Nextory: An Honest Review
If you’ve ever scrolled past a Nextory ad and wondered whether it’s worth your monthly fee, you’re not alone. The Swedish subscription service has been making waves across Europe, but for many audiobook fans, it still sits in that “I’ve heard the name, but what actually is it?” category.
Here’s the short version: Nextory is an audiobook and ebook subscription service that operates on an unlimited-listening model. You pay a monthly fee, and you get access to their entire catalog—no credits, no per-title purchases. It’s a fundamentally different approach from Audible’s credit system, and for the right listener, it’s a genuinely compelling alternative.
The Unlimited Model vs. The Credit System: What Your Money Actually Buys
The subscription landscape for audiobooks has essentially two models: the credit-based system (Audible) and the unlimited buffet (Scribd, Everand, and now Nextory). Nextory sits firmly in the buffet camp, but with a few twists that make it distinct.
The biggest differentiator is regional focus. Nextory is deeply rooted in the Nordic countries—Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Denmark—and has expanded into Germany, Poland, and Spain. If you’re an English-language listener, that’s a critical detail. Nextory’s English catalog exists, but it’s thinner than what you’ll find on Audible or Scribd. Their strength is in Scandinavian literature, both in original languages and translation.
The reading experience is also different. Nextory isn’t just an audiobook app; it’s a combined audiobook and ebook platform. You get both formats under one subscription, and their app lets you switch between reading and listening seamlessly. It’s not quite Whispersync-level integration, but it’s a solid approximation for listeners who like to read at night and listen during the commute.
One more thing: Nextory offers family plans. You can add family members to your subscription at a reduced rate, which is genuinely rare in the audiobook space. Audible doesn’t offer this. Scribd doesn’t either. For a household of listeners, that’s a real cost saver.
Try Audible Free for 30 Days — Start your free trial on Amazon and get two free audiobooks.
The Catalog: What You’ll Actually Find on Nextory
Let’s talk specifics, because the catalog is where Nextory either wins or loses you.
English-language content: You’ll find major bestsellers and popular series, but the depth is limited. If you’re a genre devotee who burns through ten romances a month, you’ll exhaust the English selection faster than you’d like. The classics are well-represented, and there’s a decent selection of contemporary fiction, but this is not a service for listeners who want the complete backlist of every major publisher.
Scandinavian content: This is where Nextory shines. If you read translated Nordic noir—think Stieg Larsson, Jo Nesbø, or Camilla Läckberg—you’ll find an extensive catalog. The service also carries a wealth of Swedish and Norwegian originals that never make it to English-language platforms. For the literary connoisseur interested in Scandinavian fiction, this is a genuine differentiator.
Narrator quality: Because Nextory sources from many of the same publishers as Audible, you’ll often get the same narrators. That said, their exclusive productions are hit or miss. Some are excellent; others feel like budget recordings. The app lets you preview audio samples before committing, which is essential—narrator mismatch is the fastest way to abandon a book, and you should always sample before you start.
How to verify the catalog before you pay: Use the 14-day free trial to search for the specific authors and series you’re currently reading. Don’t just browse the front page—type in five or six titles you genuinely plan to listen to next month. If three or more are missing, that’s a strong signal the catalog won’t sustain your habits. This takes ten minutes and tells you more than any review ever could.
The Listening Experience: App Features and Interface
Nextory’s app is functional, but it’s not the sleekest option on the market. Here’s what you need to know.
The player itself supports variable playback speed, sleep timers, and offline downloads. Nothing groundbreaking, but it works. The library organization is straightforward, and the app handles series well—you can see the next book in a series and jump to it directly.
The reading experience for ebooks is decent, though it won’t replace a dedicated ereader app. Text customization is limited, and the annotation features are basic. If you’re primarily an audiobook listener who occasionally reads along, it’s fine. If you’re a serious ebook reader, you’ll want a separate app.
One notable feature is the family library. You can share your subscription with up to five family members, each with their own profile and reading history. This is a genuinely useful feature for households, and it’s something Audible has never managed to implement well.
