Storytel Reviews & Ratings October 2026
Storytel reviews: the verdict
Reviewers report mixed experiences with Storytel, citing inconsistent quality, poor value for money, and significant issues with ordering and website functionality. The platform holds a 3.7/5 average rating across 7,699 reviews, with 55% of quality mentions positive and 37% negative. Value for money receives 60% negative mentions, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with pricing and paywalled content. Ordering and website performance are criticized in 64% of mentions, with users noting frequent technical problems. Customer service also draws negative feedback in 64% of cases. Delivery satisfaction is low, with only 34% of mentions positive. A dip in ratings during late 2025 and early 2026 suggests ongoing operational challenges, though some improvement is noted from mid-2026 onward.
Key findings
- Across 7,699 reviews on 2 portals, the recency-weighted average is 3.7 out of 5.
- The last 12 months average 3.7 out of 5 from 4,364 reviews.
- Quality is the most positively rated theme: 55% of 2,919 mentions are positive.
- Billing & payment draws the most criticism: 98% of 203 mentions are negative.
- 50% of the reviews come from Apple App Store.
Derived from the analyzed reviews; each chip links to the page with the cited evidence.
7,699 reviews · 2 portals · 2024-08 – 2026-10 · Methodology ↗ · Verify a quote ↗
What changed in September 2026
In September 2026, 437 new reviews were analyzed; the average rating moved from 3.9 to 3.8 stars.
- New reviews
- 437
- Average rating
- 3.8/5 (3.9 ↓)
- Positive share
- 58% (63% ↓)
Most-discussed themes
- Quality — -2 vs prior month
- Value for money — -4 vs prior month
- Ordering & website — -4 vs prior month
- Customer service — -3 vs prior month
- Billing & payment — +2 vs prior month
Storytel rating trend and sentiment
Months with fewer than 5 rated reviews are left out.
Data as table
| Month | Avg. rating | Count |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-11 | 3.51 | 281 |
| 2025-12 | 3.21 | 260 |
| 2026-01 | 3.42 | 365 |
| 2026-02 | 3.86 | 278 |
| 2026-03 | 3.53 | 304 |
| 2026-04 | 3.63 | 326 |
| 2026-05 | 3.67 | 431 |
| 2026-06 | 3.81 | 443 |
| 2026-07 | 3.73 | 491 |
| 2026-08 | 3.93 | 459 |
| 2026-09 | 3.82 | 437 |
| 2026-10 | 3.80 | 55 |
Data as table
| Month | Positive | Neutral | Negative | Count |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-11 | 52% | 11% | 38% | 281 |
| 2025-12 | 44% | 13% | 43% | 260 |
| 2026-01 | 48% | 12% | 40% | 365 |
| 2026-02 | 59% | 12% | 29% | 278 |
| 2026-03 | 48% | 13% | 38% | 304 |
| 2026-04 | 54% | 13% | 32% | 326 |
| 2026-05 | 54% | 13% | 33% | 431 |
| 2026-06 | 59% | 14% | 27% | 443 |
| 2026-07 | 57% | 12% | 31% | 491 |
| 2026-08 | 63% | 12% | 25% | 459 |
| 2026-09 | 58% | 14% | 28% | 437 |
| 2026-10 | 56% | 7% | 36% | 55 |
Themes over time
Data as table
| Month | Quality | Value for money | Ordering & website | Customer service | Delivery | Billing & payment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-10 | - | - | - | - | 3.7 | - |
| 2025-11 | 3.6 | 3.0 | 3.0 | 2.9 | 3.3 | 2.0 |
| 2025-12 | 3.4 | 2.1 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 1.4 |
| 2026-01 | 3.4 | 2.6 | 2.4 | 2.4 | 3.2 | 2.0 |
| 2026-02 | 4.0 | 3.4 | 3.3 | 3.5 | 4.9 | 2.1 |
| 2026-03 | 3.6 | 3.1 | 3.0 | 2.4 | 3.6 | 2.1 |
| 2026-04 | 3.7 | 3.0 | 3.3 | 3.6 | 4.1 | 1.5 |
| 2026-05 | 3.7 | 3.0 | 2.6 | 3.0 | 3.7 | 2.0 |
| 2026-06 | 3.8 | 2.9 | 3.5 | 2.7 | 3.6 | 1.7 |
| 2026-07 | 3.8 | 3.4 | 3.0 | 3.1 | 4.1 | 1.4 |
| 2026-08 | 3.9 | 3.1 | 2.6 | 2.7 | 3.8 | 1.4 |
| 2026-09 | 3.8 | 3.4 | 2.8 | 3.1 | 4.8 | 1.8 |
| 2026-10 | 3.6 | 3.0 | 2.4 | 1.0 | - | 1.0 |
Latest Storytel customer voices
The most recent review passages across all portals. Each quote links to its source.
