What is an AAX file? Developed by Audible, AAX is an enhanced audio file format that contains chapter markers, images, hyperlinks, bookmarks, and more. In reality, AAX files are encrypted M4B files, which means that all Audible AAX files are protected by Audible DRM. This is a critical point to consider since many audiobook players cannot play them. However, don't worry. I have collected all AAX players for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, so you can choose the one that suits you best to play your Audible AAX files.
Takeaway: Play AAX on Any Player
Before proceeding with the following instructions, please note that Audible books can only be played on limited players, and even VLC is not included. In fact, some Audible players may be outdated or not very functional. However, you can convert audible aax to DRM-free MP3 files using Epubor Audible Converter. This will allow you to play them on any player.
Once converted successfully, you can enjoy the drm-free audible mp3 file on any mp3 player.
- 1. It can download and convert audible to mp3 or m4b with 1000X conversion speed.
- 2. It can split audible into chapters.
- 3. It can 100% save your Audible quality.
- ...And more.
AAX Player Windows
Audible Windows10 App(Windows 10 & 8 Only)
Updated: Audible on the store has been removed from Microsoft store and is not available to download. Users who already have the app installed on their PC will have it continue to work until July 31st,2022. How to download and listen to audible books when Audible Windows App doesn't work?
Audible Windows 10 app is the official app released by Audible for listening audible books, including audible aa and audible aax. Unfortunately, it is now only available on Windows 10 & 8.
Supported formats: Audible aax, aa
- 1. It can manage your audible library.
- 2. It can download all your Audible books for offline listening.
- 3. It has chapter navigation.
- 4. It enables you to change the listening speed and various mode.
- 5. Bookmarking is available.
- 6. Sync the audible bookmarks, notes and furthest listening position between different devices.
- 7. It also enables you to transfer audible books to audible compatible mp3 players, like Sandisk MP3 Players.
- 8. If you are the Amazon Prime or Audible members, you can even access Audible channels for unlimited listening with Audible app.
Audible Manager
Audible manager is also the official audible audiobook player which was developed by Audible many years ago. Compared with Audible app, Audible manager is out of date, no matter the interface or the function. Working as aax player, Audible manager still does its job.
Supported formats: Audible aax, aa
- 1. Play Audible aax and aa files.
- 2. Bookmark audible files.
- 3. It can transfer audible books to non-apple mp3 players.
From the above features, it is clear to know that Audible Manager only have the very limited features as a media player. It lacks the basic features, such as downloading audible books, chapter navigation, and more.
Windows Media Player
Windows Media Player is the default media play in all Windows platform. The good news is that it also can play audible aax files.
Pro tip: Import audible into Windows Media Player.
Supported formats: aax, aa, wma, mp3, dat, amr, avi.
- 1. It allows you to burn audible to cd or dvd.
- 2. It allows you to cast the audible to other devices.
- 3. As for managing the audible books, it enables you to rate the audible audiobooks.
AAX Player Mac
Unfortunately, you’ll never find any official audible app for Mac OS like you get on Windows. Does this mean there is no aax player on Mac? Don’t worry. Audible authorizes the iTunes and Apple Books as the default audible player on Mac. With the release of MacOS 10.15 Catalina, Apple has transitioned from iTunes to Apple Books. So please identify your Mac system at first before choosing the aax player.
iTunes (MacOS 10.14.6 Mojave or earlier)
iTunes is the pre-installed media player for Mac computer. It enables you to purchase, download and manage your media in one app. Like other Apple products, the interface of iTunes is very neat and intuitive.
Supported formats: aax, aa, m4a, m4b, mp4, mov, m4v, mp3, aax, aiff, epub, pdf etc.
- 1. Manage your video, audio and music easily.
- 2. Built-in store enables you to purchase digital copies as you like.
- 3. Chapter navigation is available.
- 4. It enables you to edit the metadata of the audible files or any other media.
Apple Books (MacOS 10.15 Catalina and later)
Apple has improved its iBooks app and named it Apple Books. Come with the new name, you’ll find that Apple Books not only manage and read ebooks, but also audiobooks. As for Audible aax or aa format audiobooks, you can also play them on Apple Books.
Supported formats: aax, aa, apple audiobooks, aac, mp3 audiobooks, epub, pdf
- 1. It enables you to manage both ebooks and audiobooks.
- 2. Built-in apple store enables you search and buy apple ebooks and audiobooks.
- 3. It allows you to set a sleep timer, adjust the playback speed and play to a speaker.
- 4. Chapter navigation is available.
The iTunes and apple books are two totally different aax players although they share some same features.
AAX Player Online--Audible Cloud Player
If you don't like any of the AAX players for Windows and Mac listed above, you can simply play Audible AAX files online with Audible Cloud Player. This is the easiest way to listen to Audible books, but you need to keep your internet connected all the time while playing. It is not as functional as the Audible app, but if you don't want to download your Audible books, Audible Cloud Player is a good alternative.
To start online listening, simply go to your online Audible library and click on the "Listen now" button.
Supported formats: Audible aax, aa
- 1. It enables you to play audible books online without downloading.
- 2. Bookmarks and chapter navigation are both available.
- 3. It allows you to change the narration speed.
AAX Player Andriod/iOS
As for playing AAX files on Android or iOS devices, there is only one app: the Audible app. After searching the internet many times, this is the only AAX player available for Android/iPhone.
Download Audible app for Android Download Audible app for iOS
Apps you need to install:
Audible App for Android/iOS
It shares almost the same features as the Windows app for Windows 10, but with slight differences.
1. You cannot buy Audible books through Audible for iOS, but you can do so in Audible Android.
2. Audible books downloaded via Audible for Android/iOS(latest version) are in .aaxc format, not .aax format anymore.
Can VLC Play AAX Files?
Can VLC play AAX files? This is the most frequently asked question when it comes to playing AAX files. I am sorry to tell all of you guys that VLC cannot play Audible AAX files, but it can play Audible AA format. However, there is no way to download audible books in aa format anymore because Audible now only uses the enhanced format (.AAX format). So there is no way to play audible with the VLC player. However, if you want to stick with VLC player, then you just need to follow the part 1 to make your audible aax files playable on any player.
These are all the Audible AAX players I want to share today. If you have any recommended Audible players, please leave them in the comments below.
Iris Yan has been a passionate member of Epubor since 2017. Her mission is to enhance your ebook reading experience by sharing insightful tips and tricks. Join her on a journey towards reading excellence today!
