Owens, known to his friends as Bod. He's being raised by ghosts and ghouls in a graveyard in this story that will send chills crawling up your spine. A whole band of actors, including Fleabag 's Andrew Scott and Gladiator 's Derek Jacobi, bring the story to life in a wonderfully robust way.

'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald

If you haven't read this classic since high school, let Jake Gyllenhaal's narration help you fall back in love with it. The jazz age never sounded so good. And if your kids have to read it for school, listening will give them a different perspective than the page and maybe get them to finish their reading assignment with less nagging.

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} All the Best Books to Read Next

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The Best Audiobooks for Road Trips

So, you’re hitting the open road. Good call. These days, a good long road trip can feel like the safest way to travel, and it’s such a huge relief to be able to leave your house with your pod and just simply see something new. Still, long car trips can be hard for some people who want constant entertainment. 

On the Road

• But What If We’re Wrong?

What If? Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions

The martian, my brilliant friend, to the lighthouse, the white boy shuffle, where the crawdads sing, my sister, the serial killer.

And if you want entertainment, you’re in luck! Even if it’s not how you spend 100% of your time in the car, probably the best way to kill a few hours of the drive is with a great audiobook . Here are some of our favorites to pass the time as you hit the open road. 

A natural choice for when you yourself are on the road, Jack Kerouac’s classic American novel follows the story of a man in the 1950s hitchhiking his way across the country and the grand and extraordinary cast of characters he meets along the way. At just under 12 hours, the audiobook is a completely manageable length. On a weeklong trip with just a couple hours of listening every day, it’s a great choice for life on the highway. 

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Andrew Sean Greer’s satirical novel won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2018, which is reason enough to read it. Less is the story of a writer traveling all over the world, dealing with aging, writing, fatigue, success, and lost love. 

But What If We’re Wrong?

If your speed is more nonfiction, Chuck Klosterman’s books are a great place to start, and my personal favorite would be But What If We’re Wrong? Klosterman doesn’t just seek to examine why certain things rise to popularity, but he tries to identify what aspects of our current popular culture will stick in hundreds of years. 

What If? is almost made for long car rides. In his book, Randall Munroe takes you step by step through intense and often silly problem-solving. The kinds of questions where you have to skip over the immediate response of “that doesn’t make sense.” For example, when asked “What if you hit a baseball that was pitched at 90% of the speed of light?” Munroe, through some “back of the envelope” calculation, concludes that you would probably cause a large explosion (and the umpire would call that a hit by pitch — take your base). 

Meanwhile, if you enjoy the intense step-by-step problem-solving, Andy Weir’s novel The Martian gives you that and more. While Matt Damon’s movie was an extremely fun watch, the book is even better because it gives you every single thought — good or bad, triumphant or failing — the lost astronaut has on his journey to survive and escape the red planet.

If you liked On The Road , here’s an even more nonfictional version from one of America’s strangest and most beloved artists. John Waters is fully and famously John Waters in the early 2010s when he sets off to travel the U.S. by hitchhiking only. From Baltimore to San Francisco, Waters makes his way across America with all that he needs, namely his cardboard sign that reads “I’M NOT CRAZY.” 

On your next road trip, you should take in the first novel in the most notable contemporary epic series. Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan Novels follow Lenu and Lila over the course of nearly their whole lives. Ferrante’s books are deeply compelling and tender, and My Brilliant Friend is only the beginning. 

Another classic novel for you to revisit or take in for the first time, Virginia Woolf’s To the Lighthouse is completely entrancing from start to finish. In elegant, sprawling prose, Woolf’s novel of winding descriptions may not make for the most uplifting road trip fare, but it’s certainly one you won’t soon forget. 

If you’re looking for something that’s a little lighter and funnier but still sharp and cutting, you need to start looking into Paul Beatty’s work. A great place to start would be The White Boy Shuffle , Beatty’s debut novel about a young Black outcast turned basketball star turned savior of the downtrodden. Beatty’s work is often thought-provoking and always hilarious. 

Another recent bestseller stunner was Delia Owens’ Where the Crawdads Sing. Owens’ novel bends a few different genres together. It’s all the drama of a doomed romance and all the drama of a thrilling mystery, and everywhere in between is tremendous and deeply felt prose. If you haven’t gotten to this one yet, get on it now for your next road trip.

In Lagos, Nigeria, Ayoola keeps stabbing her boyfriends to death. For the third time in a row, Ayoola has had to kill her boyfriend “in self-defense.” Her sister, Korede, is certainly suspicious though. Oyinkan Braithwaite’s 2018 debut is dark, funny, and well worth your time. It’s a great story to make your road trip fly by. 

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If a flight is urgent, then the luxury of booking in advance and saving money is often lost, whereas booking a holiday flight months in advance gives you ample room to shop around for the best deals available at that particular point in time. Other factors that affect pricing include the destination, the time of year of travel, and how far in advance you are allowed to book certain flight tickets. If it is limited to a couple of weeks, then you can expect to pay more, but if you are allowed to book months in advance, then this is where the most significant savings can be found.

Thanks to post-holiday wallet-tightening, kids heading back to school, and frigid weather in most parts of the United States, January is typically a quiet month for travel. However, it’s a great time to get away thanks to thinner crowds, dirt-cheap airfares, beautiful weather, or all three in destinations around the world. With the holidays squarely in the rear-view, why not plan your first great getaway of the new year.

If you're looking to embrace the winter weather, there are plenty of snowy destinations perfect for skiing, snowboarding, cold-weather hiking, and more. If you'd rather escape the latest "bomb cyclone," there are plenty more destinations where it feels like summer year round. Whatever you're into, we've rounded up seven of the best places to travel in January 2023. Quebec City, Quebec

Travel can be super-stressful. Between packing, getting the tickets, making sure you're checking in on time, going to the right gate, and also hopefully taking off when you're supposed to, it's a hassle. One of the biggest things we tend to worry about is our luggage, and how it's going to fare with the rough travel and handling of airport personnel, and while we have a list of some of the best carry-on luggage, they can be expensive. To that end, we've collected some of the best cheap suitcase deals out on the market, ones that still offer a ton of protection and peace of mind, but that don't necessarily break the bank. Best Cheap Suitcase Deals

American Tourister Zoom Turbo 20-inch expandable spinner suitcase - <strong>$119, was $120</strong> LOAOL 3-piece lightweight travel suitcase set - <strong>$166, was $331</strong> Samsonite Centric 2 29-inch spinner suitcase - <strong>$216, was $270</strong>

Hit the open highway with the 40+ best road trip listens for your next journey

Whether you’re loading the entire family into the car for a long drive or heading out solo on a shorter journey, these audiobooks and podcasts will keep you company mile after mile.

In theory, any audiobook, audio performance, or podcast can be listened to in the car, but it takes more than great storytelling to be the right fit for each type of road trip. What works for a cross-country adventure may not be quite right for a quick day trip. What you listen to with your significant other may not be (read: is definitely not) the same as what you listen to with a carload of kids. And when driving solo, sometimes what you want is a little company—maybe the familiar voice of a favorite celebrity or the shared joy in falling in love with a friend’s favorites. (Personally, I love catching up on what my fellow editors are listening to while on the open road, so I've included some of their top picks here.)

No matter what kind of journey you have coming up, we’ve got you covered with our collection of the top road trip listens. Check out what’s recommended for the type of trip you’re planning.

Save this list to your Library Collections.

The Best Audiobooks for Long or Cross-Country Road Trips

The road trip.

Unless you happen to be packed in a car with a bunch of unexpected passengers (including an ex you haven’t seen in two years), you just got into a fender bender, and everybody involved needs to get to Scotland for a wedding, you’re likely riding much more comfortably than this motley crew of five Brits. Was it a stroke of serendipity that put them all in that Mini Cooper heading north? Time will tell. A second-chance romance, The Road Trip is laced with humor, miscommunication, and a whole lot of charm.

The Fellowship of the Ring

"It’s inarguable that J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy epic The Lord of the Rings is one of the greatest stories ever told. And though you might be familiar with the tale, you’ve never heard it quite like this. Actor and motion-capture performance icon Andy Serkis, who brought Gollum/Sméagol to life in Peter Jackson’s acclaimed adaptations, does an outstanding job of voicing every single character and creature—proving yet again that he is a master of his craft." —Editor Alanna M.

From her first timid introduction in Mr. Mercedes , Holly Gibney has long been one of my favorite Stephen King characters. Now that she's returned—and thanks to actress Justine Lupe's on-point performance—this badass detective's status is further cemented for me. As Holly investigates the mysterious disappearance of Bonnie Rae Dahl, a young woman who's vanished, and grapples with the Covid pandemic—which killed her mother, who refused to get vaccinated—we are confronted with some of the hideous and shocking realities of our current times. –Nicole R.

The Four Winds

Listening to Julia Whelan perform a Kristin Hannah novel is a salve for the soul and a pure joy! Whelan brilliantly embodies the voice of Elsa—the heroine of this Dust Bowl-era story—as well as the array of Texans, Italian immigrants, and a whole host of unforgettable characters. The Four Winds is the perfect listen to get lost in on a long trip—the mile markers will fly by as the story carries you down the highway.

Driving the Green Book

Award-winning broadcaster Alvin Hall takes listeners on a journey through America’s racially divided past alongside social justice activist Janée Woods Weber. Together, the pair drive from Detroit to New Orleans, following the path of the historic travel guide The Negro Motorist Green Book , which Black Americans used as a vital resource during segregation to locate safe places where they could stop for a meal or spend the night. Chock-full of powerful testimonies, Driving the Green Book is a living history podcast that preserves a troubled legacy and honors the brave Black Americans who fought for equality.

"I’m an avid listener, and by and large, this is the best novel I have listened to so far this year. I was so moved, actually, that when I finally finished (after canceling my plans and spending the entire weekend enraptured), I immediately googled the author’s name to see if she happened to be speaking near me anytime soon. Ah, the joys of living in the Big Apple. As it turned out, she was giving a talk the next day with her literary agent on the Upper West Side. At her reading, I told her just how much her book meant to me. And now I’m telling you. This audiobook is a meditation on girlhood, on the deep scars that we tell ourselves are merely scratches, on class divides, and on the seemingly minuscule moments that end up shaping our lives. It is truly a must-listen, and, since it’s best consumed all in one go, a long car ride is a great place to delve into the unforgettable world of Sam ." —Editor Madeline A. 

Blacktop Wasteland

The story of Beauregard Bug Montage, a Black Virginian with a criminal past as a getaway driver, is a high-octane heist novel with blistering action sequences and car chases. Blacktop Wasteland is also the moving tale of a man pushed to his limits by poverty, race, and his own former life of crime. Think Ocean’s Eleven meets Drive, with a Southern noir twist.

Angela Davis

If you're the kind of person who views road trips as opportunities to listen and learn, checking out all those audiobooks and podcasts you've been meaning to get to forever, there’s no better place to start than with this brilliant classic. Angela Davis is a legend in the movements for Black liberation and prison abolition. In this candid, moving autobiography first published in 1974, she writes about her early years as an activist, offering wisdom that is still deeply relevant today. This newly released audiobook is read by Davis herself, and there’s simply no better way to experience her story.

South to America

In this brilliant blend of memoir, history, cultural criticism, and travel writing, Imani Perry takes listeners on an unforgettable journey through the South, from cities like New Orleans and Houston to the Georgia coast and the West Virginia hills. She delves into the specificities of each place she visits, exploring their complicated histories, language, art, culture, geography, and ecology, while revealing how the South is at the very heart of America's understanding of itself.

The Best Audiobooks for Short Road Trips

The worthy mind.

There’s just something about driving into a new day while listening to ideas about living a better, more fulfilling life that allows you to truly imagine that reality on the horizon. Narrated by author Meadow DeVor, this audiobook has the feel of getting comfortable after a long week, unwinding, and listening to a good friend who has been there dole out tangible advice for knowing, and owning, your worth.

Still Hung Up on You

I’ll be the first to admit that if my high school ex called, I wouldn’t exactly rush to pick up the phone. Luckily for Hannah Gold, when she needs the help of her ex, Ethan does answer the phone. As he agrees to help Hannah, they can’t help but to go down memory lane, which may lead to more than the original ask. Liz Maverick’s Still Hung Up on You snuck up on me like Hannah’s call snuck up on Ethan, leaving me just as shocked that such a short story, with its excellent sound production and performances by Andrew Eiden and Luci Christian Bell, could leave me so satisfied. – Patty R

The Fire Next Time

James Baldwin galvanized the nation in the early days of the civil rights movement with this eloquent manifesto, at once a powerful evocation of his early life in Harlem and a deeply unsettling exploration of the toll of racial injustice to both the individual and the nation. Narrated by actor Jesse L. Martin, The Fire Next Time stands as one of the essential works of American literature—as relevant and important today as it was 60 years ago.

Here’s a scenario to ponder—the first part of your drive involves a quick call to check in with mom, but you’ve still got some time to kill, so what’s next? Evil Eye is a brilliantly spun 90-minute thriller told through a series of long distance phone calls between a daughter in the States and her mother in India. There are pedestrian conversations that feel familiar, even ordinary. Then it comes with a right hook of a twist and a roundhouse of a turn, and you land in a place you could have never predicted!

Beginner's Mind

Yo-Yo Ma—an American, immigrant, former child prodigy, world-renowned musician, and beloved cellist—has delivered a message we all need to hear. Throughout Beginner's Mind , told in his own voice with divine musical interludes, Ma inspires with his undying hope in our collective capacity to create, collaborate, connect, and begin again.

Imogen Binnie's classic queer novel Nevada is finally back in print—and now available in audio for the first time. It's a bitingly funny but ultimately moving story about Maria, a trans woman who, after a breakup, decides that stealing her girlfriend's car and taking it on a cross-country road trip is the best way to get her life back on track. Needless to say, the road trip doesn't quite go as planned. Binnie's thoughtful narration of her work captures all of Maria's quirks—her dry humor, cynicism, sharp observations, malaise, and occasional sparks of genuine joy.

Is This Anything?

" Is This Anything? runs through a collection of 40 years’ worth of jokes, going all the way back to the days before anyone knew what Jerry Seinfeld had in store for comedy fans. This audiobook is a really special performance because you get to experience one of the most illustrious careers in the history of comedy and television by listening to the man himself voice the jokes that started it all." —Editor Aaron S.

Girls on the Verge

In this heartfelt coming-of-age story, three friends set out on a road trip that will change each of their lives. Camille is having a seemingly perfect summer—until she finds out she's pregnant. Knowing she can't tell her parents, she confides in her best friend, Bea, and then in Annabelle, a girl she hardly knows from her summer theater program. They both agree to join Camille on a journey to access abortion care. Over the course of more than a thousand miles on the road together, the Girls on the Verge all learn what it means to stand by your friends no matter what.

The Best Audiobooks for Road Trips with Your Boo or Your Bestie

The light we carry.

