As the audiobook market continues to expand, choosing between Audible and Audiobooks.com has become increasingly complex. While Audible dominates with its massive catalog and Amazon integration, Audiobooks.com offers compelling alternatives for listeners who value ethical business practices and sustainable author compensation. This comprehensive guide examines every aspect of both services to help you make an informed decision.
- Audible offers unlimited listening through its Plus Catalog but pays authors significantly lower royalties
- Audiobooks.com provides better author compensation and supports independent bookstores
- Both services cost $14.95/month for their standard plans with similar credit systems
- Audible integrates seamlessly with Amazon ecosystem while Audiobooks.com focuses on ethical listening
- App features are nearly identical, but Audiobooks.com offers unique audiobook clubs
- Market Dominance: 63% – Audible’s estimated market share in the audiobook subscription space
- Author Royalty Gap: 40-67% – Higher royalties paid by Audiobooks.com compared to Audible’s 25-30% rates
- User Satisfaction: 4.7/5 – Average app store rating for both platforms
- Catalog Size Difference: 200,000+ – More titles available on Audible compared to Audiobooks.com
The Ethical Dilemma: Author Compensation and Industry Impact
The most significant difference between these platforms lies in their approach to author compensation and industry sustainability. While Audible has faced criticism for its royalty structure, Audiobooks.com has positioned itself as the ethical alternative through its partnership with Findaway Voices.
The Hidden Cost of Audible’s “All You Can Listen” Model
Audible’s unlimited listening model comes with substantial costs for content creators. The platform recently increased royalty rates from 25% to 30% for non-exclusive authors, but simultaneously restructured their payment system in ways that actually reduce overall earnings for most authors. This creates a challenging environment where authors struggle to earn sustainable incomes from their audiobook productions.
Industry analysis shows that when authors cannot make a living from their work, fewer quality audiobooks get produced long-term. This shortage could lead to increased reliance on AI-generated narration and reduced diversity in available titles. As noted by audiobook industry experts, “The whole audiobook creator industry hurts when authors can’t earn sustainable incomes.”
Detailed Platform Comparison
| Feature | Audible | Audiobooks.com |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost (Standard Plan) | $14.95 | $14.95 |
| Monthly Credits | 1 credit + Plus Catalog access | 1 credit + VIP selection |
| Author Royalties | 25-30% (recently restructured) | 30-50% through Findaway Voices |
| Catalog Size | 200,000+ titles | 175,000+ titles |
| DRM Protection | DRM-protected files | DRM-free downloads available |
| Unique Features | Amazon integration, Whispersync, Alexa compatibility | Audiobook clubs, indie bookstore support, ethical focus |
App Experience and User Interface
Both platforms offer sophisticated mobile applications with nearly identical core functionality. The Audiobooks.com app features intuitive controls for narration speed adjustment (0.5x to 2x), sleep timers, and bookmarking capabilities. Similarly, Audible’s app provides seamless playback controls, chapter navigation, and Whispersync technology for switching between reading and listening.
Key app features shared by both platforms include:
- Offline listening capabilities for downloaded titles
- Variable playback speed controls
- Sleep timer functionality
- Bookmarking and note-taking features
- Cross-device synchronization
However, neither service allows users to employ third-party audiobook players, unlike some smaller platforms like Libro.fm which offer DRM-free MP3 downloads.
Membership Plans and Pricing Structures
Audible Membership Options
Audible offers tiered pricing to accommodate different listening habits:
- Audible Plus ($7.95/month): Access to Plus Catalog only – thousands of included titles
- Audible Premium Plus ($14.95/month): Plus Catalog + 1 credit monthly for any premium title
- Audible Premium Plus 2-credit ($22.95/month): Plus Catalog + 2 credits monthly
- Annual Plans: $149.50 (12 credits) or $229.50 (24 credits) with Plus Catalog access
Audiobooks.com Membership Options
Audiobooks.com provides flexible membership alternatives:
- Standard Membership ($14.95/month): 1 credit + VIP selection + audiobook club access
- 2-Credit Plan ($22.95/month): Additional credits for heavy listeners
- Annual Membership ($149.40/year): Pre-paid option saving $30 annually
- Audiobook Clubs: Use credits for 30-day unlimited access to curated collections
Choose Audible if:
- You want the largest possible catalog and exclusive titles
- You’re heavily invested in the Amazon ecosystem (Kindle, Alexa, etc.)
- Unlimited listening through the Plus Catalog is your priority
- You frequently use Whispersync between reading and listening
Choose Audiobooks.com if:
- You prioritize fair author compensation and industry sustainability
- You want to support independent bookstores and ethical business practices
- DRM-free downloads and permanent ownership matter to you
- You enjoy curated audiobook clubs and specialized collections
Beyond the Big Two: Alternative Audiobook Platforms
While Audible and Audiobooks.com dominate the subscription market, several alternatives offer unique approaches to audiobook consumption:
- Libro.fm ($14.99/month): Supports local bookstores with 30% off à la carte purchases and credit bundles
- Downpour ($12.99/month): Simplified single-plan approach with DRM-free downloads
- Chirp: No subscription – only discounted audiobook deals emailed to subscribers
- LibriVox: Free public domain audiobooks narrated by volunteers
- Hoopla/OverDrive: Free library borrowing with limited selection and availability
Each alternative serves different listener needs, from budget-conscious options to those prioritizing specific features like DRM-free files or library support.
Q: Can I keep my audiobooks if I cancel my subscription?
A: Yes, with both services, any titles purchased with credits remain in your library permanently, even after cancellation. However, access to the Plus Catalog (Audible) or audiobook clubs (Audiobooks.com) requires an active subscription. For detailed information about membership cancellation and library retention, check out our guide on keeping audiobooks after cancellation.
Q: How do the credit systems work and when do credits expire?
A: Both services issue monthly credits that can be redeemed for any premium title regardless of retail price. Audible credits expire after one year, while Audiobooks.com credits follow similar expiration policies. Unused credits do not roll over indefinitely. Learn more about credit expiration and management in our comprehensive resource.
Q: Which service offers better value for casual listeners?
A: For listeners who consume 1-2 audiobooks monthly, both services provide comparable value at $14.95 per credit. However, Audiobooks.com’s audiobook clubs offer additional value for enthusiasts of specific genres, while Audible’s Plus Catalog provides unlimited listening beyond credit redemptions.