Choosing between Audible Premium and Scribd Unlimited (now known as Everand) can be challenging for avid readers and audiobook enthusiasts. With over 470,000 titles in Audible’s library and 150,000+ audiobooks available through Scribd, understanding the fundamental differences between these services is crucial for making an informed decision that aligns with your reading habits and budget.
- Audible offers true ownership of audiobooks through credits, while Scribd provides streaming access with usage limitations
- Scribd includes additional content like ebooks, documents, and magazines beyond just audiobooks
- Audible Premium Plus costs $14.95/month for one credit, while Scribd Unlimited is $11.99/month for unlimited streaming
- Both services have unique features: Audible’s Whispersync and Scribd’s document library
- Understanding usage patterns is key to determining which service provides better value
- Audiobook Library Size: 470,000+ titles on Audible vs 150,000+ on Scribd
- Monthly Cost: $14.95 for Audible Premium Plus vs $11.99 for Scribd Unlimited
- User Satisfaction: 85% of users report satisfaction with their chosen service after understanding the differences
- Content Variety: Scribd offers 1 million+ documents and ebooks beyond audiobooks
Understanding the Core Service Models
The fundamental difference between Audible Premium and Scribd Unlimited lies in their service models. Audible operates on a credit-based system where you purchase audiobooks to own permanently, while Scribd (now Everand) functions as a streaming service with certain limitations on premium content access.
Audible’s Ownership Model
Audible Premium Plus provides members with one credit per month ($14.95 plan) that can be exchanged for any audiobook in their extensive catalog, regardless of the retail price. This credit system means you actually own the audiobooks you purchase, and they remain in your library even if you cancel your subscription. According to industry analysis, this ownership model appeals to listeners who want to build a permanent audiobook collection.
Scribd’s Streaming Approach
Scribd Unlimited (now part of Everand) offers unlimited streaming access to their entire catalog for $11.99 per month. However, it’s important to understand that this “unlimited” access comes with a catch – the service employs a throttling system that limits access to premium titles after you’ve consumed a certain amount of content each month. As noted in user reviews, after listening to 2-3 popular audiobooks, you may find newer releases temporarily unavailable until your next billing cycle.
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | Audible Premium Plus | Scribd Unlimited (Everand) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $14.95 | $11.99 |
| Audiobook Access | 1 credit monthly + Plus catalog | Unlimited streaming with throttling |
| Content Ownership | Keep books forever | Access while subscribed |
| Library Size | 470,000+ titles | 150,000+ audiobooks |
| Additional Content | Podcasts, Audible Originals | Ebooks, documents, magazines |
| Free Trial | 30 days, 1 free book | 30 days, full access |
| Offline Listening | Yes | Yes |
Content Library and Selection Quality
Both services boast impressive content libraries, but they excel in different areas. Audible’s strength lies in its massive selection of 470,000+ audiobook titles, including virtually every bestseller and new release. Their partnerships with major publishers ensure they have the most comprehensive catalog in the industry.
Scribd (Everand), while smaller in pure audiobook numbers at approximately 150,000 titles, offers significant additional value through its inclusion of ebooks, documents, sheet music, and magazines. This makes it an excellent choice for readers who consume multiple formats. As one industry expert noted, “Scribd’s value proposition extends far beyond audiobooks, making it a comprehensive reading subscription.”
- Audible: 470,000+ audiobooks, exclusive Originals, podcasts, sleep and meditation content
- Scribd/Everand: 150,000+ audiobooks, 1 million+ ebooks, 100+ magazines, user-contributed documents, sheet music
- Exclusive Content: Both services offer exclusive titles – Audible Originals and Scribd Originals
- International Availability: Audible has broader international title selection, while Scribd offers better worldwide app availability
Pricing and Value Analysis
When evaluating cost versus value, it’s essential to consider your actual listening habits. Audible Premium Plus at $14.95 monthly provides one credit (good for any audiobook) plus access to their Plus catalog of thousands of included titles. Additional credits can be purchased for about $12-15 each.
Scribd Unlimited’s $11.99 monthly fee provides unlimited access to their entire catalog, but with the important caveat of usage-based limitations. For the average listener who consumes 2-3 audiobooks monthly, Scribd often represents better value. However, power listeners who want guaranteed access to specific new releases may prefer Audible’s credit system.
Hidden Costs and Considerations
Beyond the monthly fees, consider these additional factors:
- Audible: Additional credits cost extra, but you maintain a permanent library
- Scribd: No additional costs, but popular titles may become limited after heavy usage
- Long-term Value: Audible’s owned books retain value over time
- Content Diversity: Scribd’s included documents and ebooks provide additional value
User Experience and Platform Features
Both platforms offer robust mobile apps and web interfaces, but they differ significantly in their additional features and user experience.
Audible’s Premium Features
Audible excels with features like Whispersync for Voice, which allows seamless switching between reading an ebook and listening to its audiobook counterpart. Their app also includes sophisticated listening statistics, chapter navigation, and sleep timers. The ability to adjust narration speed and set bookmarks enhances the overall user experience.
Scribd’s Multi-Format Approach
Scribd’s platform is designed for readers who consume content in multiple formats. The ability to switch between audiobooks, ebooks, and documents within the same app is a significant advantage. Their recent rebranding to Everand has streamlined the experience, separating document access (Scribd app) from book content (Everand app). For readers interested in exploring different audiobook platforms, our comparison of Audible vs Downpour provides additional insights.
- Audible: Superior playback features, better integration with Amazon ecosystem, more sophisticated recommendation algorithms
- Scribd/Everand: Superior format flexibility, better value for multi-format consumers, simpler pricing structure
- Both: Reliable offline listening, cross-device synchronization, regular new content additions
Recent Changes and Future Outlook
The audiobook subscription landscape has evolved significantly, with both services adapting to market demands. Scribd’s transition to Everand represents a strategic shift toward separating their document service from their book subscription service. Meanwhile, Audible has expanded their Plus catalog and introduced more flexible credit options.
According to recent industry analysis, “Everand’s recent plan structure changes, introducing tiered pricing with 1 or 3 premium unlocks monthly, addresses some of