AudioFile Magazine Setup: A Clear Overview
You’ve heard the name AudioFile Magazine tossed around in audiobook circles, but what does “setting it up” actually involve? Maybe you want the print edition delivered to your mailbox. Maybe you just want to search their review database before spending an Audible credit. Or perhaps you’re hunting for their annual best-of list and can’t find it buried in their site.
The answer depends on which version of AudioFile you actually need. Here’s how to figure that out and get running in about ten minutes.
Why AudioFile Reviews Differ from What You’ll Find on Audible
AudioFile has been reviewing audiobooks since 1992. That’s over three decades of narrator critiques, production quality assessments, and genre roundups. The key distinction: their reviewers listen to the finished audio production, not just the manuscript. That means they catch things you’d never see in a print book review — pacing issues, voice acting missteps, awkward sound editing, and narrators who sound like they’re reading a spreadsheet.
If you’ve ever abandoned a book at the 20-minute mark because the narrator’s voice grated on you, you already understand why this matters. A great story can be ruined by a monotone performance, and AudioFile exists specifically to warn you before you waste a credit.
They also cover the Audie Awards, the audiobook industry’s highest honor. The winners and nominees from that list are a reliable starting point for anyone building a listening queue, especially if you’re new to audiobooks and don’t know which narrators to trust.
Decide Which Version You Want: Print, Digital, or Free Website
This is the fork in the road, and it determines everything else. AudioFile offers three distinct ways to access its content, and they serve different purposes.
Print subscriptions deliver six issues per year by mail. This suits people who like flipping through physical pages and circling titles they want to remember. Print issues include longer essays and industry trend pieces that don’t always make it to the web. If you’re the type who keeps back issues on a shelf for reference, this is your option.
Digital subscriptions provide access to the same content through their app or web reader. This works better for commuters who want reviews on their phone without carrying a magazine around. The digital tier also includes offline reading, which matters if you ride the subway or fly frequently.
Free website access covers a significant portion of reviews and articles without any subscription at all. For casual listeners who just want to check a few reviews before spending a credit, this tier is genuinely enough. You can search by title, narrator, or genre and read full reviews without hitting a paywall.
The honest recommendation: start with the free tier. If you find yourself checking reviews weekly and wanting deeper coverage, upgrade then. There’s no reason to pay before you know how much you’ll actually use it.
Create an Account on AudiofileMagazine.com
Even if you’re only using the free content, create an account. The site lets you save reviews to a “listening list” — essentially a bookmarking system for audiobooks you’re considering. Without an account, you’ll lose track of that great review you found three weeks ago and won’t remember the title when you’re browsing Audible later.
The signup process is minimal: name, email, password. No credit card required for the free tier.
One tip: use the search filters deliberately. You can narrow by narrator, which is a feature most audiobook platforms don’t offer. Say you loved Julia Whelan’s performance in The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue — you can search her name and see every audiobook she’s narrated that AudioFile has reviewed, along with ratings for each performance. That’s a powerful way to discover new listens based on a voice you already trust, rather than gambling on an unfamiliar narrator.
Navigate the Review Sections Without Getting Overwhelmed
The home page is a firehose of content. Don’t start there. Instead, use the top navigation to go directly to the Reviews section and filter by genre, narrator, star rating, or publication date.
The star rating system deserves special attention. AudioFile uses a 1-to-5 “earphones” rating system, with 5 being their highest honor. The Earphones Award designation is their stamp of approval — a book with that badge has been through a rigorous listening process and earned high marks for both the writing and the performance.
If you’re short on time and want a safe bet, filter for Earphones Award winners only. That single filter eliminates most of the guesswork from audiobook selection. It’s not a guarantee you’ll love every pick, but it dramatically improves your odds compared to picking blind.
Set Up the AudioFile App for Digital Subscribers
If you go the digital subscription route, download the AudioFile app from your phone’s app store. The app is essentially a reader for the magazine’s content, but it has one advantage over the website: offline reading.
That matters if you’re a commuter who rides the subway or a frequent flyer. You can download issues and read them without burning data or dealing with spotty airplane Wi-Fi.