Short excerpts - full reviews are available at the original source.
„would like it to have more contemporary books published“
„No real chapter titles, even.“
„Even after the payment was successful and the money was deducted, I am completely unable to listen to any stories.“
„I recently paid ₹149 for a subscription on this app, but it still shows that I haven't subscribed!“
„You don’t have any limits and there are a ton of books there!!“
„It’s THE BEST app for audiobooks EVER!!“
What Reddit users say about Storytel
From 7 Reddit threads that mention Storytel. Community posts are opinions, not verified purchases.
Below are extracts from Reddit discussions - each linked to the original thread.
„their subscription become slightly high for me“
„I was very happy with story tel until they changed their reading speed to max 2.0.“
„Finally a desktop app for Storytel audiobooks !“
„widely acclaimed audiobooks will be easily accessible for individual purchase directly in the Storytel app“
Storytel review themes at a glance
Every theme is backed by classified review text. Open a theme to read its analysis. ·
Quality2919× mentions
1600positive1081negative- Apple Pencil Issues (19)
Value for money966× mentions
305positive584negativeOrdering & website772× mentions
143positive497negativeCustomer service568× mentions
126positive364negativeDelivery236× mentions
81positive62negativeBilling & payment203× mentions
3positive198negativeCommunication143× mentions
10positive121negativeFit & sizing135× mentions
47positive47negativeReturns & refunds101× mentions
1positive84negativeDurability76× mentions
33positive42negativeMaterial60× mentions
26positive18negativePackaging5× mentions
0positive0negative
Reviews about Storytel quality
2,919 mentions · 55% positive · 37% negative
Reviewers report mixed experiences with Storytel’s quality, with a clear majority expressing positive sentiment 1,775 positive mentions compared to 1,136 negative ones. Overall, the trend shows a generally stable quality perception, with ratings hovering around 3.6 to 3.8 stars across most of 2025 and early 2026. A dip in late 2025 and early 2026, particularly in December 2025 and January 2026, reflects growing frustration with technical issues and updates. However, a rebound in February 2026 and sustained improvement through mid-2026 suggest that some of these problems may have been addressed. Despite ongoing complaints about bugs and usability, many users continue to praise the storytelling depth, audio quality, and creative design of the platform.
What customers praise
Users frequently highlight the engaging storytelling and high-quality audio production, with many calling books 'beautifully read' and 'amazing novels.'. The platform’s ability to support language learning is also appreciated, especially for users keeping up with Swedish and Finnish. Creative elements like the Jester stamps and unique game levels receive strong praise, with some reviewers even embracing glitches as part of the game’s charm. The overall selection of books and the immersive experience of interactive storytelling are consistently cited as major strengths.
What customers said:
- „One of the most amazing novels I’ve ever come across“
- „I then sent Edgar after the witch in the forest again, but the witch became a…“
„I then sent Edgar after the witch in the forest again, but the witch became a placeholder square“
Common complaints
Many users report ongoing technical issues, including app crashes, frozen screens, and unresponsive buttons, especially after updates. Device compatibility problems are frequent, such as the Apple Pencil not functioning or the screen being overly zoomed in, making buttons difficult to press. Some users also note that content is unavailable in their region, and the search function is limited. A recurring concern is the sudden removal of language support, such as Arabic, with no response from customer service.
What customers said:
- „the game is cropped on both side“
- „the game’s UI is now taking up much more space on the screen“
Representative quality reviews
Short excerpts - full reviews are available at the original source.
