Listening to some of our most cherished stories can be an enriching experience, but if the narrator’s delivery doesn’t resonate with us, we may never finish the book.
Conversely, an exceptional narrator has the power to animate characters and elevate the audiobook’s listening experience to unparalleled levels. Who are the best audiobook narrators?
While preferences may vary, in this blog, we will explore 10 of the greatest audiobook narrators of all time who consistently offer engaging and enjoyable performances.
Their talents and unique styles have made them stand out in the world of audiobooks, ensuring that listeners are captivated from start to finish.
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1. Jim Dale
Jim Dale’s name is synonymous with excellence in the world of narration, with his most notable work being the Harry Potter series. His ability to create 134 unique voices for the series alone speaks volumes about his immense talent.
Along with multiple Grammy Awards for Best Spoken Word Album for Children, Dale has earned two additional Grammy Awards, 11 Audible Awards, and many AudioFile Earphone Awards.
Dale’s narration has included the following literary classics:
- “The Hundred Acre Woods”
- “Peter Pan”
- “Around the World in 80 Days”
- “A Christmas Carol”
- “Alice in Wonderland”
His incredible range and versatility have brought characters to life and enriched the listening experience for audiobook fans worldwide. If you haven’t yet delved into the magical world narrated by Jim Dale, starting with the Harry Potter series is highly recommended.
His remarkable contributions have made him an invaluable asset to Apple Audiobooks, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. His work continues to be a source of inspiration and enjoyment for listeners all over the globe.
2. Stephen Fry
Stephen Fry is more than just one of the UK’s best-loved actors; he’s also a writer, comedian, broadcaster, and director. You might recognize him from his comedy act with Hugh Laurie. But what really sets Fry apart is his unforgettable voice.
Here are some of the audiobooks he’s narrated:
- “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” written by Douglas Adams
- “The Liar” by Stephen Fry
- “A Bear Called Paddington” by Michael Bond
- “Mythos” by Stephen Fry
- “Sherlock Holmes: The Definitive Collection”
- “Harry Potter” series (UK versions)
You’ll also find his voice in animated series and video games; he even guides you on your TomTom GPS units. Authors love to have him read their books, and why wouldn’t they?
He has a way of bringing stories to life like no one else. His voice has a soothing quality that’s perfect for everything from Greek mythology to children’s stories. He’s a standout in the world of voice acting and someone who truly knows how to entertain, no matter the age of his audience.
3. George Guidall
George Guidall is a name that resonates deeply in the world of audiobook narration. With a staggering collection of over 1,300 audiobooks to his credit, Guidall’s contributions to the industry are nothing short of legendary.
His voice has brought life to many of the longest-running mystery and thriller series, making him a go-to narrator for authors in those genres.
Guidall’s journey in narration spans more than 20 years, a period marked by unwavering dedication and unmatched skill. His ability to capture characters’ emotions and keep listeners on the edge of their seats has earned him widespread acclaim.
Guidall’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed; he’s received numerous accolades and industry awards. Among them, the crowning achievement was the Audio Publishers Association Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015, a testament to his lasting impact on the audiobook community.
Here are some of Guidall’s notable works:
- “Night” by Elie Wiesel
- “Dances with Wolves” by Michael Blake
- “Hard Country” by Michael McGarrity
Guidall’s voice is synonymous with excellence in narration, and his extensive catalog continues to be a treasure trove for audiobook enthusiasts. His work serves as an inspiration for aspiring narrators and a delightful experience for listeners who appreciate the art of storytelling.
George Guidall’s name will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greats in audiobook narration.
4. Frank Muller:
Frank Muller remains an iconic figure in the world of audiobook narration. His prowess in bringing characters to life with his voice earned high praise, not only from critics but also from heavyweight authors.
Stephen King once remarked about Muller’s narration, “the blind will see, the lame will walk, and the deaf will hear.”
Muller’s journey into audiobook narration began in 1979, the same year Recorded Books was founded, making him the inaugural voice of the company.
Throughout his career, he had earned a reputation as a master narrator, with accolades such as the “Leonardo DiCaprio of literature” by Entertainment Weekly and being dubbed “a prince of language” by Pat Conroy.
Sadly, his life was cut short in 2008 at 57. Before his passing, a tragic motorcycle accident in 2001 left him with severe health complications, ending his illustrious acting career.
