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Quick answer: For most novels and general nonfiction, listening to an audiobook leads to about the same understanding as reading the book. Print has an advantage for complex, detailed material you need to study or remember precisely, because it’s easier to slow down, reread and skim. So yes, audiobooks count as reading.
Quick facts
Comprehension: similar for stories and accessible nonfiction
Print advantage: dense, technical or study material
Audio advantage: multitasking, commutes, accessibility, performance
Kids: audiobooks support vocabulary but don’t replace learning to decode text
Some readers feel that listening is cheating. Others swear audiobooks saved their reading life. Research suggests the truth is closer to the second view. Once you can decode words fluently, much of understanding a story relies on the same language skills whether the words reach you through your eyes or your ears. Still, the two experiences differ in useful ways.
Table of Contents
What Research Says
A 2016 study by Beth Rogowsky, Barbara Calhoun and Paula Tallal compared adults who listened to, read, or read while listening to a nonfiction passage. They found no significant difference in comprehension between the three groups. Cognitive scientist Daniel Willingham has also argued that, for skilled adult readers, listening and reading rely largely on the same comprehension processes. However, studies of difficult texts suggest print helps when material is complex, because readers can control their pace, reread tricky passages and see visual structure like headings and lists.
How Audiobooks and Print Compare
| Factor | Audiobooks | Print or ebook |
|---|---|---|
| Comprehension of stories | Similar | Similar |
| Studying complex material | Harder to review | Easier to reread and annotate |
| Multitasking | Excellent | Not possible |
| Pronunciation and tone | Narrator performs it | You imagine it |
| Mind wandering | Easier to drift | You notice and reread |
| Accessibility | Great for dyslexia and low vision | Depends on the reader |
When Audiobooks Shine
- Commutes, workouts and chores: they turn dead time into reading time.
- Memoirs read by the author: hearing the author’s own voice adds emotion and personality.
- Full-cast productions and great narrators: performances can bring stories to life.
- Accessibility: audiobooks help readers with dyslexia, visual impairments or busy schedules enjoy books.
When Print Is Better
- Textbooks and study material you need to remember.
- Books with charts, maps or tables.
- Complex literary fiction or poetry where every word matters.
- Books you want to annotate or quote.
What About Kids?
Audiobooks are excellent for building vocabulary, listening skills and a love of stories, and they can help reluctant readers enjoy books above their reading level. But children still need practice reading text themselves to build decoding and fluency. Listening while following along in the printed book can offer the best of both.
Tips to Get More From Audiobooks
- Choose simpler books for multitasking and save complex ones for focused listening.
- Adjust playback speed gradually; many listeners enjoy 1.1x to 1.5x.
- Use bookmarks and notes in your app to mark key moments.
- Use comfortable headphones. A good pair of wireless headphones makes long listening sessions easier.
- Try Audible or your library. Audible offers a huge catalog, while library apps like Libby offer free borrowing.
Related: best audiobooks for kids on road trips and is it okay to read multiple books at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does listening to audiobooks count as reading?
Yes. For most books, research suggests listening produces similar comprehension to reading. Many readers count audiobooks toward their reading goals.
Do you remember audiobooks as well as print books?
For stories and general nonfiction, retention is usually similar. For complex material, print can be better because it’s easier to reread and review.
Are audiobooks good for kids?
Yes. They build vocabulary and a love of stories, but kids also need practice reading printed text to develop decoding and fluency skills.