The COVID-19 pandemic and remote lessons changed extensive reading (ER) implementation because online libraries became the only way for educators to continue ER assignments. Online libraries with audio narration make audio-assisted reading easily available to L2 learners. Research on audio-assisted extensive reading has shown that there are potential benefits; however, the benefits will only be experienced if learners choose to listen to audio while they read. What causes a student to choose to use audio while reading? This study aimed to learn from students' experience of audio-assisted reading. Japanese university freshman (N = 148) who were doing extensive reading for an academic year had an assignment to listen to audio while reading. After the assignment students could choose to read-only or do reading while listening. Data were gathered on students' listening time, on students' attitudes toward online reading in a questionnaire, and in interviews. Results showed that 47% of students chose to listen while reading when given a choice. Students agreed that audio-assisted reading was valuable language practice, although some aspects were bothersome. This study offers a method for increasing student use of audio in online extensive reading.