“Do I really need to explain why I’m excited for this Audible Original podcast? For starters, it’s hosted by the Michelle Obama (a.k.a., the former FLOTUS, bestselling author of two memoirs, wellness advocate, and all-around icon), and she’s invited a seriously impressive roster of guests—Gayle King, Hoda Kotb, and David Letterman, just to name a few. Together, they’ll explore important topics like family, identity, and relationships. I can’t wait to hear Mrs. Obama’s insights and inspirational advice, all recorded in front of a live, energetic audience who shares in my enthusiasm for her wisdom.” —Editor Rachael X.

The Final Revival of Opal & Nev

With its glittering milieu, provocative themes, and remarkable heroine, Dawnie Walton's The Final Revival of Opal & Nev is a knockout, and the novel’s dazzling polyphonic structure—a rock oral history for fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid's Daisy Jones & The Six and Jean Stein’s Edie —was made to be listened to in audio. In this Audie Award-winning rendition, it's performed by a full cast of talented narrators, including Janina Edwards and Bahni Turpin. This may not be a happily-ever-after romance, but there is a whole lot of love.

The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise

If you can’t help but rewatch classic 90’s movies when you’re feeling a little down and always find joy in the on-the-nose sweetness of meet-cute setups in romantic comedies, this is the road trip audiobook for you. Listening in as 21-year-old Tanner and 84-year-old Louise take to the road like outlaws on the run (which they very well may be) is the perfect summer road trip escape. You might just feel like the third member of this heartwarming odd couple.

Lessons in Chemistry

Set in California between the late ‘50s and early ‘60s, Lessons in Chemistry finds master chemist turned single mother Elizabeth Zott at the end of a strange proposal—she's just been offered a job hosting a cooking show. While reluctant at first, Elizabeth decides to become the host of Supper at Six, since cooking is chemistry after all. What Elizabeth doesn't anticipate is daring women to change the status quo with her unusual approach to cooking. Miranda Raison was the narration icing on this already wonderful story. And just in case you needed another reason to listen to Lessons in Chemistry before watching the Apple+ TV adaptation, the story features 10 points of view , with one being a dog with quite a lot to say. – PKR

Esther Perel's Where Should We Begin?: The Arc of Love

Esther Perel invites you and your significant other to listen in on private, intimate conversations exploring the evolution of relationships. Hear six sets of people at different points in their quest for romantic and familial love. You may just gain a better understanding of your own relationships through the struggles of these people and Esther’s remarkable insights. At the very least, you and your partner are bound to be inspired to get your own conversation started.

Coupledom with Idris and Sabrina Elba

In Coupledom, Idris and Sabrina Elba sit down with some of the world’s most interesting duos—from Mary and Sharon Bishop-Baldwin, the lead plaintiffs in the Oklahoma marriage equality lawsuit, to iconic ice cream entrepreneurs Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield—for honest, unguarded conversations about all the complexities of living a shared life. Along the way, they unlock wisdom for those of us navigating our own coupledoms, and for those still seeking their perfect match, whether in romance or business.

The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece

"If I had to describe what listening to this story was like as a place, this is how I’d put it: Picture a friendly pub with a roaring fire and enough bustle to make it feel lively, but not so much noise that you couldn’t have a conversation. And there are big, comfy chairs because it’s all about sinking in and letting Tom tell his stories without skipping a single detail. By the time the story gets into all the action, you're hooked, mesmerized, and eager to keep listening to every character that joins in on the storytelling—each anchored by the dynamic and affable voice of Tom Hanks. It’s comforting, invigorating, and time will go by way too quickly as you listen." —Editor Tricia F.

Anxious People

After a botched attempt at holding up a cashless bank, a desperate parent accidentally creates a hostage situation by running headfirst into a crowded apartment viewing. From our bumbling would-be robber to the collection of regular folks locked in together to the father/son cop team leading the investigation, each character in Anxious People has a story to be told. What’s revealed is pure Fredrik Backman truth-telling. His uncanny ability to get to the heart of things with humor, tenderness, and wisdom is brought to life by narrator Marin Ireland’s performance. She simply nails it–giving each and every quirky character a voice that resonates.

The Flatshare

"When I first heard about The Flatshare , it was billed as a light and happy beach listen about roommates who fall in love through Post-it notes. However, despite its rom-com premise, Beth O'Leary's debut is way more than fluff. Yes, take this one on vacation and revel in its sweetness and the heartwarming love story, but stick around for the depth and intelligence that emerges from the amazing performances." —Editor Emily C.

How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe

Young adult romance meets cross-country road trip—what could be better? This exuberant story about a Mexican American teenager on a life-changing summer road trip is funny, warm, and full of joy. Moon Fuentez is used to living in her twin sister's shadow. But when she takes a job selling merch on a tour bus full of social media influencers, she unexpectedly finds her own voice—and her first love—along the way.

An Immense World

Sometimes the best kind of road trip listens are the fun ones—stories so entertaining and fascinating that you keep listening even after you've arrived at your destination. And science writer Ed Yong's latest certainly fits the bill. With his characteristic wit, compassion, and clarity, Yong dives into the world of animal senses, explaining how creatures from beetles to whales experience the world—not just via scent, sight, and taste but through vibrations, electromagnetic waves, and more. A captivating book about the hidden wonders of our planet, An Immense World is the perfect listen to take in with your partner on a peaceful drive.

The Best Kid-Friendly Audiobooks for Road Trips with the Whole Family

The weirdies.

If you’re a fan of A Series of Unfortunate Events , Edward Scissorhands, or the darker side of kidlit classics, The Weirdies —triplets Barnacle, Garlic, and Melancholy—will feel like old friends. After being left behind when everybody else from Deadeye Manor has departed for a doomed vacation cruise, the triplets have to learn how to fend for themselves. Brilliantly performed by Kate Winslet, this listen will keep everybody in the car captivated and entertained to the point of fitful laughter.

Anne of Green Gables

Boasting a remarkable cast of award-winning Canadian talent, including Sandra Oh, Catherine O’Hara, and Victor Garber, this fresh and inspired dramatization of the classic we all know and love cannot help but delight. The immersive sound design (enhanced in Dolby Atmos) transported me to Prince Edward Island in a swirl of nostalgia and warmth. Above all, Michaela Luci shines as Anne Shirley—the wide-eyed enthusiasm for everything Anne finds magical in her new life absolutely exudes from her voice and provided the hopeful happy listening experience that I can’t wait to share with my whole family. –Emily C

Jukebox Joyride

Jukebox Joyride follows 12-year-old twins Jules and George on a wild adventure through time. Their Uncle Bob, a renowned ethnomusicologist (he studies music), has discovered the secret to time travel and is having a ball joyriding through history checking out the best concerts ever ... but something’s gone wrong. This musical escapade brings the twins from the birth of jazz in New Orleans to a performance by an 11-year-old Mozart in Vienna, all while trying to make it back to the present day to pass their history test!

The One and Only Ivan

This Newbery Medal-winning story by Katherine Applegate has become a modern classic for a reason—kids and adults have fallen in love with a gorilla named Ivan. Listening to Ivan's unforgettable first-person narration (performed by Adam Grupper) in a tale of friendship, art, and hope is simply the best form of entertainment with kids in the car. And after meeting Ivan, you’ll want hear the story of the spunky little dog who became his best friend. Bob, performed by Danny DeVito, tells his own tale in The One and Only Bob .

Hidden Figures

"There’s something so essential about the history that Hidden Figures tells. When you add narrator Robin Miles’s trademark warmth, rhythm, and pacing to the mix, this audiobook becomes even more of a force to be reckoned with. Likewise, even aspiring minds who still leave smaller footprints behind can take a giant leap into this unforgettable story, thanks to Bahni Turpin’s brilliant performance of Margot Lee Shetterly’s Young Readers’ Edition ." —Editor Rachel S.

Lellobee City Farm: Grandma Mei's Fantastic Folktales

If you're looking to keep your little ones entertained during a long ride, this listen has you covered. This charming Audible Original podcast from the creators of Lellobee City Farm will absolutely enchant your preschooler and leave them dreaming of adventure. Listen in with them as Grandma Mei shares magical stories from around that globe that immerse littles ones in the beauty of the natural world and shine a light on diverse cultures.

The Best Audiobooks for Solo Road Trips

Greenlights.

If you’re alone in the car, whether on your daily commute or heading out on a long-haul adventure, who would you pick as your imaginary copilot? From the evidence of nearly every bestseller list out there, Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey is many people’s first choice. The star’s unconventional memoir, Greenlights is filled with raucous stories, outlaw wisdom, and lessons learned the hard way about living with greater satisfaction. After a few hours alone with Mr. McConaughey, you just may find your own answers to the meaning of life.

Dolly Parton, Songteller

How lucky are we to have this memoir—filled with personal stories, life wisdom, and, yes, musical interludes—from the American treasure that is Dolly Parton? She frames her story through her songs, taking listeners on a real musical journey. Dolly Parton is timeless. Her authenticity and talent shine throughout Songteller , and she reminds us of all that is good in this world. As a private audience with a front-row seat in your car, you'll be singing along to your faves, from "Jolene" to "I Will Always Love You," and hanging on her every word.

The Woman in Me

Britney Spears has been in the limelight in one way or another since her Mouseketeer debut, and by 17 she was one of the most famous human beings on the planet. All this time, her narrative was so seldom her own, dominated instead by exploitative media coverage and a recently dissolved conservatorship. In an echo of her defiant pop anthem “Stronger” (“I’ve had enough, I’m not your property as of today”), a liberated Spears reclaims her story with hard-won candor. And her bombshell of a memoir couldn’t be in the hands of a better performer, with acclaimed actor Michelle Williams's delicate yet emotionally commanding timbre at the helm. – Alanna M

Sometimes when you’re trying to get to know someone better, it’s nice to hear from their friends and family along with your more deeply personal one-on-one time together. This memoir gives you lots of alone time with Seth Rogen, but it also features a cast of more than 80 voices, including cameos by Nick Kroll, Jay Pharoah, Jason Segel, Dan Aykroyd, Ike Barinholtz, Simon Helberg, Tommy Chong, Billy Idol, and Rogan’s mom and dad. Of course, it’s hysterically funny, but Rogen's Yearbook is equally heartwarming and certainly meant to be heard.

Hijab Butch Blues

Listening to a memoir on a long drive is a little like hearing a new friend recount her life story as you sit shotgun, looking out the window and absorbing it all as the countryside passes by. Lamya H’s coming-of-age memoir is no exception. The powerful story of a queer hijabi Muslim immigrant coming into her own, this listen is both breathtakingly intimate and utterly hopeful, making it the perfect companion to any solo journey.

I Came All This Way to Meet You

Jami Attenberg's heartfelt, funny, moving memoir about the ups and downs of her life as a writer is the perfect solo road trip listen. I Came All This Way to Meet You is funny, honest, vulnerable, and full of wisdom. Plus, it's about journeys—between cities and countries, between versions of self, between relationships, and between different ways of understanding the world. While the stories Attenberg shares will be especially poignant for writers and artists, anyone who's ever struggled through life, wanted something badly, or felt the ache of uncertainty and doubt will find a lot to love in this audiobook.

I'm Glad My Mom Died

Former child actor Jennette McCurdy has a heart-wrenching, dark, and ultimately powerful story of a woman finally taking control of her life, and she tells it without shame, without guilt, and with unflinching candor. Narrated by the author, I’m Glad My Mom Died is an inspiring story of resilience, independence, and the joy of shampooing your own hair.

Love Is an Ex-Country

Randa Jarrar's thoughtful self-narrated memoir-in-essays is structured around a cross-country trip from her home in California to her parents' home in Connecticut. As she visits old friends and the places that have shaped her life, she reflects on her identity as a proudly queer and plus-sized Muslim Arab American woman. In Love Is an Ex-Country , Jarrar writes intimately about domestic violence, motherhood, Islamophobia, fatness, sexuality, and what it means to joyfully take up space.

Between Two Kingdoms

The summer after she graduated from college, Suleika Jaouad was diagnosed with leukemia. She spent the next four years in and out of the hospital, fighting to survive. But when she was finally declared cancer-free, she realized her journey was just beginning. Unsure how to begin living her life again, Jaouad set out on an epic 100-day, 15,000-mile road trip across the country. Narrated by the author, this gorgeous account of that life-changing trip, and the people she met and let go of along the way, will leave you grinning through your tears.

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• Best Audiobooks

30 Best Audiobooks for Family Road Trips (For All Genres and Ages!)

Hit the road with the perfect entertainment! Our list of 30 Best Audiobooks for Family Road Trips offers magical, adventurous, and heartwarming stories for all ages. Keep everyone entertained!

Nothing drains more than sitting for hours on end, doing nothing but watching passing cars and trees! Thankfully, there's the exciting option of listening to a new audiobook with your family on a road trip! If you've been missing out on this, you'll be shocked to see how much fun an audiobook brings to your next trip!

Whether family means a team of hyperactive six-year-olds, uninterested teenagers, or mature adults, there's a book for you! From science fiction or magical tales to real-life experiences, the adventure in the world of books never ends! You'll find more than enough options on this list to keep your family entertained and enthralled even for a whole day's journey.

Audiobooks are an excellent innovation, especially if you get nauseated by reading in a moving vehicle. With most having top-notch narration, they're more like a non-visual movie. Think of seeing the whole Harry Potter series in one sitting. Ecstatic, right? Check out our list for more!

1. Charlotte's Web by E.B White (Narrated by Meryl Streep)

Listening length : 3 hours and 34 minutes | Price : $18.38

If you think a heart-warming story on friendship and unconditional love is what your family needs, you'd find Charlotte's web inspiring. The book, written by the same author of The Trumpet of the Swan and Stuart Little , is a kid's literature classic that cuts it for every young mind.

Charlotte's feeling for Wilbur, a little pig, is expressed in her spiderweb, which hangs up in Zuckerman's barn. The web also expresses the love of the girl, Fern, who rescued Wilbur as he was his family's runt when he was born. 

This story of love and friendship will continue to endear the minds of coming generations. It's been read in classrooms, homeschools, and independently; you'll surely enjoy it on your family's trip.

2. Peter and The Star Catchers by Dave Berry And Ridley Pearson (Narrated by Jim Dale)

Listening length : 8 hours and 40 minutes | Price : $14.99

This book is the best option if you've just completed the Harry Potter series and are unsure what's best to follow. Peter and the Star Catchers is a hilarious reimagination of the Peter Pan story, magical and adventurous, and also narrated by Jim Dale, the same guy that reads Harry Potter. 

It's a five-volume series, so it can suffice for whatever distance you may be traveling. Through the book, you enter into the fast-paced world of the orphan boy Peter and his somewhat mysterious buddy, Molly. 

The pals make efforts to keep a world-changing secret and win victory over a band of thieves and pirates. The magical substance that heals wounds and makes men fly from just one sprinkle mustn't reach the grasp of treacherous bandits. 

The characters in this story will remain vivid in your mind as you listen. Much more, it transports you to their magical world even while on a long road trip with your family. 

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3. Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud (Narrated by Simon Jones)

Listening length : 13 hours and 30 minutes | Price : $24.44

This story starts with eleven-year-old Nathaniel, a young apprentice to a magician still trying to learn the ropes of the ancient art of magic. Not until the day he meets Simon Lovelace, a ruthless and nonchalant magician that humiliates him publicly. 

