Where can I download audio Bible for free?
An audio Bible is a recording of the text of the Bible being read aloud. Audio Bibles allow people to listen to the Word of God in an accessible audio format. They have risen in popularity in recent years as more people use smartphones and other devices that make listening convenient. Audio Bibles have several benefits over reading a physical Bible:
- They allow you to listen hands-free while doing other activities like driving, exercising, cooking, etc.
- The audio format brings the text to life in a more engaging, dramatic way.
- Listening helps auditory learners absorb and comprehend the text better.
- Audio Bibles make the Bible accessible for visually impaired individuals or people who have difficulty reading.
In this article, we will cover different sources where you can freely download or stream audio versions of the Bible. We will look at official Bible apps, Bible websites with audio Bibles, YouTube channels, podcasts, audiobook services, and paid audio Bible options. We’ll also provide tips for getting the most out of listening to the audio Bible and list additional resources for accessing the Bible in audio format.
Official Bible Apps
Some of the most popular and highest rated Bible apps come directly from established ministries and publishers. These official apps often have the full support and resources of their parent organizations behind them.
The Bible App by YouVersion is one of the most downloaded Bible apps with over 500 million installs. It offers 1,800+ versions of the Bible in over 1,200 languages. Features include daily Bible verses, reading plans, audio Bibles, devotionals, Bible studies, and more. YouVersion is developed by Life.Church.
Bible.is provides access to 1,500+ languages, both online and through mobile apps. Their audio Bibles can be streamed or downloaded for offline listening. Bible.is also allows listeners to record Bible verses in their own voice to share with others.
Faith Comes by Hearing offers the Bible in 1,100+ languages as audio recordings. Their app provides dramatized audio Bibles, verse of the day, and Bible listening plans. Faith Comes by Hearing has delivered over 1 billion audio Bible plays globally.
Bible Websites
There are several popular Bible websites that offer free audio Bibles to stream or download. Some top options include:
Bible Gateway offers over 20 free audio Bibles in different translations and languages. You can listen online or download the MP3 files to your device. Their selection includes KJV, NIV, ESV, NKJV, and more. You can also download their free Bible Gateway app.
The Biblica website provides the free NIV Audio Bible to stream online or download. Their audio version features professional narration by actor Max McLean. Biblica is a nonprofit ministry that translates and distributes Bibles worldwide.
The American Bible Society offers the Good News Translation audio Bible on their website. You can listen to audio samples or the entire New Testament for free without creating an account. Full access requires signing up for a free account.
YouTube Channels
There are several excellent YouTube channels that offer free audio recordings of the Bible. Here are three recommended channels:
The Bible Project creates animated videos that provide overviews for books of the Bible as well as theological themes. They offer audio-only versions of their videos on their podcast, which can function as an audio Bible.
Audio Bible has recordings of the entire Bible verse-by-verse read aloud. This channel provides a convenient way to listen to the full text of the Bible.
Inspiring Philosophy is a channel that examines philosophical issues from a Christian perspective. They have an audio Bible series that analyzes different books and passages while reading the text aloud.
Podcasts
Some popular podcasts for free Bible listening include:
Daily Audio Bible – This daily podcast reads through the entire Bible in a year. It’s one of the top Bible podcasts according to FeedSpot’s list. The readings average 25 minutes per day.
BibleProject Podcast – This weekly podcast from The Bible Project team provides insights into biblical themes and passages. Episodes are around 30 minutes.
Read Scripture – Produced by The Bible Project, this podcast goes passage-by-passage through the Bible with reflections and explanations. It aims to help people read through the entire Bible.
Audiobook Services
There are several audiobook services that offer the Bible for free or as part of a subscription:
Audible – This popular audiobook service offers both free and paid Bible versions. While the full Audible library requires a subscription, new users can get the King James Version Bible for free. Audible also offers monthly deals on Christian audiobooks and Bible studies.
Scribd – This ebook and audiobook subscription service includes many Bibles in its catalog. With a Scribd subscription, you can access multiple translations like the English Standard Version and New International Version.
Local Library Apps – Many public libraries offer free access to audiobooks through apps like Libby and OverDrive. Search for “Bible” in these apps to see if your library has digital audiobook versions available to borrow.
Paid Audio Bibles
While there are many great free audio Bible options, some prefer investing in a premium paid service for additional features and higher production quality. Here’s an overview of the top paid audio Bible services and how they compare to free alternatives:
Dwell App (https://dwellapp.io/pricing) offers premium audio Bible plans starting at $7.99/month. Dwell provides studio-quality readings, background music, and helpful listening plans focused on topics like anxiety, relationships, purpose, etc. Dwell’s premium features like offline listening, bookmarks, and stats may make it worthwhile for avid listeners.
The Daily Audio Bible (https://dailyaudiobible.com) offers a daily listening plan covering the entire Bible in a year for $159.99/year. This popular service sends daily audio Bible readings by email or app with insightful commentary by the narrator. The daily habit and community aspect appeals to many devoted listeners.
Compared to free services like the Bible.is and YouVersion apps which offer multiple translations and basic listening features, premium services cater to dedicated listeners who want advanced functionality, better production quality, and carefully curated listening plans.
Tips for Listening
To get the most out of listening to the Bible, focus on retaining what you hear and developing helpful routines. Here are some best practices:
For better retention:
- Listen actively without multitasking – give the audio your full attention
- Take notes or highlight key passages
- Discuss what you learned with others
- Repeat back sections you want to memorize
For helpful routines:
- Create a regular time to listen daily or weekly
- Listen to shorter or thematic sections for easier digestion
- Follow a Bible listening plan for progression through books
- Alternate between reading and listening for variety
As recommended by experts, “approach each listening session focused and engaged, take time to reflect afterward, and listen consistently for long-term retention and transformation” (Source).
Additional Resources
In addition to free audio Bibles, there are many other helpful resources available for studying the Bible. Here are some popular options:
Bible Study Guides
Bible study guides provide questions, commentary, and insights to help you reflect more deeply on scripture. Popular guides include Life Application Study Bible, The New Inductive Study Bible, and The NIV Application Commentary.
Reading Plans
Bible reading plans map out portions of scripture to read each day or week. This helps you systematically work through the Bible. Find plans on apps like YouVersion and websites like Bible.com.
Devotionals
Devotionals provide encouraging meditations and applications based on scripture passages. Popular devotionals include Jesus Calling by Sarah Young and Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman.
Conclusion
There are many great free options for listening to an audio Bible, ranging from official Bible apps, websites with audio Bibles, YouTube channels, podcasts, audiobook services, and more. While paid audio Bibles are available for purchase, there is a wealth of free audio content to explore first.
Diving into the audio Bible has many benefits. Listening to the Bible can give you new insights compared to just reading it. You may notice things you missed before by listening to the inflection and emotion in the voice actors’ performances. Listening also allows you to absorb the Bible while multitasking – you can listen while driving, exercising, doing chores, etc. It’s an easy way to fit more Scripture into your daily routine.
If you’re looking for a deeper connection with the Bible, listening to the audio version is a great option to try. Take some time to explore the many free resources suggested here, download a few different apps and podcasts, and see which audio Bible options resonate most with you. Approach it with an open mind and heart, ready to hear God’s Word spoken aloud. You may just find yourself falling in love with Scripture in a brand new way.