Recorded Books Direct Reviews

Recorded Books Direct is an audiobooks website that offers the choice of rental or purchase accounts and a wide ranging library of books and other media. Recorded Books Direct has been in operation in various forms since 1979 and now concentrates on offering its members the absolute best in audiobooks, including all of the latest releases and big-hitters. The site’s rental services are provided by Simply Audiobooks, our third-highest rated site in this category, meaning users can be sure of the quality and service on offer.

The Rental Program on offer at Recorded Books Direct mirrors that offered by Simply Audiobooks (as you would expect, given the fact that the service is administered by Simply Audiobooks!). This means that users are permitted to receive up to four audiobooks per month for a flat fee and can enjoy them at their own pace – with no need to worry about due dates or late fees. When you return a book to the service (postage is already paid and included in the cost of monthly subscription), you are automatically sent the next book on your wish list, exactly like online movie rental services such as LoveFilm.

If you choose to opt for the purchase program, you can simply choose books to buy just as you would with other online stores, such as Amazon or Play. One of the most important things to consider about Recorded Books Direct is that the service does not offer customers the opportunity to download their purchases straight to their computers like other services we have reviewed in this category (such as Simply Audiobooks; iTunes or Audible.com). While we’re sure many of our readers will still continue to enjoy audiobooks on CD, Recorded Books Direct would have achieved a higher rating in this category if it offered a download option – given its considerable popularity in this market. Finally, if you do hold a Recorded Books Direct Purchase account, it’s worth considering joining the Listener Rewards Program if you are a regular user of the site. This costs $49.95 per year, but offers users a wide collection of discounts, including a number of great money-off coupons, so it’s perfect if you make regular purchases with Recorded Books Direct.

While Recorded Books Direct remains a good service, the lack of downloadable audiobooks means that users may find other services more suitable to their needs. If you’re still not ready to give up books-on-CD however, this could well be perfect for you – so be sure to check it out and sign up today!

Check out our #1 rated site instead! Why not check out Audible, our top rated Audiobook Website and winner of our prestigious Gold Award! You can also check out our Top 10 Audiobook Websites here!

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