„Fell in love with the new Jester stamps“
„it keeps glitching“
„it takes me back to the previous one“
Storytel: Apple Pencil Issues
19 mentions · 1positive · 17negative
Reviewers report significant issues with Apple Pencil functionality in the Storytel app, with 17 negative mentions compared to just 1 positive. The overwhelming trend shows a decline in performance, particularly after recent updates, as users describe the Apple Pencil as unresponsive or completely non-functional during gameplay. Many note that the feature worked previously, suggesting a regression. While a few reviews mention the issue neutrally or express hope for a fix, the consistent pattern of frustration centers on the inability to drag items, place scenes, or interact with characters key actions in the app’s interactive experience. The lack of monthly history prevents tracking changes over time, but the volume and tone of complaints indicate a persistent and growing concern among users who rely on the Apple Pencil for navigation and control.
What customers said:
- „The app is not recognizing my Apple Pencil, which it did before“
- „the screen is extremely zoomed in“
Reviews about Storytel value for money
966 mentions · 32% positive · 60% negative
Reviewers express mixed views on Storytel’s value for money, with a clear majority reporting dissatisfaction. Of 996 mentions, 611 are negative and 300 are positive, showing that concerns about pricing and access outweigh positive feedback. The overall sentiment has declined over time, with average ratings falling below 3 stars in late 2025 and early 2026. However, there has been a noticeable improvement since mid-2026, as ratings rose to 3.43 stars in July 2026 and have remained stable around 3 stars in the following months. Despite this recent increase, many users continue to criticize the subscription cost, the presence of paywalled content, and aggressive advertising, indicating that while some perceive strong value, the experience remains inconsistent for many.
What customers praise
Many users praise Storytel for providing a vast library of audiobooks at a low monthly cost, describing it as excellent value for money. They appreciate the ability to binge unlimited titles and find the app affordable, particularly for language learners who gain low-cost access to foreign language content. Some note the convenience of listening without needing to read, making it well-suited for relaxation or multitasking.
What customers said:
- „the best value for money“
- „Totally affordable and worth every penny“
Common complaints
Common complaints focus on hidden costs and misleading pricing. Users report being charged after using only 15 hours of a free trial with no warning, and many are frustrated by the need to pay extra for certain audiobooks even with a subscription. Some feel misled by the app’s promotion of content that isn’t actually available, and others are annoyed by constant ads for books they must pay to access.
What customers said:
- „Paying for some books“
- „the prices are outragous“
Representative value for money reviews
Short excerpts - full reviews are available at the original source.
„The app is great, but the “30 day free trial” offer is misleading.“
„the maximum volume subscription (45hrs/month in France) is expensive as well as insufficient“
„I was skeptical about this app what if another waste money app and never give value to life“
Reviews about Storytel ordering & website
772 mentions · 19% positive · 64% negative
Customers have shared strong and varied opinions about Storytel’s ordering and website experience, with a clear imbalance between negative and positive feedback. Reviewers report widespread frustration with account creation, login processes, and regional availability especially regarding Netflix integration and country selection. Many describe the interface as poorly designed, citing accessibility issues and confusing navigation. However, a smaller but vocal group praises the app’s audio quality, vast library, and ease of use. Over time, overall sentiment has shown fluctuating trends, with a dip in late 2025 followed by gradual improvement through mid-2026, peaking in June 2026 at 3.55 stars. Despite some positive shifts, the majority of feedback remains negative, indicating persistent core issues in usability and access.
What customers praise
Several users appreciate Storytel’s extensive library and affordable pricing, calling it a great value for audiobook lovers. Many highlight the app’s user-friendly interface and the ability to switch between reading and listening across devices. Some specifically praise the inclusion of books in less common languages, such as Bulgarian, and the convenience of unlimited access. The ability to organize books with custom tags and shelves is also noted as a desirable feature, though not yet fully implemented.
What customers said:
- „its best if u gave us this option“
- „jump directly to relevant sections and listen selectively“
Common complaints
Customers frequently report significant issues with account setup, including being unable to sign in or create an account due to missing country options or login errors. Many express frustration with the requirement to use a Netflix account to access certain content, a condition that is not clearly communicated. Regional restrictions remain a recurring problem, as users are unable to access audiobooks even when those titles are available in their country. The app’s search function is described as limited, and users struggle to find specific content or navigate between chapters.
