Discover the Ultimate Audio Experience for Your Devices

In today’s fast-paced world, especially for city dwellers, finding time to read books is becoming increasingly challenging. Many feel frustrated by this. Those commuting by metro are among the lucky ones, as they can immerse themselves in books while traveling, unlike those stuck in car traffic jams. However, during rush hours, metro cars become so crowded that reading physically can be quite difficult. So, what’s the solution? Fortunately, the demand for books remains strong, and replacing literature with movies or TV shows simply isn’t the same.

Enter audiobooks — a format that has gradually gained popularity since the early days of traffic jams. While audiobooks have existed for a long time as radio plays and literary readings on gramophone records, until the 2000s they were mostly popular among niche groups like audio enthusiasts or users of special libraries for the visually impaired. Modern lifestyles have expanded their appeal to a broad audience. Now, you can “read” new titles or revisit old favorites while working at your computer, stuck in traffic, squeezed into a metro or bus, or simply walking down the street. As one businessman shared, "In the past year, I’ve listened to more books this way than in my entire adult life before."

While some debate the equivalence of audiobooks to traditional reading, such discussions are often subjective and unproductive.

Setting aside that debate, let’s focus on the convenience of playback, the advantages of the m4b audiobook format, and review some great software options.

About the m4b Format: Most publishers still release audiobooks in the outdated and less efficient lossy mp3 format, and some even on Audio CDs. This typically results in a folder or disc filled with numerous mp3 files. In contrast, the m4b format — an Apple-developed container designed specifically for audiobooks — packages media files encoded in AAC, cover art, bookmarks, and chapter info into a single file (or 2-3 files for very long books). This format offers several benefits: the file size is significantly smaller than equivalent mp3s at the same audio quality, playback always resumes where you left off, and users can easily navigate chapters with bookmarks and individual illustrations. If you are familiar with MKV video containers, the concept will be intuitive. For others, trying m4b is sure to be a rewarding experience.

You can listen to m4b audiobooks on any Apple device (iPod, iPad, iPhone), on your Mac via iTunes or VLC Player, some non-Apple audio players and smartphones, and for Windows users, Windows Media Player 9+ or foobar2000 are compatible.

Converting mp3 Collections to m4b: Several applications, both free and paid, can help convert your scattered mp3 files into a neat m4b library. Let’s explore some popular options:

Audiobook Builder (US $9.95)

This is one of the most user-friendly apps for creating m4b files. Upon launching, you can create a new project or open an existing one. Start by entering the book title, author, genre, and adding a cover image.

Next, drag and drop your mp3 files or export selected iTunes tracks, including Audio CDs converted directly to AAC. You can assign chapter names, subchapters, and individual illustrations. If your files have proper tags, the app imports chapter titles automatically; otherwise, filenames are used, with manual renaming available.

If chapters are split across multiple files, you can combine them with a single click, or undo the grouping before final conversion. Ensure the file order is correct by dragging tracks within the playlist.

Finally, set encoding parameters such as bitrate, sample rate, bookmark type, and container format (m4b or m4a). For lengthy audiobooks exceeding 13 hours, the app can split them into multiple files for better device compatibility.

Once ready, hit the convert button and relax while the app processes your audiobook. It will notify you when done and offer options to add the book to iTunes or save it to your chosen folder.

Audiobook Binder (Free)

This free, simpler alternative to Audiobook Builder offers many of the same features but with fewer customization options. It supports a Russian interface and is available on the Mac App Store.

Unlike Audiobook Builder, you cannot save projects for later editing, but for most users, this isn’t a major drawback. You enter the book title and author, add files via drag & drop or Finder buttons, and then create chapters manually by grouping files and naming them accordingly.

While it lacks automatic chapter creation, tag import, and illustration support, it covers the basics well. Conversion settings such as bitrate and sample rate are available under the program’s preferences.

This app is ideal for beginners or those who want a free, straightforward tool to get started with m4b audiobooks.

Audiobook Maker (Free)

Audiobook Maker is the simplest option, featuring a single window where you add audio files. You can rename chapters by double-clicking filenames, and the app supports sorting chapters if file names include numbering.

It offers output formats including m4b (AAC with bookmarks), m4a (standard AAC), and mp3. You can adjust sample rate and bitrate, including keeping the source quality.

Though it lacks advanced features like cover art, chapter grouping, or extensive customization, its minimalistic design suits users seeking a quick conversion tool. Note that it has no Russian interface and is in beta with infrequent updates.

Macsome Audiobook Converter (US $34.95)

This specialized program is designed primarily for removing DRM protection from audiobooks and converting them into unprotected MP3 or AAC files while preserving metadata.

It serves two main purposes: unlocking audiobooks tied to a specific account, and converting library-format audiobooks to MP3 for devices that don’t support m4b.

The app works by scanning your iTunes library and letting you select files to convert. You can set output container types, bitrate, and sample rate, and split files if desired.

While the price may seem high, its unique DRM removal capabilities make it valuable for certain users.

Conclusion: For most users, Audiobook Builder stands out as the best balance of ease, features, and value. Its $10 price is modest for a well-supported, regularly updated app. However, the free Audiobook Binder is a worthy alternative for those new to m4b or on a budget. Try both and decide which fits your needs best!

Happy listening!
— Andrey Barkhatov

Cover image inspired by Johannes Gilge (CC BY-SA 2.0)

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