Ever tried juggling your phone, headphones, and a cup of coffee while listening to your favorite audiobook? Yeah, same here. That’s why listening to audiobooks on a smartwatch feels like unlocking a hidden cheat code—suddenly, life gets easier. With the right smartwatch, we can leave our phones behind and listen to audiobooks straight from our wrists, whether we’re running, walking the dog, or pretending to clean the house.
We don’t need fancy tech skills for this. Smartwatches with Wear OS or Apple Watch let us download or stream audiobooks from apps.
That means we’re less likely to drop our phone—or spill coffee all over it. It’s pretty simple to get started, and our hands stay free for more important things, like petting our cats or waving at neighbors.
Choosing the Right Smartwatch for Audiobook Listening
Let’s be honest—no one wants a smartwatch that makes listening to a good book annoying. If we pick the right watch, we get more stories in our ears and less time messing with settings or worrying about the battery.
Supported Audio Formats
We need a smartwatch that actually plays the audio files our audiobooks use. Most audiobooks come in MP3, but some platforms like Audible use their own protected formats, such as AA or AAX.
Not every smartwatch can handle every file type, so it’s worth double-checking before we get stuck.
Apple Watch and Wear OS watches like the Samsung Galaxy Watch and Google Pixel Watch usually handle streaming apps, which helps dodge most file headaches.
But if we want to load books directly onto the watch, we have to check format compatibility. With more specialized watches like a Garmin Forerunner or Garmin Venu, things get trickier since they mostly just play MP3s.
A quick tip: check the watch’s specs or the app store to make sure our favorite audiobook app and its formats work. There’s nothing worse than an “unsupported file” error right when the story gets good.
Compatible Audiobook Apps
Not every audiobook app works on every smartwatch. If we want Audible on our wrist, good news—Apple Watch and several Wear OS watches have a dedicated Audible app.
We can download or stream books without needing our phone nearby (see the Wear OS Audible app for details).
Some smartwatches—like Garmin or Fitbit Versa—don’t have official apps for popular audiobook platforms. We might have to get creative, using locally transferred MP3s or another streaming service.
A watch with a strong app ecosystem, like the Apple Watch, gives us more flexibility and less hassle.
Here’s a quick comparison:
Smartwatch
Audible Supported?
Upload Local Files?
Apple Watch
Yes
Yes
Samsung Galaxy Watch
Yes
Yes
Google Pixel Watch
Yes
Yes
Garmin Forerunner/Venu
No
MP3 Only
Fitbit Versa
No
MP3 Only
Battery Life Considerations
Nothing kills the mood like our watch dying just as the villain reveals their evil plan. Playing audiobooks over Bluetooth drains the battery faster, especially when we stream instead of download.
Watches with bigger batteries—like some Garmin Vivoactive and Samsung Galaxy Watch models—last longer between charges.
Apple Watch and most Wear OS watches usually last a full day with mixed use. But if we binge a ten-hour mystery, we’ll probably reach for the charger sooner.
Downloaded audiobooks use less battery than streaming since the watch isn’t constantly searching for Wi-Fi or LTE.
If we forget to charge things (guilty), a watch with solid battery life is a lifesaver. No one wants to lose their place in the story because their battery gave up first.
Getting Started: Downloading Audiobooks to Your Smartwatch
It’s honestly pretty simple to listen to audiobooks on a smartwatch now. Whether we love Audible or stick to other formats, there are plenty of ways to fill our wrists with great stories.
Using the Audible App and Other Official Sources
If we want Audible audiobooks, the easiest way is to use the official Audible app on supported smartwatches.
Wear OS watches let us download and play Audible books right from the Audible app. We just install it, sign in, and pick which books to download or stream. Sometimes, it really is just a couple button presses. More info is on the Wear OS Audible app.
Apple Watch users also get an official Audible app. We open the app, choose our books, and listen right from our wrist. If only everything was that easy.
