How to Listen to your EPUBs (No Subscriptions Needed)

Listening to EPUBs without the Subscription Trap

Ever been put off an awesome eBook app just because of its hefty monthly fees? If you’re like many readers, that recurring cost can be a no-go especially when all you want is a simple, private way to listen to your EPUBs.

Thankfully, there’s a smarter route: tools that let you read and listen simultaneously or export audio files from your EPUBs without any subscription, totally private, and often with a one-time purchase.

Let’s dive into your best options including a standout tool, **WithAudio** so you can switch to hands-free listening in minutes.

Option 1: WithAudio; Local, Privacy-First EPUB-to-Audio on One-Time Buy

What it does?

WithAudio is a desktop app (available for Mac & PC) that turns your EPUBs into immersive audiobooks right on your computer; No cloud, no tracking, no subscriptions. It supports synchronized text highlighting, letting you follow along while listening.

You can checkout some of the open source audio books that are already generated by WithAudio team at https://desktop.with.audio/audiobooks. Shoutout to the amazing https://standardebooks.org/ for cleaning up and preparing the public domain epubs.

Key Features

• Local Processing; Your files never leave your device, complete privacy guaranteed.
• One-Time Purchase; Buy once, own forever. No subscriptions.
• Export to MP3 or M4A; Create standalone audiobooks:
• M4A: Higher-quality, chapter navigation, metadata compatible with apps like Apple Books or Voice Dream Reader.
• MP3: Universally playable, smaller file size. Great for quick shares or mobile devices.
• Voice Selection & Preview; Pick from natural-sounding voices and listen before exporting.
• Export Management Interface; Track pending and completed exports, and reuse cached voices to speed up future exports.

How to Export Audio in WithAudio

1. Open your EPUB in WithAudio.
2. Use the “More Options” menu and select “Export Audio”.
3. Choose your ideal voice and test it with the Preview feature.
4. Pick either M4A (premium audiobook format) or MP3 (more compact, broadly compatible).
5. Set your output location and pick specific chapters if you want a shorter file.
6. Click “Create Export” to get your audiobook. Track its progress via the export screen.

Bonus: Watch It in Action

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Other Options: Alternatives (With Trade-Offs)

• Kindle + Audible (Immersion Reading); Sync your Kindle eBook with its Audible version to get real-time audio highlighting. But this requires owned Kindle and Audible versions both usually paid, and privacy isn’t guaranteed.
• Balabolka (Windows) or VoiceOver/TTS on Mac; Built-in (or free) tools that can read text aloud including EPUBs. However, they often lack EPUB-structure support (like chapters), synchronized highlighting, or export options not as user-friendly for immersive listening. Also, the audio quality can be deal breaker for some users.
• Calibre with TTS Plugins; Customizable and powerful, but requires technical setup, lacks polish, and often still needs manual audio capture or third-party plugins.

Final Thoughts

If you want a fuss-free, private, and subscription-free way to listen to your EPUB library, WithAudio is the smartest pick. Especially when compared to clunky alternatives or paid services.

Whether you’re commuting, relaxing, or giving your eyes a break, WithAudio lets you transform your reading process on your own terms.

Make sure to checkout WithAudio and let us know what you think;