We’ve learned how to download Kobo eBooks to a PC/Mac computer before. But what about downloading Kobo audiobooks? Can we still use the Kobo desktop application for this?
For various reasons, Kobo has disabled kobo audiobook download feature on the Kobo desktop application. So, is there any way to download Kobo audiobook on a PC or Mac computer? This guide will introduce two ways to help you download Kobo audiobook to your PC/Mac computer.
Method 1: How to Download Kobo Audiobooks to Your Computer (The Easy Way)
If you have tried to back up your Kobo audiobooks before, you know the frustration: Kobo does not provide a "Download" button on their website or desktop app for audio content. Now, there is a much simpler solution. Here is how to download your Kobo audiobooks directly to your computer as DRM-free MP3s using Epubor Kobo Mate.
Why Kobo Mate?
Unlike traditional converters, Kobo Mate eliminates the middleman.
- No Android Emulator: You don't need to install complex Android emulators.
- No Desktop App Required: You don’t need the official Kobo desktop software.
- Direct Download: It fetches the data directly and save them as MP3 with no drm, saving you time and disk space.
Step 1: Install and Launch Kobo Mate
Download and install the Kobo Mate application on your Windows or Mac.
Once launched, log in with your Kobo account credentials. This allows the tool to sync with your library, including both purchased titles and Kobo Plus subscriptions.
Step 2: Load Your Kobo Audiobooks list to Kobo Mate
Once logged in, Kobo Mate will display your entire library. If not, click "Refresh" botton to load your library. You will see a list of all your available titles. Kobo audiobooks are marked with an earphone icon next to them.
Step 3: Start the Download & Conversion
Select the specific books you wish to download to your computer. Drag and drop them to the right panel. Click the "Start Conversion" button. Kobo Mate will begin downloading the content directly from the Kobo servers and stripping the DRM in real-time.
Once the process is complete, click the "Open" button to find your DRM-free MP3 files. All downloaded kobo audiobooks will be splitted into chapters.
You can now:
- Transfer them to any MP3 player or iPod.
- Play them using VLC, iTunes, or any media player.
- Keep a permanent backup on your external hard drive.
Method 2: How to Download Audiobooks via Android Emulator?
Step 1: Download and install Android emulator on PC/Mac.
As we discussed at the very beginning, the Kobo Desktop application doesn't support Kobo audiobooks, so we cannot download Kobo audiobooks as we do with Kobo eBooks. However, we can install an Android emulator on a PC and then download the Kobo audiobooks on the Android emulator using the Kobo Android app.
There are different Android emulators on the market. Please choose Android Studio, which is released by Google and is totally free. You can follow this step-by-step guide to install and set up Android Studio on your computer.
Step 2: Install Kobo for Android App on Android emulator.
Once you have successfully launched the Android emulator, you can install the Kobo for Android app on it. There are different versions of the Kobo for Android app, but it is better to use our recommended version. Click the button below to download it.
Then, drag and drop the downloaded app onto the main interface of the Android emulator. The Kobo for Android app will be installed.
Step 3: Download Kobo audiobooks to PC/Mac.
After the installation, you may not see the app on the main interface. Please click the bottom area on the Android emulator screen, hold the mouse, and drag to the top of the screen. You’ll see all the apps you’ve installed on your Android emulator, including the Kobo app.
Click the “Kobo” icon and sign in with your Kobo credentials.
To download kobo books, go to "My books", then click "Audiobooks" tab, and click the download button to download the kobo audiobook.
Since the audiobook is very large, it will take some time to download it.
Once downloaded successfully, the download button will disappear.
Now you’ve downloaded your Kobo audiobooks on your PC or Mac. You can listen to it on your computer.
Pro step: How to Convert Kobo Audiobook to MP3?
You've already download kobo audiobok to your compute. Can we transfer the kobo audiobooks to MP3 player? I guess not. Please note that Kobo audiobooks are encrypted with kobo drm and only can be played on the Kobo for Android or iOS App. You may ask "Can I convert Kobo audiobook to MP3?". That's the key point. Yes, you can convert kobo audiobook to mp3 format with Epubor Kobo Converter.
FAQs on Downloading kobo Audiobooks to MP3 with Android emulator
Frequently Asked QuestionsQuestion 1: Can I convert Kobo audiobooks to MP3 format?
A: Sure, you can convert kobo audiobooks to mp3 format with Epubor Kobo Mate.
Question 2: Can I download Kobo ebooks using the above method?
A: Yes, the above two methods both can download kobo ebooks as epub format.
Question 3: How to find my download kobo audiobooks in Android emulator?
A: There is no way to manually find your downloaded Kobo audiobooks on the Android emulator. However, if you are using Epubor Kobo converter, it will automatically detect and copy the downloaded eBooks and audiobooks to your computer. Please note that Kobo eBooks and audiobooks are protected by Kobo DRM, which means they cannot be played with other readers or players besides Kobo-related ones.
Question 4: Is there anyway to remove drm from kobo plus audiobooks?
A: Yes, you can remove drm from kobo plus audiobooks & ebooks and convert kobo audiobooks to mp3 format.
Question 5: How can I ensure my Kobo audiobooks are downloaded successfully in Android emulator?
A: Once the download button disappears, your Kobo audiobooks have been successfully downloaded. You can also go to "Home" > "Person icon" at the top right corner > "Manage account". All your downloaded Kobo eBooks and audiobooks will be displayed here.
Conclusion: Which Method Is Better for Downloading Kobo Audiobooks?
As you can see, both methods allow you to download Kobo audiobooks to your PC or Mac. However, they differ significantly in terms of convenience, efficiency, and overall user experience.
If you want the fastest, easiest, and most reliable solution, Epubor Kobo Mate is clearly the better choice. It allows you to directly download Kobo audiobooks as DRM-free MP3 files without installing any Android emulator, virtual machines, or extra software. Everything is done in just a few clicks.
The Android emulator method, while free, is much more complicated and time-consuming. It requires setting up an emulator, installing the Kobo Android app, downloading large audiobook files, and then using additional tools to remove DRM and convert the files. This approach is only recommended for advanced users who are comfortable dealing with complex system configurations.
Comparison: Kobo Mate vs Android Emulator Method
| Feature | Kobo Mate | Kobo Converter with Android Emulator |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Very Easy | Difficult |
| Installation Required | Only Kobo Mate | Android Studio + Kobo App |
| Download Speed | Fast (Direct download) | Slow (Emulator environment) |
| DRM Removal | Automatic | Extra software required |
| Output Format | MP3 (Split by chapters) | First decrypt the Kobo format, then convert it to MP3 with Kobo Converter |
| Success Rate | Very High | Medium |
| Recommended For | All users | Advanced users only |
Final Recommendation: If you want a simple, fast, and hassle-free way to download Kobo audiobooks to your computer and convert them into DRM-free MP3 files, Epubor Kobo Mate is undoubtedly the best solution.
Iris Yan is a passionate member of the Epubor team, dedicated to enhancing your ebook reading experience. She shares insightful tips, tricks, and practical advice to help you get the most out of your digital library. Join her on the journey to reading excellence today!
If you need more assistance, please feel free to contact me at epubor.iris@gmail.com.