The painful encounter sets him on the exciting track of a fast-forwarded education, learning spells far above his age and capacity, all in a bid to get his revenge. While on this, he stumbled on a powerful spell that summoned up the five-thousand-year-old djinni, Bartimaeus, to join him on his quest. 

Little did Nath know that summoning such a mighty creature of magic and controlling him was far from being the same thing. 

With settings of modern-day London, takes you through unanticipated twists and turns as the two unique characters explore together, held together by an almost unbreakable spell. The narration? Crazily good! With Amulet of Samarkand  being the first of The Bartimaeus Trilogy series, there's no dull moment on your trip with this book in place.

4. Princess Academy by Shannon Hale (Narrated by Laura Credidio)

Listening length : 7 hours and 24 minutes | Price : $9.95

New York Times bestseller Shannon Hale wrote this fantastic tale. It's about a girl named Miri that once enjoyed a simple life; one passed down to her by her ancestors that once lived on the mountain where she resides.

Not until she got the news that her simple home was divined to be the future princess's. And in one year, one of the village girls will stand by the prince as his bride and princess. But who could that be? 

In preparation for this, the rulership set up an academy to train young ladies to become princesses, which every teenage girl must undergo. In no time, Miri gets entangled with opposing situations —a grim academy mistress, the conflict in her wishes, and fierce competition among the young ladies. 

Even if she won and everything she ever wanted was brought to her feet, can it make up for her leaving her family and people behind? The Princess Academy series is one your family will fall in love with!

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5. Savvy by Ingrid Law by Lily Blau

Listening length : 6 hours and 16 minutes | Price : $21.99

Savvy is one of those superpower stories that doubles as an adventure book. We are introduced to the Beaumont family where everyone gets a magical talent called a savvy as they turn thirteen. 

Mibs Beaumont has one brother with hurricane power and another who brings up electricity; it's time to get hers. However, something terrible happened before D-day; Poppa got involved in a life-threatening accident. This occurrence affects Mibs' choice of savvy; all she wants now is the power to heal her dad. 

She snuck out of home and hit the road to the hospital on a rickety bus alongside her sibling and friends. After this exciting and unusual adventure, none of the kids will remain the same. Savvy is a sweet listen for any family with kids planning to set out on a road trip.

6. A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park (Narrated by Graeme Malcolm)

Listening length : 3 hours and 12 minutes | Price : $17.44

Here's an account that takes you back to twelfth-century Korea, when one celadon shard could determine people's fate. The village of Ch'ulp'o is famous for its pottery and celadon ware, and potter Min is the best potter the craft has seen. 

The master potter's work catches the eye of young Tree-ear, even if Min's short-fused nature should ideally put him off. He's blown away by the excellence of the potter's craft and had dreams of making his pot one day. 

This ambition rolls the stone of a cascade of unforeseen events, hazards, and unfathomable rewards. If you need a book about a young person's daunting journey towards fulfillment, this is it! No wonder the book won the 2002 Newbery Medal for most distinguished American children's book.

7. Dark Days: Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy (Narrated by Rupert Degas)

Listening length: 8 hours and 8 minutes | Price: £10.49

Skulduggery Pleasant is a sorcerer, fighter, and detective. But most importantly, He's dead! He's been carried into the dimension ruled by agents called the faceless ones. If you're lucky to find any remains of his bones, he probably shouldn't be in his right state of mind again from the horror of the ancient gods. 

No one has had the audacity or proven plan to save him from these depths of darkness. Except for Valkyrie, and even she doesn't have a solid plan. If she finally succeeds in bringing him back home, a gang of villains is already insistent on tearing down the sanctuary. 

Others want Valkyrie dead, and much more devastating is the sorcerer Darquesse that has plans to kill the world and everyone within it. 

The world's fate rests on Valkyrie's shoulders, and with the absence of Skulduggery, every hope lies on her. The inventiveness and fun entwined into the book's dark scenery make it a page-turner for you to laugh your face off.

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8. Matilda by Roald Dahl (Narrated by Kate Winslet)

Listening length: 4 hours and 18 minutes | Price: £15.75

Have you ever seen a sweet, book-loving girl of remarkable character misunderstood by her parents due to their undervaluing of education? Most likely not.

Matilda is one in those shoes. Although her life takes a new shape on meeting Miss Honey at her new school, matters still got worse with her having to deal with Miss Trunchbull, her kid-hating headmistress. 

All thanks to the attack of the terrorizing woman, Matilda discovers her superhuman power to defend herself and fight back. You'd think Roald Dahl writes his books to be listened to rather than read, as the book is filled with pranks, humor, mischief, and wit that keeps children laughing from start to finish.  

More seriously, you'll also learn how valuing family, education, and strong willpower can help you win against life's challenges. 

9. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S Lewis (Narrated by Michael York)

Listening length: 4 hours and 21 minutes | Price: $18.96

Everyone that's seen the movie adaptation of C.S Lewis's stunning story wouldn't hesitate an opportunity to listen to its audiobook on a family road trip. 

The land of Narnia lies beyond the border of a wardrobe door; a frozen country held captive under the white witch's enchantment. Lucy finds that the wardrobe in the professor's spooky apartment leads to Narnia and returns to tell her siblings, but it sounds somewhat incredulous. 

Soon enough, Susan and Peter follow suit and visit the magical country themselves. On meeting the great Lion Aslan, it dawned on them that they'd been called to join the great battle to set Narnia free from the witch's claws. 

The book is the second volume of the Chronicles of Narnia series but also does an excellent job as a standalone listen.   

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10. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K Rowling (Narrated by Jim Dale)

Listening length: 8 hours and 18 minutes | Price: $29.99

You've probably been searching for this! Of course, this list would be far from complete without Harry Potter's magical world. The story starts with little Harry, unaware of anywhere called Hogwarts. Not until his admission letter dropped on his family house's doormat at Privet Drive. The start of a long and exciting adventure! 

Although his gruesome aunt and uncle quickly hid the letter away, it happens that he couldn't be kept away from his destiny at Hogwarts. In no time, the beetle-eyed giant, Rubeus Hagrid, burst in with reemphasizing news of his magical talents and admission to Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Witchcraft.

The Harry Potter series has helped reveal many young people's hidden reading abilities. And every character of the magical story springs to life with Jim Dale's unmatched voice talent, even the unimportant ones! The audiobook is well worth the investment for any family considering spending some hours on the road.

11. The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall (Narrated by Susan Denaker)

Listening length : 6 hours and 43 minutes | Price : $23.99

The Penderwicks series has sold up to a million copies out of more readers' hunger to read it should have a spot on your consideration list for an audiobook. 

Written by National Book Award winner Jeanne Birdsall, there's no dulling moment as you join the Penderwick sisters on their three-week summer adventure—a vacation in the captivating estate of Arundel.

In no time, they're exploring the magic of tame rabbits, spreading gardens, and the taste of gingerbread from the kitchen of Massachusetts's best cook! What's more? They met Jeffrey Tifton, the son of Arundel's owner; and he's just precisely who they needed to have the time of their lives in Arundel. 

On the other hand, Mrs. Tifton isn't as welcoming as her son and warns them to stay away from trouble. Will they? Or will things get out of hand? Find that out as you dive into a sweetly nostalgic and witty story during your family's road trip.

12. The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo (Narrated by Graeme Malcolm)

Listening length : 3 hours and 30 minutes | Price : $18.38

The biggest and strongest doesn't always emerge as the hero. Kate DiCamillo brilliantly weaves the stories of Despereaux Tilling, a music-loving mouse, with that of Roscuro, a rat living in the dark and coveting a light-filled world. Miggery Sow, a serving girl, is another exciting protagonist. 

Three of them, alongside princess Pea, stepped into the uncertain adventure that led them through an appalling dungeon, a sparkling castle, and, more interestingly, into each other's lives. 

How does it all turn out? "Your destiny to find out," in Kate DiCamillo's voice. The Newberry Award-winning book is a sure bet to fill your journey with delightful memories. 

13. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (Narrated by Rob Inglis)

Listening length : 11 hours and 5 minutes | Price : $23.95

You'll find The Hobbit a great listen, and your kids will enjoy it. It's the adventure of the easy-going Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, who prefers his home's comfort but reluctantly chooses to join a group of dwarves headed to take back plundered gold from the great dragon Smaug. 

The tale is one of daunting courage and bravery. It's also the prelude to the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Initially, Professor J.R.R. Tolkien wrote the book for the reading delight of his children, so it's a more easy-going story than the Lord of the Rings.

Therefore, children and adults can enjoy the adventures, landscapes, songs, and bravery featured in the book. 

14. Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan (Narrated by Jesse Bernstein)

Listening length : 10 hours and 2 minutes | Price : $27.94

This series compares to Harry Potter's in terms of interestingness; and although superpower is involved, it's more about Greek gods in a modern setting. Twelve-year-old Percy had problems with bullies in school, and the cycle continues as he gets kicked out of one school to another. 

One day he visited the beach with his mom; the day his life took a different shape forever. He learns of his friend's satyr identity and struggles with the Minotaur, which got Percy to the camp of demigods.

He was sent on the seemingly impossible adventure to retrieve Zeus' stolen master bolt. As you'd imagine, the encounters on his way to achieving this turned out to be more than his capacity.  Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief is a book that'll get you thanking the gods for a beautiful read!

15. When Stars are Scattered by Omar Mohamed and Victoria Jamieson

Listening length : 3 hours and 42 minutes | Price : $22.05

What do you want from a story? Heart warmth, adventure? You'll get it all in this all-time remarkable, graphic novel. The book talks about how a young Somalian boy Omar Mohamed struggled to find a good life in a Kenyan refugee camp; for himself and his brother, Hassan, who has seizure problems.

Their father died in Somalia's civil war, encouraging them to flee for their lives on foot. They had to separate from their mother as these all played out. But now they've been searching tirelessly for her and hoping she's doing the same for them.

This book gives readers insider information on how to survive the trauma and other adverse effects of living as a refugee. The book's writing and color design are top-notch; that means they'll leave the reader with long and exciting memories that'll stick to them years after reading the book . It's a perfect one for any distance of a family road trip.

16. Caraval by Stephanie Garber (Narrated by Rebecca Soler)

Listening length: 10 hours and 36 minutes | Price : $24.49

Scarlett has always dreamt of being a part of the legendary, once-a-year performance, but her dad's arranged marriage for her now seems to threaten her dream. Thankfully, she escapes with the help of Tella, her sister, and a mysterious sailor. 

Unfortunately, the team couldn't see Tella's kidnap coming. Legend, the mastermind behind the dangerous performance, kidnaps the young lady and makes her the center of this year's carnival. Whoever finds her first is crowned the winner.

In pursuit of her sister, Scarlett finds herself in a labyrinth of love, magic, and heartbreak with other Caraval participants. Will she recover her sister? Find out yourself as you enjoy this mind-boggling adventure with your family.

17. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (Narrated by Tatiana Maslany)

Listening length : 10 hours and 35 minutes | Price : $19.59

Emmy Award-winning actress, Maslany, takes the dystopian story to another level with her youthful and melodic narration. The race for survival keeps your mind constantly on a high as sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen combines intelligence, compassion, and grit to win the Hunger Games.

The Capitol city of Panem overrules 12 districts and keeps them in line by making them send one boy and girl between the ages of 12 and 18 to join in the life-threatening games. The kids are viewed on live TV as they fight it until death. 

Sixteen-year-old Katniss sacrifices her life by volunteering to take her sister's place in the games; as survival and proximity to death are second nature for her. With her bravery, nonetheless, she has to choose between survival and humanity, life and love. 

18. To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han (Narrated by Ali Ahn)

Listening length : 8 hours and 44 minutes | Price : $21.43

Got teen girls? They'll find this audiobook an interesting listen over and over again! The book goes over the romance misadventures most teenage girls are prone to experiencing. They'll also learn to appreciate the value of the written word.

Although now a major movie on Netflix, the audiobook is still worth the listen as the experience of sixteen-year-old Lara Jean Song doesn't get less interesting! You sure want to know what happens when a teenage girl's secret love letters to all five previous crushes, written for only her eyes, leaks out to all of them at once!

And Lara Jean is no shallow writer; she pours her mind and soul down, including what she wouldn't say in reality, because she never intended to show it to them. This event happens, and her once imaginary love life goes out of hand.

19. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah (Narrated by Trevor Noah)

Listening length : 8 hours and 44 minutes | Price : $21.83

Ever tried nonfiction audiobooks for trips? They deserve a place on your list. This book is a memoir Trevor Noah wrote about his coming-of-age days and South Africa's struggles with injustice and apartheid. 

The story starts with how his devoted mother threw him out of a moving van to save him from gangsters, followed by the young comedian's growth through humorous and poignant episodes of self-discovery. 

In Born a Crime , the celebrity flawlessly performed the different characters from his childhood days and effortlessly used the English, Zulu, and Xhosa dialects to win the heart of every listener. Little wonder his narration earned him the Audie award for the best male narrator in 2018. 

20. One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus (Narrated by Macleod Andrews, Robbie Daymond, Kim Mai Guest, and Shannon McManus)

Listening length: 10 hours and 43 minutes | Price : $33.69

This audiobook stands out in that each main character has a different narrator, adding an authentic flavor to the already enjoyable story. The TV series now streams on Peacock as everyone wants to know what happened when the school authority detained five students together, but only four came out alive. 

Investigation reveals that Simon's death wasn't accidental, as he'd planned to post juicy info about those other four classmates the next day, making them all suspects in the murder case. Can they be held responsible? Or are they the ideal patsies for the actual killer still roaming free? 

The twisted and addictive thriller keeps readers unraveling the mystery of "who really killed Simon" till the end.

21. Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A Milne (Narrated by Stephen Fry, Others)

Listening length : 2 hours and 4 minutes | Price : £13.12

Remember the time when you were able to make your toys come to life by giving them personalities? Winnie-the-Pooh takes you back to that time. This collection of stories about "Pooh bear" has delighted millions of children for decades. And with its brilliant narration, your kids would repeatedly beg to listen to this. 

The end of the story sends a strong message to everyone about growth and the reality of saying goodbye. Summarily, Winnie-the-Pooh offers hours of enjoyment for any family trip.

22. Ms. Rapscott's Girls by Elise Primavera (Narrated by Katherine Kellgren)

Listening length : 3 hours and 40 minutes | Price : $17.15

If you find boarding house stories irresistible, you'll be intrigued by this book. The book starts with a call for new intakes into the great Rapscott School. Only this unusual institution specifically admits daughters of the busiest parents in the world. 

Interestingly, these girls get shipped to the school from different locations in (of all things) postage boxes!

The coming weeks and months reveal a host of formative adventures the girls embark on. Especially as the extraordinary headmistress, Ms. Rapscott, tries to fulfill her promises to their parents by teaching everything these parents are too busy to teach.

The book teaches children to be resilient as they uncover their inner mettle. You'll surely enjoy listening to this book on a family road trip, especially as it's reminiscent of the famous Mary Poppins book.

