Short audiobooks you can enjoy in one sitting
There’s nothing like losing yourself in a good book. But the old paperback can have its limitations – namely, it takes a long time to read a novel from cover to cover and we’re a busy bunch. It’s why we don’t judge people who skim-read, and also why we love an audiobook.
As your time is precious, we have rounded up the best short audiobooks that you can listen to in one sitting (we’re talking under the five-hour mark) – perfect for family roadtrips, a walk around the park, or a quiet, cosy afternoon. So settle in, get comfy and enjoy the dopamine rush of finishing a book – with minimum effort required.
Best short audiobooks under 5 hours
Frequently asked questions
What are the best audiobooks under two hours?
If you’re looking for a short audiobook you can finish in a lunch break or on a long walk, there are plenty of standout listens under two hours. For a touch of the surreal, Super-Frog Saves Tokyo by Haruki Murakami delivers a dreamlike story with quiet depth, while White Nights by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a tender classic about love and longing in 19th-century St Petersburg.
For poetry with purpose, Introducing George the Poet: Search Party is a powerful listen performed by the poet himself. And for something soothing and family-friendly, The Lost Words pairs beautiful poems with the sounds of birdsong and nature. Whether you’re after something moving, imaginative or meditative, these short audiobooks prove that powerful storytelling doesn’t need to be long.
What are the best audiobooks for a family roadtrip?
Short audiobooks are a great option for family roadtrips – easy to finish in one sitting, engaging enough to keep everyone’s attention, and short enough to avoid the dreaded “are we nearly there yet?”
Charlie Mackesy’s bestselling story, The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse, is a heartwarming go-to for both adults and kids, with a gentle message and the calming addition of birdsong. If you’re after something uplifting and a little different, The Healing Hippo of Hinode Park is ideal – with multiple narrators and a story about everyday lives transformed in unexpected ways. The Lost Words is another excellent pick – a poetic celebration of nature that’s perfect for tuning into the world outside your car window.