Can You Really Multitask While Listening to Audiobooks? Here’s the Truth

In a world where attention is a currency and time is always in short supply, audiobooks offer an attractive promise: learn, enjoy, or grow — all while doing something else. Whether it’s commuting, cooking, jogging, or folding laundry, multitasking with audiobooks feels like unlocking bonus hours in the day. But can we really focus and retain information while doing something else? Or are we just pretending to multitask effectively?

Multitasking, by its very definition, is attempting to perform more than one task simultaneously. The key word here is “attempting.” Numerous cognitive studies have shown that the brain doesn’t genuinely multitask but rather switches rapidly between tasks. This phenomenon is known as **”task switching,”** and it comes at a cognitive cost. Each switch demands attention and mental effort, which can reduce the effectiveness of both activities involved. The question is, how severe is this cost when one of the activities is passive — like listening to an audiobook?

According to neuroscientific research, the brain processes language in specific regions — mainly Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas. When you’re engaged in physical tasks that don’t require language processing (like walking or cleaning), listening to an audiobook might not interfere much. However, **when you engage in language-based or attention-demanding tasks**, such as writing an email or holding a conversation, comprehension of the audiobook can drop significantly. That’s where resources like philosophy and literature help provide curated listening content that matches different levels of mental availability, allowing listeners to choose appropriately.

The type of audiobook also matters. A fast-paced thriller or memoir may be easier to follow while multitasking than dense philosophical treatises or textbooks. Fiction with vivid storytelling taps into our narrative brain, making it easier to retain without full conscious effort. Non-fiction, especially academic or technical in nature, requires a higher cognitive load — and multitasking during such content often leads to missed insights or the need to rewind.

Context plays a role too. If you’re doing something repetitive or familiar, like a daily run or dishwashing, your brain enters a state of semi-autopilot. This allows more mental bandwidth for listening. But if you’re in a new environment, managing a to-do list, or encountering interruptions, your cognitive resources are constantly being pulled away, resulting in fragmented listening and reduced retention.

There’s also the question of intent. Are you listening casually for entertainment, or trying to absorb and retain complex ideas? If your goal is deep understanding or study, passive listening while multitasking can be counterproductive. Studies show that note-taking, pausing to reflect, or even discussing the content later significantly improves retention — none of which are easy to do while washing the car or riding a bike.

Yet, it would be unfair to dismiss audiobook multitasking entirely. It does work — with the right conditions and expectations. Many listeners report that it’s a way to stay informed or entertained while performing otherwise idle tasks. For example, long commutes become learning sessions, and cleaning the house is far less dull when accompanied by a captivating voice and narrative. It turns passive time into productive moments, as long as the content and context are chosen wisely.

Some argue that the act of listening, even if not fully attentive, still lays cognitive groundwork. It’s like being exposed to a language you’re trying to learn — repetition, even passive, builds familiarity. Over time, multitasking with audiobooks can help train your brain to stay more focused amid distraction. However, this doesn’t negate the fact that comprehension and memory are always somewhat compromised compared to single-task listening.

For those who want to get the most from their audiobook experience while multitasking, a few tips can help:

• Choose the right content — lighter fiction or familiar topics are easier to follow.
• Stick to simple tasks — avoid mixing audiobook time with language-intensive activities.
• Use playback speed wisely — faster isn’t always better if you’re distracted.
• Rewind when distracted — allow yourself the option to go back when your focus slips.
• Reserve complex books for solo listening or more focused times.

Ultimately, the value of audiobook multitasking lies in its potential — not perfection. It enables people to reclaim moments in their day, but like all forms of multitasking, it demands self-awareness. Knowing when your brain is receptive and when it’s overloaded can be the difference between meaningful learning and mere background noise. It’s not a question of “can you multitask with audiobooks?” but “should you — and when?”

As audiobook libraries grow and content becomes more diverse, so do the listening habits of users. The key is not to treat audiobooks like podcasts or radio chatter. Their potential for learning, emotional engagement, and transformation deserves better. Choose your moments, your stories, and your tasks wisely — and your multitasking sessions may just become the most rewarding parts of your day.