The app also sends push notifications when new issues drop. That’s a nice touch — it means you don’t have to remember to check the website. The notification arrives, and you know fresh reviews are available.
Use AudioFile to Build Your Listening Queue
Here’s where the setup pays off. Once you’ve got your account and you know how to search, spend 15 minutes building a listening list for the month ahead.
Search for a few titles in genres you enjoy, check the narrator ratings, and save the ones that look promising. Then cross-reference with your audiobook platform of choice.
This workflow solves the “choice paralysis” problem that plagues so many listeners — the feeling of spending more time browsing than actually listening. When you have a vetted list ready to go, you can open your audiobook app, grab the first title, and start listening immediately. No more scrolling through thousands of titles wondering which one won’t waste your time.
How AudioFile Compares to Built-In Platform Reviews
One thing to understand: AudioFile reviews are independent. They’re not tied to Audible, Libro.fm, or any other retailer. That’s both a strength and a minor inconvenience.
The strength is obvious — no commercial pressure to inflate ratings. Audible’s review section is useful, but it’s also full of listeners who rate books after 10 minutes or who have wildly different tastes than you. AudioFile reviewers listen to the complete production and apply consistent standards.
The inconvenience is that you’ll need to check AudioFile separately from your listening app. You can’t see their reviews inline while browsing Audible. Some listeners find this annoying. Others appreciate the deliberate separation — it forces a more thoughtful selection process rather than impulse-buying based on a cover image and a one-line blurb.
If you’re the type who wants to maximize the value of each Audible credit, the extra step is worth it. A bad audiobook doesn’t just waste your time — it wastes a credit you could have spent on something you’d actually enjoy.
Try Audible Free for 30 Days — Start your free trial on Amazon and get two free audiobooks.
Common Setup Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the narrator filter. The single biggest mistake new AudioFile users make is treating it like a book review site instead of an audiobook review site. The narrator matters as much as the author. A book you’d love in print can be unlistenable with the wrong voice. Use the narrator search from day one.
Ignoring the Earphones Award badge. This isn’t a marketing gimmick. It’s awarded by editors after listening to the full production. It’s the closest thing the audiobook world has to a quality guarantee. When you see that badge, you know the production values and performance met a high bar.
Not checking the publication date. Audiobook technology and narration styles have evolved significantly. A review from 2005 might praise a production that sounds dated by today’s standards. For newer releases, look for reviews from the last two years. For classics, check if a newer recording exists that might be a better listen.
Forgetting to check for abridged versions. Some older audiobooks are abridged, meaning they cut content from the original text. AudioFile reviews usually note this. If you’re listening to a classic novel, always confirm you’re getting the unabridged version. An abridged audiobook can leave you confused when you discuss the book with someone who read the full text.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AudioFile Magazine free?
The website offers a substantial amount of free content, including most reviews. Print and digital subscriptions are paid, but the core review database is accessible without a subscription.
Can I listen to audiobooks through AudioFile Magazine?
No. AudioFile is a review publication, not a listening platform. It tells you what’s worth listening to, but you’ll need a separate service like Audible, Libby, or Hoopla to actually play the audiobooks.
How do I find reviews for a specific narrator?
Use the search bar and select “Narrator” from the dropdown menu. Type the narrator’s name and you’ll see every audiobook they’ve performed that AudioFile has reviewed, along with ratings for each performance.
Does AudioFile cover indie and self-published audiobooks?
They do cover some indie titles, but their primary focus is traditionally published works. If you’re looking for indie audiobook reviews, you may need to supplement with podcasts or community forums.
What’s the difference between the Earphones Award and a 5-star rating?
They’re essentially the same thing. The Earphones Award is the 5-star designation, given to audiobooks that excel in both the writing and the performance. It’s the highest honor AudioFile bestows.
The Bottom Line
Setting up AudioFile Magazine takes about ten minutes, but it changes how you choose audiobooks. Instead of gambling a credit on an unknown narrator or a mediocre production, you’re making an informed decision based on professional listening. For anyone who listens regularly, that’s a meaningful upgrade to the experience. Start with the free tier, create your account, and build a listening list before your next credit rolls around.
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