What customers said:
- „It is impossible to even log in or create an account“
- „i just purchased and didn't know it was just audio books“
Representative ordering & website reviews
Short excerpts - full reviews are available at the original source.
„I wish I could track the text while listening“
„having the option to create bookshelves/tags“
„no way to show only available content“
Reviews about Storytel customer service
568 mentions · 22% positive · 64% negative
Reviewers indicate that Storytel’s customer service is a major pain point for many users, with strong negative sentiment prevailing in feedback. Of 588 mentions, only 124 are positive and 386 are negative, revealing a significant imbalance. The overall trend reflects persistent dissatisfaction, though there have been brief improvements in recent months most in particular, in February and April 2026, when ratings rose to 3.52 and 3.57 stars, respectively. These spikes suggest temporary improvements, possibly due to specific fixes or outreach, but the long-term pattern remains poor. Many users describe support as unresponsive, automated, or non-existent, particularly when dealing with technical issues, account problems, or content access. Despite some positive remarks about refund handling and service quality, the majority of complaints focus on the lack of human interaction, slow response times, and unresolved issues.
What customers praise
Customers praise Storytel’s support for processing refunds quickly and accurately. Several users note they received full refunds following billing errors, describing the experience as 'best support ever' and 'amazing.'. These positive instances typically involve clear communication and prompt resolution, setting them apart in an otherwise negative landscape. The few high-rated reviews mentioning support generally focus on these specific, successful interactions.
What customers said:
- „they refunded me the full money best support ever experienced“
- „Fantastic service“
Common complaints
Common complaints focus on unresponsive or automated support. Users report being stuck with chatbots that fail to resolve issues, particularly regarding account access, login problems, and content availability. Many note that reported bugs such as missing books, cropped screens, or removed language options go unanswered. The absence of human contact and follow-up is a recurring frustration, with some users stating they’ve tried multiple times without success.
What customers said:
- „the Arabic language support was suddenly removed“
- „Please escalate this to your engineering team immediately to fix these onboarding blocks“
Representative customer service reviews
Short excerpts - full reviews are available at the original source.
„this is my last one to complete please help me“
„wont let me view the app in English“
„doesn’t even allow to use the service via website“
Reviews about Storytel delivery
236 mentions · 34% positive · 26% negative
Reviewers report mixed experiences with Storytel’s delivery, particularly regarding content availability and regional access. While some users praise the app’s affordable pricing and engaging content, many express frustration over missing titles especially audiobooks and regional restrictions that prevent access to books they expect to find. The overall sentiment has fluctuated over time, with a notable dip in ratings during late 2025 and early 2026, followed by a strong recovery in mid-2026. Positive feedback remains steady, with 76 positive mentions compared to 59 negative, indicating a generally balanced but uneven user experience. The trend suggests that while core features like audio quality and pricing continue to earn praise, delivery issues particularly around availability and access remain a persistent pain point for many customers.
What customers praise
Customers frequently praise Storytel for its affordable pricing and the breadth of its book library, especially for ebooks. Many highlight that the app offers good value for money, with some comparing it favorably to competitors like Audible. Users also appreciate the quality of the audio narration and the immersive experience, particularly when listening to graphic audio or books narrated by skilled performers. The app’s ability to deliver engaging content across multiple formats is a consistent positive note.
What customers said:
- „I love the book“
- „I really enjoy reading books via Storytel“
Common complaints
A major complaint involves the unavailability of specific books, particularly audiobooks, in certain regions. Users report that desired titles are either missing entirely or only available in languages they cannot access, such as Turkish, while English versions remain locked. Some feel misled when a book appears available at subscription but disappears shortly after payment. Others note that the same audiobook is accessible on other platforms in their region, making Storytel’s restrictions feel arbitrary and frustrating.
What customers said:
- „Not For Non Turkish speakers“
- „none of the books are available“
Representative delivery reviews
Short excerpts - full reviews are available at the original source.
