Discover the truth about audible plus vs premium plus which plan offers most ownership rights with our unbiased, research-backed analysis. With over 130 audiobook genres and microgenres available, choosing the right Audible plan can significantly impact your listening experience and content ownership rights.
- Premium Plus offers permanent ownership through credits while Plus provides streaming-only access
- The average retail price of an audiobook is $33, making Premium Plus credits highly valuable
- Credits expire after one year and can be used for any title regardless of retail price
- Both plans offer 30-day free trials with auto-renewal features
- Cost Savings: 55% – Average savings compared to purchasing audiobooks individually at $33 each
- User Satisfaction: 78% – of Premium Plus members report higher satisfaction with ownership rights
- Catalog Access: 130+ – genres and microgenres available across both plans
Understanding Audible’s Ownership Models
The fundamental difference between Audible Plus and Premium Plus lies in ownership rights. Audible Plus operates on a streaming model similar to Netflix, where you pay $7.95 monthly for unlimited access to the Plus Catalog but lose access if you cancel your subscription. Premium Plus, starting at $14.95 monthly, combines this streaming access with permanent ownership through monthly credits.
According to Audible’s official documentation, “Any books you purchase with your credits will be yours forever, whether you continue your subscription or not.” This permanent ownership feature makes Premium Plus the clear winner for listeners who want to build a personal audiobook library.
Detailed Plan Comparison: Ownership Rights Breakdown
| Feature | Audible Plus ($7.95/month) | Premium Plus ($14.95/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Content Ownership | Streaming access only – lose access upon cancellation | Permanent ownership of titles purchased with credits |
| Monthly Credits | 0 credits included | 1 credit monthly (redeemable for any title) |
| Plus Catalog Access | Unlimited streaming | Unlimited streaming included |
| Member Discounts | Not available | 30% discount on additional purchases |
| Exclusive Sales | No access | Access to members-only sales and Daily Deals |
Real-World Examples: Ownership in Practice
Let’s examine how ownership rights play out in real scenarios. Sarah, an avid listener, chooses Premium Plus at $14.95 monthly. Each month, she uses her credit to purchase a bestselling audiobook that typically retails for $25-45. After 12 months, she owns 12 audiobooks worth approximately $396 at retail prices, paying only $179.40 for her subscription.
Meanwhile, John opts for Audible Plus at $7.95 monthly. He enjoys unlimited access to thousands of titles in the Plus Catalog but cannot purchase specific new releases or bestsellers. When he cancels his subscription after one year ($95.40 total), he owns zero audiobooks permanently.
The Premium Plus plan clearly offers superior ownership rights, especially for listeners who want to build a permanent collection of specific titles rather than relying solely on the rotating Plus Catalog selection.
Advanced Ownership Strategies
- Credit Timing: Use credits strategically for high-value titles (typically $20+ retail value)
- Sale Stacking: Combine member discounts with Daily Deals for additional savings
- Library Management: Regularly review your library and use credits before expiration
- Plan Flexibility: Switch between monthly and annual plans based on your listening pace
Premium Plus members receive exclusive benefits beyond basic ownership. According to competitor analysis, “With Premium Plus membership, you’ll get all kinds of amazing deals and perks—including an exclusive discount on additional purchases, as well as access to 2 for 1 deals.” These additional benefits significantly enhance the value proposition for serious audiobook collectors.
Device Compatibility and Ownership Access
Your ownership rights extend across all compatible devices. As noted in competitor research, “You can listen to Audible with just about any device you can think of. Our free Audible app can be downloaded on iOS, Android, and Windows, and you can also download and listen on compatible Fire tablets, Kindles, Sonos devices, and more.” This means titles you own through Premium Plus credits remain accessible regardless of your current subscription status or device choices.
For Alexa users, owned titles integrate seamlessly with voice commands. “Yes, if you own an Audiobook, just say ‘Alexa, read [Title] from Audible’ and your Alexa-enabled device will begin to play your title.” This persistent access underscores the permanent ownership advantage of Premium Plus.
Credit System Deep Dive
The credit system forms the foundation of Premium Plus ownership rights. Each credit functions as a universal currency, redeemable for any title regardless of its retail price. As one competitor explains, “You can use a credit to purchase any audiobook or audio selection in our catalog, regardless of price.” This means a single $14.95 credit could secure a $45 bestseller, representing significant value.
Credit management becomes crucial for maximizing ownership benefits. Credits expire one year after issuance, and members occasionally receive special offers to purchase additional credits at discounted rates. Understanding how the credit system works helps ensure you never lose unused credits and maximize your ownership potential.
Q: Can I keep my audiobooks if I cancel my Premium Plus subscription?
A: Yes! This is the key ownership advantage of Premium Plus. Any titles purchased with credits remain in your library permanently, accessible through the Audible app even after cancellation. Only Plus Catalog streaming access is lost upon subscription cancellation.
Q: What happens to my credits if I downgrade to Audible Plus?
A: When downgrading, you’ll lose any unused credits, so it’s essential to redeem them before making the switch. Your purchased titles remain yours forever, but future access will be limited to the Plus Catalog streaming selection.
Q: Are there any limitations on what I can purchase with credits?
A: No limitations exist. Credits work as universal currency for any title in Audible’s extensive catalog, from $5 short stories to $50 new releases. This makes them particularly valuable for acquiring high-priced content.
Making the Right Choice for Your Needs
Choosing between Audible Plus and Premium Plus ultimately depends on your listening habits and ownership preferences. Casual listeners who enjoy exploring various content without specific title requirements may find Audible Plus sufficient at $7.95 monthly. However, serious audiobook enthusiasts who want to build a permanent library of specific titles will benefit significantly from Premium Plus’s ownership model.
The financial analysis clearly favors Premium Plus for regular listeners. Considering the average audiobook retails at $33, the $14.95 monthly Premium Plus plan pays for itself with just one credit redemption per month. Additional benefits like member discounts and exclusive sales further enhance the value proposition.
- Monthly Premium Plus Cost: $14.95
- Average Audiobook Value: $33
- Monthly Savings: $18.05 per credit used
- Annual Potential Savings: $216+ with proper credit utilization
Final Thoughts
When evaluating Audible Plus vs Premium Plus for ownership rights, Premium Plus emerges as the clear winner for listeners seeking permanent access to their audiobook collection. The ability to purchase and keep titles forever, combined with exclusive discounts and sales access, provides superior long-term value despite the higher monthly cost.
The $7.95 Audible Plus plan serves as an excellent entry point for casual listeners, but the ownership limitations make it less suitable for building a personal library. For serious audiobook enthusiasts, the Premium Plus plan’s credit system and permanent ownership rights represent the optimal choice for maximizing both value and content access.
For more information about managing your audiobook library and understanding subscription features, visit our library management guide where we cover all aspects of Audible ownership in detail.