Choosing between Audible’s monthly and annual Premium Plus plans can significantly impact your listening experience and budget. With Amazon Audible controlling 63% of the US audiobook publishing market, understanding these subscription options is crucial for any serious audiobook enthusiast.
- Annual plans offer 15-17% savings compared to monthly subscriptions
- Premium Plus includes both credits AND unlimited access to the Plus Catalog
- Monthly plans provide flexibility while annual plans maximize value
- All plans include exclusive member discounts and daily deals
- Credits expire after one year, making annual credit management crucial
- Market Dominance: 63% – of US audiobook market controlled by Audible
- Cost Savings: $30.90 – annual savings with Premium Plus Annual vs Monthly
- Content Library: 130+ – audiobook genres and microgenres available
- Value Proposition: 55% – savings compared to average $33 audiobook retail price
Understanding Audible’s Premium Plus Membership Tiers
Audible offers two primary Premium Plus membership structures: monthly subscriptions and annual commitments. While both provide access to the same core benefits, their pricing structures and credit distribution differ significantly.
Monthly Premium Plus Plans: Flexibility First
The monthly Premium Plus plans are designed for listeners who prefer flexibility and don’t want long-term commitments. These plans automatically renew each month and can be canceled anytime.
- Premium Plus 1 Credit: $14.95/month – Includes 1 credit monthly plus Plus Catalog access
- Premium Plus 2 Credits: $22.95/month – Includes 2 credits monthly plus Plus Catalog access
Monthly plans are ideal for casual listeners or those who want to test the service before committing to an annual subscription. The ability to “switch plans or cancel anytime” provides peace of mind for users with changing listening habits.
Annual Premium Plus Plans: Maximum Value
Annual Premium Plus plans offer significant cost savings for dedicated audiobook listeners. These plans require upfront payment but provide immediate access to all credits for the year.
- Premium Plus 12 Credits: $149.50/year – Equivalent to $12.46/month (17% savings)
- Premium Plus 24 Credits: $229.50/year – Equivalent to $19.13/month (15% savings)
Annual plans are perfect for voracious listeners who know they’ll use all their credits within the year. The immediate access to all credits allows for binge-listening or building a library quickly.
Detailed Feature Comparison: Monthly vs Annual
| Feature | Monthly Premium Plus | Annual Premium Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per Credit | $14.95 (1 credit plan) | $12.46 (12 credit plan) |
| Credit Access | 1 credit monthly | All credits immediately |
| Plus Catalog | Full access included | Full access included |
| Member Discounts | Up to 80% off additional titles | Up to 80% off additional titles |
| Daily Deals | Access to discounted titles | Access to discounted titles |
| Commitment | Cancel anytime | Annual commitment |
| Best For | Casual listeners, new users | Dedicated listeners, binge listeners |
The Audible Plus Catalog: Your Unlimited Listening Library
Both monthly and annual Premium Plus members receive unlimited access to the Audible Plus Catalog, which features thousands of included titles across 130+ genres. This represents a significant value addition beyond the credit system.
- 11,000+ Titles: Extensive library of included audiobooks, podcasts, and Audible Originals
- No Credit Required: Stream or download unlimited titles without using credits
- Regular Updates: New content added monthly across all genres
- Exclusive Content: Access to Audible Originals not available elsewhere
The Plus Catalog effectively doubles the value of your membership, providing endless listening options between credit purchases. For many users, the Plus Catalog alone justifies the membership cost.
Credit Management Strategies
Understanding how to manage your credits effectively is crucial for maximizing your Audible membership value, regardless of whether you choose monthly or annual billing.
- Credit Expiration: Credits expire one year from issue date
- Premium Selection: Use credits for expensive titles (typically $20+)
- Additional Credits: Members can purchase extra credits at discounted rates
- Wish List: Save expensive titles for credit redemption
Annual plan users receive all their credits immediately, which requires careful planning to ensure credits don’t expire unused. Monthly users have a more gradual credit accumulation but should still monitor expiration dates.
Cost-Benefit Analysis: When Each Plan Makes Sense
Choose Monthly Premium Plus If:
- You listen to 1-2 audiobooks per month
- You value flexibility and want to cancel anytime
- You’re new to Audible and testing the service
- Your listening habits vary seasonally
- You primarily use the Plus Catalog with occasional credit purchases
Choose Annual Premium Plus If:
- You listen to 12+ audiobooks per year consistently
- You want the lowest cost per credit
- You prefer paying once annually rather than monthly
- You want immediate access to multiple credits for series listening
- You’re confident you’ll use all credits before expiration
Additional Member Benefits and Features
Beyond the core credit and catalog access, Premium Plus members enjoy several valuable benefits that enhance the listening experience:
- Daily Deals: Deeply discounted titles (typically $2.95-$5.95) available only to members
- Member Discounts: Up to 80% off additional audiobook purchases
- 2-for-1 Sales: Periodic sales where two titles cost one credit
- Easy Exchanges: Return titles you didn’t enjoy for credit refund
- Multi-Device Access: Listen on smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart speakers
These additional benefits can significantly increase the overall value of your membership, particularly for listeners who take advantage of sales and discounts.
Free Trial and Membership Management
Audible offers a 30-day free trial for new members, allowing you to test the service before committing to either monthly or annual billing.
- 30-Day Trial: Available for most new memberships
- Auto-Renewal: Plans automatically renew after trial period
- Easy Cancellation: Cancel anytime through your account settings
- Keep Your Books: Titles purchased with credits remain yours forever