Serial Box review
Introducing audiobooks for serial storytelling in short bites that can be digested on the run.
Serial Box is an audiobook platform that delivers ongoing stories in short installments designed for listening on handheld devices like smartphones, iPods or smart watches. This provider might appeal to a younger audience who likes to follow a favorite author — or character — in short, easy-to-consume bites. But its short-and-sweet nature might be disengaging for more mature readers who like to kick back and take in more epic, novel-length titles.
What is Serial Box?
Serial Box gives you a wide selection in the sci-fi, thriller and fantasy genres, scoring some big-name exclusives that includes literature from Marvel.
You can access Serial Box through an iOS or Android app, or via its website. There isn’t a subscription model as such, but the content is “serialized” — instead of buying single audiobooks, you pay for a season of work in a series you like. Each episode is from 20 to 60 minutes long, making Serial Box a great option for those seeking entertainment while commuting, exercising or during meal prep.
You can buy single episodes from between $0.99 and $1.99 each, or “subscribe” to a season for between $5.99 and $19.99. As an added touch, you get the ebook as well as the audiobook with your purchase, and the first episode of every season is a freebie.
Pros and cons
Let’s weigh the positives and negatives:
- Serialized genre titles that you can purchase by the season
- Episodic-length reads are great for listening during short passive activities
- You can purchase directly through the app
- Very limited in available genres
- Narration has audio effects, but not full casts
- Catalog is quite small
How much does Serial Box cost?
It’s free to download and browse. The first episode of nearly every series is free, so you can explore something new with no strings attached. Try what you’re curious about, and buy what you want — titles range in price from $0.99 to $19.99, depending on the length.
With every title you buy, you get both the audio and ebook.
Does Serial Box have a free trial?
No, the app is free to download and browse. The first episode of nearly every title is free, and you will pay per title thereafter.
Serial Box reviews and complaints
Find out what the word on the street is with other reviewers. We’ve got the skinny right here:
| Platform | Reviews (Last updated October 13, 2020) |
|---|---|
| Apple App Store | 4.5 out of 5 stars (380 reviews) |
| Google Play | 4.2 out of 5 stars (509 reviews) |
Compare audiobook services
If you love the audiobook experience, check out other providers and services to compare your options and best meet your preferences.
Expert review
Review by
Melanie Huddart
melanie.huddart@findercrew.comMelanie Huddart joined Finder’s editorial team in 2017, helping to polish up content across niches that include home loans, share trading, shopping and travel. Melanie earned a BA in Specialized Honors English and a BEd from York University in Toronto, Canada. When she isn’t focused on making articles shine, you can find her hanging with her son and her dog, practicing yoga or searching for the next greatest beach.
Expert review
Serial Box is a free service that offers brief audiobooks in the sci-fi, thriller and fantasy genre. The series formats can be consumed in short time spans, which is great for readers who are frequently on the go or who prefer short reads.
But if you’d rather kick back and settle in for an afternoon of listening fireside, or if its genre isn’t your thing, you’re better off looking elsewhere. As always, be sure to thoroughly research all audiobook platforms to find the one that best suits your needs.