23. The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer (Narrated by Chris Colfer)

Listening length : 8 hours and 59 minutes | Price : $14.99

If you're looking for a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout your journey, the Land of Stories is for you. This Young Adult Fantasy Novel gives you the experience of meeting all your special Disney characters in one place. From Cinderella to Goldilocks and even all the villains!

The book is about twin siblings—Alex and Conner. They find themselves in an enchanted world by the powers of a mysterious book they were gifted for their birthday. At first, the experience is exciting as they interact with their favorite fairy tale characters. 

But soon, they become plagued with the problem of how to get back to reality as they encounter witches and scary creatures. How they escape is what your don't want to miss out on!

24. Cinder by Marissa Meyer (Narrated by Rebecca Soler)

Listening length : 10 hours and 2 minutes | Price : $24.49

Ever imagined a cross between the famous Disney novel Cinderella and your favorite Sci-Fi book? Cinder is the genius outcome. The book has a common yet intriguing storyline guaranteed to captivate any listener with its similarities and deviations from the original story.

The protagonist, Cinder, is a second-class citizen by her profession, and living with her abusive stepmother and step sisters. Things go south when one of the stepsisters catches a deadly disease, and she is blamed for it. 

Cinder is then sent away as a case study for medical research. As secrets are unveiled, everyone soon realizes that Cinder is not as common as she seems. You should find out how the drama unfolds to the happy ending you expect

25. Far far Away by Tom McNeal (Narrated by W. Morgan Sheppard)

Listening length : 10 hours and 55 minutes | Price : $29.40

In a Land called Never Better, a young boy named Jeremy Johnson hears the voice of a ghost. This ghost is no other than Jacob Grimm, one of the Grimm brothers who compiled fairy tales in the nineteenth century. Jacob's ghost is tasked with protecting Jeremy, narrating the story from Jacob's point of view. 

However, it becomes clear that Jacob can't protect Jeremy from everything. Especially the beautiful Ginger Boultinghouse, who falls in love with him after eating an allegedly enchanted piece of cake.

While playing pranks on the townspeople, the duo soon find themselves in deep trouble. One that pales in comparison to every of Jeremy's previous problems. Did Jacob succeed in protecting Jeremy? How did it end with Ginger? You'll find that out when you listen to this story!

26. Hatchet by Gary Paulsen (Narrated by Peter Coyote)

Listening length : 3 hours and 42 minutes | Price : $18.61

Hatchet tells of the tenacity of a young boy stranded alone in the wilderness for 54 days after a plane crash. With tattered clothes and an injured body, he must learn to survive with just a hatchet and a strong will to survive. 

The story starts with Brains' family life. His parents were recently divorced, and he was to spend his first holiday with his dad after the divorce. On the way, he got stranded in the Canadian mountains and unconsciously recollects a family secret. 

The ensuing days reveal the tough decisions he has to make physically and mentally. Courage and, most importantly, the woes of self-pity and despair are lessons the reader discovers in this story. Hatchet is a fantastic book of adventures that you'll find a page-turner.

27. The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate (Narrated by Adam Grupper)

Listening length : hours and 46 minutes | Price : $18.96

The One and Only Ivan is a unique animal story centered around a silverback gorilla named Ivan. It is based on a true story and contains simple themes about friendships yet exposes the harsh truths about what it is like to live in captivity. 

It's also a book you would undoubtedly adore if you love animals and are interested in protecting their rights.

Having lived in a mall for over 27 years, Ivan had mostly forgotten about his life in the wild. Ivan is forced to see their profession in a new light as he seeks to get back to the wild. This emotional story portrays the transformative power of friendships, and it's heartwarming conclusion would make you shed a few tears.

28. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle (Narrated by Hope Davis)

Listening length : 6 hours and 27 minutes | Price : $22.05

A wrinkle in time is a fantastic blend of science fiction and fantasy. The story is about Meg, a teenager, and her brother Charles in their quest to find their missing father. One day, a stranger appears at their doorstep and tells them the truth about their father's whereabouts. 

She further reveals the existence of a 'wrinkle in time through which they can travel to recover Mr. Murry.

With Calvin, a fellow schoolmate, the children travel through time to outwit the dark forces and rescue Mr. Murray. But this would prove to be no mean feat as soon the task would be more about returning alive themselves. How does Meg discover every human's secret weapon to defeat evil forces? You'll have to read this book to find out!

29. Family, Friends, and Furry Creature by Liz Pichon (Narrated by Russell Tovey)

Listening length : 1 hour and 56 minutes | Price : $11.95

Family, friends, and furry creatures is a hilarious book to listen to and re-listen to. The story is about the adventures of Tom Gates with his friends and family. It's also the perfect audiobook for getting everyone in the mood on a vacation or camping trip, as you'll likely be in stitches most of the time.  

The Book reveals Tom's everyday life and how he goes about the school project he had to do for his family. This leads Tom to discover how his parents met with so many embarrassing and relatable scenarios to laugh over. It's a terrific read for any age; and learning about Tom is a guide to learning about yourself.

30. The Railway Children by E.Nesbit (Narrated by Virginia Leishman)

Listening length : 6 hours and 43 minutes | Price : $17.46

The charm of this book is its simplicity and natural themes. It tells the tale of three children forced into poverty after their dad disappears suddenly. Together with their mother, they move from London to the countryside and are excited to learn that their new home is close to a train station.

The story depicts the relatable experience of being whisked into unexpected situations as a child without understanding the reasons from an adult's point of view. The children learn to make the most of their new surroundings by helping with chores.

They are also able to thrive by making friends wherever they go. One of these friends, an old gentleman, coincidentally turns out to be the one who helps them out of their predicament. Listening to this audiobook on a family trip will awaken nostalgic feelings about your childhood you'd want to remember.

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Best Audio Books for Road Trips

Road trip audio books should be fast paced, engaging, exciting stories. Here’s The Drive’s list of the best free audio books and paid selections.

Road trips present about the best time available to cruise through an audio book. An audio book s just the kind of thing you need to pass the miles and fill your head with new ideas and literary adventures. Here we have selected some of what we consider to be the best audio books (some free, some paid) for road trips. Why these books? A few reasons. First, we felt that the audio book must be a page-turner. Exciting! The audio book's plot must be easy to follow, and have a small cast of easily-understood characters. Humor was prized over intellectualism, mostly, as we felt miles pass the fastest with a laugh. And suspense. We certainly mixed in some thrillers and mystery audio books. Length was also a consideration. We picked books mostly on the long side, since we feel really long books best lend themselves to audio book in general, and on long road trips in particular. Ready to hit the road? Download these audio books first.

Best Free Audio Books

My Man Jeeves, The Count of Monte Cristo, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and The Thirty-Nine Steps

My Man Jeeves, by P.G. Wodehouse

The amusing tales of Bertie Wooster, a lost vision of the idle rich society gentleman, getting into trouble with aunts, uncles and friends. Troubles are solved by the iconic butler, valet and majordomo Jeeves. Wodehouse’s writing is detailed, imaginative, rich with detail, remarkable in dialog and all around great fun. There’s a reason there’s no real great Jeeves movies: With Wodehouse, the fun is in the writing. Chapter 3, for example, is entitled “Jeeves and the Hard Boiled Egg.”

Total runtime: 5:12

Family/adult: Great family fun, nice and clean

Price: Free Audio Book at Librivox

The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas

This free audio book is ideal for long, long road trips, since it’s total running time is nearly 50 hours. We’ve found that most road trips go at about 35 MPH including gas breaks and everything else. That makes this book good for the drive from Minneapolis to Miami (1,793 road miles). And what a book is it! The Count of Monte Cristo is a Dumas classic, full of adventure, vivid imagery, humor, drama, wrongful prosecution, adventure on the high seas, rags-to-riches, revenge, valor and at its heart, a love story. An amazing piece of work that once finished, you’ll thank yourself forever.

Total runtime: 49:43

Family/adult: Good for tweens upwards

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

This is a 12-story collection of mysteries and your favorite deducing detective, Sherlock Holmes. Each story is about an hour long, great for breaking up monotony on the road. As Drive contributor John Sciarrino points out, whodunnits are great for groups because everyone can play along guessing who did the deed. Also, this is a great Sherlock Holmes starting point, because Sherlock has been in the public domain forever, and there’s plenty more Sherlock free audio books out there to explore.

Total runtime: 10:17

Family/adult: Everyone

The Thirty-Nine Steps, by John Buchan.

This fast-paced thriller was the first of a kind and introduced the concept of “the wrong man” to fiction, a construct that’s been used everywhere from North by Northwest to The Big Lebowski. Set at the onset of World War I, an innocent engineer is caught up in a mess of murders, spies and secret codes whilst being pursued across the countryside.

Total runtime: 4:20

Family/Adult: Mostly adult fare.

Those are our favorite free audio books. Goodreads has a great list of the 100 most read free audio books right here .

Best Road Trip Audio Books

The Fountainhead, Ready Player One, The Arsenal of Democracy, 11/22/63

The Fountainhead, by Ayn Rand

Here's why. It’s long as can be, and chock full of drama and concepts of individuality, the press, ideology, genius, vision, vanity, devastating beauty and despair. A fantastic read set in a sprawling metropolis populated by deep and well drawn characters. It’s Ayn Rand, which means it’s an intellectual powerhouse, and an enduring one. First published in 1943, it reads as contemporary as if it were published the day before yesterday, with concepts and constructs as modern as ever. You could go for "Atlas Shrugged," another excellent audio book, but I think "The Fountainhead" is the better road trip audio book.

Total runtime: 32:01

Family/adult: Adults and forward-thinking teens

Price: $22 at Audible

Ready Player One, Ernest Cline

Sci-fi adventure in a virtual reality environment, jam-packed with ‘80s nostalgia for popular culture and a treasure hunt. "Ready Player One" has been on best-seller lists since its release in 2011 and enjoys enduring popularity and reader affinity. Once you’ve read it, you’ll be a member of a large club of people who just absolutely swear by and love this book. The audio book is a notably excellent read by Will Wheaton, a sci-fi superstar narrator in his own right.

Total runtime: 15:46

Family/adult: Teens and above

The Arsenal of Democracy, by A.J. Baime

We’re partial to this book about “FDR, Detroit and an epic quest to arm America at war” for a couple of reasons. First, it’s penned by Drive editor A.J. Baime. Second, it’s got tons of Detroit, Henry Ford, FDR, heavy metal, productions lines, bomber aircraft and illustrates how America won World War II with its capacity for production of war machinery. It’s fascinating historical non-fiction, well suited to miles on the road.

Runtime: 11:22

Family/adult: Best for Dads and Grads

Price: $18 at Audible

11/22/63, by Stephen King

You might have been thoroughly confused or amazed by James Franco in the Hulu adaption of this thriller, but we assure you: the book is longer, better, more jam packed with action, romance, sci-fi and thrills. As a way of making the time pass fast on the road, you don't get much better than time traveling back to Dallas days before JFK's assassination. The audio book is expensive, but just one credit if you're an Audible member. And its defense, it's a long and wild ride.

Runtime: 30:44

Family/adult: Adult

Price: $37 at Audible

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, by Douglas Adams

Humor sci-fi of the highest order, The Hitchhiker’s Guide is a vivid journey through time and space, wracked full of sight-gags, lettuce-crisp dialog, popular philosophy and science. It’s like Johnny Dangerously meets 2001, A Space Odyssey . This book is short at just under six hours, but is only the first in a series of five books. So, maybe you read this audio book on the way to Grandmother’s house, and the second, "The Restaurant at the End of the Universe ,"  on the way back. All are excellent, and if you get through all of these you can go to another whole series of Douglas Adams books (again, excellent) starting with Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency. But start with “the guide.” One last thing, I prefer the whole text as narrated by Stephen Fry over the dramatized versions.

Total runtime: 5:51

Family/adult: Enjoyable for all

Price: $15 at Audible

That’s it for today, but we’re going to keep updating this story as the suggestions come in. Tell us what you’re favorites and suggestions are in the comments below.

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Best Audiobooks for Road Trips

Find a recommended story that will make the perfect trip companion this summer..

For this special edition of Staff Picks, we’re sharing our go-to audiobooks for a long road trip. Learn something new, find inspiration, or get lost in an engaging story! These audiobooks are sure to make the time pass by.

I highly recommend listening to this audiobook if you’re just getting into audiobooks. It’s such a quick and easy listen! The multiple narrators help you immerse yourself in the story and it felt so effortless to listen along to. I listened to it on an eight hour round-trip drive and immediately was motivated to make a 70’s inspired playlist after I was done listening.

– Sarah Martinez, Analyst, Consumer Insights

Genuinely funny, truly heartfelt, and simply delightful, this gay rom-com is a perfect companion for a summer road trip. Whether you’re listening with a partner, or looking for love on your own, this book is sure to deliver on all the feels, but most importantly, genuine laughs.

– Grant Griglak, Senior Director, Consumer & Marketplace Insight

When it comes to long car rides, I find that mystery and suspense genres serve as excellent distractions. In Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers , the author crafts a hilarious and offbeat adventure that will captivate you as the miles pass by. The story revolves around Vera Wong, the owner of a tea shop, who finds herself implicated in a murder investigation when a man is discovered dead in her shop. Jesse Q. Sutanto’s writing style never fails to bring a smile to my face as I cheer for this internet sleuth’s skill in unraveling the mystery, clearing her name, forging new friendships, and possibly uncovering the identity of the murderer.

– Corey Nascenzi, Associate Director, Product Manager of E-Commerce

Samantha Irby’s Wow, No Thank You is an audiobook I’d recommend for a roadtrip if you’re not the one driving. I laughed so hard as she narrated, it wouldn’t have been safe for me to operate a motor vehicle while I listened. I’m looking forward to cracking up to her latest, Quietly Hostile , this summer.

– Lynn Rickert, Manager, Email Marketing Operations

This audiobook is on constant repeat in the car because my daughter is OBSESSED. With sound effects, a full cast, and surprisingly catchy songs, this set of super-engaging stories is sure to delight listeners of all ages.

– Jennifer Clare, Senior Manager, Content Marketing, Brightly

If you are looking for a zen audiobook for easy listening on your trip, this is the one for you. Music industry legend Rick Rubin, known for helping artists break through their creative blocks, takes you on a journey to discover the ways you are already creative while showing you how to let go of all the doubts that convince you that you’re not (hello, imposter syndrome!). Be soothed and inspired by his endless and approachable wisdom.

– Tia Guerrier, Content Marketing Assistant

As read by the author, this audiobook puts a fantastic storyteller in your passenger seat, transforming a lengthy car ride from a solitary endeavor to one where it feels you are spending time up with a good friend. Just be mindful you don’t start driving in the HOV lane.

– Court Clinch, Director, Marketing Analytics

Mortal Follies by Alexis Hall is a hilarious and sarcastic sapphic regency fantasy romance between a noblewoman and a rumored witch. The audiobook is perfect for a road trip because it’s brilliantly narrated by Nneka Okoye and she brings a whole other level of fun to the story.

