Amazon Audible Subscription: A Complete Guide
Amazon Audible is a popular platform for audiobook enthusiasts, offering a vast library of titles across genres. Whether you’re a casual listener or a dedicated audiobook fan, Audible provides flexible subscription plans, including a free trial, to suit your needs. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the details of Audible’s subscription, its free trial, compare it with other services, and explore the pros and cons. We’ll also take a closer look at Audible Plus, a newer membership tier.
What is Amazon Audible?
Amazon Audible is an audiobook and spoken-word entertainment service. With Audible, users can listen to audiobooks, podcasts, and other audio content on-the-go through the Audible app or other compatible devices. It is ideal for those who prefer listening to books during commutes, workouts, or relaxing moments.
Audible Subscription Plans
1. Audible Premium Plus
- Monthly cost: $16.95/month
- Credits: 1 credit per month (can buy additional credits)
- Access: Full access to the entire Audible library
- Benefits: Keep your audiobooks forever, exclusive sales, and discounts
2. Audible Plus
- Monthly cost: $7.95/month
- Access: Unlimited listening to Audible Plus Catalog (includes thousands of audiobooks, podcasts, and Audible Originals)
- Credits: None
- Benefits: Stream or download as many titles as you want, but you don’t own the titles permanently
Audible Free Trial
Amazon offers a 30-day free trial for new users, which includes:
- 1 free credit to redeem any audiobook (usually worth $15 to $25)
- Access to Audible Plus Catalog during the trial period
- Cancel anytime before trial ends without being charged
Audible Plus vs Audible Premium Plus: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Audible Plus | Audible Premium Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $7.95 | $16.95 |
| Monthly Credits | None | 1 Credit (can buy more) |
| Access to Titles | Audible Plus Catalog | Entire Audible Library |
| Ownership of Audiobooks | No | Yes (keep permanently) |
| Audible Originals | Yes | Yes |
| Offline Listening | Yes | Yes |
Pros of Audible Subscription
- Extensive library: Over 500,000 titles including bestsellers, classics, and exclusive content
- Ownership: Premium Plus users own audiobooks permanently
- Flexible listening: Offline downloads, adjustable narration speed, and sleep timer
- Cross-platform: Available on smartphones, tablets, desktops, Alexa devices, and more
- Exclusive content and sales: Members get access to Audible Originals and member-only discounts
Cons of Audible Subscription
- Cost: Audible Premium Plus is pricier than some competitors
- Ownership limitation: Audible Plus members do not own audiobooks; access depends on subscription status
- Credits can expire: Monthly credits typically expire after 6 months if unused
- No family sharing: Audible membership is tied to a single account
Audible vs Competitors
| Service | Price | Ownership | Library Size | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audible Premium Plus | $16.95/month | Yes, with credits | 500,000+ titles | 30 days + 1 free credit |
| Audible Plus | $7.95/month | No | 11,000+ titles | 30 days |
| Scribd | $11.99/month | No, subscription-based | 1,000,000+ titles | 30 days |
| Libro.fm | Varies by purchase | Yes, per audiobook | 150,000+ titles | None |
How to Get Started with Audible
- Visit the Audible website.
- Click on “
Start your free trial.” - Sign in with your Amazon account or create a new one.
- Choose your membership plan (Audible Plus or Premium Plus).
- Download the Audible app on your device.
- Start browsing and listening to audiobooks instantly.
Final Thoughts
Amazon Audible offers a robust audiobook experience with flexible subscription options. If you’re looking to own audiobooks permanently and enjoy a broad selection, Audible Premium Plus is the way to go. However, if you prefer a budget-friendly option with access to a curated catalog, Audible Plus might be perfect.
The 30-day free trial is a great way to explore the service risk-free. Take advantage of the free credit and discover why millions love Audible.
Start Your Audible Free Trial Today!
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