Searching for answers about audible plus vs premium plus which membership includes originals? This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about Audible’s membership options, including detailed breakdowns of what each plan offers, exclusive content access, and practical advice for choosing the right subscription for your listening needs.
- Both Audible Plus and Premium Plus include access to Audible Originals in their catalogs
- Premium Plus offers additional credits for premium selections beyond the included catalog
- Audible controls 63% of the US audiobook publishing market according to industry data
- Members save significantly compared to the average audiobook retail price of $33
- Both plans offer 30-day free trials for new members
- Market Dominance: 63% – Amazon Audible controls 63% of the US audiobook publishing market
- Cost Savings: 55% – Average savings compared to $33 retail audiobook price
- Content Variety: 130+ – Audiobook genres and microgenres available
- User Base: Millions – Active Audible subscribers worldwide
Understanding Audible Membership Tiers
Audible offers two primary membership types that both include access to Audible Originals, but with significant differences in overall value and flexibility. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for making an informed decision about which subscription best fits your listening habits and budget.
Important Note: Both Audible Plus and Audible Premium Plus include Audible Originals in their respective catalogs. The key difference lies in what additional content you can access and how you acquire premium titles beyond the included selection.
Audible Plus: The Budget-Friendly Streaming Option
Audible Plus is designed for listeners who want unlimited access to a curated selection of content without the commitment of monthly credits. At $7.95 per month, this plan provides:
- Unlimited streaming and downloading from the Audible Plus Catalog
- Access to thousands of titles marked with the “included” tag
- Full Audible Originals library access
- Offline listening capabilities
- Cross-device synchronization
However, it’s important to understand the limitations. As one industry expert notes, “Audible Plus is like getting a library card to Amazon’s Audible Plus catalog. For your membership of around $8 a month, you can download and listen to as many of the 11,000 available titles as you choose. However, your selection is limited to those 11,000 titles, and you won’t actually ‘own’ any of your audiobooks.”
Audible Premium Plus: The Complete Audiobook Solution
Audible Premium Plus builds upon the Plus foundation by adding valuable credits and ownership benefits. Starting at $14.95 per month, this tier includes:
- Everything in Audible Plus
- 1 credit per month to redeem any premium selection title
- Permanent ownership of titles purchased with credits
- Exclusive member discounts (30% off additional purchases)
- Access to member-only sales and 2-for-1 deals
- Audible Daily Deal special offers
The credit system is particularly valuable because, as Audible states, “You can use a credit to purchase any audiobook or audio selection in our catalog, regardless of price.” This means whether an audiobook normally costs $15 or $50, your single monthly credit covers it entirely.
Pro Tip: For more detailed guidance on managing your audiobook library, check out our comprehensive guide on how to effectively manage your Audible library to maximize your listening experience.
Detailed Plan Comparison
| Feature | Audible Plus | Audible Premium Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $7.95/month | $14.95/month |
| Audible Originals Access | ✓ Full Access | ✓ Full Access |
| Plus Catalog Titles | ✓ 11,000+ titles | ✓ 11,000+ titles |
| Monthly Credits | None | 1 credit/month |
| Title Ownership | Streaming only | Keep credits purchases forever |
| Member Discounts | None | 30% off additional purchases |
| Exclusive Sales | None | 2-for-1 deals, Daily Deals |
| Free Trial | 30 days | 30 days |
Advanced Membership Options
For heavy listeners, Audible offers expanded Premium Plus plans that provide even greater value through annual commitments and additional credits.
- Premium Plus (2 Credits): $22.95/month – Perfect for listeners who go through 2+ books monthly
- Premium Plus Annual (12 Credits): $149.50/year – Save $30 annually with upfront payment
- Premium Plus Annual (24 Credits): $229.50/year – Best value for avid listeners at under $9.60 per credit
According to Audible’s official membership benefits page, these annual plans provide “immediate access to all credits upfront,” allowing you to binge-listen or plan your annual reading without monthly limitations.
Audible Originals: What’s Included and Why It Matters
Audible Originals represent exclusive content produced by Audible that you can’t find anywhere else. These include:
- Original podcasts and audio series
- Celebrity-narrated classics
- Exclusive author collaborations
- Original short stories and novellas
- Educational content and guided experiences
Recent examples from the catalog include Sharon Mashihi’s “30-Day Guides to Improve Your Life,” which “is designed for both seasoned artists and the creatively curious,” and “A Daily Energy Cleanse Meditation for Better Sleep,” described as “a powerful tool to cleanse from the energy, stressors, and demands of your day.”
The catalog constantly evolves, with new titles added weekly across genres including true crime, romance, self-help, and fiction. As noted by industry reviewers, “Audible has really upped their Original content game in recent years, and they even produce series of short stories and novellas by prominent authors such as Rainbow Rowell, Roxane Gay, and Ruth Ware.”
Expert Insight: Learn more about maximizing your credits with our guide on understanding Audible’s credit system to ensure you get the most value from your membership.
Device Compatibility and Listening Experience
Both Audible Plus and Premium Plus offer extensive device support, ensuring you can listen anywhere, anytime. Supported platforms include:
- iOS and Android smartphones and tablets
- Windows and Mac computers
- Amazon Fire tablets and Kindle devices
- Sonos home audio systems
- Car entertainment systems with Bluetooth
- Smart speakers and voice assistants
The Audible app provides features like unlimited rewinds, chapter navigation, sleep timers, and playback speed controls from 0.5x to 3.5x normal speed. As Audible emphasizes, “Unlimited rewinds means you never have to worry about getting distracted or missing a minute.”
Making the Right Choice: Which Plan Fits Your Lifestyle?
Choosing between Audible Plus and Premium Plus depends on your listening habits, budget, and content preferences.
- You primarily listen to popular titles and don’t have specific book requests
- You want unlimited listening without additional costs
- You’re comfortable with streaming rather than owning content
- Budget is your primary concern at $7.95/month
- You enjoy discovering new content through curated selections