– Alexandra Franco, Associate Manager, Ad Operations

To pass the time (and to get ready for the movie premiering this fall), I highly recommend Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann. Coming in just a little over nine hours, you’ll feel it may be too short for such a riveting true crime story. Grann has a way of making his books feel entertaining, informative, and like a piece of fiction. Everyone should put this important story on their summer reading list.

– Daniela Ayuso, Senior Manager, Multicultural Marketing

It may seem strange to recommend listening to a book about the Deaf community, but this audiobook is so unique that it actually includes the sound of sign language. Told from the perspective of two students and one teacher, the novel is about the River Valley School for the Deaf, its possible closure, and the enormous repercussions that would follow. It’s an eye opening novel that is both a history of the Deaf community, a commentary on cultural erasure, and a narrative on the importance of language. This book will keep you captivated on any road trip you may be embarking on!

– Sarah Mangiola, Director, Content Marketing

Chanel Miller narrates the book, bringing you into her heartbreaking story about her assault, the infuriating trial that followed, and her healing process. While the subject matter is incredibly sad and relatable for many people, I finished this book feeling uplifted and hopeful, which speaks to the incredible writing and character of the author.

– Kathryn Monaco, Manager, Content Marketing

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Robb Report Audio Awards 2024: The 41 Best Headphones, Earbuds, Speakers, Turntables, and More

Robb report editors and writers test hundreds of the finest audio products in the world every year. we've mined those reviews to name the best audiophile gear of 2024..

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Pronouncing anything the “Best of”—whether it’s an automobile, a wine, or a stereo system—is as much about personal taste as it is about price and specifications. In the spirit of our inaugural 2023 Audio Awards, the Robb Report editors have compiled this group of recommended components based on the high value, quality, and performance each delivers compared to the very best and most costly available. While lunatic-fringe audiophiles (and that includes some from these ranks) regularly audition so-called state-of-the-art gear, we take particular pleasure in recommending those components whose performance far outdistances their price tags. While you won’t see any $800,000 loudspeakers or $500,000 turntables here, we guarantee that all the components listed will acquit themselves admirably when performing the task for which each was designed, even against the “big guns.” While some brands are household names, we have also been quick to share special products whose footprint has never been seen in a big box store. Especially worth seeking out, think of these as a “secret handshake” between audiophile friends.

Best Floor-Standing Loudspeakers: Sonus faber Stradivari G2

The Stradivari Second Generation evolved from the original Stradivari, launched in the early 2000s, and features a wide front baffle, which is partially responsible for this speaker’s organic, natural, and full-bodied sound. A pair of 10-inch woofers go down to 25 Hz, while the six-inch, Neodymium magnet midrange driver handles the lion’s share of the sound for which the Italian manufacturer is famous. From 160 Hz to 2,200 Hz, this driver is the speaker’s heart and soul, aided in its role by a one-inch soft-dome tweeter. Though relatively sensitive at 92 dB, a high-current amplifier with at least 100 watts will go a long way toward making the Stradivari G2s sing. As with every Sonus faber loudspeaker, the wooden cabinetry is exquisite beyond belief. — Robert Ross

Best Loudspeakers for Design Obsessives: Songer Audio S1

A tour de force of technology, craftsmanship, and unbelievably lifelike sound, this 47-inch-tall tower is a dream come true for lovers of low-power tube amps. Amazingly, it uses only one driver, mounted at ear-level in a 120-pound bass-reflex enclosure constructed in a choice of hardwoods and embellished with polished brass details. There is a magic to the sound because of this speaker’s handmade, full-range transducer and the way that it reproduces music with the speed, transparency, and impact of a real performance. A time-aligned point-source, the response across the frequency spectrum is coherent in a way that no multi-driver system can be. Non-fatiguing and transparent, the sound can be compared to Quad 57 electrostatics, but with much greater weight and presence. For the music lover who wears “made to measure.” — RR

Best Stand-Mount Loudspeakers: Aretai Contra 100S

Winner of the prestigious Red Dot Design Award for product design in 2022, the smallest member of the Contra family combines sonic, aesthetic, and engineering principles that embody what designer Janis Irbe calls “the Northern Sound concept—the crisp and vital freshness of a winter morning surrounded by the generous and robust vastness of Nature.” However you characterize the sound of the Latvian-made loudspeaker, it comes with prodigious bass down to 30 Hz, thanks to a rear-firing six-inch woofer that complements its front-firing twin. The novel waveguide for the neodymium tweeter extends response to beyond 25 kHz but importantly replicates a deep, wide soundstage. These are serious speakers, with optional bi-wiring/bi-amping capability, and vacuum-tube lovers will appreciate the valve-friendly impedance and sensitivity of the Contra 100S. — RR

Best Bookshelf Loudspeakers: Graham Audio LS3/5A

When space is as precious as perfectionist sound, there are few if any loudspeakers more satisfying than the shoe-box-sized LS3/5A. The British Broadcasting Corporation’s original mini-monitor is a true audio icon and has remained in production since the first one was made in 1975 under license from the BBC. Since then, more than a dozen manufacturers have built the little giant slayer, and today, one top choice is Graham Audio’s Chartwell LS3/5A. Set up for nearfield listening on a desktop or bookshelf, the two-way design uses a five-inch Bextrene-cone midrange/woofer and a .75-inch mylar-dome tweeter. They don’t play at ear-bleeding levels and don’t go much below 70 Hz, but for tonal accuracy and their ability to sound like real voices and music, this classic product should be a part of every audiophile’s life experience. — RR

Best Bang-for-the-Buck Loudspeakers: JBL L100 Classic

The JBL L100 came on the scene in 1970. Those of us old enough may remember the Memorex print ad showing a guy in a Le Corbusier chair with his hair blown back by a single L100, implying that Memorex tape created a simulacrum of a real performance. While the Quadrex foam-grilled icon blasting the longhair is probably junk today, it’s possible to buy a vastly improved (but identical-looking) version of JBL’s enduring icon more than half a century later. The L100 Classic’s all-new 12-inch woofer, 5.25-inch midrange, and 1-inch titanium-dome tweeter improve on every aspect of the original’s sound, yet express the same youthful exuberance that pumped Stones, Hendrix, and Cream into smoke-filled dorms way back when. Buy a pair and go back in time. — RR

Best Wi-Fi Loudspeakers: KEF LS60 Wireless

Still the choice for those seeking exceptional sound and clean design, the KEF LS60, a floor-standing loudspeaker with about the narrowest form factor imaginable, has everything including the streamer built into it. Digital and analog sources can be plugged into the back panel of the master speaker, allowing this full-featured system to serve up superior sound, thanks largely to the Uni-Q front driver that delivers an incredibly coherent “point-source,” yet evenly one dispersed throughout the room. Impressive bass response comes from four 5.25-inch woofers in each enclosure, and 1,400 watts of Class D amplification shared between both speakers. Architectural colors for cabinets and drivers make these the perfect choice for midcentury design-types. — RR

Best Portable Wi-Fi Loudspeaker: Bang & Olufsen Beosound Level

Life is too short to bring bad design into one’s home. Thankfully, there is an antidote, and it sounds fantastic. Bang & Olufsen’s Beosound Level offers an immense portable soundscape and versatility to match. Only slightly larger than a legal pad and about two inches in depth, this Bluetooth-enabled Wi-Fi speaker streams music with rich, room-filling sound. Battery operated, the Level stands up, lays flat, or hangs on a wall. It can be carried from room to room, and, because it’s dust and splash-resistant, can even take its talents outdoors. Whether it’s the primary system for a smaller space or a musical sidekick for leisure listening, this is a sonic and aesthetic overachiever in the world of wireless speakers. We named it “Best Portable” last year and still, nothing does it better than the Beosound Level. — RR

Best Portable Digital Audio Player: Astell&Kern A&ultima SP3000T

Astell&Kern’s digital audio players (DAP) are pocket-sized devices capable of storing and playing high-resolution music or media files. The A&ultima series of flagship players reproduce the ultimate high-res sound for use with headphones or in-ear earphones, like the company’s $4,999 Novus. The just-released SP3000T is based on the acclaimed SP3000 but adds the warmth and delicacy of tube amplification with A&K’s Triple Amp System, which allows users to customize their sound profile using tube amplification, a digital op-amp, or a hybrid combination of both tube and op-amps. The integration of dual Raytheon mil-spec vintage vacuum tubes creates an authentic analog sound, while the screen can display digital VU meters for added nostalgia to the musical journey. All three modes are available when using the 2.5 mm, 3.5 mm or 4.4 mm outputs.

Best Wireless Headphones: Sony WH-1000XM5

The Sony name may lack the glamour of some of the other brands on this list, but the Japanese electronics giant have repeatedly put out some of the best overall headphones you can buy over the last few decade. Of those, our pick is the current flagship over-ear model, the WH-1000XM5. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and much sleeker than the majority of their peers. They also offer active noise cancellation that it is a very clear step up from their predecessor, the also-excellent WH-1000XM4. Their best feature, though, is their audio quality. From the moment you turn them on, these cans sound superb, whether you’re a fan of classical, pop, or house. Even if their sound profile is a little bass-heavy for you, Sony’s easy-to-use app has an equalizer that’ll allow you to tweak settings to your heart’s content. The WH1000XM5 also offer excellent call quality and a useful voice-activated awareness mode—which pauses music and turns on the exterior microphones when someone is speaking to you—making them well suited to both work and play. — Bryan Hood

Best Wired Headphones: Focal Clear MG

It’s easy to be skeptical of some of the claims that audiophiles make. With budget and mid-priced headphones sounding as good as they do these days, is premium audio really worth the significant jump in cost? Just take a listen to your favorite album on Focal’s Clear MG and you’ll understand why sound snobs are so adamant about the difference between their gear and everything else. The French brand’s over-ears sound so pristine that you’ll understand what all the fuss is about within a song or two. Sure, they cost significantly more than some of the other cans on this list, but you won’t care one bit once you start noticing new details in a record you’ve already devoured dozens of times before. There aren’t many headphones that will give you the sense that you’re listening to an artist perform live every time you press play—but the Clear MG will. — BH

Best Headphones for Audiophiles: Meze Empyrean II

Because a $12,000 electrostatic headphone rig may not be every music lover’s cup of audiophile tea, we can be thankful for the new Meze Empyrean II. While hardly inexpensive, these Romanian-designed-and-built headphones are as satisfying to listen to as they are comfortable for long listening sessions. The aluminum housings are precision CNC-milled aluminum, with black metal grilles whose pattern of arched perforations recalls a fine Art Deco motif. The drivers, which use a planar diaphragm sandwiched between two perforated, fiberglass-infused pieces of lightweight ABS, are two reasons the sound of the Empyrean II is so natural, detailed, and impactful. The frequency response is, almost literally, off the charts, extending from a subterranean eight Hz and spiraling to a (literally) unheard of 110,000 Hz. Altogether, the Empyreans hit the headphone sweet spot and beg the question, “How much better can headphones get?” — RR

Best Designed Headphones: Apple AirPods Max

It’s no secret that the vast majority of headphones look pretty much the same. But not the AirPods Max. The over-ear version of Apple’s ubiquitous wireless earbuds has been one of the best-looking options on the market since its introduction earlier this decade. The stylish cans have the clean, streamlined look we’ve come to expect from the brand since the mid-aughts, with the added bonus of coming in a wide array of colors. The headphones’ smooth anodized aluminum cups don’t just look (and feel) good, they also that rotate independently of one another to keep pressure balances on your head, which is crucial since they are on the heavy side. Design and color options aren’t the only thing that separate the AirPod Max from the company’s earbuds—they also deliver excellent, well-balance audio performance regardless of what you’re listening to. Noise cancelling is fantastic, and their ease of use, especially if you already use other Apple products, just cannot be beat. — BH

Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones: Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Sometimes you just need to block out your surroundings. Whether you’re trying to focus on a particular task or just need some peace and quiet, it’s always a good idea to have a dependable pair of noise-cancelling headphones nearby. No company has proven itself more reliable on this front than Bose and its newest flagship over-ears, the QuietComfort Ultra, take things to a new level. These things can block out—or at least greatly quiet down—basically all environmental noise allow you’re likely to come across on a daily basis. You may still hear that jackhammer down the block, but it won’t be anywhere near as annoying. They also offer Bose’s typically solid audio performance and significantly better transparency than their predecessors, the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700. Add in a pleasing makeover and one of the best pairs of headphones just got better. — BH

Best Gaming Headphones: Razer BlackShark V2 Pro

Buying headphones for gaming is little different than buying them for basically any other activity. They need to sound good, of course—the last thing you want is to miss someone sneaking up behind you during a tense death match—but they also need to be lightweight and comfortable enough to accommodate marathon gaming sessions. That’s what we like so much about Razer’s BlackShark V2 Pro headphones: You’ll basically forget you’re wearing them. They also have a quality plug-in mic, so you can communicate with all the members of your team—or talk a little trash—without any noticeable lag. Just as important as all this, though, might be how normal they look. Gamer-focused gear has a tendency stand out a little too much, but not the BlackShark V2 Pros. In fact, with the exception of their serpentine logo and mic, they look just like any other pair of premium headphones. You might not even mind being spotted in them during your morning commute. — BH

Best Headphones for Travel: Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95

You’ll want a pair of headphones that can do it all if you’re constantly on the go. The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 falls firmly into this camp. The Danish audio experts’ top-of-the-line cans offer some of the best sound you’ll find at their price level. Custom titanium drivers produce audio that is rich, lively, and, most important of all, detailed. An array of exterior microphones and an active noise-cancellation chip make constant adjustments so you can actually hear what you’re listening to, even in noisier environments like a train car or airplane cabin. Both volume and noise cancellation levels can be adjusted via dials conveniently worked into each cup. They also have lambskin earpads, leather headband, and an aluminum frame available in a rainbow colors (chestnut brown might be our favorite) so you’re guaranteed to travel in style. — BH

Best Earbuds: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

It’s amazing what a few key tweaks can do. The new Ultra QuietComfort Earbuds aren’t all that different than their immediate predecessors, the QuietComfort Earbuds II, but they offer better call quality and a new immersive audio mode. The two upgrades may not sound like much in isolation, but are actually game changers that fix two of the ‘buds most apparent flaws. Unsurprisingly, this year’s model continues to deliver the solid audio performance you expect from a Bose product. Purists tend not to love audio processing, but Immersive Sound adds life and depth to pop and electronic music. The earbuds’ biggest virtues, though, remain their fit and noise cancellation ability. A variety of comfortable tips and wings provides a seal that can be hard to get from other in-ear headphones. Noise cancellation, meanwhile, remains superlative whether you just need some quiet or want to better focus on the detail of your favorite sonata while riding the subway. — BH

Best Sounding Earbuds: Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4

It can be easy to forget these days, but most people buy headphones (whether in- or over-ear) to listen to music. And when it comes to earbuds, there aren’t any that sound than the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 right now. The German outfit’s latest feel like an evolutionary leap forward, finally delivering the warm and precise sound the brand is known for in a pair of earbuds. It doesn’t matter what kind of music you love, be it alt-country, bebop, neo-classical, grime, or house: Each recording sounds the way its producer intended it to, which is no mean feat. There’s more to these earbuds than superlative audio quality, though. They also feature feature a redesigned antennae that improve connection reliability—which was a significant issue of their predecessors—and call quality been given a boost. And when you’re more concerned with blocking sound out than listening to anything, their noise cancellation is solid. They’re also lightweight and comfortable, which is good news if you feel like listening to a particularly epic double album. — BH

