When choosing between Audible’s Gold and Platinum membership plans, it’s essential to understand the key differences in pricing, benefits, and value propositions. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know to make an informed decision about your audiobook subscription.
- Gold membership offers 1 credit/month at $14.95 while Platinum provides 2 credits/month at $22.95
- Both plans include access to the Audible Plus Catalog with thousands of included titles
- Platinum members save $6.95/month compared to buying two Gold memberships
- Annual plans offer significant savings with prices as low as $9.56 per credit
- All members get exclusive discounts and access to daily deals
- Average audiobook price: $33 retail vs $14.95 with Gold membership
- Plus Catalog titles: 11,000+ included audiobooks and originals
- Premium Catalog: 500,000+ titles available for credit redemption
- Member savings: Up to 57% discount on additional purchases
Understanding Audible Membership Tiers
Audible offers two primary membership types with several pricing options for each. The Gold and Platinum plans (now called Premium Plus) provide different credit allocations while maintaining access to the same core benefits.
Gold Membership (Premium Plus 1 Credit)
The Gold plan provides:
- 1 credit per month ($14.95 value)
- Unlimited access to Audible Plus Catalog
- 30% discount on additional purchases
- Exclusive member sales and deals
- Keep all purchased audiobooks forever
Platinum Membership (Premium Plus 2 Credits)
The Platinum plan includes all Gold benefits plus:
- 2 credits per month ($22.95 value)
- Lower per-credit cost ($11.48 vs $14.95)
- Better for heavy listeners who go through 2+ books monthly
Annual Membership Options
Audible offers significant savings through annual plans that provide all credits upfront:
| Plan | Credits | Price | Cost/Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Annual | 12 | $149.50 | $12.46 |
| Platinum Annual | 24 | $229.50 | $9.56 |
Additional Membership Benefits
Beyond the credit system, Audible members enjoy several valuable perks:
- Whispersync for Voice: Switch seamlessly between Kindle ebook and Audible narration while keeping your place
- Daily Deals: Members-only discounts on select titles (often under $5)
- Exclusive Sales: 2-for-1 credit deals and other special promotions
- Free Originals: Monthly selection of Audible-exclusive content
- Easy Returns: Exchange audiobooks you don’t enjoy within 365 days
Choosing the Right Plan for You
Consider these factors when deciding between Gold and Platinum:
- Casual listeners (1-2 books per month)
- Those who primarily use the Plus Catalog
- Budget-conscious members
- First-time Audible users
- Avid listeners (2+ books per month)
- Those who prefer new releases and bestsellers
- Members wanting to build a permanent library
- Anyone looking for the lowest per-credit cost
According to Audible’s member benefits page, Premium Plus members report 42% higher satisfaction rates due to the flexibility of having multiple credits each month.
Q: Can I switch between Gold and Platinum plans?
A: Yes, you can change your plan at any time through your Audible account settings. Changes take effect at your next billing cycle.
Q: Do unused credits roll over?
A: Credits expire after one year, but you can accumulate up to 6 credits on monthly plans or your full annual allocation on yearly plans.
Q: Is there a free trial available?
A: Yes, new members can try Audible Premium Plus free for 30 days, which includes 1 free credit to redeem any premium title.
Maximizing Your Membership Value
Here are expert tips to get the most from your Audible subscription:
- Combine with Kindle deals: Many Whispersync titles offer audiobook add-ons for just $1.99-$3.99 when you own the Kindle version
- Watch for sales: Audible frequently runs 2-for-1 credit sales and cash sales on select titles
- Use credits strategically: Save credits for expensive titles (typically $20+ value) and use cash for cheaper purchases
- Explore the Plus Catalog: With thousands of included titles, you might find your next favorite listen without spending credits
- Share with family: Amazon Household sharing allows two adults to share Audible benefits
For additional reading about related topics, visit our resource center where we cover all aspects of this field in detail.
