Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Find

App Store

Google Play

Screenwise Verdict

Audible is one of the few apps that actually deserves to be on your kid's device. It's not gamified, not designed to hook them, and genuinely trades screen time for imagination time.

The Kids Profile is non-negotiable—set it up or don't bother, because the main library has everything from cozy mysteries to graphic true crime. With proper curation, though, this is gold. Audiobooks build vocabulary, attention span, and mental visualization skills that video content simply doesn't demand.

The subscription cost is real ($15/month isn't nothing), but if your family actually uses it, the math works out better than buying books individually. The sleep timer, adjustable speed, and offline downloads make it genuinely practical for real family life.

Best use case: replace some of the YouTube/Netflix time with audiobooks during transitions—car rides, getting ready for bed, doing chores. It won't work for every kid (some really struggle with audio-only), but for the ones it clicks with, it's transformative.

Age Fit

Works for ages 3-99 depending on content selection. Preschoolers can enjoy picture books narrated while following along, elementary kids can listen independently during quiet time or car rides, teens can tackle complex novels, and adults use it for commutes and workouts. The platform scales infinitely—it's just a delivery mechanism for books.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

82

Audible is a content-neutral platform that encourages reading/listening over passive screen time. The Kids Profile feature provides age-appropriate curation. The app promotes calm, focused activities (listening while doing chores, winding down, commuting) rather than chaotic dopamine hits. Wholesomeness depends entirely on content chosen, but the platform itself models healthy media consumption habits and can facilitate family bonding through shared stories.

Imaginative

88

Audiobooks are imagination machines—they require active mental visualization and engagement in ways video content doesn't. The vast library spans fiction, fantasy, sci-fi, and educational content that sparks curiosity. Audible Originals and exclusive podcasts offer unique storytelling experiences. The format itself (audio-only) demands more creative mental work from listeners compared to visual media. Transforms mundane activities (chores, commutes) into opportunities for story immersion.

Safe

75

Web search confirms Audible is 'a safe mobile app for kids' (Bark). Kids Profile feature provides family-friendly content curation. No ads, no social features, no user-generated content risks. However, the main library is unfiltered—without Kids Profile active, children can access adult content including explicit language, violence, and mature themes. Privacy concerns are standard Amazon-level (data collection for recommendations). The safety floor is high with proper parental setup, but requires active curation.

Enriching

90

Audiobooks build vocabulary, listening comprehension, and attention span. Web search notes they 'help kids improve their listening skills, enhance vocabulary, and develop a passion for storytelling' (Speechify). Access to thousands of books means exposure to diverse ideas, cultures, and knowledge domains. Self-development and wellness content available. Transforms dead time into learning time. The format allows kids to tackle books above their reading level, accelerating literary exposure. Permanent library feature encourages building a personal collection.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Replaces mindless scrolling with actual stories—audiobooks while doing dishes beats TikTok any day
Kids can access books above their reading level, accelerating literary exposure and vocabulary growth
Kids Profile feature curates age-appropriate content from a massive library of children's audiobooks and podcasts
Transforms dead time (commutes, chores, bedtime wind-down) into enrichment opportunities without adding screen time
Permanent library means books purchased with credits stay forever—builds a real collection

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What to Watch For

Without Kids Profile active, children can browse the entire adult catalog including explicit content—setup matters
Subscription cost ($14.95/month for Premium Plus) adds up; evaluate if your family will actually use it consistently
Some kids struggle with audio-only format and need practice building listening stamina
Easy to accumulate credits and feel obligated to use them, leading to purchasing books you don't actually want

Conversation Starters

"What pictures were you imagining in your head during that scene? How did you picture the main character?"
"Want to listen to the audiobook of [movie/show they love] and compare how they're different?"
"What's one new word you heard today that you didn't know before? Let's look it up together."
"Should we all listen to the same book this week and talk about it at dinner?"

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