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Borders Review

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Number of Titles

Borders is our least recommended audio book provider, as they have the smallest selection of titles. They have 15,000 titles to choose from in their online digital audio book store, as well as 16,000 audio books on CD and cassette tapes.

Prices

Borders has the least competitive prices, in both CD audio books and digital. Their shipping costs are higher than that of Amazon, but are comparable to Barnes & Noble. You can get free shipping to destinations within the United States with an Borders Membership Plan or by making a purchase of at least $40.

Membership Plans

Regular Listener's can save some money with a Border's Membership. If you're ordering CD audio books online, you'll benefit from their free shipping. However, if you're buying digital audio books, there's no real benefit to their membership program. Borders offers two Reward Programs.

Reward Program Price Benefits
Borders Rewards FREE 30% off Hardcover Best sellers
Free shipping on online orders $25+
Borders Rewards Plus $20/year 40% off Hardcover Best sellers
30% off Select Hardcovers
10% off most everything else
Free shipping on online orders

Sound Quality

Audio books on CD and cassette tape have excellent sound quality. MP3 and WMA audio books are of decent sound quality, but are of a lower sound quality than a CD or Audible's Enchained Audio.

Compatible Devices

Barnes and Noble fairs well in that it offers flexibility in choosing a listening device. You can listen on a CD or cassette player by ordering audio books on CD and cassette, respectively. MP3 audio books are compatible with virtually all portable listening devices. WMA is compatible with fewer devices, but still broadly supported.

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Customer Support

Borders is dedicated to proving quality customer support and service. If you have questions or concerns you can contact Borders by email or by Phone at 800-770-7811.

Day Hours
Monday to Friday 8am - 11pm EST
Saturday, Sunday & Holidays 9am - 8pm EST

Return Policy

Borders will refund online purchases if:

  • The new CD or cassette tape is in its original condition.
  • You include the packaging slip and completed return forms.
  • You return the item within 30 days of the shipment date listed on your packing slip.
  • You ship all returns using the pre-printed label included with the packing slip.

Technical Information

Available Formats

Audio books from Borders are available in three mediums:

  • CD
  • Cassette tape
  • Digital
    • MP3
    • WMA

CD and cassette tape audio books will be shipped to the billing address that you provide. Digital audio books are downloadable directly to your computer, and thus do not involve shipping costs.

Device Compatibility

CD: Border's audio books on CD should be compatible with any CD player made within the last 10 years. Consult your CD player's manufacturer for more information.

Cassette tape: Border's audio books on cassette tape should be compatible with any cassette tape player. Consult with you cassette tape player's manufacturer for more information.

Digital audio books from Borders are available in two formats:

  1. MP3: this is the most common file format that audio books are available in. MP3 audio books are compatible with most listening devices, including:
    • iPods and almost all MP3 players.
    • Smartphones such as BlackBerry, Android, Windows Mobile and iPhone.
    • Mobile phones from Cingular, LG, Samsung, Sprint, T-Mobile, Version and more.
    • e-book readers such as Nook, Libre, and Sony Reader.
  2. WMA: this is a less common file format, with fewer compatible devices. Devices that are compatible include:
    • Some iPods and some digital audio players from Creative, Coby, Zune.
    • Smartphones such as the iPhone and WindowsMobile.
    • Mobile phones from Cingular, LG, Motorola, Samsung, Spring and T-Mobile.

Visit Overdrive's Device Resource Center for a complete list of devices that are compatible with digital audio books.

Required Software

To order audio books on CD and cassette tape, no additional software is required.

To download digital audio books from Borders you will need to download and install Overdrive Media Console. This is free software that is available for the following devices:

  • Windows PC
  • Mac
  • Android
  • BlackBerry
  • iPhone & iPad
  • WindowsMobile

Visit Overdrive's Software page for your free download of Overdrive Media Console.