The best science fiction audiobooks for beginners: where to start
If you've never finished a science fiction audiobook, start with one that already won. Every title below took the Audie Award in the science fiction category — broadly loved, superbly narrated, the audiobook industry's own pick for the best science fiction production of its year. They are the safest first credits: hard to switch off, and hard to regret. The most recent winner is Simultaneous by Eric Heisserer (2026).
Project Hail MaryThe DeepRivers Solomon et al.The DeepEmergency SkinN. K. JemisinEmergency SkinThe Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Tertiary PhaseDouglas AdamsThe Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Tertiary PhaseProvenanceAnn LeckieProvenanceStar Wars: The Force AwakensAlan Dean FosterStar Wars: The Force AwakensJurassic ParkMichael CrichtonJurassic Park
The Martian| Audiobook | Author | Narrator(s) | Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simultaneous | Eric Heisserer | Ray Porter, Marin Ireland, Stephanie Sheh | Audie Science Fiction (2026) |
| The Book of Doors | Gareth Brown | Miranda Raison | Audie Science Fiction (2025) |
| Cassandra in Reverse | Holly Smale | Kristin Atherton | Audie Science Fiction (2024) |
| Intergalactic Exterminators, Inc. | Ash Bishop | Scott Brick, Suzanne Elise Freeman | Audie Science Fiction (2023) |
| Project Hail Mary | Andy Weir | Ray Porter | Audie Science Fiction (2022) |
| The Deep | Rivers Solomon et al. | Daveed Diggs | Audie Science Fiction (2021) |
| Emergency Skin | N. K. Jemisin | Jason Isaacs | Audie Science Fiction (2020) |
| The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Tertiary Phase | Douglas Adams | Simon Jones, Geoffrey McGivern, full cast | Audie Science Fiction (2019) |
| Provenance | Ann Leckie | Adjoa Andoh | Audie Science Fiction (2018) |
| Star Wars: The Force Awakens | Alan Dean Foster | Marc Thompson | Audie Science Fiction (2017) |
| Jurassic Park | Michael Crichton | Scott Brick | Audie Science Fiction (2016) |
| The Martian | Andy Weir | R. C. Bray | Audie Science Fiction (2015) |
| Captain Vorpatril's Alliance | Lois McMaster Bujold | Grover Gardner | Audie Science Fiction (2014) |
| The Age of Miracles | Karen Thompson Walker | Emily Rankin | Audie Science Fiction (2013) |
| The Stainless Steel Rat | Harry Harrison | Phil Gigante | Audie Science Fiction (2012) |
| Jitters | Adele Parks | Adele Park, Susan Paige Lane, full cast | Audie Science Fiction (2011) |
| Bellwether | Connie Willis | Kate Reading | Audie Science Fiction (2010) |
| Calculating God | Robert J. Sawyer | Jonathan Davis, Robert J. Sawyer | Audie Science Fiction (2009) |
| Dune | Frank Herbert | Scott Brick, Orlagh Cassidy, Euan Morton, Simon Vance, Ilyana Kadushin | Audie Science Fiction (2008) |
| Stolen Child | Keith Donohue | Andy Paris, Jeff Woodman | Audie Science Fiction (2007) |
| Market Forces | Richard K. Morgan | Simon Vance | Audie Science Fiction (2006) |
| Lost Boys | Orson Scott Card | Stefan Rudnicki | Audie Science Fiction (2005) |
| Monstrous Regiment | Terry Pratchett | Stephen Briggs | Audie Science Fiction (2004) |
| Dune: The Butlerian Jihad | Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson | Scott Brick | Audie Science Fiction (2003) |
Listen to your first science fiction audiobook free
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Frequently asked questions
Which science fiction audiobook should I start with?
Start with a recent Audie Science Fiction winner such as "Simultaneous" by Eric Heisserer (2026). Award winners are the safest first listens because they are judged on narration as much as story, so the performance carries you through.
Are these good for someone new to audiobooks?
Yes. Every audiobook here won the Audie Award, the audiobook industry's own award — they are broadly loved and exceptionally well narrated, which is exactly what makes a first audiobook easy to finish.
How do I listen for free?
A free 30-day Audible Premium Plus trial includes one credit. You can use it on any science fiction audiobook on this page and keep it permanently, even if you cancel before the trial ends.
More science fiction guides: every Audie-winning science fiction audiobook · science fiction audiobooks for long drives · all listening guides · best audiobooks by award.