Which is better: reading the Quran or listening to it from a reciter via recorded tapes?

Reading and listening to the Quran are both righteous deeds. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, loved to listen to the Quran from others, as mentioned in the hadith of Ibn Mas'ud, may Allah be pleased with him. It is better for a Muslim to choose what is more beneficial for their heart and more impactful, whether it is reading or listening, because the purpose is to ponder, understand, and act upon what the Book of Allah indicates, in fulfillment of His Almighty saying: "A Book which We have sent down to you, full of blessings, that they may ponder over its verses" and "Indeed, this Quran guides to that which is most upright" and "Say, 'It is for those who believe, a guidance and a cure.'"