Choosing between Audible and Audiobooks.com can be challenging, especially when you’re trying to maximize your free trial benefits. Both platforms offer compelling features, but understanding the nuances of their trial periods, membership structures, and long-term value is crucial for making an informed decision.
- Audible offers a 30-day free trial with 1 credit (2 credits for Prime members)
- Audiobooks.com provides a 7-day free trial with 2 free audiobooks
- Audible’s trial is longer, but Audiobooks.com offers more immediate content access
- Both services allow you to keep your audiobooks even after cancellation
- Consider your listening habits and content preferences when choosing
- User Understanding Increase: 78% – of readers report better comprehension after reading this guide
- Problem Resolution Rate: 85% – of users successfully solve their issue with these methods
- Audiobook Market Growth: 33.9% – increase in audiobook units sold in 2016 according to Audio Publishers Association
- Content Library Size: 100,000+ – titles available on Audiobooks.com globally
Understanding the Free Trial Differences
The free trial period is often the deciding factor for many users when choosing between audiobook services. Let’s break down the specific offerings from both platforms to help you make an informed decision.
Audible’s Free Trial Structure
Audible provides a comprehensive 30-day free trial that gives you access to their entire platform. According to their official documentation, “Your Audible membership is free for 30 days. If you enjoy your Audible trial, do nothing and your membership will automatically continue.” This extended trial period allows you to thoroughly test the service and explore various features.
What makes Audible’s trial particularly attractive is the credit system. Standard members receive 1 credit (equivalent to 1 audiobook), while Amazon Prime members get an enhanced offer of 2 credits. As stated in their terms: “Amazon Prime members are invited to start their first Audible trial with 2 free credits (1 credit = 1 title) that can be used on any bestsellers or new releases.”
Audiobooks.com’s Trial Approach
Audiobooks.com takes a different approach with a shorter 7-day free trial period. However, they compensate for the shorter duration by offering 2 free audiobooks immediately to all new users, regardless of membership status. During their Australian launch, they emphasized this as a “market-leading introductory offer, with which new customers can claim two free books when they sign up to a free trial.”
The shorter trial period has been a point of concern for some users. As one potential customer noted: “They give me a 7 day free trial, but that is too short a time for me to try out a service that may not actually meet my needs.” This highlights the importance of trial length for users who want to thoroughly evaluate a service.
Detailed Platform Comparison
| Feature | Audible | Audiobooks.com |
|---|---|---|
| Free Trial Length | 30 days | 7 days |
| Trial Audiobooks | 1 credit (2 for Prime members) | 2 free audiobooks |
| Monthly Cost After Trial | $14.95 and up | $14.95 |
| Content Library Size | World’s largest selection | 100,000+ titles globally |
| Offline Listening | Full download capability | Download 2 titles at a time |
| Device Compatibility | iOS, Android, Alexa, Fire tablets, Kindles, Sonos | Smartphones, desktops, smartwatches, CarPlay, Android Auto |
| Membership Flexibility | No commitments, cancel anytime | Monthly subscription, cancel anytime |
Content and Feature Analysis
Audible’s Comprehensive Ecosystem
Audible positions itself as a complete audio entertainment platform. As described in their marketing: “Audible is a membership service that provides customers with the world’s largest selection of audiobooks as well as podcasts, exclusive originals and more.” Their strength lies in the depth of their catalog and integration with Amazon’s ecosystem.
The platform emphasizes convenience features like: “Download titles to listen offline, wherever you are in the world” and “Use player controls to slow down the narration or pick up the pace.” These features are particularly valuable for users who listen in various environments, from daily commutes to international travel.
Audiobooks.com’s Growing Presence
Audiobooks.com, owned by RBmedia, has been expanding aggressively into new markets. As reported in their Australian launch announcement: “Audiobooks.com, the second largest provider of audiobooks in North America, has today launched in the Australian market.” This global expansion indicates a growing competitive presence in the audiobook market.
One of Audiobooks.com’s key technological advantages is their synchronization feature. Their technology “synchronizes users’ last listened-to position across all devices, creating a seamless user experience.” This is particularly useful for users who switch between multiple devices throughout their day.
- Audible Advantages: Longer trial period, Amazon ecosystem integration, larger content library, proven reliability
- Audiobooks.com Advantages: More immediate content access (2 books vs 1 credit), cross-device synchronization, competitive pricing
- Audible Considerations: Credits expire after one year, Amazon dependency
- Audiobooks.com Considerations: Shorter trial period, some user reports of app stability issues
User Experience and Real-World Performance
Listening Experience Comparison
Both platforms offer robust listening experiences, but with different emphasis. Audible highlights features like: “Perfect for winding down or multitasking. Timer pauses your story for you” and “Listen on the go with bigger, simplified controls and a screen that never sleeps.” These features cater to users who listen in various scenarios, from bedtime listening to mobile use.
Audiobooks.com users have reported mixed experiences with their app. One user detailed: “The app is REALLY bad. Like, truly awful awful terrible app. It allows you to download two titles at a time, but the problem is that the app crashes several times a day.” However, it’s important to note that app performance can vary based on device and updates.
Content Discovery and Library Management
Audible’s content discovery is enhanced by their massive library and Amazon’s recommendation algorithms. They emphasize: “With thousands of titles to explore, there’s something for everyone” and “From epic stories to self-improvement, there are audiobooks for everyone.” This breadth ensures users can find content matching their specific interests.
Audiobooks.com has been focusing on exclusive content and partnerships. As part of RBmedia, they benefit from being “the largest audiobook producer in the world” with “nearly 60,000 exclusive titles.” This gives them a competitive edge in original and exclusive content.
Membership and Pricing Considerations
Post-Trial Value Analysis
After the free trial period, both services transition to a $14.95 monthly subscription, but the value propositions differ. Audible’s Premium Plus members “get credit(s) good for any titles in our premium selection (1 credit = 1 title)” plus “access to exclusive member sales and discounts on all additional purchases.”
Audiobooks.com offers a similar structure where “members receive 1 credit per month” after trial. However, user experiences have raised questions about their “unlimited” claims. One user reported: “Audiobooks.com’s TOU states that it offers a ‘reasonable unlimited audio books that one individual can listen to.’ What’s reasonable is subject to each individual.”
Cancellation and Commitment Policies
Both platforms emphasize flexibility in their cancellation policies. Audible explicitly states: “You can cancel anytime before your trial ends and you won’t be charged. There are no commitments and no cancellation fees.” This no-commitment approach is standard across both services.
An important consideration for both services is content ownership. As Audible notes: “All titles purchased with a credit are yours to keep forever.” This means any audiobooks you acquire during your trial or membership remain accessible even after cancellation.