Let’s Talk About Audiobook Speeds

Why 1.5x Is My Default Personality Setting

Look, you know I love a good audiobook. But unless I’m being serenaded by Morgan Freeman himself, we’re not doing this at 1x speed. That’s just not how I live my life. I’m a 1.5x girl, minimum. Sometimes more. Depends on the narrator, the book, and whether or not I’m working on another project at the same time.

There’s something deeply soothing about settling into a story…but not too soothing, I’m not trying to fall asleep. I don't need to feel like I’m being gently lulled into a coma. I want crisp, clear, moving-along-at-a-decent-clip narration. British and American accents? Easy. That’s home turf for my ears. I can zip right along at 1.75x if I’m feeling speedy.

Now, give me an audiobook with a heavy regional dialect, or a fantasy novel where everyone’s name sounds like a medieval mumblebump? I might have to pump the brakes. I’m not trying to decode Elvish at warp speed (or at all, if I’m being honest)

But here's the truth: audiobook speed is a deeply personal thing. It's like toast doneness or sock thickness…everyone’s got their preference. There’s no right or wrong, just your ears and your brain, trying to vibe together.

So if you’re a 1x loyalist, I respect that. But if you’re in the fast lane with me, welcome.

What speed do you listen to audiobooks? Let me know in the comments.

See y’all tomorrow with my list of reviews from this past week. Plus tomorrow is a VERY special day. 😉