Choosing between Audible and Everand can be challenging for audiobook enthusiasts. Both platforms offer unique benefits, but understanding their core differences is essential for making the right choice based on your reading habits, budget, and content preferences.
- Audible offers permanent ownership of audiobooks, while Everand provides streaming access to a rotating library
- Everand includes ebooks and documents alongside audiobooks for one monthly price
- Audible boasts the largest audiobook catalog with exclusive titles
- Everand’s new plan structure offers better value for voracious readers
- Both platforms offer 30-day free trials with different benefits
- Market Share: Audible controls 63% of the US audiobook market according to industry reports
- User Growth: 41% of adults now listen to audiobooks regularly, up from 28% in 2020
- Cost Efficiency: Everand users report saving an average of $180 annually compared to Audible for similar consumption
- Library Size: Audible offers 500,000+ titles vs Everand’s 100,000+ premium audiobooks
Understanding the Core Business Models
The fundamental difference between Audible and Everand lies in their approach to content access and ownership. Understanding these models is crucial for making an informed decision.
Audible: The Ownership Model
Audible operates on a credit-based system where subscribers receive monthly credits that can be exchanged for audiobooks. Once you purchase an audiobook with a credit or cash, it’s yours to keep permanently, even if you cancel your subscription. This ownership model appeals to collectors and those who want to build a permanent digital library.
Everand: The Access Model
Everand (formerly Scribd) functions more like Netflix for books. Your monthly subscription fee grants you access to stream their entire catalog of audiobooks, ebooks, magazines, and documents. However, this access disappears if you cancel your subscription. The platform recently introduced a tiered system with “unlocks” for premium titles while maintaining unlimited access to their standard library.
According to user reports from A Well Read Wanderer, “The selection of books is among the best I’ve seen on any service, and Everand has quickly become one of the regular ways I consume books and audiobooks on a daily basis.”
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | Audible | Everand |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $14.95 (1 credit) or $22.95 (2 credits) | $11.99 (1 unlock) or $14.99 (3 unlocks) |
| Content Ownership | Keep books forever | Access during subscription only |
| Audiobook Catalog | 500,000+ titles | 100,000+ premium titles + unlimited standard library |
| Additional Content | Audible Originals, podcasts | Ebooks, magazines, documents, Scribd access |
| Free Trial | 1 credit + 2 Audible Originals | 3 premium unlocks + full standard library |
| Device Compatibility | iOS, Android, Web, Alexa devices | iOS, Android, Web |
| Offline Listening | Yes | Yes |
Pricing and Subscription Details
Audible Subscription Tiers
Audible offers several subscription levels, with Audible Plus ($7.95/month) providing access to the Plus catalog and Audible Premium Plus ($14.95/month) including one credit monthly plus Plus catalog access. The Premium Plus Annual plan ($149.50/year) offers 12 credits upfront, bringing the cost per credit down to approximately $12.46.
Everand’s New Plan Structure
Starting October 2024, Everand introduced two main plans. The Basic plan ($11.99/month) includes 1 premium unlock monthly plus unlimited access to their standard library of 20,000+ titles. The Plus plan ($14.99/month) offers 3 premium unlocks with the same unlimited standard access. This represents a significant shift from their previous “unlimited” model.
- Light Listeners (1-2 books monthly): Audible Premium Plus at $14.95 per book
- Moderate Listeners (3-4 books monthly): Everand Plus at approximately $5 per premium book
- Heavy Listeners (5+ books monthly): Everand provides exceptional value through unlimited standard library access
- Budget-Conscious Users: Everand’s Basic plan offers the lowest entry point for premium content
Content Library and Availability
Audible’s Extensive Catalog
Audible boasts the largest audiobook collection in the world, with over 500,000 titles spanning every genre. Their partnership with Amazon provides exclusive access to bestsellers and new releases. The platform also produces Audible Originals – exclusive content created specifically for the platform, featuring celebrity narrators and unique productions.
Everand’s Multi-Format Approach
Everand’s strength lies in its diverse content offerings. Beyond audiobooks, subscribers gain access to ebooks, academic documents, sheet music, and magazines. However, users should be aware of the “availability rotation” where popular titles may become temporarily unavailable based on platform usage patterns.
One user from Page Traveller notes: “One of my pet peeves is when someone recommends a great book but it’s not available on Everand; I wish there was the option to buy books that aren’t included in the subscription. I’ve also started reading a book and then had it removed from Everand, which is frustrating.”
User Experience and App Features
Audible’s Polished Ecosystem
Audible offers a seamless experience across devices with features like Whispersync for Voice, which synchronizes your position between audiobook and Kindle ebook versions. The app includes sophisticated listening controls, sleep timers, and chapter navigation. Integration with Amazon Alexa allows for hands-free listening throughout your home.
Everand’s All-in-One Platform
Everand’s app supports both audiobook listening and ebook reading within a single interface. Features include adjustable playback speed, offline downloads, dark mode, and organizational tools for creating reading lists. The recent rebrand from Scribd to Everand has streamlined the experience, though some users report occasional confusion between the different services under the umbrella.
Free Trials and Promotional Offers
Both platforms offer 30-day free trials, but with different structures. Audible’s trial provides one credit to redeem for any audiobook plus two Audible Originals. Everand’s trial includes three premium unlocks plus full access to their standard library.
Audible frequently runs special promotions, particularly around Prime Day and holidays, offering deals like 3 months for $1.99 per month. These limited-time offers can provide exceptional value for new subscribers.
Q: Can I keep my audiobooks if I cancel my subscription?
A: With Audible, yes – any books purchased with credits or cash remain in your library permanently. With Everand, access to all content ends when your subscription cancels, though your reading history and preferences are saved if you resubscribe later.
Q: Which service has better availability of new releases?
A: Audible typically gets new releases sooner and has more exclusive titles. Everand may have a delay for some popular new releases, particularly in their premium selection.
Q: Can I listen offline with both services?
A: Yes, both Audible and Everand allow downloading titles for offline listening, making them ideal for travel or areas with limited connectivity.
Q: Which is better for casual vs heavy listeners?
A: Casual listeners who want to build a permanent library may prefer Audible. Heavy listeners who consume multiple books monthly will find better value with Everand’s subscription model.
Who Should Choose Which Platform?
Choose Audible If:
- You want permanent ownership of your audiobooks
- You primarily listen to 1-2 books per month
- You value access to the largest catalog and newest releases
- You