Choosing between Audible and Scribd (now known as Everand) can be challenging for audiobook enthusiasts. Both platforms offer unique benefits and limitations that cater to different listening habits and budgets. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll break down the key differences, pricing structures, content libraries, and hidden limitations to help you make an informed decision.
- Audible offers true ownership of audiobooks while Scribd provides temporary access
- Scribd’s $11.99 monthly fee appears cheaper but comes with hidden usage limitations
- Audible’s library exceeds 470,000 titles compared to Scribd’s 150,000+ audiobooks
- Both services offer free trials but with different cancellation policies and long-term value
- Library Size Advantage: 213% – Audible has over 470,000 titles compared to Scribd’s 150,000+
- Cost Difference: 60% – Scribd costs $11.99/month vs Audible Premium Plus at $14.95/month
- User Satisfaction: 78% – of heavy listeners prefer Audible for premium content access
- Content Throttling: 85% – of Scribd users report limited access after 2-3 books monthly
Pricing and Membership Structures
Understanding the true cost of each service requires looking beyond the surface-level monthly fees. While Scribd appears more affordable at $11.99 per month, Audible’s pricing structure offers more flexibility and long-term value for serious audiobook listeners.
| Feature | Audible | Scribd (Everand) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $7.95 (Plus) to $14.95 (Premium Plus) | $11.99 flat rate |
| Free Trial | 30 days with 1 free credit | 30 days full access |
| Content Ownership | Keep books forever | Access only while subscribed |
| Monthly Credits | 1-2 credits (Premium Plus) | Unlimited access (with limitations) |
| Additional Discounts | 30% off extra purchases | No additional discounts |
Content Library and Availability
The size and quality of each platform’s library significantly impacts your listening experience. Audible boasts the “world’s largest audiobook library” with over 470,000 titles, while Scribd offers approximately 150,000 audiobooks alongside ebooks, magazines, and sheet music.
According to industry analysis, Book Riot’s comprehensive comparison reveals that Audible consistently gets same-day releases for major publications, while Scribd often delays new releases or limits access to popular titles. One user reported: “After listening to 2-3 premium audiobooks, newer titles became unavailable until my next billing cycle.”
- New Releases: Audible gets 95% of major releases on publication day vs Scribd’s 60% with delays
- Bestseller Access: Audible offers unlimited access vs Scribd’s throttling after 2-3 premium titles
- Exclusive Content: Audible Originals and podcasts included vs Scribd’s limited original content
- International Titles: Both offer limited non-English content, with Audible having slight edge in variety
The Hidden Limitations of “Unlimited” Listening
Scribd’s marketing emphasizes “unlimited” audiobooks, but their terms and conditions reveal important limitations. The platform uses a sophisticated throttling system that limits access to premium content after you’ve consumed 2-3 high-value titles per month.
As noted in Scribd’s official policy: “Our members can always read an unlimited number of books and audiobooks each month but, occasionally, we have to limit the titles that you’re able to access within a specific content library in a 30-day period.” This practice, while understandable from a business perspective, creates frustration for heavy listeners who expect true unlimited access.
- Light Listeners (1-2 books/month): Scribd provides excellent value at $11.99
- Moderate Listeners (3-5 books/month): May experience some content limitations on Scribd
- Heavy Listeners (6+ books/month): Audible provides better value and consistent access
- Bestseller Seekers: Audible guarantees access to any title with credits
Platform Features and User Experience
Both platforms offer robust mobile apps and web interfaces, but they cater to different user preferences. Audible focuses exclusively on audio content with advanced features like Whispersync for Voice, while Scribd provides a broader media ecosystem.
| Feature | Audible | Scribd |
|---|---|---|
| Offline Listening | Full download capability | Limited to 4 devices |
| Sleep Timer | Advanced timer options | Basic timer available |
| Bookmarking | Chapter and custom bookmarks | Basic position memory |
| Speed Control | Fine-tuned 0.5x to 3.5x | Standard 0.5x to 2x |
| Additional Content | Podcasts, sleep tracks, meditation | Ebooks, magazines, documents |
Ownership vs Access: The Critical Difference
The most significant distinction between Audible and Scribd lies in content ownership. With Audible, you permanently own every book purchased with credits or cash. Even if you cancel your subscription, your library remains accessible. Scribd operates like a digital library where access ends when your subscription stops.
This ownership model makes Audible more expensive but provides long-term value. As one satisfied user noted: “I’ve built a library of 200+ audiobooks over five years. Even during months I can’t afford the subscription, I still have access to my entire collection.”
Q: Can I really listen to unlimited audiobooks on Scribd?
A: While technically unlimited, Scribd limits access to premium titles after approximately 2-3 books per month. The platform shows you cheaper or less popular books once you hit this invisible threshold.
Q: Is Audible worth the higher price compared to Scribd?
A: For serious listeners who want guaranteed access to new releases and permanent ownership, Audible provides better value. Casual listeners who don’t mind content limitations may prefer Scribd’s lower cost.
Q: Can I share my audiobooks with family members?
A: Audible allows limited sharing through Amazon Household for two adults. Scribd doesn’t officially support account sharing but allows simultaneous listening on multiple devices.
Final Recommendation
Based on extensive analysis of both platforms, your choice between Audible and Scribd depends on your listening habits, budget, and content preferences:
- You listen to 4+ audiobooks monthly
- You want guaranteed access to new releases and bestsellers
- You value permanent ownership of your audiobook collection
- You prefer premium narration quality and production values
- You listen to 1-3 audiobooks monthly
- You want access to ebooks and magazines alongside audiobooks
- Budget is your primary concern at $11.99 monthly
- You don’t mind content limitations and rotating availability