Frank Muller’s distinguished narrations include:
- “The Green Mile” by Stephen King
- “The Silence of the Lambs” – Thomas Harris
- “The Partner” by John Grisham
- “All the Pretty Horses” by Cormac McCarthy
- “The Red Pony” by John Steinbeck
- “The Talisman” – Stephen King and Peter Straub
- “Assassins” by Tim LaHaye & Jerry B. Jenkins
- “The Dark Tower II: The Drawing of the Three” written by Stephen King
While his television work includes roles in ‘All My Children’ and ‘Harry and The Hendersons,’ his narration truly solidified Muller’s place in literary history, bringing to life the works of authors like John le Carre, John Grisham, and Stephen King.
He remains an unparalleled force in the audiobook industry, and his legacy endures.
5. Bahni Turpin
Bahni Turpin’s name resonates powerfully in the world of audiobook narration. With a captivating voice, she has transformed countless narratives into immersive listening experiences, earning her a stellar reputation and numerous accolades.
A stage and screen actress, Turpin has also appeared in productions like Star Trek: Voyager and Malcolm X. But her work as an audiobook narrator truly sets her apart. Her narration style is incredibly immersive, often allowing listeners to feel as if they are part of the story.
This skill has led her to become one of the industry’s most recognized and acclaimed voices, culminating in her winning the 2016 Audible Narrator of the Year.
Her impressive portfolio covers a wide range of genres, and some of her standout performances have helped shape critically acclaimed bestsellers. Bahni Turpin has also earned fourteen Earphone Awards and nine Audie Awards, including Audiobook of the Year for “Children of Blood and Bone” by Tomi Adeyemi.
Most Notable Works:
- “The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks” written – Rebecca Skloot
- “Sister Of Mine” by Sabra Waldfogel
- “The Underground Railroad” by Colson Whitehead
- “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas
- “Feminist Fight Club”
- “Children of Blood and Bone” – Tomi Adeyemi
- “Dread Nation” by Justina Ireland
- “Like A Sister” by Kellye Garrett
- “Hum If You Don’t Know The Words”
- “On The Come Up”
- “If Beale Street Could Talk” – James Baldwin
- “So You Want to Talk About Race” written – Ijeoma Oluo
- “Bad Feminist” by Roxane Gay
Readers and listeners alike appreciate her for bringing vivid life to characters and stories, making her an all-star narrator whose contributions to audiobooks continue to be celebrated.
6. Neil Gaiman
Neil Gaiman’s literary achievements extend beyond his writing in genres like fantasy, science fiction, horror, magical realism, and mythology.
As a master storyteller, Gaiman has narrated over 25 of his audiobooks, and his eerie, otherworldly voice perfectly matches the tone of his work. This unique alignment of mind, voice, and pen makes his audiobooks a special experience for listeners.
Hearing Gaiman narrate his works allows the audience to experience the stories exactly as he intended. The New York Times bestselling author’s narration adds authenticity and texture to his novels, drawing listeners into his imaginative worlds.
Notable Works Narrated by Neil Gaiman:
- “Neverwhere”
- “The Graveyard Book”
- “Norse Mythology”
- “Coraline”
- “Stardust”
Whether a devoted fan or new to his literary universe, listening to Gaiman’s audiobooks in his own voice provides an unparalleled, immersive experience.
7. Scott Brick
Scott Brick is a versatile talent known for his work as a screenwriter, author, teacher, mentor, and notably, an audiobook narrator.
He pursued education in acting and writing at UCLA in the late 1980s and performed for a Shakespearean company for 10 years before finding his true calling in audiobook narration in 2000.
With a “golden voice” that has captivated listeners, Brick has narrated over 1,000 audiobooks in more than 17 years. His wide-ranging repertoire includes works of thriller, science fiction, and non-fiction. He’s earned more than 50 Earphone Awards and two Audie Awards.
In addition to his narrating success, Brick founded his own audiobook recording studio and publishing company, Brick By Brick Audiobooks, ensuring a streamlined production process and consistent quality across his projects.
Most Notable Works:
- “Dune” by Frank Herbert
- “Jurassic Park” by Michael Crichton
- “The Devil in the White City” by Erik Larson
- “Past Tense” by Lee Child
- “The Bourne Supremacy” by Robert Ludlum
- “In Cold Blood” by Truman Capote
- “Alexander Hamilton” by Ron Chernow
Brick’s skillful narration has endeared him to both readers and authors alike. His ability to transport listeners into a story makes him one of the standout voices in the audiobook industry, and many eagerly await his next narrated work.
8. Julia Whelan
Julia Whelan, an actress and author, has made a significant name in the audiobook industry. Best known for her soulful and emotive narration, her work includes over 400 audiobooks.
Her voice, often described as soothing and sultry, grants an intense depth of emotion to every narration, and she’s earned critical acclaim for performances such as Gillian Flynn’s “Gone Girl.”