Garmin and Fitbit users don’t have a dedicated Audible app, unfortunately. We have to use workarounds or look for official audiobook apps the device supports.
Transferring Local Audiobook Files
Sometimes, our favorite audiobooks are already downloaded and waiting in a folder. Here’s how we get them onto our smartwatch:
First, we might need to convert Audible files or other audiobooks to a format our watch understands, like MP3. Apps and online tools can help, but let’s stick to safe, legal options.
Once that’s done, we use the smartwatch’s companion app—like the Galaxy Wearable app for Samsung or Garmin Express for Garmin—to move the files over. This usually means plugging in our watch or using Wi-Fi.
After transferring, we play audiobooks from the watch’s music player. For more on playing Audible and non-Audible MP3 files, check the guide to audiobooks on Samsung Galaxy Watch.
Managing Storage Space
Smartwatches don’t have endless storage, so carrying our whole audiobook library isn’t going to happen.
We need to pick which books to keep downloaded and remove the rest. Deleting finished audiobooks frees up space.
Most audiobook apps and smartwatch companion apps make it pretty easy to check storage and manage files.
A few tips to save storage:
Download only what we plan to listen to soon.
Remove books we’ve finished.
Check app storage settings every so often.
Less time managing files means more time actually listening to stories.
Converting Audiobook Files for Smartwatch Compatibility
Let’s be real—smartwatches can be picky about audiobook file formats. If we want our favorite stories on our wrists, we’ll need to do a little tech magic first.
Best Audio Formats for Smartwatches
Most smartwatches act like us before coffee: keep it simple, please. MP3 is the go-to format and works on Android Wear OS, Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, and most Garmin models.
Some watches also play M4A, WAV, and sometimes FLAC (for the audio perfectionists out there). More unusual formats like AAX or AA (from Audible) rarely play nice with smartwatch apps.
Here’s a quick comparison:
Format
Widely Supported?
Quality
File Size
MP3
Yes
Good
Small
M4A
Sometimes
Good
Small
FLAC
Rarely
High
Large
WAV
Sometimes
High
Huge
AAX/AA
No
High
Medium
Tools for Converting Audible and Other Formats
Now for the fun part—turning audiobooks into smartwatch-friendly files. If we have Audible books in AAX or AA format, we need a converter.
For other files (like WAV, M4B, or WMA), a basic audio converter app works fine. Many tools can batch convert and let us tweak output settings like bitrate.
Features to look for:
Batch conversion
Output: MP3, M4A, FLAC
Lossless conversion option
Adjustable settings
User-friendly interface
How to Handle DRM-Protected Files
DRM can be a pain. If our files have DRM protection (especially Audible’s AAX), we’ll need special tools to remove it.
Legit audible audiobook converter programs like DRmare or AudFree let us strip DRM and convert files for personal use. We should always check if this is legal where we live.
After conversion, we can transfer the new MP3 or M4A files to our smartwatch with the companion app or by dragging and dropping. No more fighting with stubborn devices—just more listening.
Listening to Audiobooks on Different Smartwatch Platforms
Smartwatches make it easy to take audiobooks anywhere, whether we’re jogging or just waiting for the bus. Each smartwatch has its own way of handling audiobooks, and sometimes it takes a bit of patience to get everything working.
We can download books from our Audible library and play them offline with Bluetooth earbuds—no phone needed after setup.
The app lets us sync progress, change playback speed, and skip chapters if things drag. With Wear OS, we get a pretty smooth audiobook experience.
If we want more than just Audible, most Wear OS watches also play DRM-free MP3 audiobooks. If we own the files, we just transfer them and play through the default music app.
Just keep in mind, not all formats work, so we might need to convert them first.
Listening on Samsung Galaxy Watch
Living with a Samsung Galaxy Watch—whether it’s a Galaxy Watch 4 or 6—kind of turns us into audio tinkerers. Audible doesn’t have a dedicated app for the watch, but hey, we’re not totally out of luck.