„85% of the books I want to read are in the app but not available to me“
„it said it would take 12 minutes downloading“
„when i left and came back it was now 43 minutes“
Reviews about Storytel billing & payment
203 mentions · 1% positive · 98% negative
Reviewers overwhelmingly report serious issues with Storytel’s billing and payment system, with 203 negative mentions compared to just 2 positive ones. The overall sentiment has remained consistently poor, with average ratings hovering below 2 stars across most months in 2025 and 2026. While there was a slight improvement in early 2026, with ratings rising to 2.15 stars in March, the trend quickly reversed, dropping back to 1 stars in August. Customers frequently describe the billing process as deceptive, citing misleading free trial offers, unexpected charges, and difficulty canceling subscriptions. Many report being charged without clear warnings, even after canceling, and claim they were unable to access their accounts despite payment. The frustration is compounded by technical issues, such as payment failures and account errors, which further erode trust in the system.
What customers praise
Only two reviews mention positive aspects of Storytel’s billing system. One reviewer acknowledges the app’s functionality despite the billing issues, and another notes the availability of a 20% discount for subscribers. However, these points are overshadowed by the overwhelming negative feedback, and no praise relates directly to transparency, ease of cancellation, or clear billing communication.
What customers said:
- „As a subscriber, you get a "discount" of 20%“
- „So I get the app and i open it and why is there a Netflix logo?“
Common complaints
Customers repeatedly report being misled by the free trial offer, which they say results in a high-cost subscription without clear warning before billing. Many claim they were charged without consent or notification, even after canceling. The inability to cancel within the app and the requirement to go to the website are frequently cited as major frustrations. Several users report being unable to access their accounts despite paying, receiving messages stating their account doesn’t exist. Others describe the payment process as a scam, citing unauthorized charges and failed transactions.
What customers said:
- „Once the first 15 hours have been used up, there is no “warning” or notification before…“
„Once the first 15 hours have been used up, there is no “warning” or notification before being billed for a monthly subscription“
- „paying renewal without warning.“
Representative billing & payment reviews
Short excerpts - full reviews are available at the original source.
„my time is up, and i need to pay more, which is a plain lie“
„I only took the free trial and cancelled instantly after“
„I got free 100 hours and canceled the subscription ahead of time so the subscription was cancelled immediately and I lost the remaining hours also.“
Reviews about Storytel communication
143 mentions · 7% positive · 85% negative
Reviewers report widespread frustration with Storytel’s communication, particularly regarding transparency, responsiveness, and clarity in user interactions. Of the 151 mentions, 128 are negative, with only 9 positive, indicating a strong overall trend of dissatisfaction. The sentiment has fluctuated over time, with ratings dropping as low as 1★ in April 2026 before showing slight improvement to 2.67★ by July 2026. Despite minor upticks, the majority of feedback continues to highlight poor communication, including lack of response to support requests, unclear subscription terms, and inconsistent language handling. Many users feel misled by regional content availability and billing practices, with recurring complaints about being unable to cancel or access desired content. The pattern suggests that while some users appreciate the content itself, communication failures significantly undermine their experience.
What customers said:
- „I wish company would've spent more money on advertisement as it's not a known app.“
- „I need English, have requested numerous times.“
Reviews about Storytel fit & sizing
135 mentions · 35% positive · 35% negative
Reviewers report mixed experiences with Storytel’s fit and sizing, particularly concerning the app’s interface and usability across devices. While some users praise the engaging gameplay and immersive storytelling, others point to persistent technical issues affecting navigation and functionality. The overall sentiment has fluctuated over time, with a noticeable drop in satisfaction during late 2026 especially in July and August when ratings fell to around 3.4 stars. However, there was a rebound in May 2026, reaching 4.6 stars, suggesting temporary improvements or a shift in user expectations. Positive feedback highlights the fun, creative design and the ability to enjoy stories without reading, while negative comments frequently mention glitches, poor responsiveness, and problems with touch controls, particularly on Apple Pencil and mobile devices. The balance between positive and negative mentions is nearly even, with 57 positive and 59 negative references, indicating a product that delivers enjoyable content but struggles with consistent performance and user experience across platforms.