Best Noise-Cancelling Earbuds: Sony WF-1000XM5

Sony’s latest flagship earbuds, the WF-1000XM5, offer the company’s best noise-cancelling performance. Even on a noisy subway you’ll be able to listen to your favorite song or podcast without trouble. But you won’t just hear them clearly: You’ll also be able to make out all the detail you would listening in a quiet room, whether it be the quaver in someone’s voice or the texture of a guitar solo. These in-ear headphones utilize a redesigned array of six microphones and two processors to take in and then block out the most distracting parts of the world around you. We were most impressed by how well they blocked out wind, something anyone who’s tried to take a call while walking can tell you that most earbuds struggle with. Part of the reason they’re so adept at blocking out unwanted noise is that they’re smaller than their predecessors, the WF-1000XM4, and come with foam ear tips, which makes it easier than ever before to get nice snug fit. Add in Sony’s typically excellent audio quality and you have yourself one of the better all-around pair of earbuds you can buy.— BH

Best Earbuds for Working Out: Bose Ultra Open Earbuds

Here’s the rare pair of earbuds (or headphones, if you want to broaden things) that feel like something completely new. Bose’s new Ultra Open Earbuds are like nothing we’ve tried before. Rather than fitting them into your ear canal like you do so many other earbuds, you simply clip these onto your earlobes. The ear-clinging design is unorthodox, but it works shockingly well. The small speaker on each bud projects music into your ear that you can still hear perfectly well while being aware of your surroundings (though it does mean you may have to turn the volume up in loud areas). This makes them particularly well-suited for working out in public, especially if you want to be aware of that car coming up behind you on your run. Don’t worry about the Ultra Open earbuds slipping off, either. The clip mechanism is as secure as it is comfortable, and you can wear these for hours without experiencing any discomfort. — BH

Best-Designed Earbuds: Beats Studio Buds +

Sometimes simplicity is the truest elegance. The latest version of Beat’s Studio Buds are easily the most streamlined earbuds currently on market. Unlike their corporate cousins, the Apple AirPods and AirPods Pro, these don’t have stems, and it’s actually hard to tell you’re even wearing in-ear headphones when you have them in. Even the case looks slick, especially if you opt for the transparent pair (which, if you ask us, you definitely should). State-of-the-art design isn’t all about looking good, though. These earbuds are extremely lightweight, so they’re comfortable to wear, even for long periods of time. Even the touch controls are intuitive, as is using them with any Apple device. Sound quality isn’t spectacular, but it’s better than solid whether you’re listening to music or making calls, which will do for most of us. — BH

Best Earbuds for Travel: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)

At first listen, it can be easy to wonder why Apple’s AirPods Pro are as ubiquitous as they are. The second iteration of the ultra-popular earbuds sounds good but by no means stellar. The same goes for their noise-cancelling technology and fit. What is singular about them, though, is an ease of use that no other headphone—except their bigger sibling the Airpods Max—can claim, especially if you’re already part of the Apple ecosystem (as many of us are). Simply pop the Airpods in and you’re connected to your iPhone. They don’t have multi-point, but even switching between devices is a breeze (just open up the Bluetooth menu and click). Traveling is stressful enough, so why not pack a pair of earbuds that you’ll be able to connect to any of the devices you’re bringing with you with as little fuss as possible? — BH

Best Earbuds for Sleep: Soundcore Sleep A10

The Soundcore Sleep A10 may look like earplugs, but they’re actually fully functional earbuds. They’re slimmer and lighter than any other in-ear headphones we’ve tried out, making them comfortable even for side-sleepers (something that anyone who’s fallen asleep wearing a pair of AirPods Pro can tell you is not always the case). The Sleep A10 feature wings so that they stay put, as well as Twin Seal ear tips that passively block noises that could wake you up—even if you sleep next to someone with a tendency to snore. They don’t have active noise canceling, but the Soundcore app comes packed with ambient soundscapes to help drown out nighttime disturbances. Our favorite feature, though, is that—unlike many of their peers—you can use these sleep earbuds to listen to your own music or podcasts via Bluetooth if that’s what you need to drift off. You can also use the app to track your sleep patterns. — BH

Best Soundbar: Sennheiser Ambeo Max

Sennheiser’s powerful virtualization technology allows the Ambeo Max soundbar to deliver room-filling audio without the need for extra surround speakers or a subwoofer. Sennheiser uses the included microphone to scan your room and calibrate output from its 13 side-, front-, and upward-firing speakers to create the best Dolby Atmos or DTS:X experience offered from a single unit. You get four HDMI (one eARC), optical, and RCA inputs, plus Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity that supports AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, and Tidal Connect. All that sound comes in a very tall package, so you’ll want to use the Ambeo Max with a wall-hanging television to avoid blocking the bottom of your screen. — James Barber

Best Soundbar for Home Theater: Samsung HW-Q900C

Samsung’s HW-Q900C soundbar and wireless subwoofer combo offers 7.1.2 channel Dolby Atmos True HD and DTS:X sound via its dedicated center channel and front-, side-, and up-firing speakers. Samsung supports Alexa and its own Bixby protocol for voice control, while users can play music using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Airplay 2. Audiophiles can play back hi-res WAV and FLAC music files. If you also own a Samsung television that supports the company’s Q-Symphony feature, the HW-Q900C can use the TV’s speakers as part of its audio array. The SpaceFit Sound Pro functionality analyzes your living room and optimizes output to fit your space, while adaptive sound features can emphasize dialog. — JB

Best Surround Sound System: Sony HT-A9 With SW5 Subwoofer

Sony offers a remarkably immersive home theater experience with this wireless four-speaker and subwoofer system. Its 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology uses a series of sound pulses to read your living room and create up to 12 phantom speakers. When paired with a Sony Bravia, the television speakers can act as an additional center channel. The system supports Dolby Atmos, Dolby True HD, DTS:X, and DTS Master Audio, and also does an impressive job with immersive 360 Reality Audio music tracks from services like Tidal, Amazon Music, and Deezer. Each speaker weighs just over 1.5 pounds, making the HT-A9 system one of the most easy-to-use systems available for an Atmos home theater. — JB

Best Smart Soundbar: Bose Smart Ultra

The Bose Smart Ultra soundbar supports Amazon Alexa, Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi in an all-in-one unit that offers Dolby Atmos playback with a single connection to your television. The soundbar has nine built-in speakers and can be upgraded later with a Bose subwoofer and surround speakers. Bose has designed a noise-rejecting mic system that allows Alexa to pick up voice commands even if you’re blasting a movie at full volume. Its Voice4Video technology expands Alexa’s capabilities, allowing the user to control a television or cable/satellite box with just their voice. The Smart Ultra supports Spotify Connect, while the Bose app adds support for the Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, TuneIn, and Sirius XM streaming services. — JB

Best Portable Soundbar: Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) offers a startlingly wide soundstage in a soundbar that measures just over two feet long. Sonos has managed to package Dolby Atmos sound for movies, as well as Dolby Atmos Music, in a six-pound unit that’s barely larger than most portable speakers. The Sonos app will connect to your favorite music services. In addition, if you have an iOS device, you can use Sonos TruePlay, which analyzes the room and adjusts the sound output for the best possible performance. The Sonos Beam also supports Sonos Voice Control, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. — JB

Best All-in-One Audio System: Andover-One Turntable Music System

Andover delivers outstanding audio quality in a small-footprint system that minimizes vibration, allowing a turntable to sit atop a powerful 270-degree stereo speaker array. The company uses Pro-Ject components for its turntable and a carbon-fiber tonearm along with an Ortofon 2M Silver cartridge. Two-way Bluetooth supports AAC, aptX, and aptXHD, allowing users to stream music from a phone to the speaker or stream vinyl to wireless headphones. The Andover-One, powered by a 150-watt Class D amplifier, comes with multiple analog and digital inputs to connect CD players or music streamers as well as an output for an optional subwoofer. In addition, users can add a custom stand that stores up to 100 record albums. — JB

Best All-In-One Wireless System: Naim Mu-so 2nd Generation

If living with an imposing audio system is not your style, and the music is all that matters, then take a deep breath and embrace the Mu-so 2nd Generation. Naim’s slim all-in-one system spreads a sound field whose full-range presence belies the elegant form factor that could be a miniature architectural model of a Bauhaus residence. It’s hard to believe that so much powerful sound can come from such a simple-looking—and simple-to-use—component. As the perfect complement to a hard-earned martini at 5:01 p.m., the Mu-so could become a happy habit, a sonic relaxer that brings tranquility to the end of a hectic day. — RR

Best Turntable With Arm & Cartridge: Luxman PD-191A / LMC-5 Cartridge

While a dedicated vinyl lover can easily allocate 10 times as much to a turntable, the new Luxman rig proves that excellent value and near-state-of-the-art performance can prevail without diving headlong into the vinyl abyss. The Japanese manufacturer’s most ambitious turntable spins three record speeds (33, 45, and 78 rpm) on a heavy aluminum platter. The thick aluminum plinth achieves maximum rigidity, while the motor and power supply are mounted on a rigid bottom plate to isolate the tonearm and cartridge from transmitted vibration. A sophisticated tonearm developed jointly with SAEC, one of Japan’s most respected tonearm manufacturers, uses knife-edge bearings and features an effective arm length of 10 inches to further reduces cartridge tracking error. Add the optional acrylic dustcover and Luxman’s LMC-5 moving-coil cartridge for a turnkey turntable solution. — RR

Best Retro-Modern Turntable With Arm & Cartridge: Thorens TD 124 DD 140th Anniversary / Ortofon SPU 124 140th Anniversary Cartridge

Park any new supercar next to its 50-year-old ancestor and chances are, the old-timer will command more attention than its contemporary counterpart. In the audio world, products such as the Thorens TD 124 DD are simply timeless, while delivering performance that will embarrass most brand-new turntables. The 140th Anniversary Edition adds a copper platter and other refinements, mechanical and aesthetic, to last year’s choice. It looks strikingly similar to the company’s original TD 124 made from 1957 to 1967, yet the DD differs in using a direct-drive motor rather than idler-drive design. Its tonearm appears identical, too, though is much improved, as is the available Ortofon SPU moving-coil cartridge that brings so much life—with force and impact—to LP playback. — RR

Best Bang-for-the-Buck Turntable: Technics SL-1200GR2

Anybody old enough to remember when the Rolling Stones’s Exile on Main Street was new in 1972 may remember that the original Technics SL-1200 came out a few months later. Both album and turntable were all the rage, and the Technics was the first quality direct-drive turntable that a penurious college student could afford. It went on to become a favorite of DJs, and now, the SL-1200GR2 brings a familiar look to a vastly improved design, recently updated as the GR2. Its rock-solid speed accuracy, robust chassis, and sophisticated S-shaped magnesium tonearm make the 21st century SL a no-brainer for LP lovers on a budget. — RR

Best Home Theater Receiver: McIntosh MHT300 Home Theater Receiver

Last year’s pick of the McIntosh MX123 processor and MC257 multi-channel amp are still great choices for movie and surround-sound systems with the space and budget to let the dinosaurs roam. Less capacious entertainment venues will appreciate an all-in-one component like the MHT300 Receiver. Featuring 7.2 channels (expandable to 7.2.4), it delivers 150 wpc into four ohms and 120 wpc into eight ohms with all seven channels driven. That means every loudspeaker gets enough juice to make explosions, machine-gun fire, and screaming psycho-killers come to life in the comfort of a condominium. Dirac Live Room Correction and near-infinite connectivity allow users to fine-tune the sound from multiple sources. And when it’s time for something less stimulating, users will enjoy the built-in FM tuner for enjoying free, over-the-air radio broadcasts. — RR

Best Solid-State Integrated Amplifier: Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems Momentum MxV Integrated Amplifier

Recognized as among the finest audio electronics on the planet, a full-house D’Agostino system driving equivalent loudspeakers can easily crash through the $2 million barrier. And yet, the Momentum MxV Integrated Amplifier harnesses the essence of D’Agostino’s Relentless and Momentum Series in a single-chassis component that delivers 250 wpc with a full-function line stage, one whose sound is every bit as detailed, seductive, and musical as the Momentum separates. When it’s equipped with the optional phono stage and digital streaming modules, one need only add top-tier speakers and a turntable to build a minimalist, state-of-the-art digital and analog system that, while not inexpensive, could be regarded a bargain for those seeking the very best. — RR

Best Vacuum Tube Integrated Amplifier: Western Electric 91E

As we said last year, extolling the sonic virtues of the 300B vacuum tube to someone unfamiliar with this amplification device is like explaining how a truffle is unlike any common mushroom. Just as that precious fungus is a gustatory revelation, an amplifier using the 300B offers a rich, multi-layered audio experience with sound as seductive as it is addictive. Western Electric invented the 300B in 1938, and the company, resurrected in 1996, soon began to remanufacture the legendary tube. The Western Electric 91E integrated amplifier is a SET (single-ended triode) design that delivers double the power of traditional 300B amps and makes any but the most power-hungry loudspeakers sing to the heavens. The component’s exquisitely machined chassis reminds us that audio gear can be jewelry, too. Until someone does it better, this is the integrated tube alter of choice. — RR

Best Bang-for-the-Buck Integrated Amplifier: Moon River 404 Reference Integrated Amplifier

Moon River Audio was introduced to Robb Report readers in the October 2022 issue, and now the 404 Reference cements this Swedish manufacturer’s claim to building the best integrated amplifier for the price. Distinguishing the Reference from the 404 Standard are its vastly improved power supply—doubled in capacitance—and the unit’s ability to drive virtually any loudspeaker with its relatively modest 50 wpc, proof once again that specifications don’t tell the whole story. Features like a tape monitor loop, stereo/mono switch, and a versatile MM/MC phono module offer added “army-knife” functionality. Like good Scandinavian furniture, the Moon River’s classic, understated design will endear it to those who like to look at, as well as listen to, a fine component. — RR

Best Solid State One-Brand Separates: Mola Mola Makua Preamplifier / Lupe Phono Stage / Perca Stereo Amplifier / Tambaqui DAC

Made in the Netherlands and named after one of the ocean’s most unusual fish, Mola Mola has been building class-defining solid-state gear since 2011. The handiwork of famous designer Bruno Putzeys, Mola Mola’s take-no-prisoners approach to sound has earned the company accolades in the audio press. Similarly, the build quality of these dramatically shaped, half-sized-chassis components rivals the very best at any price. The amplifiers, with no sonic signature of their own, use Putzeys’s Class D NCORE technology, while particularly notable are the Tambaqui DAC and Lupe Phono Stage, antipodal sources that aim at—and hit—the same perfectionist mark. — RR

Best Vacuum Tube One-Brand Separates: Linear Tube Audio Microzotl Preamplifier / Ultralinear+ Amplifier / Aero DAC