We can transfer MP3 audiobooks to the watch using the Galaxy Wearable app or just a file manager. Once we’ve got them on there, the built-in music player lets us listen wherever we want.
If our books are stuck in Audible’s format, we have to convert them to MP3 first with special software (only where it’s legal, obviously).
Playback controls are pretty basic, but at least our hands usually stay free. We just have to remember our spot if we switch books mid-jog.
Playback on Apple Watch
If we’ve got an Apple Watch (Series 3 or newer), we can listen to audiobooks natively, but there’s a catch—Audible books only play through the iPhone app. We can stream to the watch or use downloaded MP3/M4B files with Apple Books or third-party apps.
Apple Books keeps everything synced, so we can start on our watch and finish on our iPad. If we’re really into it, apps like BookPlayer let us load non-DRM audiobooks in different formats, as long as we stick to Apple’s rules (which usually means using our own files).
Using Garmin and Fitbit Devices
If we thought getting audiobooks on Garmin or Fitbit would be a breeze, well, not quite—but we’re not giving up. Garmin watches like the Forerunner or Vivoactive don’t support Audible or native audiobook playback, but with Garmin Express or Garmin Connect, we can sideload MP3 audiobooks.
After transferring, the watch just acts as a simple MP3 player. It’s great for long runs, but we lose out on bookmarks and fancy controls.
Fitbit Versa and similar models limit us even more. The Fitbit app focuses on music, not audiobooks, so we have to get creative—sometimes breaking books into chapters and labeling them as “songs.” It’s not ideal, but if we’re patient and don’t mind renaming files, we’ll still get our story fix.
Organizing and Managing Your Audiobook Library
Trying to find a single chapter in a messy library can feel like digging for socks in a laundry pile. It’s weirdly personal and, honestly, kind of annoying.
To save ourselves the headache, we need smart ways to sort, organize, and sync our audiobooks across all our gadgets.
Using Playlists and Sorting Options
Let’s admit it: scrolling endlessly for a missing audiobook is about as fun as accidentally playing a four-hour summary of eggplant facts. Most audiobook apps—like Smart Audiobook Player and the Audiobooks app on Apple Watch—let us create playlists or organize books by author, series, or length.
Some apps even let us set up custom folders, so our murder mysteries don’t get mixed up with motivational speeches. Unless that’s our thing.
If we manage our own files, using ID3 tags isn’t just for music nerds. They keep chapters in order, show off book art, and make everything look tidy in apps like iTunes or Music Manager.
Smart folders and playlists like “Listen Before Bed” or “Only When Washing Dishes” give us a little sense of control—even if we still stay up too late.
Sync Audible Audiobooks Across Devices
Nothing kills the mood faster than losing our place in a story. The Audible app and AudibleSync tool keep our progress saved, even when we switch from phone to smartwatch mid-drama.
With Wear OS and Apple Watch, we can download books for offline listening, so we never get stuck mid-sentence. We just open the Audible app, log in, and let it handle the rest.
Syncing keeps bookmarks, progress, and even our favorite quotes lined up. No more double tracking or lost chapters. It’s way easier than carrying a stack of paperbacks everywhere.
Best Apps for Audiobook Playback on Smartwatches
Our wrists are small, but that doesn’t mean we have to miss out on good audiobooks. Picking the right app finally lets us match our reading habits to our favorite gadgets—no more awkward phone juggling.
Third-Party Audiobook Apps
Honestly, not every audiobook app shines on a smartwatch. But a few standouts make us look (and sound) a little smarter while we’re out and about.
The new Audible app is a big win for anyone with Wear OS. We can download purchased titles, listen offline, and even stream self-help books straight from the watch. No more complicated phone syncing.
If we’re on Android, the Audible app for Wear OS is especially handy. For Apple fans, BookPlayer is a favorite. It supports local file transfers and has an interface that doesn’t make us want to throw the watch across the room.
