Choosing between Audible Premium Plus and Audible Gift Membership can be confusing, but understanding the key differences is crucial for making the right decision. This comprehensive guide breaks down both options with detailed explanations, real-world examples, and actionable insights to help you determine which option provides better value for your specific needs.
- Audible Premium Plus offers ongoing access with monthly credits and the Plus Catalog for $14.95/month
- Audible Gift Membership provides temporary access with all credits delivered upfront
- The average audiobook retails for $33, making both options significantly cheaper per book
- Premium Plus members keep purchased audiobooks forever, even after cancellation
- Gift memberships work best for occasional listeners or as thoughtful presents
- Market Dominance: 63% – Amazon Audible controls the majority of the US audiobook publishing market
- Cost Savings: 55% – Average savings compared to purchasing audiobooks individually at retail price
- Content Library: 130+ – Different audiobook genres and microgenres available
- Plus Catalog: 11,000+ – Titles available for unlimited listening without using credits
Understanding Audible Premium Plus: The Complete Breakdown
Audible Premium Plus represents the flagship membership option that combines the benefits of the Plus Catalog with monthly credits for premium selections. At $14.95 per month, this plan includes everything in Audible Plus with the added bonus of 1 credit per month to redeem any title from the premium selections.
Key Features of Audible Premium Plus:
- Monthly Credit System: Receive 1 credit each month to purchase any audiobook regardless of retail price
- Plus Catalog Access: Unlimited listening to over 11,000 included titles without using credits
- Permanent Ownership: Titles purchased with credits remain in your library forever, even if you cancel
- Exclusive Discounts: Members receive 30% off additional audiobook purchases
- Daily Deals: Access to specially discounted titles changing every day
- Multi-Device Support: Listen on iOS, Android, Windows, Fire tablets, Kindles, and Sonos devices
Real-World Example: The Value of Premium Plus
Consider Sarah, an avid reader who listens to 2-3 audiobooks monthly. With Premium Plus at $14.95/month, she gets one credit worth approximately $33 (the average audiobook price) plus access to thousands of Plus Catalog titles. If she purchases one additional book using her 30% member discount, she pays about $23 instead of $66 for two books – saving over 60% compared to retail prices.
Audible Gift Membership: The Perfect Present Explained
Audible Gift Membership offers a flexible gifting solution that provides recipients with all the benefits of a Premium Plus membership for a predetermined period. Available in 1, 3, 6, and 12-month options, gift memberships deliver all credits upfront, making them ideal for specific listening goals or as introductory experiences.
Key Features of Audible Gift Membership:
- Upfront Credit Delivery: All monthly credits are provided immediately upon redemption
- Flexible Duration: Choose from 1-month ($14.95), 3-month ($44.85), 6-month ($89.70), or 12-month ($179.40) options
- Plus Catalog Access: Full access to the included library during the membership period
- Perfect for Gifting: No need to know specific book preferences – let the recipient choose
- Current Member Compatibility: Existing members receive all credits immediately without interrupting their current plan
Real-World Example: Gift Membership Scenarios
Imagine gifting a 3-month membership to a friend who’s taking a long road trip. They immediately receive 3 credits to purchase any audiobooks they want, plus access to the entire Plus Catalog. This gives them plenty of content for their journey without the commitment of an ongoing subscription.
| Feature | Audible Premium Plus | Audible Gift Membership |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $14.95/month (auto-renews) | $14.95-$179.40 (one-time payment) |
| Credit Delivery | 1 credit monthly | All credits upfront |
| Membership Duration | Ongoing until canceled | 1, 3, 6, or 12 months |
| Plus Catalog Access | Unlimited during membership | Unlimited during gift period |
| Book Ownership | Keep credit-purchased books forever | Keep credit-purchased books forever |
| Best For | Regular listeners who want ongoing access | Gift-giving or specific short-term needs |
Cost Analysis: Which Option Provides Better Value?
When evaluating which option represents the better deal, consider both the financial aspects and how each aligns with your listening habits. The $33 average retail price of audiobooks makes both options financially attractive compared to individual purchases.
- Premium Plus Annual Cost: $179.40 (12 credits + Plus Catalog)
- 12-Month Gift Membership: $179.40 (12 credits + Plus Catalog)
- Retail Value of 12 Audiobooks: $396 (at $33 each)
- Potential Savings: $216.60 (55% savings)
- Additional Value: Plus Catalog access (11,000+ titles) represents bonus value
The Verdict: Financially, both options offer identical value if you use all your credits. The decision comes down to your listening patterns and preferences.
Advanced Membership Options: Beyond the Basics
For power users and avid listeners, Audible offers additional Premium Plus tiers that can provide even better value per credit. Understanding these options is crucial for making the most informed decision.
Premium Plus 2-Credit Monthly Plan: At $22.95 per month, this plan provides 2 credits monthly plus Plus Catalog access. This reduces the cost per credit to $11.48, offering better value for listeners who consistently consume 2+ books monthly.
Annual Premium Plus Plans: These options provide the best value per credit:
- 12-Credit Annual: $149.50/year ($12.46 per credit)
- 24-Credit Annual: $229.50/year ($9.56 per credit)
Device Compatibility and Listening Experience
Both Premium Plus and Gift Membership provide identical access to Audible’s extensive device ecosystem. The free Audible app can be downloaded on iOS, Android, and Windows devices, with additional support for compatible Fire tablets, Kindles, Sonos devices, and Alexa-enabled smart speakers.
Key Listening Features:
- Unlimited Rewinds: Never worry about getting distracted or missing important content
- Offline Listening: Download audiobooks for enjoyment without internet connection
- Whispersync: Seamlessly switch between reading and listening with compatible Kindle books
- Sleep Timer: Automatically stop playback after a set duration
- Variable Speed: Adjust narration speed from 0.5x to 3.5x normal speed
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I gift a membership to someone who already has Audible?
A: Yes!