Spaceships, artificial intelligence, alien planets, time travel, alternate realities… science fiction is where it’s at. You can start an audiobook thinking you’re getting one kind of story and suddenly find yourself absorbed in a world that operates by an entirely different set of rules. And doesn’t that sound like a great listen?
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I also think sci-fi works particularly well in audiobook form. A good narrator can make an unfamiliar world feel much more real, whether you’re following a tense space mission or trying to figure out exactly what is happening in some strange futuristic society. And there’s such a huge range within the genre, from action-packed adventures to quieter stories that leave you thinking about big questions long after you’ve finished.
So if you’re ready to take a break from reality for a while, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite science fiction audiobooks WITH NO SPOILERS. Whether you’re already a sci-fi fan or just looking for something completely different from your usual listen, there’s a little bit of everything here.
And PS: Some of these titles may be exclusive to an Audible subscription, which I find definitely worth my while. If you’re interested in checking out Audible, you can use this link for a free 30-day trial.
Looking for something a little more magical? Check out My Top 10 Best Fantasy Audiobooks. Plus, you can find all of my audiobook favorites here.
1. Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Let’s start off with what is often listed as one of the greatest audiobooks of all time, Project Hail Mary. The story follows Ryland Grace, a man who wakes up alone on a spaceship with no memory of how he got there or why he’s been sent into space. And as he spends more time on the ship, he slowly starts to piece his memories together. I loved the combination of science, mystery, humor, and adventure, but what really makes this audiobook stand out is the stellar narration and audio production. Even if you don’t normally consider yourself a sci-fi fan, this is one I’d highly recommend trying… it has broad appeal and a lot of heart.
2. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
Ready Player One pops up on several of my favorite audiobook lists because it’s just such a standout. The story takes place in a future where the real world has become pretty bleak, so much of society escapes into the OASIS, an enormous virtual world. When the creator dies and leaves behind a series of puzzles that could give one person control of the OASIS and his fortune, Wade Watts becomes determined to be the first to find them. I loved the combination of scavenger hunt, adventure, and ’80s pop-culture nostalgia. Speaking of which, it happens to be narrated by actor Wil Wheaton (Stand By Me), who is also a character in the book!
3. Recursion by Blake Crouch
Recursion centers around a strange phenomenon called False Memory Syndrome, where people suddenly become overwhelmed by memories of lives they never actually lived. As neuroscientist Helena Smith and NYPD detective Barry Sutton begin investigating, they uncover something much bigger (and much more complicated) than either of them expected. I loved how this one combines science fiction with the pace of a thriller, so there’s always another mystery or twist waiting around the corner. It’s fast-moving and mind-bending, making it a great choice if you want a sci-fi audiobook that will keep you guessing right up until the end. The audiobook also has dual narrators to bring the two lead characters to life.
4. Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
Ender’s Game follows Ender Wiggin, a gifted young boy who is sent to Battle School, where he and other children are trained through increasingly difficult games to prepare for a potential war with an alien species. As Ender rises through the ranks, the line between training and reality starts to blur. I really enjoyed the strategy and competition in this one, but it’s the questions underneath the action that make the story so memorable. It explores intelligence and manipulation, all while keeping the plot moving at a fast pace.
5. Dune by Frank Herbert
Dune… there’s so much to unpack. If you already love epic fantasy and want to delve into science fiction, this is the book for you. The book takes world-building to the extreme with multiple planets and dozens of characters. Thankfully, the audiobook makes it easier to navigate with 12 narrators to bring the full cast story to life. The book follows Paul Atreides, whose family is given control of the desert planet Arrakis, the only source of a valuable substance known as spice. What initially seems like a huge opportunity quickly becomes much more dangerous as political schemes, rival families, and the harsh environment of Arrakis come into play. There’s a lot to keep track of at first, but once you get settled into the world, it’s incredibly rewarding. If you’re looking for an epic sci-fi audiobook with detailed world-building, Dune is a classic for a reason.
6. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is the perfect science fiction audiobook if you want something that is much more interested in making you laugh than in taking itself seriously. The story follows Arthur Dent, an ordinary man whose day goes from bad to considerably worse when he discovers something startling about the future of Earth. From there, he’s whisked across the galaxy and introduced to a wonderfully bizarre collection of aliens, spaceships, and questionable decisions. Author Douglas Adams manages to poke fun at everything from bureaucracy to the meaning of life along the way. Plus, it’s narrated by actors Stephen Fry in the first book and Martin Freeman for the following three.
7. The Martian by Andy Weir
The Martian follows Mark Watney, an astronaut who is accidentally left behind on Mars after his crew is forced to evacuate. With limited supplies and no immediate way home, Mark has to use his scientific knowledge and a whole lot of creativity to figure out how to stay alive. What’s unique about this book is the protagonist’s goofy sense of humor… he’s in an absolutely impossible situation, but his personality keeps the story from feeling overwhelmingly bleak. There’s a lot of science involved, but you don’t need to be a science expert to enjoy it.
8. Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Children of Time follows the remnants of humanity as they search for a new planet to call home, until things go awry. What makes this book so interesting is the way it explores evolution and intelligence from a perspective you probably wouldn’t expect, while also telling a much bigger story about humanity’s future. It’s a longer listen, but if you enjoy thoughtful sci-fi with big ideas, fascinating world-building, and a story that keeps surprising you, this is definitely one to add to your listening list.
9. An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing follows April May, who discovers a mysterious giant statue in New York City and makes a quick video about it. When she wakes up the next morning, she discovers that similar statues have appeared all over the world… and suddenly she’s famous. It’s funny and fast-paced, but it also explores some surprisingly thoughtful questions about humanity, technology, and how we react when we encounter something we don’t understand, while also exploring the negative sides of Internet fame. It’s a great pick if you want sci-fi that feels a little closer to home. And if you’re a fan of science educator (and Internet famous person) Hank Green, you’ll be happy to know that he wrote this book!
10. Red Rising by Pierce Brown
Looking for something a little more dystopian and YA-leaning? Red Rising by Pierce Brown is a great choice if you want science fiction with a lot of action and political intrigue. The story follows Darrow, a young miner living on Mars who believes he’s working to make the future better for humanity, until his world turns upside down. The story quickly pulls you in, and the stakes keep escalating as Darrow navigates competition, alliances, and betrayal. What makes it even better is this dramatized adaptation, which brings the story to life with a full cast, cinematic music, and sound effects for a movie-like experience.
I hope this list helps you as you search for your next great science fiction audiobook! If you’re looking for more listens, check out My Top 10 Best Dystopian Audiobooks, or find all of my favorite audiobooks here.