BookPlayer also works with Apple Watches for smooth controls and audiobook tracking. File nerds will appreciate support for MP3 and M4B formats.
If we’re feeling adventurous, other apps let us sideload audiobooks, change playback speed, and jump right back in where we left off. No more forgetting every plot twist.
Music Apps That Support Audiobooks
Ever find an epic sci-fi saga hiding in your workout playlist? Some music apps have quietly joined the audiobook game. Spotify lets us browse and listen to audiobooks, though we might have to dig through a sea of songs to find them.
Don’t be shocked if our exercise playlist suddenly includes a dramatic retelling of Moby Dick. YouTube Music is getting in on audiobooks too, especially classics in the public domain—a win for anyone who wants to feel cultured on the cheap.
Apple Music on the Apple Watch sometimes offers spoken-word and audiobook selections, but it’s a bit hit or miss. Android users can check the Google Play Store for music and audiobook apps, some of which support file uploads. That means our favorite book could be just a few taps away from smartwatch glory.
Transferring and Syncing Audiobooks to Your Smartwatch
Getting audiobooks onto our smartwatch doesn’t have to feel like rocket science. Whether we like old-school cords or wireless magic, there are solid ways to get our next listen ready.
Using a USB Cable or SD Card
If we love a classic approach, a USB cable is our best buddy. Most smartwatches include a charging cable that also works for data transfer.
We plug the watch into our computer, and it usually pops up as a device. Drag and drop audiobook files (like MP3s) right in.
For some watches—like Garmin—we might need to drop files into a Music folder, then move them to an Audiobooks folder using a file manager. Why make it easy, right?
Advanced watches with SD card slots make things even simpler. Pop out the card, add files, and stick it back in. Just make sure the files are compatible, and keep filenames simple. Nobody wants to fight with a watch that refuses to play “EpicSpaceSaga_Final_FINAL.mp3”.
Quick tips:
Use folders to organize series or genres.
Double-check file format compatibility.
Safely eject the device to avoid corrupted files.
Wi-Fi and Cloud Syncing
If we’re allergic to cables, wireless transfers are a lifesaver. Some smartwatches have their own audiobook apps that connect to our phone or cloud library.
With Wear OS, the Audible app lets us download audiobooks straight to the watch. We just browse our library, tap a book, and let Wi-Fi or Bluetooth handle the rest.
Apple Watch users can sync audiobooks from their iPhone with the Watch app. Books transfer while the watch charges and is on Wi-Fi. Just don’t try this at the last minute—big books take time, so patience (and maybe a snack) helps.
Streaming audiobooks while out walking is great—until the Wi-Fi vanishes and we’re left in awkward silence. Having our audiobooks ready for offline use saves us from endless buffering (and boredom).
Downloading Content for Offline Use
To avoid data drops, we need to download audiobooks directly to our smartwatch before heading out. On Wear OS watches, the Audible app lets us grab books from our Library for offline playback.
Just pick a title, tap download, and wait for it to finish. If we want to listen to non-Audible audiobooks, we sometimes have to convert files into a format our watch understands—usually MP3.
Third-party apps and conversion tools help here. Once converted, we just transfer the file to our smartwatch by connecting it to a computer or phone. There’s more info on listening with Wear OS.
Managing Local Files
Once we’ve got everything downloaded, staying organized is the next hurdle—especially if our smartwatch storage is tiny. It helps to keep only the audiobooks we’re actually listening to and delete the rest.
Most smartwatches let us manage files with their companion apps or built-in file manager. Here’s a simple way to keep track:
Audiobook Title
Status
Delete When Done?
Sci-Fi Adventure
In Progress
Yes
Crime Thriller
Completed
Yes
Cooking Memoir
Not Started
No
With a little effort, our smartwatch can be a smooth, audiobook-playing, offline machine. Less fuss, more listening, and no excuses for skipping a run—or a nap. For more organizing tips, check out this guide to play Audible on Wear OS smartwatches.
