Choosing between Audible and Audiobooks.com can be challenging for audiobook enthusiasts. Both platforms offer compelling membership benefits, but understanding the key differences in pricing, content libraries, user experience, and long-term value is crucial for making the right choice. This comprehensive guide provides expert insights on audible vs audiobookscom which platform has better membership perks with detailed analysis and practical advice.
- Audible dominates with 63.4% U.S. market share and over 1 million titles
- Audiobooks.com offers more flexible payment options including PayPal
- Audible’s free trial books are yours to keep forever, while Audiobooks.com removes them upon cancellation
- Both platforms offer 30-day free trials with different bonus structures
- Audible integrates seamlessly with Amazon ecosystem and Alexa devices
- Market Dominance: 63.4% – Audible’s share of the U.S. audiobook market
- Content Library: 1 million+ – Audible titles vs 500,000+ Audiobooks.com titles
- App Downloads: 10 million+ – Audiobooks.com app downloads
- Free Content: 70,000+ – titles in Audible Plus Catalog vs 10,000+ free Audiobooks.com titles
Market Position and Platform Overview
Audible, owned by Amazon, is the world’s largest audiobook platform with a commanding 63.4% of the U.S. audiobook market share. With over 1 million titles in its catalog, it has become the first choice for audiobook enthusiasts seeking comprehensive content selection. The platform also produces 10,000+ audiobooks annually and features 50,000+ original podcasts, making it a content powerhouse in the audio entertainment space.
Audiobooks.com positions itself as a strong competitor with one of the largest audiobook collections outside of Audible, offering over 500,000 titles. Their app has been downloaded over 10 million times, indicating significant market penetration. While smaller than Audible’s library, Audiobooks.com brings unique features and perks to their members, including social features, booklist sharing, and a different approach to subscription benefits.
Sign-up Process and Payment Options Comparison
The sign-up experience and payment flexibility differ significantly between the two platforms, which can be a deciding factor for many users.
- Multiple sign-up options: Google, Amazon, Apple accounts, or email
- Flexible payment methods: bank card, Amazon Pay, Google Pay, Apple Pay, or PayPal
- No mandatory association with other service accounts
- Quick account creation process
- Requires Amazon account for sign-up
- Limited payment options: bank card or Amazon Store Card only
- No PayPal support for subscription payments
- Seamless integration for existing Amazon users
While both services offer straightforward sign-up processes, Audiobooks.com provides more flexibility with payment methods and doesn’t require association with another platform. This can be particularly important for users who prefer PayPal or want to avoid creating additional accounts. However, for existing Amazon customers, Audible’s integration provides a seamless experience across the Amazon ecosystem.
Free Trial Comparison: Key Differences That Matter
Both Audible and Audiobooks.com offer 30-day free trials, but the specific benefits and long-term value vary significantly between the two platforms.
| Feature | Audible | Audiobooks.com |
|---|---|---|
| Trial Duration | 30 days | 30 days |
| Free Credits | 1 credit (sometimes 2 for Prime members) | 1 credit |
| Free Content Access | 70,000+ titles in Plus Catalog | 10,000+ free titles + 2 VIP selections |
| Book Ownership After Cancellation | Keep free audiobooks forever | Lose access to free trial books |
| Special Offers | Frequent 2-free-audiobook promotions | Standard 1-credit trial |
The most significant difference in trial benefits is book ownership. With Audible, any books you purchase with your free credits remain in your library permanently, even after canceling your subscription. Audiobooks.com, however, removes access to your free trial books if you cancel your membership. This long-term value proposition makes Audible’s trial more attractive for users who want to build a permanent audiobook collection.
Content Library and Selection Analysis
When comparing content libraries, Audible clearly dominates in terms of sheer volume and exclusive content, but Audiobooks.com maintains a competitive position with its own strengths.
- Over 1 million audiobooks across 24 categories and 12 languages
- 50,000+ original podcasts and exclusive content
- 70,000+ titles in the Plus Catalog with weekly additions
- Audible Originals and celebrity-narrated productions
- Seamless integration with Kindle through Whispersync for Voice
- Over 500,000 audiobooks including bestsellers and new releases
- 10,000+ free audiobooks available to all members
- VIP selections and curated book lists
- Social features for sharing recommendations
- No mandatory ecosystem integration
While Audible’s library is approximately twice the size of Audiobooks.com’s collection, both platforms offer extensive catalogs that will satisfy most listeners. The decision often comes down to specific title availability and whether you value Audible’s exclusive content and Amazon integration or prefer Audiobooks.com’s standalone approach and social features.
Membership Plans and Pricing Structures
Understanding the membership plans and their respective benefits is crucial for determining which platform offers better long-term value for your listening habits and budget.
| Plan Feature | Audible | Audiobooks.com |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Plan Price | $14.95/month (1 credit) | $14.95/month (1 credit) |
| Additional Plan | Audible Plus: $7.95/month | VIP Club: Genre-specific unlimited access |
| Credit Expiration | Credits expire after one year | Monthly credits, no rollover |
| Member Discounts | Up to 30% off additional purchases | Member pricing on additional books |
| Family Sharing | Amazon Household (2 adults + 4 kids) | No family plan, but referral benefits |
While both platforms offer similar basic pricing at $14.95 per month for one credit, their additional membership options differ significantly. Audible provides the Audible Plus plan at $7.95 per month for access to their rotating catalog, while Audiobooks.com offers VIP Club access to specific genres. The family sharing capability through Amazon Household gives Audible an advantage for households with multiple listeners, while Audiobooks.com focuses on social features and referral benefits.
User Experience and App Features
The listening experience and app functionality play a significant role in user satisfaction and long-term platform preference.
- Smooth playback with advanced bookmarking capabilities
- Family sharing through Amazon Household (up to 2 adults & 4 kids)
- Generous return policy: Easy returns within 365 days
- Integration with Alexa devices and Fire tablets
- Whispersync for Voice between Kindle and Audible
- Adjustable narration speed and sleep timer features
- Social features for creating and sharing booklists
- Full offline listening support
- Referral program for free credits
- Achievement system for engagement rewards
- Custom notes and bookmarking features
- Compatibility with CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa