The PlayStation 5 is a powerhouse for gaming, streaming, and media, but many users wonder if it can double as an audiobook player. Whether you want to relax with a novel or catch up on a podcast-style production while your console is idle, the demand is real. While there isn’t a dedicated audiobook app available on the PS5’s store, several workarounds let you listen to your favorite titles right through the console. This guide walks you through every method, from streaming services to offline playback, so you can turn your PS5 into a capable audiobook hub.
Does PS5 Have an Official Audiobook App?
Currently, the PlayStation Store does not offer a native audiobook application like Audible, Libro.fm, or Scribd. Sony’s focus has been on gaming and video streaming, leaving audiobook support largely absent. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t listen at all. By leveraging the PS5’s existing media features and a few clever tricks, you can access your audio library without needing a separate device.
Why Isn’t There a Dedicated Audiobook App?
The absence likely comes down to licensing and user demand. Audiobook platforms typically design apps for mobile, tablet, and smart speaker ecosystems. Consoles haven’t been a priority because gamers often use their phones or smart speakers for audio. Still, the PS5’s multimedia capabilities open the door for alternative methods that work just as well.
Method 1: Stream Audiobooks Via Spotify
Spotify is available natively on the PS5 and includes a large selection of audiobooks, especially with a premium subscription. Many popular titles are offered, and Spotify’s usability on the console is smooth.
How to Set Up Spotify for Audiobooks
First, download the Spotify app from the PlayStation Store if it isn’t already installed. Log in with your account, ideally a Premium one for ad-free listening. Use the search function to find audiobooks by title, author, or narrator. Spotify organizes audiobooks similarly to music playlists, so you may need to search for specific titles. Once you’ve found your book, simply press play. The PS5 media controls will let you pause, skip chapters, and adjust volume, even in the background while gaming.
Limitations to Keep in Mind
Spotify’s audiobook catalog isn’t as deep as dedicated services, and some titles require a separate purchase or premium access. Also, playback doesn’t always remember your exact position if you switch devices, though Spotify does track progress within its app.
Method 2: Play Audiobook Files From a USB Drive
If you own DRM-free audiobook files such as MP3 or M4A, you can load them onto a USB drive and play them directly on the PS5. This is perfect for those who’ve ripped CDs or purchased downloads from stores that don’t restrict format usage.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Format a USB drive to FAT32 or exFAT. The PS5 supports both, but FAT32 is widely compatible.
- Create a folder named “Music” (without quotes) on the USB drive’s root. Place your audiobook files inside, organized by subfolders if desired.
- Plug the USB drive into one of the PS5’s USB ports.
- Navigate to the Media Gallery or the Music app? Actually, the PS5 doesn’t have a dedicated media player app like PS4’s Media Player. Instead, you can use the Media Gallery or simply access music through the control center. Go to the Control Center, select Music, then choose USB Music Player. If that option isn’t available, you might need to download the Media Player app from the store, but note as of now, PS5 doesn’t have a standalone Media Player app for USB audio. Recent updates have allowed USB audio playback via the Music function in the control center. Ensure your PS5 system software is up to date.
- Once the PS5 recognizes the drive, you’ll see your audio files listed. Select and play the first file. The system will play files in order within a folder, but unfortunately, it may not support saving progress or m4b chapters natively. For best results, split long files into manageable parts.
Playing Tips
Because the PS5 treats these files like music, it lacks a dedicated audiobook resume feature. To avoid losing your place, note the timestamp before closing. You can also use the PS5’s background play feature to listen while gaming, though audio mixing may require adjustment in Settings under Sound.
Method 3: Remote Play From Your Phone or PC
Remote Play allows you to stream your entire PS5 display to a phone, tablet, or computer. While this is typically for gaming, you can use it to mirror the PS5 and then play an audiobook from your phone’s speakers or headphones. The audiobook plays locally on your phone while you view the PS5 feed if desired, but a more practical twist is to simply use your phone for the audiobook while you have the PS5 on. If you absolutely need the audio to come through the PS5, you can connect your phone to the PS5 controller’s audio jack or a headset connected to the PS5. However, a simpler approach is to start the audiobook on your phone and listen wirelessly via Bluetooth headphones paired to the phone, keeping the console for gaming. Or, use a Bluetooth adapter on the PS5 to connect your phone’s audio directly? The PS5 does not support Bluetooth audio output to headphones natively, but you can plug a wired headset into the DualSense controller. In Remote Play, the audiobook app on your phone can play in the background while you’re connected to the PS5, but again, the audio comes from the phone, not the console. For a true console-based solution, stick with Methods 1 or 2. This method is mentioned as a fallback if you want to keep using your phone’s audiobook app while still interacting with the PS5.
Method 4: Use the PS5’s Web Browser to Access Cloud Players
The PS5 has a hidden web browser that isn’t meant for general surfing but can be accessed via certain methods, such as sending a message with a link. While not ideal, you can use it to log into a cloud-based audiobook service like Google Play Books or a library app that offers a web player. However, performance is unreliable, and audio may not play in the background. This approach is more of a last resort due to limitations like no bookmark saving and potential crashes. If you must try, you need to get a URL into the browser. One way is to open a chat with a friend and send them a link, then click it. It opens in a rudimentary browser. Then navigate to your audiobook service’s website and sign in. Playback might work, but expect hiccups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an official Audible app for PS5?
No, Audible does not have a dedicated app on the PlayStation Store for PS5. However, you can listen to Audible titles via the Spotify integration if you’ve linked accounts, but that only works for select audiobooks included with Spotify Premium. For full Audible access, your best bet is to play from a phone and pipe audio through a wired headset connected to the DualSense controller.
Can I play audiobooks from a USB drive and game at the same time?
Yes, after starting playback from the USB drive, you can launch a game and the audio will continue in the background. You can manage playback volume and pause/resume through the Control Center’s Music card. Just remember that progress won’t be auto-saved when you turn off the console.
Does the PS5 support audiobook formats like M4B with chapters?
The PS5’s built-in media player (via the Music function) does not recognize M4B chapter markers. It treats files as simple audio tracks. To listen to chaptered books, you’ll need to convert them to individual MP3 files per chapter or use a player on another device.
Can I use Plex or similar media servers to stream audiobooks to PS5?
Yes, if you have a Plex Media Server setup with your audiobook library, you can use the Plex app on PS5 to stream audio. Plex can resume playback and organize files, making it a viable option. Simply install Plex on the PS5, add your audiobook library on the server, and navigate to it from the app.
What is the easiest method for casual listening?
Spotify is the most straightforward, as it’s already available and supports background playback. For those with existing audiobook files, the USB method requires no extra apps and works offline. Choose based on your library source.
