Choosing between Audible and Scribd (now rebranded as Everand) can be challenging for audiobook enthusiasts. Both platforms offer unique benefits and limitations that cater to different listening habits and budgets. This comprehensive guide provides detailed analysis, real user experiences, and data-driven insights to help you make an informed decision.
- Audible offers ownership of purchased audiobooks, while Scribd provides temporary access to a broader content library
- Scribd’s “unlimited” model has hidden limitations that throttle access to popular titles
- Audible’s credit system provides better value for frequent listeners of new releases
- Scribd includes additional content like ebooks, magazines, and documents beyond just audiobooks
- Both services offer free trials, making it easy to test which platform better suits your needs
- Market Share: 63% – Audible dominates the audiobook market compared to Scribd’s 12%
- Library Size: 470,000+ – Audible titles vs. 150,000+ on Scribd
- User Satisfaction: 85% – of Audible users report high satisfaction with book ownership
- Cost Efficiency: 42% – of heavy listeners find Audible more cost-effective long-term
- Content Discovery: 78% – of Scribd users appreciate the diverse content types beyond audiobooks
Understanding the Core Differences
The fundamental distinction between Audible and Scribd lies in their business models and content ownership structures. Audible operates on a credit-based system where members purchase audiobooks they keep forever, even after canceling their subscription. Scribd, in contrast, offers a Netflix-style subscription where you pay for access to content but don’t own anything permanently.
Pricing and Value Analysis
When evaluating cost-effectiveness, it’s crucial to look beyond the surface-level pricing and understand what you’re actually getting for your money.
| Feature | Audible | Scribd (Everand) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $7.95 (Plus) – $14.95 (Premium Plus) | $9.99 flat rate |
| Audiobook Credits | 1-2 monthly credits (Premium Plus) | No credits – “unlimited” access |
| Content Ownership | Keep purchased books forever | Access only during subscription |
| Additional Content | Podcasts, Audible Originals | Ebooks, magazines, documents, sheet music |
| Free Trial | 30 days with free audiobook | 30 days with full access |
The Hidden Costs of “Unlimited” Access
Scribd’s $9.99 monthly fee appears incredibly attractive at first glance, but there’s a significant catch that many users discover only after subscribing. As noted in Scribd’s terms and conditions: “Our members can always read an unlimited number of books and audiobooks each month but, occasionally, we have to limit the titles that you’re able to access within a specific content library in a 30-day period.”
This practice, often called “throttling,” means that after consuming 2-3 popular audiobooks in a billing cycle, your access to new releases and bestsellers becomes restricted. You’ll be shown a limited catalog of less popular titles until your next billing cycle begins. This business model makes economic sense for Scribd, as they pay publishers each time a book is read, but it can be frustrating for power users.
Content Library and Selection
Audible boasts the largest audiobook library in the world with over 470,000 titles, including exclusive content and early releases. Their partnership with Amazon provides access to virtually every major publisher and many independent authors. The platform regularly updates with new releases, and their Audible Originals program produces exclusive content unavailable elsewhere.
Scribd’s library contains approximately 150,000 audiobook titles, which is substantial but significantly smaller than Audible’s collection. However, Scribd compensates with additional content types including:
- Over 1 million ebooks from major publishers
- Thousands of magazines and newspapers
- Academic papers and documents
- Sheet music for musicians
- Scribd Originals and exclusive content
Industry research shows that while Scribd offers broader content types, Audible provides deeper audiobook selection. For example, popular series like Harry Potter and many New York Times bestsellers are frequently limited or unavailable on Scribd after initial consumption, while they remain permanently accessible on Audible once purchased with a credit.
User Experience and Platform Features
Both platforms offer robust mobile apps and web interfaces, but they cater to different user preferences and listening habits.
Audible’s Strengths
- Whispersync Technology: Seamlessly switch between reading Kindle books and listening to Audible narration
- Offline Listening: Download audiobooks for offline access without internet connection
- Variable Speed Playback: Adjust narration speed from 0.5x to 3.5x normal speed
- Sleep Timer: Automatically pause playback after set duration
- Chapter Navigation: Easy skipping between chapters and sections
Scribd’s Advantages
- Unified Platform: Single app for audiobooks, ebooks, magazines, and documents
- Cross-Content Integration: Switch between reading and listening within the same platform
- Document Management: Save and organize personal documents alongside purchased content
- Social Features: Share reading lists and recommendations with friends
- Scribd Perks: Additional services like MUBI, Headspace, and Peak Pro included
Device Compatibility and Accessibility
Audible enjoys broader device compatibility due to Amazon’s ecosystem integration. The service works seamlessly with:
- iOS and Android smartphones and tablets
- Amazon Echo and Alexa-enabled devices
- Kindle e-readers and Fire tablets
- Car entertainment systems with Bluetooth
- Smart watches with audio playback capabilities
Scribd maintains solid device support but faces limitations on Amazon devices, as noted by users: “You can put the Kindle and Audible apps on any device but you can’t put Scribd on Amazon Kindles, which is very annoying, because they don’t really want you to use other competing services on their devices.”
Advanced Usage Strategies
Savvy users can maximize value from both platforms by understanding their unique strengths and limitations.
- Audible Credit Management: Purchase 3-credit bundles during sales for maximum savings on premium titles
- Scribd Timing: Plan your listening around billing cycles to avoid throttling on popular titles
- Combined Approach: Use Scribd for discovery and Audible for permanent collection of favorites
- Seasonal Subscriptions: Subscribe to Scribd during months with lighter listening and cancel during heavy consumption periods
- Library Integration: Supplement both services with free audiobooks from your local library using apps like Libby
According to industry analysis from Kindlepreneur, “Audible is the clear winner for serious audiobook listeners who want to build a permanent library, while Scribd offers better value for casual listeners who enjoy variety and additional content types.”
Long-Term Value Considerations
When evaluating these services for long-term use, consider your listening habits, content preferences, and budget constraints.
Choose Audible if you:
- Listen to 2+ audiobooks monthly
- Want to build a permanent audiobook collection
- Prioritize new releases and bestsellers
- Value high-quality narration and production
- Use multiple Amazon devices and services
Choose Scribd if you:
- Listen to 1-2 audiobooks monthly mixed with other content
- Enjoy discovering new authors without commitment
- Value access to ebooks, magazines, and documents
- Have variable listening habits month-to-month