A caveat about DRM: Like Audible, Nextory uses DRM on its content. You can’t export your audiobooks to other apps or players. If you cancel your subscription, you lose access to everything. This is standard for the subscription model, but it’s worth knowing before you commit.
Pricing: How Nextory Compares on Value
Nextory’s pricing varies by country, but in the US, you’re looking at roughly $12–$15 per month for the standard plan. The family plan runs higher, but it’s still cheaper than multiple individual subscriptions.
Here’s the value calculation: If you listen to more than two or three audiobooks per month, Nextory’s unlimited model beats Audible’s credit system on raw volume. Audible gives you one credit per month (roughly one book), with discounts on additional purchases. Nextory gives you unlimited listening. For the time-pressed multitasker who burns through books at 1.5x speed, that’s a significant difference.
But there’s a trade-off. Audible’s catalog is massive, and its exclusive productions—particularly in the fantasy and sci-fi space—are unmatched. Nextory’s catalog is smaller, and if you’re chasing a specific Audible Original, you won’t find it here. The choice comes down to what you value more: unlimited volume or the deepest possible catalog.
What this means for your next decision: If you’re currently subscribed to Audible and hitting your credit limit every month, Nextory is worth a trial run. If you’re someone who listens to one or two books a month, the unlimited model doesn’t change your math—you’d pay the same or more for access you don’t fully use. And if you’re considering switching entirely, remember that Nextory doesn’t let you keep anything if you cancel. Treat the trial as a test, not a commitment.
The free trial is worth mentioning. Nextory offers a 14-day free trial, which is enough time to assess whether their catalog matches your listening habits. Use it strategically—sample the genres you actually listen to, not just the front-page recommendations.
Who Should Choose Nextory (and Who Shouldn’t)
Choose Nextory if:
- You listen to more than three audiobooks per month and want unlimited volume
- You’re interested in Scandinavian literature, both translated and in original languages
- You want a family plan that lets multiple household members share one subscription
- You like having both ebooks and audiobooks in one app
Skip Nextory if:
- You’re deeply invested in Audible exclusives or Audible Originals
- You need the deepest possible English-language catalog
- You want to own your audiobooks permanently rather than rent access
- You listen primarily to niche genres like cozy space opera or indie-published works
One realistic limitation to keep in mind: If you’re a US-based listener with mainstream tastes, the English catalog can feel thin within a few months. The service is genuinely excellent for Nordic fiction enthusiasts, but for everyone else, it’s a secondary subscription at best—not a primary one. Don’t cancel Audible until you’ve confirmed Nextory actually has the books you want to listen to next.
A Regional Powerhouse With Clear Limitations
Nextory is a solid audiobook subscription with a clear regional identity. It’s not the best choice for every listener, but for the right person, it’s genuinely excellent. The unlimited model is liberating for high-volume listeners, the family plan is a standout feature, and the Scandinavian catalog is unmatched outside the region.
If you’re a US-based listener with mainstream tastes, Audible remains the safer default. But if you’re curious about what a different model feels like—and especially if you love Nordic fiction—the free trial is worth your time.
FAQ
Is Nextory available in the United States?
Yes, Nextory operates in the US, though its English-language catalog is more limited than its Scandinavian selection. The service is also available in several European countries, including Sweden, Finland, Germany, and Spain.
Can I keep my audiobooks if I cancel Nextory?
No. Like most subscription services, Nextory uses DRM, and you lose access to all titles when you cancel. If you want to own audiobooks permanently, a credit-based service like Audible is a better fit.
Does Nextory offer a free trial?
Yes, Nextory offers a 14-day free trial for new subscribers. This gives you enough time to explore the catalog and assess whether the service matches your listening habits.
How does Nextory compare to Scribd?
Both use an unlimited-listening model, but Scribd has a larger English-language catalog and includes additional content like sheet music and documents. Nextory’s strengths are its Scandinavian catalog and family plans.
Can I listen to Nextory audiobooks offline?
Yes, Nextory supports offline downloads for both audiobooks and ebooks, allowing you to listen or read without an internet connection.
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