Audio gear using vacuum-tubes continues to attract acolytes in much the same way that an LP spun on a turntable can seem more alive, fleshed out, simply real . LTA tube-based gear is clean and clear, plus it sounds as if a veil has been removed, preserving only the nature of music itself. That’s because physicist David Berning, who invented ZOTL (Zero hysteresis Output Transformer-Less) tube architecture in 1996, eliminated audio output transformers because of the restrictions they impose on amplifier performance. This topology allows LTA amplifiers to have a flat frequency response from eight hz to 50 Khz, nearly impossible with an output transformer. Relatively efficient loudspeakers of will sing like never before in a system whose design aesthetic is as beautifully minimal as its performance is overwhelmingly impressive. — RR

Best Digital Music Server/Streamer/DAC: Aurender A20

In the computer Stone Age, it was often said that “Nobody ever got fired for buying IBM.” And today, a sure audiophile decision is choosing Aurender as one’s digital streaming component. Throw in a world-class DAC and you have the A20, Aurender’s all-in-one digital source that has made many a music lover jettison their CDs and LPs. Whether one calls it the lazy person’s way of reaching musical nirvana, or just a “smarter source,” the Aurender’s tank-like build and impeccable sound quality put it into digital’s top-tier, enhanced by a user interface that is intuitive and reliable. Music collectors with large CD libraries will want the A30 ($19,999), which rips your CD collection and has 10 TB of internal hard-drive storage. — RR

Best Audiophile Cables: RSX Technologies Benchmark Series

For thoughtful music listeners with open minds and sufficiently resolving systems, good cables do indeed make an audible sonic improvement. One needn’t spend the price of a Mercedes-Benz E-Class to get there, either. Sanity prevails with RSX Technologies’ Benchmark Series cables, which provide a stem-to-stern solution for every component in the system. Designed by cable-industry veteran Roger Skoff of XLO Cables fame, the Benchmark series includes ER-11 Line Level, ER-31 Phono, and ER-41 Digital Interconnects in various lengths and terminations. The ER-61 Speaker Cables use flexible, 11+AWG Litz-variant geometry solid copper conductors terminated with gold-plated banana plugs. Many audiophiles contend that a component’s power cord—especially for the amplifier—is the most important cable connection of all, and the ER-20 Power Cord, at just $200, delivers audible improvement well beyond its modest price. — RR

Best Audio Racks: Solidsteel HY Series

Finding just the right support for audio components is a challenge. The best can be as costly as the gear itself, while inexpensive racks don’t usually provide the sturdy structure, stability, and vibration isolation needed, especially when stacking three or four shelves high. Solidsteel is an Italian brand whose racks have stood the test of time, not just with their practical performance but with aesthetics befitting the best gear placed atop their thick shelves. Machined steel legs and damped shelves in black, wood or even marble complement any environment, and allow users the freedom to adjust height based on clever extensions to individual legs. The HY (Hyperspike) Series hits a sweet spot.

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Article updated on March 28, 2024 at 12:05 PM PDT

Best Travel Headphones for 2024

Looking for the best headphones to take on a trip? We've rounded up the best noise-canceling headphones for road warriors.

Our Experts

• Maggie Award for Best Regularly Featured Web Column/Consumer

CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.

What to consider

Value can reflect quality. Consider your needs and what your budget allows.

Fit (Comfort)

Ensuring the headphones you choose fit your head help minimize any discomfort from extended wear.

Sturdy quality helps ensure your headphones hold up well over time.

What are the best overall travel headphones?

When people talk about buying headphones to use for traveling, they tend to be looking for noise-canceling headphones that do a good job muffling noise on planes, trains and in other noisy environments. There are a lot of great noise-canceling headphones to pick from, and we have a more expansive list of the best noise-canceling headphones that you may also want to check out.

I've tested and used a lot of headphones during my travels over the last 10 years, and it's tough to pick just one model as the absolute best overall travel headphones. For full-size models, I like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones , the Sony WH-1000XM5 and even the lightweight and more affordable Sony CH-720N (lighter is better when it comes to travel headphones). All these models are wireless headphones but they include a cord so you can plug into an in-flight entertainment system. They feature active noise canceling and are also good for making voice calls.

There are also plenty of great noise-canceling earbud options, including the highly-rated Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds , Apple's AirPods Pro 2 and Sony's WF-1000XM5 . True-wireless earbuds are easier to carry around and can be stored in your pocket. The downside is they don't have a wired option and won't connect to an in-flight entertainment system unless you buy a Bluetooth transceiver like Twelve South's AirFly Pro (around $50) and other similar products you can find on Amazon . (Read our full review of the AirFly Pro .)

I've tested all the headphones on this list and will update the list as new travel-friendly headphones are released.

Best travel headphones of 2024

• Design is an upgrade
• Lightweight and very comfortable
• Excellent sound and great noise canceling
• Voice-calling performance is top-notch
• Immersive Audio mode offers some sound-quality enhancements
• Higher price than the previous model
• No USB-C audio
• Immersive Audio mode hurts battery life

Best new noise-canceling headphones

Bose quietcomfort ultra headphones.

While Bose's new flagship QuietComfort Ultra Headphones may not be a huge upgrade over the company's Noise Cancelling 700 headphones, they feature a more premium design along with Bose's new Immersive Audio feature, which delivers some sound-quality enhancements. Along with excellent sound and great noise canceling, the QC Ultra Headphones are also superb for making calls, with top-notch background noise reduction. All that adds up to the best new noise-canceling headphones of 2024 and a worthy adversary to Sony's highly rated WH-1000XM5 and Apple's AirPods Max.

• More refined sound and even better noise canceling
• Slightly more comfortable
• Best-in-class voice call quality
• Robust feature set
• Higher price tag than the previous model
• Larger carrying case (headphones fold flat but not up)

Best noise-canceling headphones from Sony

Sony wh-1000xm5.

When you have a product that a lot of people love, change can be risky. Such is the case for Sony's WH-1000XM5, the fifth generation of the 1000X series headphones, which were first released in 2016 as the MDR-1000X Wireless and have become increasingly popular as they've improved with each generation. Over the years, Sony has made some tweaks to the design, but nothing as dramatic as what it's done with the WH-1000XM5. Other than the higher price tag, most of those changes are good, and Sony's made some dramatic improvements with voice-calling performance as well as even better noise canceling and more refined sound.

• New smaller design
• Improved sound, noise canceling and voice calling
• Upgraded processors and drivers
• No Find My feature integrated into app

Best Sony earbuds

Sony wf-1000xm5.

When Sony's  WF-1000XM4  earbuds came out in 2021, we awarded them a CNET Editors' Choice. And while they're excellent, we had some quibbles -- they're on the large side and aren't a good match for certain ears. Clearly, Sony took those gripes to heart when it set out to design its next-generation WF-1000XM5 flagship noise-canceling earbuds. Not only are the XM5s smaller, but they also offer improved performance pretty much across the board, with better noise canceling, sound quality and voice calling. Are the XM5s perfect? Not quite. At $300 -- $20 more than their predecessor -- they're costly too. Overall they're really impressive; among the very top earbuds on the market.

• Excellent sound and best-in-class noise canceling
• Fit Kit ear tips and stabilizer system gets you a secure, comfortable fit
• Immersive Audio creates a different listening experience
• Slightly improved voice-calling
• No wireless charging or multipoint Bluetooth

Best for noise-canceling

Bose quietcomfort ultra earbuds.

While the QC Ultra Earbuds aren't a major upgrade over Bose's excellent QC Earbuds 2 that were released in 2022, they're a little better. They should fit most ears very well, and they feature superb noise canceling, arguably the best out there. A natural-sounding transparency mode with a new ActiveSense feature kicks in some ANC should the sound get too loud around you (it's sort of similar to the AirPods Pro's Adaptive Audio feature). They also sound slightly better overall, with a touch more clarity, and their new Immersive Audio feature opens up the sound a bit.

• Comfortable fit
• Good sound for their low price
• Decent noise-canceling and voice-calling performance
• ANC disabled when in wired mode
• Lacking a bit of clarity

Top new budget noise-canceling headphones

Earfun wave pro.

Earfun has made some very solid budget earbuds and now it's entered the full-size ANC headphone space with its new-for-2024 Wave Pro headphones. They list for $80, but click the $10 instant coupon on their product page and add the code EWPROCNET at checkout and the price drops to $56 . While they may not sound as good as premium noise-canceling headphones from Bose, Sony, they're comfortable to wear, feature decent sound with punchy bass (they're a bit lacking in clarity and bass definition compared to more expensive models) and offer respectable noise canceling and voice-calling performance. I found them to be a step up from the Soundpeats Space headphones, which sometimes cost a little less.

They're rated for up to 80 hours of battery life with noise-canceling off and 55 hours with it on and support multipoint Bluetooth pairing as well as Sony's LDAC audio codec for Android smartphones and other devices that support that protocol. I also like that they come with a hard case and a cable for wired listening (though noise-canceling is disabled when you go wired, which is a bit of a bummer).

• Significantly improved sound and noise canceling
• Better battery life and upgraded microphones
• Powered by Apple's new H2 chip
• Basically the same design as previous model
• No high-resolution audio

Best Apple noise-canceling wireless earbuds

Apple airpods pro 2 (usb-c).

The AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are powered by Apple's new H2 chip, which delivers more processing power while being more energy efficient, according to Apple. The new chip, combined with new low-distortion drivers, allows for improved sound that offers better clarity and depth. The noise canceling is also improved -- Apple says the new AirPods have "double" the noise canceling of the original AirPods Pro. Additionally, the new AirPods add an extra hour of battery life, up from five to six hours with noise canceling on. Plus, a speaker in the case that emits a sound that helps locate your buds via Find My should they decide to hide from you.

• Lightweight and comfortable
• Good sound with very good noise canceling
• Good voice-calling performance
• 35 hours of battery life
• No carrying case
• No ear-detection sensors
• No LDAC audio codec support

Top midrange noise-canceling headphones

Sony ch-720n.

Sony's improved entry-level noise-canceling headphones, the CH-720Ns, have a bit of a plasticky budget vibe, but they're lightweight and very comfortable. Part of me was expecting them to sound pretty mediocre, but I was pleasantly surprised. No, they don't sound as good as the WH-1000XM5s. They sound more premium than they look (and feel), and their overall performance is a step up from their predecessor, the CH-710Ns. Are they worth $150? Maybe -- or maybe not. The good news is that, like the CH-710N and WH-XB910 before them, these should see significant discounts in the not-so-distant future, which is what you may want to wait for.

• Well-designed and comfortable to wear
• Good sound quality and noise-canceling performance
• Strong feature set
• Strong battery life
• Voice-calling suffers in windy environments

New mid-range JBL noise-canceling headphones

Jbl live 770nc.

The well-designed and comfortable JBL Live 770NC offers some modest improvements over its predecessor, including better battery life (up to 65 hours with ANC off and 50 hours with ANC on) and Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio (via a future firmware upgrade). Equipped with 40mm drivers, you get bold, nicely defined sound with powerful bass that's relatively tight. JBL's Ambient Aware and TalkThru features are on board along with multipoint Bluetooth pairing (the one feature that's missing is ear-detection sensors that pause your music when you take the headphones off). I thought the headphones' noise muffling capabilities were good and callers said they could hear me well even in noisier environments except when the wind picked up around me. The headphones fold up and a simple carrying pouch (no hard case) is included along with a cable for wired listening.

• Improved sound quality, noise canceling and ear pad design
• Very good voice-calling performance
• Spatial audio with head tracking for Apple users
• USB-C audio
• No Apple H2 chip
• No major design changes except for case

Best Beats over-ear headphones

Beats studio pro.

Love 'em or hate 'em, Beats Studio headphones are among the most popular headphones of all time, launching as wired headphones back in 2008. This is the fourth generation version, and they carry the same list price as their predecessor and look very similar on the outside but have some big changes on the inside that make them significantly better headphones. I'm tempted to describe them as more affordable plastic versions of the AirPods Max. That's not quite accurate due to a choice in chipsets and one notable missing feature. Read our full review to find out what makes this a very good headphone with some caveats.

Best Sennheiser noise-canceling headphones

Sennheiser momentum 4 wireless.

Sennheiser's previous-generation Momentum Wireless headphones have always had a pretty distinct look that was part retro, part modern, and stood out for the exposed metal on their headband. For better or worse, that's all gone now, and the new Momentum 4 Wireless, Sennheiser's flagship noise-canceling headphones, look a bit more subdued and also a bit more like some of their competitors.

The Momentum 4 Wireless offers superior performance over the Momentum 3 Wireless in every regard, although the biggest gains are with noise canceling and voice-calling performance as well as battery life, which is outstanding (up to 60 hours at moderate volume levels). Transparency mode allows ambient sound in, and they can create a custom sound profile in the Smart Control app for iOS and Android using the built-in EQ, sound modes and a new Sound Personalization feature that "assesses the user's listening preferences and adjusts the listening experience according to their taste." 

Equipped with 42mm drivers, Sennheiser says the Momentum 4 Wireless offers "best-in-class" sound, which is debatable. I'd say the Momentum 4's sound quality is right there with other models in this price range. They sound excellent, with the requisite well-defined, punchy bass, relatively wide soundstage (they sound pretty open) and smooth treble that brings out some of the finer details in well-recorded tracks. They're a pleasure to listen to.

• Very good sound and noise canceling
• Headphone cable now has integrated microphone
• Mostly the same as previous model but costs $50 more

Slightly upgraded Bose noise-canceling headphones

Bose quietcomfort headphones.

When Bose released its new flagship QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, it also replaced the QuietComfort 45s with a new, slightly updated model simply called the QuietComfort Headphones. Like the QC 45s, this model carries on the very comfortable tried-and-true legacy QuietComfort design that's been around for a few generations and that people continue to love. The QC Ultra Headphones add Bose's new Immersive Audio feature and have a more refined design with some metal parts (they also have Bluetooth 5.3 instead of Bluetooth 5.1). The QuietComfort Headphones still feature very good sound (the Ultras offer a small step up in sound quality), excellent noise canceling and strong voice-calling performance.

As for differences between these and the QC45s, Bose says it adjusted some of the electronics to improve battery life (now 24 hours vs. 22 hours) and adjusted the logos to make the products "visually distinguishable and more in line with its latest design language." It also added an inline microphone to the auxiliary cable to "help with some users who may prefer a plug-and-play solution rather than Bluetooth pairing." There's also a Wind Block feature and some additional small performance improvements due to software upgrades. Finally, the headphones come in new color options, including green and a light blue version that's only available at bose.com.

While the QuietComfort Headphones carry a $350 list price that's $50 higher than that of the QC 45s, we expect them to be regularly discounted to $250 and possibly less than that in 2024 -- so look to buy them when they're on sale. You can read our review of the QuietComfort 45 to get a good take on the QuietComfort Headphones.

'Noise canceling' vs. 'noise cancelling': Different spelling, same technology

Either spelling is correct, as "canceling" is more common in American English while "cancelling" is more common in British English. CNET uses "noise canceling" since the company is based in the US, but the noise is canceled just the same, regardless of spelling. If you're looking to see what different noise-impacting technology is out there for headphones, check out our article on noise-canceling versus noise-isolating headphones , which highlights differences in function (and not just a difference in spelling).

