Confused about what the difference between Audible Platinum and Premium Plus really means? You’re not alone. With Amazon constantly evolving their audiobook subscription plans, it’s crucial to understand exactly what you’re getting with each option. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the key differences, pricing structures, and benefits to help you make an informed decision.
- Audible Platinum is the legacy annual plan offering 24 credits upfront for $229.50/year
- Audible Premium Plus is the current flagship plan with monthly or annual credit options
- Premium Plus includes access to the Plus Catalog of 11,000+ included titles
- Both plans allow permanent ownership of audiobooks purchased with credits
- Understanding credit expiration policies is crucial for maximizing value
- Market Dominance: 63% – Amazon Audible controls the US audiobook publishing market according to industry reports
- Cost Savings: 71% – Average savings compared to purchasing audiobooks individually at retail price of $33
- Content Library: 130+ – Audiobook genres and microgenres available
- Plus Catalog: 11,000+ – Titles included with Premium Plus membership at no extra cost
Understanding Audible’s Plan Evolution
Audible’s subscription plans have undergone significant changes over the years. The transition from the older Platinum and Gold plans to the current Plus and Premium Plus structure reflects Amazon’s strategy to cater to different types of listeners. Let’s examine how these plans have evolved and what that means for you today.
Historical Context: In the past, Audible offered tiered plans like Gold (1 credit/month), Silver, and Platinum (2 credits/month). These were straightforward credit-based systems where members received monthly credits to purchase audiobooks. The current Premium Plus plan essentially replaces these older credit-based memberships while adding significant new benefits.
Detailed Plan Comparison: Platinum vs Premium Plus
| Feature | Audible Platinum (Legacy) | Audible Premium Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | N/A (Annual only) | $14.95/month or $149.50/year |
| Annual Cost | $229.50/year | $149.50/year (12 credits) or $229.50/year (24 credits) |
| Credits Included | 24 credits annually | 1 credit/month or 12-24 credits annually |
| Plus Catalog Access | No | Yes – 11,000+ titles |
| Credit Expiration | 12 months from issue | 12 months from issue |
| Content Ownership | Keep purchased books forever | Keep purchased books forever |
| Member Discounts | Limited | 30% off additional purchases + Daily Deals |
The Game-Changer: Understanding the Plus Catalog
The most significant difference between the legacy Platinum plan and current Premium Plus is the inclusion of the Plus Catalog. This feature represents a fundamental shift in Audible’s value proposition and deserves detailed examination.
What is the Plus Catalog? It’s a rotating library of over 11,000 audiobooks, podcasts, and Audible Originals that Premium Plus members can stream or download without using credits. Think of it as Netflix for audiobooks – you have unlimited access as long as you maintain your membership.
Key Benefits:
- Unlimited Listening: No credit expenditure required for Plus Catalog titles
- Discovery Platform: Perfect for trying new genres or authors risk-free
- Supplemental Content: Great for between credit months or when you want more variety
- Audible Originals: Exclusive content only available to members
Important Consideration: Unlike books purchased with credits, Plus Catalog titles are not yours to keep if you cancel your membership. This “access vs ownership” distinction is crucial when evaluating the long-term value of your subscription.
Credit System Deep Dive
Both Platinum and Premium Plus operate on a credit system, but understanding the nuances can save you money and maximize your listening experience.
- Credit Expiration: All credits expire 12 months after issuance, regardless of plan
- Best Value Usage: Use credits on expensive titles (typically $20+ retail value)
- Additional Credit Purchases: Members occasionally receive offers to buy extra credits at discounted rates (usually 3 for $30-36)
- Credit Rollover: Unused monthly credits accumulate up to your plan’s maximum (typically 6 for monthly plans)
Real-World Example: If you’re on the Premium Plus monthly plan ($14.95) and want to purchase a $33 audiobook, using your credit represents a 55% savings. However, for cheaper titles, consider using cash during member sales where prices can drop to $5-8.
Advanced Value Strategies
Beyond the basic plan comparisons, several advanced strategies can help you extract maximum value from your Audible subscription.
Whispersync for Voice
This often-overlooked feature allows seamless switching between reading a Kindle book and listening to its Audible companion. The real magic happens when you leverage Whispersync deals:
- Purchase discounted Kindle books (often $1.99-4.99)
- Add Audible narration for heavily reduced prices (typically $3.99-7.49)
- Result: Complete book + audio for less than credit value
Example: A popular title might cost $14.95 with a credit, but buying the Kindle version for $2.99 and adding audio for $4.99 gives you both formats for $7.98 – nearly 50% savings.
Member-Only Sales and Deals
Premium Plus members enjoy exclusive access to:
- Daily Deal: One deeply discounted title each day (often $2.95-5.95)
- 2-for-1 Sales: Use one credit to get two selected titles
- Cash Sales: Significant discounts on selected titles without using credits
- Additional Purchase Discount: 30% off any titles bought beyond your credits
Device Compatibility and Listening Experience
Both Platinum and Premium Plus members enjoy the same excellent listening experience across devices. Audible’s compatibility is extensive:
- Mobile Apps: iOS, Android, and Windows with seamless sync across devices
- Smart Speakers: Alexa-enabled devices with voice commands (“Alexa, read my Audible book”)
- E-readers: Compatible with Kindle and Fire tablets
- Car Systems: Works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Offline Listening: Download titles for offline enjoyment
According to Audible’s official documentation, the platform supports “just about any device you can think of,” ensuring you can listen wherever you are.
Making the Right Choice for Your Listening Habits
Choosing between sticking with a legacy Platinum plan or switching to Premium Plus depends entirely on your listening patterns and preferences.
- Stick with Platinum If: You consistently listen to 2+ books monthly, prefer having all credits upfront, and don’t need the Plus Catalog
- Switch to Premium Plus Monthly If: You’re a casual listener (1 book/month) who wants flexibility and access to the Plus Catalog
- Choose Premium Plus Annual If: You want the best of both worlds – upfront credits plus Plus Catalog access at optimal pricing
- Consider Audible Plus Only If: You’re budget-conscious and satisfied with the rotating 11,000-title catalog without credit ownership