How Much Does Audible Cost? Here's What You Need to Know Before Subscribing

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For audiobook lovers, Audible has become the go-to platform for listening to best selling books, exclusive originals, and even podcasts. Owned by Amazon, Audible offers subscriptions that cater to casual listeners and avid audiobook fans alike. But with so many streaming and subscription services vying for your attention, you might be wondering — how much does Audible cost, and is it worth it?

How Much Does Audible Cost?

Let's break it down. Audible offers two main subscription tiers in the United States.:

• Audible Plus at $7.95/month
• Audible Premium Plus at $14.95/month

Both plans come with a 30-day free trial, making it easy to test the waters. If you're a Prime member, your Audible Premium Plus trial includes two free credits instead of one — an added perk for Amazon loyalists. We'll get into more detail regarding credits later.

Here's something even better, though Audible is currently offering a deal that gets you three months of Audible for just $0.99/month. That's right — under $1. Hurry up, though, this offer ends on Dec. 31.

What's Included with Audible?

Audible is like a treasure chest for your ears with over 400,000 audiobooks to choose from. Depending on your plan, here's what you'll get:

• Audible Plus Catalog: Both Audible Plus and Premium Plus plans include unlimited access to thousands of audiobooks, Audible Originals, and binge-worthy podcasts. You can stream or download these for offline listening, making them perfect for commutes, workouts, or just relaxing at home.
• Premium Credits: With the Premium Plus plan, you'll receive one credit each month (or more if you opt for annual plans). Credits are used to purchase Audible books, which are yours to keep forever-even if you cancel your subscription. Premium Plus members who subscribe on a monthly basis will receive one or two credits a month, but annual members will receive 12 or 24 credits upfront to use whenever they please throughout the year. Credits expire after 12-months. Eligible users can also purchase credits only if you're a Premium Plus member who has already used all of your credits and your membership has been active for more than 30 days.

Whether you're into thrillers, memoirs, or fantasy epics, Audible has something for everyone. Plus, their curated Originals offer exclusive content you won't find anywhere else, from genre-bending dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies.

Where Can You Use Audible?

Audible works almost anywhere, thanks to the Audible app, which is compatible with smartphones, tablets, and computers. You can also listen on Amazon devices like Echo speakers, making it easy to integrate audiobooks into your daily routine. Since Audible lets you download titles for offline listening, it's perfect for travel, gym sessions, or relaxing without worrying about Wi-Fi.

Audible is available worldwide, but its offerings may vary by region with most titles being offered to those living in the U.S.. So whether you're in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., or beyond, there's plenty of content to explore no matter where on the globe you live.

Audible Free Trials and Deals

Everyone loves a free trial, and Audible doesn't disappoint:

• 30-Day Free Trial: Both Audible Plus and Premium Plus include a 30-day trial for new subscribers, giving you access to everything your chosen plan offers.
• Amazon Prime Perks: Prime members get two free audiobooks during their Premium Plus trial, doubling the value.
• Exclusive Discounts: Audible frequently runs sales and discounts on audiobooks, especially for Premium Plus members, so you can build your collection for less. This includes the current deal going on that's offering Audible at just $0.99/month for three months.

These trials let you explore Audible without commitment, giving you plenty of time to decide if it's the right fit for your listening habits.

Can I Bundle Audible?

Unfortunately, Audible isn't included with Amazon Prime or bundled with Amazon Music Unlimited, despite some overlap in audiobook offerings. However, this separation ensures that Audible remains focused on delivering a premium listening experience with curated content and exclusive perks.

Audible Price Comparison

When comparing Audible to free alternatives like Libby, Hoopla, and BorrowBox, Audible's value becomes clear for avid audiobook listeners. While it's true that these library apps provide access to audiobooks at no cost with a library membership, the selection and accessibility can't compete with Audible's expansive offerings and flexibility.

Audible provides access to over 400,000 audiobooks, far outpacing the "thousands of titles" listed by library-based services. These free platforms often have limited catalogs determined by library funding and licensing agreements, meaning popular or new releases might not be available. On top of that, Hoopla and BorrowBox place monthly borrowing limits or caps, with most users only able to check out a handful of titles per month. Audible, by contrast, offers unlimited access to its Plus Catalog with its $7.95/month plan and no restrictions on exploring premium titles through its credit-based Premium Plus plan.

Another area where Audible excels is its exclusive content. Many audiobooks on Audible are produced specifically for the platform, making them unavailable anywhere else. These Audible Originals span every genre and include bestsellers, celebrity-narrated stories, and groundbreaking podcasts. If you're a fan of unique, high-quality productions, this alone makes Audible worth the investment.

While library apps like Libby and BorrowBox rely on standard library loan periods and expirations — often with waiting lists for popular titles — Audible lets you keep any audiobook purchased with credits forever, even if you cancel your subscription. This flexibility, combined with its unmatched library and exclusive content, makes Audible the superior choice for anyone looking to dive deep into the world of audiobooks.

How to Sign Up for Audible

Getting started is simple. Visit the Audible website, sign in with your Amazon account, and choose your preferred subscription plan. You can also manage or cancel your membership anytime through your account settings.

Our Final Take

Audible is a paradise for anyone who loves storytelling, offering an expansive library of audiobooks, podcasts, and exclusive content that spans every genre you can imagine. From gripping mysteries and inspiring memoirs to thought-provoking podcasts and laugh-out-loud comedies, there's something for every listener. Whether you're commuting to work, traveling across the globe, or simply relaxing at home, Audible makes it easy to bring incredible stories straight to your ears with just the tap of a button.

What sets Audible apart is its versatility. With flexible plans to suit different listening habits, free trials for new users, and perks like forever-owned credits for Premium Plus members, it's an investment that goes beyond convenience — it adds lasting value. Not to mention, the ability to download titles for offline listening ensures you're never without entertainment, no matter where you are.

So, is Audible worth it? If you love immersing yourself in a good story, exploring new ideas, or simply having your favorite narrators keep you company, the answer is a definitive yes. It's more than a subscription; it's your ticket to a world of glorious storytelling.

Plus, given that Audible is just $0.99/month for three months right now, it's a great time to subscribe.

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