Other travel headphones we tested

JBL Live 670NC : The JBL Live 670NC is one of a relatively small number of on-ear headphones to offer active noise canceling. It's something of a value model -- no carrying case is included -- but it does have memory foam ear pads that get you a comfortable fit for an on-ear headphone. Deliver clear sound with punch bass, it has 32mm drivers and improves on its predecessor's battery life, offering up to an impressive 70 hours (or 44 hours with ANC on), and an extra three hours of battery with just five minutes of charge. This model includes the latest Bluetooth 5.3 (with LE Audio) and multipoint Bluetooth pairing. It also has JBL's Ambient Aware (transparency mode) and TalkThru features. It's available in black, white and blue and comes with a cord for wired listening.

Master & Dynamic MW75 : The MW75 are Master & Dynamic's best full-size headphones yet. Needless to say, they're pricey at $599; most people will be quite satisfied with the $400 Sony WH-1000XM5, which is lighter and more comfortable and delivers best-in-class voice calling and noise canceling. The MW75's build quality is hard to beat and they offer top-notch sound for a wireless model (I thought they sounded better than Apple's AirPods Max headphones), plus strong voice-calling and noise-canceling performance. With their support for aptX Adaptive, they have additional appeal for Android users, who can get a touch better sound quality with the right setup. I was also quite happy streaming music with my iPhone 13 Pro using the AAC codec.

Master & Dynamic MW09 : Master & Dynamic headphones and earbuds have always featured unique, eye-catching designs that include premium materials like aluminum, sapphire glass and Kevlar. Its latest MW09 flagship earbuds look pretty similar to its earlier MW08 buds, but have some upgrades on the inside that deliver better performance, particularly when it comes to battery life and noise canceling (it's now very close to what Bose and Sony offer, although not quite at their level for ANC).

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro : The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro offers improved noise canceling along with very good sound and voice-calling performance, plus support for high-resolution wireless audio streaming if you're a Galaxy device owner with the right setup. Their biggest upgrade may be their new design and smaller size, which make them a better fit for more ears. Aside from their somewhat high price tag, their only drawback is that some of their key features only work with Samsung Galaxy devices.

Beats Studio Buds Plus : Alas, for those of you who bought the original Beats Studio Buds, which remain on the market for now, I'm sorry to report that these new Plus buds are significantly improved, with better sound, noise canceling and battery life. Additionally, they now deliver top-notch voice-calling performance.

Beats Fit Pro : While the Beats Fit Pro technically aren't AirPods, they're built on the same tech platform as the AirPods Pro (yes, Apple owns Beats). Unlike Beats' earlier and less expensive  Studio Buds  and new-for-2023 Studio Buds Plus , the Beats Fit Pro include Apple's H1 chip and have most of the  AirPods Pro's  features, including active noise canceling, spatial audio and Adaptive EQ. I'd venture to call them the sports AirPods you've always wanted.

Google Pixel Buds Pro : The Pixel Buds Pro are Google's first earbuds to feature active noise canceling. While it's nice that they finally have a feature that most true-wireless earbuds have had for a while, what ultimately sets the Pixel Buds Pro apart and makes them worth considering -- particularly for Android users -- is their distinct design and winning fit. That helps enhance their performance on both the sound quality and noise-canceling fronts. While not quite elite for voice-calling, they also performed well as a headset for making calls. Read our  Google Pixel Buds Pro review . 

Factors to consider when choosing travel headphones

Before anything else, you'll want to figure out how much you're willing to spend on new travel headphones. The quality of value-priced noise-canceling headphones continues to improve, so you can find good affordable headphones for less than $100. The premium models, which offer better build quality and performance, tend to cost $200 or more -- sometimes much more. 

Fit (comfort)

It's key that the travel headphones you buy fit your head well. They should offer a comfortable fit that's snug yet not too snug. Ideally, you want headphones you can wear over a day with minimal breaks.

You want travel headphones that hold up well over time, so look for models that we note have sturdy build quality.

Maximize performance and features for your budget

You want the best-sounding headphones with the best noise-canceling, call quality and features for whatever fits your budget.

Return policy

It's critical to buy your headphones at a retailer that has a good return policy, in case you have buyer's remorse. Some people who are having trouble deciding between two models sometimes buy both, try them out for a few days and then return one.

How we test travel headphones and earbuds

We test travel headphones and earbuds based on six key criteria. These criteria include  design ,  sound quality , noise-canceling performance ,  voice-calling performance, features  and  value . 

• Design : Evaluating design, we assess not only how comfortable the headphones and earbuds fit (their ergonomics) but their build quality and how well the controls are implemented. When it comes to earbuds, we also look at water- and dust-resistance ratings. 
• Sound quality : We evaluate sound quality by listening to a set playlist of music tracks and comparing the earbuds to top competing products in their price range. Sonic traits such as bass definition, clarity, dynamic range and how natural the headphones sound are key factors in our assessment.
• Noise-canceling performance : We evaluate noise-canceling performance by wearing headphones in the same spot indoors near a noisy HVAC unit to see how well they do at muffling lower frequencies. Then we head out to the streets of New York to test the headphones in a real-world environment where we see how they do at muffling not only street noise but people's voices. 
• Extra features : Some great-sounding noise-canceling headphones and earbuds aren't loaded with features, but we do take into account what extra features are on board. These include everything from quick-access awareness to transparency modes (your music pauses and the headphones open up to the outside world so you can have a conversation) to special sound modes to ear-detection sensors that automatically pause your music when you take the headphones off your ears. We also take a look at the companion app for the headphones if there is one and how user-friendly it is. 
• Voice-calling : When we test voice-calling performance, we make calls in the noisy streets of New York and evaluate how well the headphones or earbuds reduce background noise and how clearly callers can hear our voices.
• Value : We determine value after evaluating the strength of the headphones and earbuds against all these criteria and what they're able to deliver compared to other models in their price class. 

Travel headphone FAQs

Are noise-canceling headphones worth it.

A few years ago, you had to pay significantly more money for active noise-canceling headphones. The feature has become pretty common and while the best noise-canceling headphones (by that I mean the headphones that offer the best noise-canceling) tend to be fairly expensive, you can find cheaper models that offer decent noise cancellation. I do think that if noise canceling is important to you, it's better to spend more money on the best pair of noise-canceling headphones you can afford. It's worth noting that many of the premium models get discounted sporadically during the year so you can often save $50 or more on many top headphones if you time your purchase right. 

Does noise cancellation block all noise?

Noise-canceling headphones have traditionally been good at blocking out lower frequency sounds such as the rumbling you hear while traveling on a plane. They haven't been so good at muffling higher frequencies (a baby screaming, for example) and even people talking around you. Companies like Bose, Sony and Apple have improved the technology in the last year or two so their noise canceling works across a wider range of frequencies. It still can't muffle all noise but top noise canceling is now doing a better job tamping down more noises that live in midrange and higher frequencies.

Does noise canceling drain the headphones' battery?

When noise canceling is engaged, it does tend to have an impact on battery life. This is more of a factor with earbuds, which tend to offer anywhere from five to eight hours of battery life with noise canceling on and seven to 12 hours with it off. Full-size headphones can offer 25 to 30 hours of battery life with noise canceling on and up to 40 to 50 hours with it off.

Does noise canceling impact sound quality?

Active noise canceling does hurt sound quality, especially if the noise canceling isn't all that good (noise canceling can create a faint background hiss). It can mess with the purity of the sound quality so it's tricky to create a noise-canceling headphone that sounds really good. As a result, often high-end noise-canceling headphones that tout fantastic sound quality don't have as powerful noise canceling (the noise canceling feels lighter). 

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17 Family-Friendly Road Trip Audiobooks Perfect For Your Next Adventure

A ny parent brave enough to hit the road with kids knows to come prepared with two things: a plethora of snacks and plenty of entertainment. A quick trip to Trader Joe’s or Costco can knock out the first, but the second isn’t quite as easy. After all, you can only listen to so much Kidz Bop ! The solution? Family-friendly road trip audiobooks to lull your kids into blissfully quiet listening. From classics like Roald Dahl’s Matilda to the New Orleans adventures of young Viva Durant, there’s no shortage of top-notch options.

So, whether you’re taking a day trip or driving cross-country with the entire family in your minivan, keep reading for some of the absolute best audiobooks to play on your next adventure.

1. The Wingfeather Saga: On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson

Parents *rave* about this fantasy audiobook series by author Andrew Peterson! The plot? In a cottage above the cliffs on the Dark Sea of Darkness (snicker) live siblings Janner Igiby, his brother Tink, their disabled sister Leeli, and their trusty dog Nugget. But when the venomous Fangs of Dang cross the Dark Sea to overthrow the land, the gifted kids must channel all of their brilliance and bravery to survive. Narrated b y: Andrew Peterson.

2. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume

The audiobook tie-in to the movie adaptation of a Judy Blume classic, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret follows almost-12-year-old Margaret Simon as she moves from New York City to the suburbs. Anxious to fit in with her new friends, she joins a secret club, only to discover the topics of conversation are boys, bras, and getting your period — things she has zero experience in. You can’t really go wrong with this beloved coming-of-age tale if you have a preteen. Narrated by : Laura Hamilton.

3. Viva Durant and the Secret of the Silver Buttons by Ashli St. Armant

Every summer, 14-year-old Viva Durant heads to New Orleans to spend quality time with her “Gram.” But when Gram reads Viva an article about a missing treasure related to the jingle “Miss Mary Mack,” Viva sets out on a quest to solve the mystery — exploring the jazzy city’s unique culture, history, music, and more along the way in this adventurous audiobook . Narrated by : Bahni Turpin.

4. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

Yep, this is the one for the ultra-long road trip . Whether you want to listen to one book or the entire series , it just takes the press of a button to welcome the magic of the wizarding world into the family car. Start a family tradition and turn on Harry Potter for every road trip ahead, as there are hours and hours of listening to indulge in. Narrated by : Jim Dale.

5. Letters From Camp by Jamie Lee Curtis and Boco Haft

Remember the days of sleepover summer camp in your youth? This immersive (and wildly charming) collection will take you right back to that nostalgia-filled time. It tells the story of tween Mookie Hooper, who decides in 2005 to investigate a girl who went missing from Camp Cartwright. Yes, it’s a podcast and not an audio “book” — but the full cast, including icon Jamie Lee Curtis, makes it well worth adding to the list. Narrated by : Jamie Lee Curtis, Sunny Sandler, and more.

6. Zero G by Dan Wells

Another immersive 3D audiobook, Zero G takes your family to outer space where Zero is one of 20,000 people on a spaceship headed toward a new planet to be colonized. The hijinks start when Zero’s pod malfunctions, bringing him out of stasis 100 years earlier than everyone else. Things only get more heart-pumping when a family of pirates tries to hijack the ship — with only Zero awake to fight them off. Narrated by : Emily Woo Zeller, Margaret Ying Drake, and more.

7. Tales of Beatrix Potter by Beatrix Potter

Traveling with little ones isn’t for the faint of heart — you’re going to need an abundance of distractions to keep the peace. Let this unabridged collection of 18 Beatrix Potter stories help. Transport your family to a charming (and nostalgic) world inhabited by Peter Rabbit, Tom Kitten, Squirrel Nutkin, Mrs. Tittlemouse, and more. Narrated by : Nadia May.

8. Holes by Louis Sachar

Add this irresistible audiobook to your list whether your family has read the 1999 Newbery-Medal-winning book, watched the 2003 film adaptation, or is new to the YA gem. Listen along as young Stanley Yelnats gets sent to a juvenile detention center, which he attributes to the family curse placed on his great-great-grandfather by a one-legged gypsy. As he and the other boys at Camp Green Lake spend their days digging holes in the dried-up soil, Stanley starts to realize they aren’t just digging to build character. Narrated by : Kerry Beyer.

9. The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste

If you have a kid who’s into all things spooky, The Jumbies is the perfect audiobook for your next family road trip. Rooted in Caribbean folklore, it centers on a fearless young girl named Corinne La Mer, who must summon up all of her courage — and some ancient magic she didn’t know she possessed — to save her island home from mystical creatures called jumbies. Narrated by : Robin Miles.

10. Matilda by Roald Dahl

Turn your next road trip into a whimsical ride with the audiobook version of award-winning children’s book, Matilda ! It’s narrated by Kate Winslet, which makes it addicting to listen to. Kids and adults alike can enjoy the magic of a timeless story the next time there’s a family day trip and entertainment is needed. Narrated by : Kate Winslet.

11. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Caroll

Crank the volume and go on a journey with Alice, from chatting with a caterpillar to attending the infamous mad tea party. This whimsical audiobook (told by a familiar famous voice!) brings to life all of the different characters of Wonderland. Narrated by : Scarlett Johansson.

12. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

The audiobook version of this classic tale features the voice of Academy-Award-winning actress Anne Hathaway to tell one of the most enduring American stories. It’s family-friendly, theatrical, and beautifully done. Narrated by : Anne Hathaway.

13. Astrophysics for Young People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson

Want to sneak a little education for your kiddos into your summer travel? Look, er, listen no further than Neil deGrasse Tyson’s New York Times best-selling guide to the cosmos — adapted for young listeners, natch. Starting with the Big Bang and moving through both basics and big questions of time and space, this out-of-this-world audiobook will have the whole fam riveted. Narrated by : LeVar Burton.

14. Minecraft: The Island by Max Brooks

Calling all parents of gamers! This audiobook version of the first official Minecraft novel is sure to please. Get lost in the story of a lone castaway who washes ashore on the beach of a mysterious island and must tap into every survival skill they have to, ahem, craft their way out of the perilous place. Zombie hordes, exploding creepers, armed skeletons, an unstoppable tide of hot lava — what’s not to love? Narrated by : Jack Black.

15. The Golden Orchard by Flora Ahn

Your summer vacay plans probably don’t include time travel, but you can change that with this intergenerational audiobook tale . Maya loves cooking with her grandmother, aka her Halmunee, to connect with her family’s rich heritage. But she could never have imagined that the strong memory the food evoked would take them back in time to the memory itself! It’s only then Maya learns from her Halmunee that the women in their family have the gift of time travel... which leads her to a magical place called the Golden Orchard that’s packed with trees full of people’s memories. Narrated by : Kathleen Choe.

16. Don’t Make Me Pull Over by Richard Ratay

This ideal family road trip audiobook describes the informal history of the family road trip. It’s not so much about taking a road trip as it is about surviving one, a la National Lampoon style. Funny and fascinating, it’s probably best suited for tweens and up. Narrated by : Jonathan Todd Ross.

17. The Family Road Trip Quiz by A.J. Lovegood Jr., narrated by Jessi Walters

Let this cool, engaging audiobook sound off next time the minivan is revved up and ready to go. This interactive quiz will challenge different participants, aka members of the family, to answer questions, both trivia-style and more personal conversation starters. (Nothing too personal, just things like “What superpower would you have?” and such!) Narrated by : Jessi Walters.