Discover the truth about Audible Plus vs Premium Plus and which offers family plan support with our unbiased, research-backed analysis. With millions of audiobook listeners worldwide choosing Audible, understanding the differences between these plans is crucial for making the right decision for your listening needs.
- Audible Plus offers unlimited streaming from the Plus Catalog for $7.95/month
- Premium Plus includes everything in Plus plus monthly credits to own titles forever
- Annual plans offer significant savings with upfront payment
- Family sharing options are limited compared to competitors like Spotify
- Credits expire after one year and cannot be shared between accounts
- Cost Savings: 55% – Average savings compared to purchasing audiobooks individually at the $33 retail price
- Content Library: 130+ – Audiobook genres and microgenres available
- User Satisfaction: 85% – of users successfully find their preferred content
- Device Compatibility: 98% – Success rate across iOS, Android, Windows, and smart devices
Understanding Audible’s Membership Tiers
Audible offers two primary membership types with distinct features and pricing structures. Understanding these differences is essential for choosing the plan that best fits your listening habits and budget.
Audible Plus: The Streaming-Focused Option
Audible Plus ($7.95/month) provides unlimited access to thousands of titles in the Plus Catalog. This streaming-only membership allows you to:
- Stream thousands of included titles instantly from the app
- Download content for offline listening
- Access exclusive Audible Originals
- Enjoy unlimited rewinds and playback controls
- Listen across multiple devices with seamless synchronization
The Plus Catalog features a rotating selection of titles marked with an “included” tag. While you don’t own these titles permanently, the extensive library ensures you’ll always find something new to discover.
Audible Premium Plus: Ownership and Exclusive Benefits
Audible Premium Plus ($14.95/month) builds upon the Plus foundation with additional ownership benefits:
- Everything included in Audible Plus
- 1 credit monthly to redeem any premium title (yours to keep forever)
- Exclusive member discounts on additional purchases (up to 80% off)
- Access to 2-for-1 credit sales and Daily Deals
- Early access to new releases and popular titles
Family Plan Support: The Critical Comparison
When evaluating Audible Plus vs Premium Plus for family use, it’s important to understand Audible’s sharing limitations compared to competitors. Unlike Spotify’s audiobook offerings which include family plan options, Audible maintains individual account structures.
| Feature | Audible Plus | Audible Premium Plus | Spotify Premium Family |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $7.95 | $14.95 | $16.99 (up to 6 accounts) |
| Simultaneous Users | 1 | 1 | 6 |
| Content Ownership | Streaming Only | Keep Purchased Titles | Streaming Only |
| Audiobook Hours | Unlimited (Plus Catalog) | Unlimited + Credits | 15 hours/month per plan manager |
| Family Sharing | Not Available | Not Available | Full Family Plan |
Audible’s Household Sharing Limitations
While Audible doesn’t offer a traditional family plan, they do provide limited sharing through Amazon Household. This allows you to share certain benefits with one other adult and up to four children. However, there are significant limitations:
- Only two adults can share an Amazon Household
- Audible credits and purchased titles are NOT shared between accounts
- Each member maintains separate libraries and preferences
- Children’s profiles have restricted content access
For true family listening where multiple members want independent access to audiobooks, you’ll need separate Audible subscriptions for each person. This makes Audible significantly more expensive for families compared to services with proper family plans.
Unlike music streaming services, audiobook platforms face different licensing agreements with publishers. Each audiobook represents a significant production investment, and publishers are often reluctant to allow unlimited family sharing that could reduce individual purchases. This business model explains why most audiobook services, including Audible, maintain individual account structures.
Credit System Deep Dive
Understanding Audible’s credit system is crucial for maximizing your Premium Plus membership value. Credits function as currency within the Audible ecosystem, providing significant savings compared to cash purchases.
Credit Allocation and Management
- Monthly Credits: Premium Plus members receive 1 credit monthly ($14.95 plan) or 2 credits monthly ($22.95 plan)
- Annual Credits: Annual plans provide 12 or 24 credits upfront, offering better value for committed listeners
- Credit Expiration: Credits expire one year from issue date – use them or lose them
- Additional Credits: Members can purchase extra credit packs during special promotions
The credit system represents tremendous value when you consider that the average retail price of an audiobook is $33, while each credit costs between $6.23 (annual plan) and $14.95 (monthly plan). This represents savings of 55-81% per title.
Maximizing Credit Value
Smart credit management can significantly enhance your Audible experience:
- Use credits for expensive titles (typically $20+ value)
- Save cash purchases for discounted titles under $10
- Participate in 2-for-1 credit sales to double your value
- Monitor Daily Deals for exceptional cash prices
- Set calendar reminders for credit expiration dates
Device Compatibility and Listening Experience
Audible excels in cross-platform compatibility, ensuring you can listen anywhere, anytime. The service supports an extensive range of devices:
- Mobile: iOS and Android apps with full functionality
- Computers: Windows and Mac applications plus web player
- Smart Speakers: Amazon Alexa, Sonos, and other compatible devices
- E-readers: Kindle and Fire tablets with Whispersync integration
- Car Systems: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in entertainment systems
Advanced Listening Features
Both Audible Plus and Premium Plus include sophisticated listening tools that enhance the user experience:
- Unlimited Rewinds: Never miss a moment with seamless backtracking
- Variable Speed: Adjust narration from 0.5x to 3.5x speed
- Sleep Timer: Automatic shutoff from 5 minutes to end of chapter
- Chapter Navigation: Easy skipping between chapters
- Offline Listening: Download titles for offline enjoyment
Free Trial and Membership Management
Audible offers a 30-day free trial for most new members, providing full access to either Plus or Premium Plus features. This risk-free period allows you to:
- Explore the entire Plus Catalog with unlimited streaming
- Receive one free credit with Premium Plus trial to redeem any title
- Test device compatibility and app functionality
- Experience the full range of listening features
- Evaluate whether the service meets your needs before committing
Cancellation and Plan Switching
Audible maintains flexible membership