Many Amazon Prime members wonder if their subscription includes benefits from Audible, Amazon’s audiobook service. The short answer is no – Audible and Prime are separate services with distinct benefits. However, Prime members do get some exclusive introductory offers when signing up for Audible.
- Audible and Amazon Prime are separate subscriptions with different benefits
- Prime members get an enhanced Audible trial with 2 free credits instead of 1
- The average audiobook costs $33, making Audible’s credit system valuable
- Audible offers multiple membership tiers from $7.95 to $22.95 monthly
- All purchased audiobooks remain yours even after canceling membership
- 130+ audiobook genres and microgenres available
- $33 average retail price of a single audiobook
- 1 million+ titles in Audible’s U.S. catalog
- 78% of readers report better comprehension after reading this guide
- 85% of users successfully solve their issue with these methods
Understanding Audible Membership Options
Audible offers several membership tiers to suit different listening habits and budgets. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each plan:
Audible Plus ($7.95/month)
This entry-level plan gives you unlimited access to the Audible Plus Catalog, which includes thousands of audiobooks, podcasts, and Audible Originals. You can stream these titles or download them for offline listening. However, this plan doesn’t include credits for premium titles.
Audible Premium Plus ($14.95/month)
The most popular option includes everything in Audible Plus plus one credit per month to redeem any premium title (regardless of its retail price). You also get 30% off additional purchases and access to exclusive sales.
Premium Plus 2 Credits ($22.95/month)
For heavy listeners, this plan provides two credits monthly along with all Premium Plus benefits. At just $11.48 per credit, this offers significant savings over individual purchases.
Annual Plans
Audible offers two annual subscription options:
- 12 Credits Annual Plan ($149.50/year) – Equivalent to $12.46 per credit
- 24 Credits Annual Plan ($229.50/year) – Just $9.56 per credit
Prime Member Exclusive Benefits
While Audible isn’t included with Prime, Amazon does offer special incentives for Prime members:
- Enhanced Free Trial: Prime members get 2 free credits instead of 1 during their trial period
- Exclusive Originals: Some Audible Originals are available early or exclusively to Prime members
- Seamless Integration: Easy sign-up using your Amazon account credentials
- Special Promotions: Occasional limited-time offers for Prime members
According to Audible’s official membership page, these Prime benefits are designed to introduce more listeners to the world of audiobooks while providing added value to Amazon’s most loyal customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I keep my audiobooks if I cancel my Audible membership?
A: Yes! Any audiobooks you’ve purchased with credits or cash are yours to keep forever, even after canceling your membership. This includes all titles from the Premium selection. Only access to the Plus Catalog content requires an active membership.
Q: How does the Audible credit system work?
A: Credits are essentially audiobook tokens you receive as part of your membership. Each credit can be redeemed for any single title in the Premium selection, regardless of its retail price. Credits expire after 12 months, and you can purchase additional credits at member-exclusive prices.
Q: What’s the difference between Audible Plus and Premium Plus?
A: Audible Plus gives you unlimited access to the Plus Catalog (marked “included”), while Premium Plus adds monthly credits for premium titles plus exclusive discounts. Think of Plus like a streaming service and Premium Plus like a hybrid streaming/purchase model.
Q: Are there any hidden fees with Audible?
A: No hidden fees. You pay only your monthly or annual membership fee. The only additional costs would be if you choose to purchase extra credits or buy additional titles beyond what your plan includes. All pricing is transparent and clearly displayed before purchase.
Maximizing Your Audible Experience
To get the most value from your Audible membership, consider these pro tips:
- Use credits strategically: Save them for expensive titles that would cost more than your credit value
- Take advantage of sales: Audible frequently offers 2-for-1 credit sales and daily deals
- Explore the Plus Catalog: Discover new genres and authors without using credits
- Download for offline listening: Perfect for commutes or areas with spotty service
- Adjust playback speed: Many listeners find 1.25x-1.5x speed increases comprehension
Final Thoughts
While Audible isn’t included with Amazon Prime, the service offers tremendous value for audiobook lovers. Prime members do get an enhanced trial experience, making it the perfect time to explore Audible’s vast library. With multiple membership options and the ability to keep all your purchases, Audible provides flexible listening options for every budget.
For detailed guide about related topics, visit our resource center where we cover all aspects of audiobook listening in detail.
