As an Amazon Prime member, you might be wondering which Audible subscription offers the best value for your money. With 63% market share in the US audiobook industry according to industry reports, Audible dominates the market – but choosing between Audible Plus and Premium Plus requires careful consideration of your listening habits and budget.
- Audible Plus costs $7.95/month for unlimited access to 11,000+ titles in the Plus Catalog
- Premium Plus starts at $14.95/month and includes monthly credits to own audiobooks permanently
- Prime members don’t get automatic discounts, but can access Audible through Amazon Music Unlimited
- The average audiobook retails for $33, making Premium Plus valuable for frequent listeners
- Annual plans offer significant savings – up to 35% compared to monthly billing
- Market Dominance: 63% – of US audiobook market controlled by Audible
- Cost Savings: 55% – average savings per audiobook with Premium Plus vs retail
- Content Library: 11,000+ – titles available in Audible Plus catalog
- Genre Variety: 130+ – audiobook genres and microgenres available
Understanding Audible’s Core Membership Tiers
Audible offers two primary membership tiers that cater to different types of listeners. Understanding the fundamental differences between these plans is crucial for Prime members seeking the best value.
Audible Plus: The Streaming-Style Approach
At $7.95 per month, Audible Plus functions similarly to a streaming service for audiobooks. You get unlimited access to the Plus Catalog, which features over 11,000 titles including Audible Originals, podcasts, and sleep tracks. However, there’s a critical limitation: once you cancel your membership, you lose access to all these titles. This plan is ideal for casual listeners who don’t have specific titles in mind and enjoy discovering new content regularly.
Audible Premium Plus: The Ownership Model
Starting at $14.95 per month, Premium Plus combines the Plus Catalog access with monthly credits that let you purchase audiobooks permanently. Each credit can be used on any title regardless of its retail price (which averages $33 per audiobook). The books you purchase with credits remain in your library even if you cancel your membership. Premium Plus members also enjoy exclusive sales, daily deals, and additional credit discounts.
Detailed Plan Comparison: Breaking Down the Costs
| Feature | Audible Plus | Premium Plus Monthly | Premium Plus Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $7.95 | $14.95 | $12.46 (equivalent) |
| Annual Cost | $95.40 | $179.40 | $149.50 |
| Plus Catalog Access | ✓ Unlimited | ✓ Unlimited | ✓ Unlimited |
| Monthly Credits | 0 | 1 | 12 upfront |
| Book Ownership | No | Yes (with credits) | Yes (with credits) |
| Exclusive Sales | No | ✓ Member discounts | ✓ Member discounts |
| Daily Deals | No | ✓ Reduced prices | ✓ Reduced prices |
The Prime Member Advantage: Hidden Benefits
While Audible and Amazon Prime are separate subscriptions, Prime members can leverage several advantages when using Audible. The integration between Amazon services creates unique opportunities for savings and convenience that non-Prime members don’t enjoy.
- Whispersync Voice: Switch seamlessly between reading Kindle books and listening to Audible narration with Whispersync for Voice technology
- Alexa Integration: Use voice commands like “Alexa, read my Audible book” on Echo devices for hands-free listening
- Amazon Music Unlimited: Some Prime members with Music Unlimited can access one Audible title monthly at no extra cost
- Unified Payment: Manage your Audible subscription through your existing Amazon account with consolidated billing
According to industry analysis, the introduction of the Plus Catalog has dramatically increased the value proposition for Audible members, particularly for those who listen to multiple books monthly. This change has made the service more competitive against other audiobook platforms.
Credit System Explained: Maximizing Your Membership
The credit system is where Premium Plus members find the most value. Each credit functions as a currency that can be exchanged for any audiobook in Audible’s extensive catalog, regardless of the retail price. This is particularly valuable for new releases and bestsellers that often retail for $20-40.
Credits expire one year after they’re issued, so it’s important to use them strategically. Premium Plus members also receive occasional offers to purchase additional credits at discounted rates, typically three credits for around $30-36, which further reduces the per-book cost.
Device Compatibility and Listening Experience
Audible’s cross-platform compatibility ensures you can listen anywhere, on any device. The free Audible app is available for iOS, Android, and Windows devices, with additional support for Fire tablets, Kindles, Sonos systems, and compatible car infotainment systems.
Key features that enhance the listening experience include:
- Unlimited Rewinds: Never miss a moment with the ability to rewind as needed
- Sleep Timer: Set automatic stop times for bedtime listening
- Variable Speed: Adjust narration speed from 0.5x to 3.5x normal pace
- Offline Listening: Download titles for offline enjoyment without internet connection
- Chapter Navigation: Easily skip between chapters or create bookmarks
For more information on managing your listening experience across devices, check out our guide on listening to Audible on multiple devices.
Free Trials and Membership Flexibility
Both Audible Plus and Premium Plus offer 30-day free trials for new members, allowing you to test the service before committing. During the trial, Premium Plus members typically receive one or two credits to redeem any premium titles.
Audible’s cancellation policy is straightforward – you can cancel anytime without penalty, and you keep all audiobooks purchased with credits. There’s no long-term commitment required, and you can switch between plans or pause your membership as needed.
If you’re considering taking a break from Audible but want to preserve your credits, learn about how Audible’s subscription hold feature works to maintain your account without monthly charges.
Q: Do Prime members get Audible for free or at a discount?
A: No, Audible is a separate subscription from Amazon Prime. However, Prime members may access some Audible benefits through Amazon Music Unlimited, and the integration between services provides convenience features like Whispersync and Alexa compatibility.
Q: Which plan is better for casual listeners vs avid readers?
A: Audible Plus ($7.95/month) suits casual listeners who enjoy discovering new content and don’t need to own specific titles. Premium Plus ($14.95/month) is better for avid readers who want to build a permanent library of favorite books and need credits for new releases.
Q: What happens to my audiobooks if I cancel my membership?
A: Books purchased with credits remain in your library permanently, even after cancellation. However, you lose access to the Plus Catalog titles that were available through streaming.
Q: Are there annual plans that offer better value?
A: Yes, Premium Plus annual plans offer significant savings. The $149.