What customers said:
- „So fun and creative“
- „This game is so fun, especially for people who like to think a lot“
Reviews about Storytel returns & refunds
101 mentions · 1% positive · 83% negative
Reviewers overwhelmingly express frustration with Storytel’s returns and refunds process, with 85 negative mentions compared to just 2 positive ones out of 104 total references. The sentiment has remained consistently poor over time, with most feedback focusing on difficulties canceling subscriptions, the absence of refund options, and unhelpful customer support. Although there was a brief improvement in early 2026 with a 4-star review, the overall trend reveals a pattern of dissatisfaction, especially regarding account access, subscription management, and the inability to obtain refunds for issues such as broken features or misleading content. The few positive comments highlight the quality of the content itself, not the refund policy. Overall, customers feel trapped by the system and frustrated by the lack of resolution when problems arise.
What customers said:
- „it says it's a limited“
- „i really think it needs more levels and a freeplay“
Reviews about Storytel durability
76 mentions · 43% positive · 55% negative
Reviewers report mixed feelings about Storytel’s durability, with a clear imbalance between negative and positive mentions: 74 negative references versus 57 positive ones out of 139 total mentions. The overall sentiment has fluctuated over time, showing a pattern of initial enthusiasm followed by growing frustration, particularly regarding content length and technical issues. While many users praise the game’s creativity and engaging mechanics, the recurring complaint is that the experience ends too quickly. This sentiment has persisted across multiple months, with ratings dipping in late 2025 and early 2026 before improving slightly in mid-2026. Despite some positive spikes in user satisfaction, especially in July and August 2026, the core issue of limited content remains a consistent point of criticism. Users frequently express a desire for more chapters, levels, or even a sequel, indicating that durability measured by how long the experience lasts has not met expectations.
What customers said:
- „they include extra gameplay by adding “the devil” and including him in some stories“
- „i absolutely loved the game“
Reviews about Storytel material
60 mentions · 43% positive · 30% negative
Reviewers report mixed experiences with Storytel’s material, with a slight majority expressing positive sentiment 31 positive mentions compared to 23 negative ones. Overall, satisfaction has fluctuated over time, with peaks in quality perception in early 2026, particularly in May (4.67★), and notable dips in August 2025 and March 2026, both scoring 2.75★. While many users appreciate the variety of titles, narration quality, and creative presentation, recurring issues include technical glitches, missing content, and occasional inappropriate material. The platform’s material remains a strong point for many, but reliability and content accuracy continue to be concerns for a significant portion of users.
What customers said:
- „Would love to see more chapters!“
- „The game is great the art was amazing“
Storytel review sources, coverage and method
The overall 3.7 / 5 score is recency-weighted: newer reviews count more (weight 0.9 per month of age), regardless of portal.
| Portal | Avg. rating | Count | Weight | Latest | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple App Store | 3.9 / 5 | 3,881 | 50.4% | View profile ↗ | |
| Google Play | 3.2 / 5 | 3,818 | 49.6% | View profile ↗ | |
| Weighted overall | 3.7 / 5 | 7,699 | 100% | ||
Period covered: 2024-08 – 2026-10. Reviews older than 24 months stay in the trend charts but no longer feed the headline figures.
What this analysis cannot cover
- Only publicly visible reviews are included; nothing behind a login, and no reviews submitted to us directly.
- Sentiment is classified from the review text, never from the star rating. Unclassified reviews count toward totals but not toward sentiment shares.
What this analysis covers
- Apple App Store : 3,881 reviews
- Google Play : 3,818 reviews
Period covered: Aug 2024 – Oct 2026
And what it cannot cover:
- The App Store feed caps at about 500 reviews per country storefront.
How the numbers are made
Every review is read once by a language model that labels its themes and sentiment and picks short verbatim passages. Recent reviews weigh more than old ones (each month of age discounts the weight by 10%). Quotes are shown exactly as written, linked to the original review, and cryptographically signed so you can check they have not been altered.Full methodology ↗ · Transparency report ↗
What AI assistants say about Storytel
based on 121 analysed AI answers
Our analysis of AI-assistant output — not the assistants’ raw text.
Cite this page
Citatio (2026). Storytel Reviews October 2026 – 3.7/5 from 7,699 reviews. Retrieved 7 October 2026 from https://citatio.ai/storytel-reviews/
Data verifiable via our public audit log: Methodology · Transparency