After starting her professional acting career at age 14, Whelan turned to audiobook narration, winning awards and accolades. In 2019, she was declared the Best Female Audible Narrator and received a Grammy nomination.
Some of her notable audiobook narrations include:
- “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn
- “Educated” by Tara Westover
- “The Four Winds” by Kristin Hannah
- “The Great Alone” by Kristin Hannah
- “Malibu Rising” by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- “Since We Fell” by Dennis Lehane
- “The Conspiracy of Us” by Maggie Hall
- “Forgotten” by Cat Patrick
- “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue”
- “The Giver of Stars”
Her ability to easily navigate between various points of view and let the story speak for itself has made her a favorite among audiobook enthusiasts.
Whelan’s audiobook narrations never fail to win the listeners’ hearts, and she is undoubtedly one of the best narrators in the industry. Her work extends to various genres, from young adult fiction to commercial fiction, further showcasing her versatility as a voice artist.
9. Robin Miles
Robin Miles, renowned for her compelling storytelling, is one of the most esteemed narrators in the audiobook industry.
A Yale-educated former Broadway star, Miles began her career in audiobooks with the American Foundation for the Blind, focusing on fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.
Her breakthrough into the horror genre with “The Good House” by Tananarive Due opened the doors for her to become an adept narrator in horror, sci-fi, and fantasy.
Her narration style, filled with relatable characters and emotion, is not confined to a single genre, as she has worked on children’s books, non-fiction, biographical, fantasy, horror, and historical fiction.
With over 300 books read, multiple industry awards, and an induction into Audible’s Narrator Hall of Fame, Miles’ work in the field is extensive and varied. She’s even been regarded as “one of the audiobook narrators saving the publishing industry.”
Must-listen audiobooks narrated by Robin Miles include:
- “The Personal Librarian” by Marie Benedict
- “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents” written by Isabel Wilkerson
- “Just as I Am” by Cicely Tyson
- “Things Past Telling” by Sheila Williams
- “Hidden Figures” by Margot Lee Shetterly
- “The Good House” by Tananarive Due
- “The Warmth of Other Suns” – Isabel Wilkerson
- “Difficult Women” by Roxane Gay
- “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White
- “The Obelisk Gate” by N.K. Jemisin
In addition to her narration work, Miles has contributed to the industry as a casting director and audiobook director, and has appeared on Broadway and television shows like Law & Order and Murder by Numbers.
Her eclectic career, marked by versatility and exemplary talent, makes her one of audiobook’s most sought-after voice actors.
10. Simon Vance
Simon Vance, a prominent figure in audiobook narration, has a remarkable career characterized by an impressive list of awards, accolades, and a rich selection of works.
Before transitioning into audiobook narration, Vance was a newsreader and presenter for BBC Radio 4 in London.
His voice, inviting and familiar, resonates with listeners, earning him 15 Audie wins, a staggering 43 nominations, and 64 Earphone Awards.
Some of Simon Vance’s most notable works include:
- “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” written – Stieg Larsson
- “A Tale of Two Cities” – Charles Dickens
- “Interview with the Vampire” by Anne Rice
- “Jerusalem” by Alan Moore (a monumental work, 2,000 words longer than the Bible)
- “The Picture of Dorian Gray” – Oscar Wilde
- “His Majesty’s Dragon” by Naomi Novik
- “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley
- “Oliver Twist” by Charles Dickens
- “The Wind in the Willows” written – Kenneth Grahame
- “Paradise Lost” by John Milton
Simon Vance’s narration of classics like “The Picture of Dorian Gray” has enthralled listeners and critics alike. His extensive work on the “Dune” series also stands out as one of his most notable contributions to the audiobook industry.
Beyond his individual works, Vance has been honored with several distinct titles such as the Best Voice in Biography and History, the Best Voice in Fiction, and he has been selected as an AudioFile “Golden Voice.”
A stage, TV, and film actor now residing in Northern California, Vance’s illustrious career spans over 26 years, during which he’s become one of the most beloved and recognized English voices in audiobooks.
His record number of Earphone Awards and contributions to various genres showcase his incredible versatility and skill, solidifying his reputation as one of the leading figures in the industry.
If you are a fan of classic literature, you can check out blogs about classic literature audiobooks here.
So there you have it – 10 unforgettable voices that have turned the art of audiobook narration into a mesmerizing experience.
From the gripping tales they tell to the characters they bring to life, these narrators are sure to make your next audiobook listen to something special. Give them a listen and see how they can transform your literary journey. Happy listening!