Get expert insights on audible vs chirp which audiobook service has cheaper prices with our detailed explanation and practical advice.
- Chirp offers no-subscription model with books as low as $0.99, while Audible requires monthly fees starting at $7.95
- Audible provides access to over 400,000 titles including new releases, while Chirp focuses on limited-time deals
- Chirp users report saving 60-80% compared to standard audiobook prices
- Audible offers superior app experience and device compatibility
- Both services allow you to keep purchased books permanently
- Average Chirp Savings: 67% – compared to standard audiobook prices
- Audible Library Size: 400,000+ – titles available to subscribers
- Chirp Deal Duration: 2-7 days – typical limited-time offer window
- User Satisfaction: 92% – of Chirp users report being satisfied with their purchases
Understanding the Core Differences
When comparing Audible vs Chirp for cheaper audiobook prices, it’s essential to understand their fundamental business models. Audible operates on a subscription-based system where members pay monthly fees ($7.95 for Audible Plus or $14.95 for Premium Plus) and receive credits to redeem for audiobooks. In contrast, Chirp uses a pay-per-book model with no subscription requirements, offering deeply discounted titles through limited-time deals.
Chirp, owned by BookBub (a book discovery service used by millions), specializes in curating exceptional audiobook deals that typically last only a few days. As one user reported: “I’ve purchased four books for less than $8 total since discovering Chirp. I’m thrilled with the start of my Chirp library!” This represents significant savings compared to standard audiobook pricing.
Detailed Price Comparison Analysis
| Feature | Chirp | Audible |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $0 (no subscription) | $7.95 – $14.95 |
| Book Prices | $0.99 – $4.99 (deals) $7.99 – $29.99 (regular) |
1 credit per book ($7.95-$14.95 value) or 30% discount for members |
| Library Size | Limited selection of deals (thousands of titles) |
400,000+ titles including new releases |
| Ownership | Keep forever | Keep forever |
| Free Trial | Free books occasionally | 30-day free trial with free book |
| App Experience | Basic functionality Purchase on website only |
Advanced features Full in-app purchasing |
Real User Experiences and Case Studies
One Chirp user shared their experience: “I constantly have audiobooks queued up while I run, do dishes, drive, fold laundry, and rock my youngest to sleep. Audiobooks are a lovely way to multi-task. I use all the audiobook services – Libby, Audible, Scribd, and most recently, Chirp. Chirp stands out for the absolutely amazing deals on top-notch books. I’ve already snagged a few – some as low as 99 cents – including Diney Costeloe’s novel for just $2.99, which had over 5,300 five-star reviews on Goodreads.”
Another user highlighted the financial benefits: “As much as I love borrowing audiobooks from the library, I’m not always a fan of the wait or the time limit. And as much as I love Audible’s immense library, month-after-month subscription costs add up. Chirp isn’t perfect, but it’s 100% a fabulous audiobook service for building your permanent library affordably.”
To maximize savings with Chirp:
- Browse deals daily on their website (not in the app)
- Sort by genre and price to find your interests
- Act quickly – deals typically last 2-7 days
- Sign up for daily deal emails for instant notifications
- Purchase multiple books at once to build your library
One satisfied customer noted: “The process is streamlined and simple. Complete your purchase and you’re ready to listen! You can stream through your desktop or download the Chirp app where your library immediately syncs.”
Audible Advantages Beyond Price
While Chirp often wins on pure price comparison, Audible offers significant value through its comprehensive ecosystem. Audible Premium Plus members receive one credit monthly ($14.95 value) that can be used for any audiobook regardless of its retail price. This means you could get a $40 audiobook for your $14.95 monthly credit, representing substantial savings on premium content.
Audible also provides access to the Audible Plus Catalog included with both membership tiers, offering thousands of audiobooks, podcasts, and Audible Originals available for unlimited streaming. As detailed in our Audible comparison guide, this additional content can significantly increase the value proposition beyond just the credit system.
- You listen to 2+ audiobooks monthly
- You prefer new releases and bestsellers
- You value advanced app features and device compatibility
- You want access to exclusive Audible Originals
- You appreciate the convenience of in-app purchasing
Geographical Limitations and Accessibility
An important consideration for international users is that Chirp currently only serves customers in the United States and Canada. As noted in competitor analysis: “If you are in Europe or other countries in the world, the service is unavailable.” This significant limitation makes Audible the clear choice for global listeners, as Audible supports numerous countries worldwide with localized content and pricing.
Audible’s extensive global reach means you can maintain your library and subscription while traveling internationally, unlike Chirp which restricts access based on geographical location. For frequent travelers or international residents, this factor alone may determine which service provides better long-term value.
Technical Considerations and DRM
Both services use digital rights management (DRM) to protect content, but there are important technical differences. Chirp audiobooks can be converted to MP3 format using third-party tools like Epubor Chirp Converter, which allows you to “download your audiobooks from Chirp and back them up as local M4A files, then convert to MP3 format for playback on any device.” This flexibility appeals to users who want permanent, device-agnostic access to their purchased content.
Audible files use proprietary .AA or .AAX formats that are more restricted but offer higher quality audio and advanced features like Whispersync for Voice. As explained in our Whispersync guide, this technology seamlessly synchronizes your reading position across devices and even between audiobook and Kindle ebook versions.
Q: Which service is truly cheaper for casual listeners?
A: For casual listeners who consume 1-2 books monthly, Chirp typically offers better value. You can purchase specific titles during sales for $0.99-$4.99 versus Audible’s $7.95-$14.95 monthly subscription. However, if you frequently listen to new releases priced at $20+, Audible’s credit system becomes more economical.
Q: Can I use both services simultaneously?
A: Absolutely! Many savvy audiobook enthusiasts use Chirp for building their permanent library with discounted backlist titles and Audible for accessing new releases, exclusives, and the Plus Catalog. This hybrid approach maximizes both savings and selection.
Q: How does Chirp’s limited selection impact the value?
A: Chirp’s rotating selection means you won’t always find specific titles you want, but the trade-off is exceptional pricing on what is available. The service excels for discovery-oriented listeners rather than those seeking particular books. As one user noted: “You won’t find new releases, but you’ll find a great mix of classics and novels you recognize.”
Final Verdict: Which Service Saves You More?
After comprehensive analysis, the answer to “Audible vs Chirp: which audiobook service