As a student navigating the world of audiobooks, choosing between Audible’s Premium Plus and Plus plans can be confusing. This comprehensive guide breaks down exactly what each plan offers, how they compare in value, and which option makes the most sense for your academic and personal listening needs.
- Audible Plus ($7.95/month): Unlimited access to 11,000+ titles in the Plus Catalog, but no permanent ownership
- Audible Premium Plus ($14.95/month): Everything in Plus PLUS 1 credit monthly for permanent audiobook ownership
- Student Value Analysis: Premium Plus offers 63% savings compared to average audiobook retail prices
- Flexibility: Both plans offer 30-day free trials and easy cancellation
- Device Compatibility: Access your audiobooks across all your devices including smartphones, tablets, and computers
- Market Share: 63% – Amazon Audible controls nearly two-thirds of the US audiobook publishing market
- Cost Savings: 55% – Average savings compared to purchasing audiobooks individually at retail prices
- Content Library: 130+ – Different audiobook genres and microgenres available
- Plus Catalog: 11,000+ – Titles available for unlimited streaming with Plus membership
Understanding Audible’s Core Membership Options
Audible offers two primary membership types that students should consider: Audible Plus and Audible Premium Plus. Understanding the fundamental differences between these plans is crucial for making an informed decision that aligns with your listening habits and budget constraints.
Audible Plus
Perfect for casual listeners who want variety without commitment
- Unlimited streaming from 11,000+ Plus Catalog titles
- Download for offline listening
- Access across all your devices
- No credits or permanent ownership
- Access lost if membership cancels
- 30-day free trial available
Audible Premium Plus
Ideal for serious listeners who want to build a permanent library
- Everything in Audible Plus
- 1 credit monthly for any premium title (yours to keep forever)
- Exclusive member discounts on additional purchases
- Access to Daily Deals and 2-for-1 sales
- Keep all purchased titles even after cancellation
- 30-day free trial with credit
Detailed Plan Breakdown: What Each Option Really Offers
Audible Plus: The Streaming-Only Approach
Audible Plus functions similarly to a streaming service for audiobooks. For $7.95 per month, you get unlimited access to the Plus Catalog, which contains over 11,000 titles. These are marked with an “included” tag and can be streamed instantly or downloaded for offline listening.
Key Considerations for Students:
- Budget-Friendly: At under $8 monthly, it’s one of the most affordable audiobook options available
- No Long-Term Commitment: Perfect for semester-based listening needs
- Content Limitations: You’re restricted to the rotating Plus Catalog selection
- No Ownership: Like Netflix for audiobooks – access disappears if you cancel
- Ideal For: Students who listen to multiple books monthly and don’t need specific titles
Audible Premium Plus: The Complete Audiobook Solution
Premium Plus combines the streaming benefits of Audible Plus with the ownership model that made Audible famous. At $14.95 monthly, you receive everything in the Plus plan plus one credit each month that can be redeemed for any title in Audible’s extensive catalog, regardless of its retail price.
Premium Plus Advantages for Academic Use:
- Permanent Access: Credits redeem titles you keep forever, perfect for reference materials
- Specific Title Access: Need a particular textbook or required reading? Use your credit
- Additional Discounts: 30% off additional purchases beyond your monthly credit
- Exclusive Sales: Access to Daily Deals and member-only promotions
- Best For: Students building a personal library or needing specific academic titles
For power listeners, Audible offers additional Premium Plus tiers:
- Premium Plus 2 Credits: $22.95/month for 2 credits + Plus Catalog access
- Annual Premium Plus 12 Credits: $149.50/year (equivalent to $12.46/month)
- Annual Premium Plus 24 Credits: $229.50/year (equivalent to $19.13/month)
The annual plans offer significant savings for committed listeners, with the 12-credit annual plan providing the best value at approximately $12.46 per month.
Student-Specific Considerations and Recommendations
As a student, your audiobook needs likely differ from the average listener. You might need specific textbooks, want to maximize limited funds, or need flexibility during breaks and between semesters.
According to independent analysis, students typically fall into one of three listening categories:
- Casual Listeners (45%): 1-2 books monthly, primarily for entertainment
- Moderate Listeners (35%): 2-4 books monthly, mix of academic and pleasure
- Power Listeners (20%): 5+ books monthly, heavy academic and research use
Which Plan Should You Choose?
Choose Audible Plus IF:
- You primarily listen for entertainment and relaxation
- Your budget is extremely limited
- You’re comfortable with the rotating Plus Catalog selection
- You don’t need specific titles for academic purposes
- You listen to multiple books monthly but don’t need permanent access
Choose Audible Premium Plus IF:
- You need specific textbooks or academic materials
- You want to build a permanent audiobook library
- You frequently purchase audiobooks beyond subscription services
- Your listening includes both academic and personal titles
- You want the flexibility to choose any title in Audible’s catalog
Maximizing Your Audible Membership: Student Tips and Tricks
Regardless of which plan you choose, these strategies will help you get the most value from your Audible membership:
- Use the Free Trial: Both plans offer 30-day free trials – perfect for testing during a busy academic period
- Credit Management: Credits expire after one year, so plan your redemptions around your academic calendar
- Explore Plus Catalog First: Before using credits, check if desired titles are in the included Plus Catalog
- Take Advantage of Sales: Premium Plus members get exclusive access to Daily Deals and 2-for-1 sales
- Multi-Device Access: Listen seamlessly between your phone, computer, and tablet with automatic sync