Using Bluetooth Headphones with Your Smartwatch
Let’s be real: audiobooks sound way better when our Bluetooth headphones are paired with our smartwatch. We just need to get them connected and know what to do if the sound goes wonky.
Pairing and Setup
First, let’s make sure our Bluetooth headphones are charged. Nobody wants their headphones dying during a plot twist.
Next, put them in pairing mode—usually by holding the power button until a little light flashes at us.
On the smartwatch, go to Settings → Bluetooth and turn Bluetooth on if it’s not already. Our headphones should show up in the list of devices.
Tap the headphones’ name, and we’re almost good to go. For some smartwatches, like Wear OS or Samsung, “Bluetooth audio” menus make things even easier.
So, your audio suddenly sounds like it’s bubbling up from the bottom of a fish tank? Don’t panic.
First, double-check that your headphones and smartwatch are actually paired—sometimes they just pretend to connect, which is honestly annoying.
If you don’t hear anything, go ahead and unpair, then pair again. Smartwatches can be moody and just need a little “digital time out.”
Distance causes a lot of headaches here too. If your phone’s too far away, or there’s a brick wall in the way, your connection will drop. Bluetooth prefers when you stick within about 10 meters.
Close out any extra apps that might be hogging Bluetooth power. You’d be surprised how much that helps.
Still nothing? Restart both your smartwatch and headphones. For Wear OS watches, Audible actually suggests downloading the audiobook right to your watch. That way, you won’t get stuck streaming during a long walk.
You can check out the official steps from Audible for listening with Wear OS. If all else fails, maybe it’s time to dust off that old speaker—but let’s just keep that between us.
Exploring Advanced Features While Listening
Smartwatches aren’t just about audiobooks; they’re kind of a backstage pass to wearable tech.
You get to blend step-counting with story time. Some watches even let you take calls without pausing your audio adventures.
Fitness Tracking Integration
While you listen, your smartwatch tracks your steps, calories burned, and sometimes even whether you’re actually sweating or just taking a stroll.
Many apps log workouts automatically in the background. You don’t have to pause your story just to check if you’ve finally hit 10,000 steps.
It feels awesome to combine brain and body fitness. Some audiobook apps on smartwatches even show your workout stats right on the screen while your book plays.
No need for two gadgets—one device does it all. Sometimes, that chase scene in your book syncs up perfectly with your run.
If you want extra motivation, certain watches can pair audiobook milestones with workout achievements. Hit a new distance record? Your watch rewards you with a new chapter.
It’s like having a tiny coach and librarian wrapped around your wrist.
Taking Calls and Multitasking
Here’s where things get interesting: we can answer calls right from our wrist and keep our place in the book. If Aunt Linda calls in the middle of a chapter, just a quick tap on the watch lets us chat for a bit, and the audiobook pauses—so we don’t miss a second of that cliffhanger.
Some watches make multitasking feel almost futuristic. We can reply to texts, check the weather, or hush those relentless app notifications, all while the narrator keeps spinning the story in the background.
Honestly, using one tiny gadget for all of this almost makes us feel like we’re living in a spy movie. If someone interrupts, most audiobook apps for Wear OS let us jump right back in at the exact spot after the call.
No need to rewind or try to remember what the villain just confessed. That’s technology actually helping out for once. Take a look at the Audible Wear OS app for even more multitasking tricks.
Hi, my name is Garrett Jones, and I am a tech enthusiast. I enjoy researching the new tech that has been released, and have a vast knowledge of the best tech to purchase.
From a young age, I have always had a big interest in technology, and this blog is an extension of that interest. Through this blog, I hope to provide others with all of the information they need regarding tech options to consider, and things such as compatibility. Some of the different items I will be discussing include headphones, smartwatches, and how to fix common issues.
