Confused about audible plus vs premium plus which membership gives more credits? We break it down into simple, actionable information with detailed explanations, real-world examples, and comprehensive data to help you make the best choice for your audiobook needs.
- Audible Premium Plus plans offer 1-24 credits depending on your subscription level
- Audible Plus provides zero credits but unlimited access to 11,000+ included titles
- Annual subscriptions provide the best credit value with immediate access to all credits
- Credits expire after one year and can be used on any audiobook regardless of retail price
- Premium Plus members enjoy exclusive discounts and sales beyond their monthly credits
- Market Share: 63% – Amazon Audible controls 63% of the US audiobook publishing market according to industry analysis
- Cost Savings: 55% – The average retail price of an audiobook is $33, while Audible’s Premium Plus membership is only $14.95/mo
- Content Library: 130+ – Always find what you’re looking for with over 130 audiobook genres and microgenres
- Free Content: 11,000+ – Titles available in the Audible Plus Catalog included with membership
Understanding Audible’s Credit System: A Comprehensive Breakdown
Audible’s credit system is the cornerstone of their membership model, but understanding how credits work across different plans is essential for maximizing your value. Credits function as currency within the Audible ecosystem, allowing you to purchase any audiobook regardless of its retail price.
When comparing Audible Plus vs Premium Plus for credit allocation, the distinction becomes clear: Audible Plus provides zero credits while focusing on unlimited streaming access, whereas Premium Plus plans offer 1-24 credits monthly or annually depending on your subscription level. This fundamental difference determines not only your purchasing power but also your long-term audiobook ownership.
Real-World Example: Credit Value in Action
Consider this scenario: You want to purchase a new bestselling audiobook that retails for $45. With an Audible Plus membership ($7.95/month), you would need to pay the full retail price. However, with a Premium Plus membership ($14.95/month), you could use one credit to obtain the same title, effectively saving $30.05 while also gaining access to the entire Plus Catalog.
Detailed Plan Comparison: Which Membership Actually Gives More Credits?
| Plan Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | Credits Provided | Plus Catalog Access | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audible Plus | $7.95/month | N/A | 0 credits | Unlimited streaming | Casual listeners, budget-conscious users |
| Premium Plus Monthly | $14.95/month | N/A | 1 credit/month | Unlimited streaming | Regular listeners who want ownership |
| Premium Plus 2-Credit | $22.95/month | N/A | 2 credits/month | Unlimited streaming | Avid listeners, book club members |
| Premium Plus Annual 12 | Equivalent to $12.46/month | $149.50/year | 12 credits immediately | Unlimited streaming | Serious audiobook collectors |
| Premium Plus Annual 24 | Equivalent to $9.56/month | $229.50/year | 24 credits immediately | Unlimited streaming | Power users, families sharing account |
The Hidden Value of Annual Subscriptions
While monthly plans provide consistent credit distribution, annual subscriptions offer significant advantages beyond just cost savings. When you subscribe to an annual Premium Plus plan, you receive all your credits immediately upon payment. This means you could theoretically purchase 24 audiobooks on day one of your subscription, whereas monthly subscribers would need to wait two years to accumulate the same number of credits.
According to Audible’s official membership benefits page, “You can use a credit to purchase any audiobook or audio selection in our catalog, regardless of price.” This policy makes credits particularly valuable for acquiring expensive audiobooks that might normally cost $30-50 each.
- Credit Accumulation: Monthly credits roll over for up to 12 months, allowing strategic credit banking
- Ownership Protection: Books purchased with credits remain in your library even after cancellation
- Exclusive Discounts: Premium Plus members receive up to 80% off additional purchases beyond their credits
- Daily Deals: Access to heavily discounted titles (typically $2.95-$5.95) that don’t require credits
- Credit Flexibility: Use credits on any title regardless of retail price, maximizing each credit’s value
Advanced Credit Strategy: Maximizing Your Audible Investment
Beyond simply counting credits, sophisticated Audible users employ several strategies to maximize their membership value. One powerful approach involves combining the Plus Catalog’s unlimited listening with strategic credit usage for permanent acquisitions.
Example Strategy: Use your Premium Plus membership to stream titles from the Plus Catalog for casual listening while reserving your monthly credits for audiobooks you know you’ll want to revisit or that have high re-listen value. This approach gives you the benefits of both rental-style access and permanent ownership.
The Device Compatibility Advantage
Regardless of which plan you choose, Audible’s extensive device support enhances the value of both credits and Plus Catalog access. As noted in their official documentation, “You can listen to Audible with just about any device you can think of. Our free Audible app can be downloaded on iOS, Android, and Windows, and you can also download and listen on compatible Fire tablets, Kindles, Sonos devices, and more.” This universal compatibility means your credits and streaming access work seamlessly across your entire ecosystem of devices.
Credit Expiration and Management: What You Need to Know
One crucial aspect often overlooked by new Audible members is credit expiration. According to Audible’s policy, “Credits do expire. You have up to one year after the issue date to use any credit you receive.” This means monthly subscribers have a rolling 12-month window to use each credit, while annual subscribers should use all their credits before their renewal date to avoid losing unused credits.
The expiration policy creates an important strategic consideration: should you use credits immediately or save them for future releases? The answer depends on your listening habits. If you have a backlog of books you’re excited to read, using credits promptly makes sense. If you prefer to wait for specific upcoming releases, monitoring your credit expiration dates becomes essential.
Q: Does Audible Plus provide any credits at all?
A: No, Audible Plus provides zero credits. Its value comes from unlimited access to the Plus Catalog’s 11,000+ included titles through streaming or download.
Q: Which Audible plan gives the most credits for the money?
A: The Premium Plus Annual 24 plan provides the best credit value at approximately $9.56 per credit, compared to $14.95 per credit with the basic Premium Plus monthly plan.
Q: What happens to my credits if I cancel my Audible membership?
A: Unused credits expire immediately upon cancellation. It’s essential to use all your credits before canceling to avoid losing them.
Q: Can I purchase additional credits beyond my monthly allocation?
A: Yes, Premium Plus members periodically receive offers to purchase additional credits at discounted rates, typically