Audible offers one of the most comprehensive audiobook libraries in the world, but what truly sets it apart is the exclusive content available to members. This in-depth guide explores all aspects of Audible’s membership benefits and exclusive offerings.
- Audible members get access to thousands of exclusive titles not available to non-members
- Premium Plus members receive monthly credits for premium selections plus exclusive sales
- The Audible Plus Catalog includes over 11,000 titles available for unlimited streaming
- Members enjoy original content produced exclusively for Audible, including celebrity-narrated works
- Special member discounts can reduce audiobook prices by up to 80% off retail
- 520,000+ audiobooks in Audible’s complete library
- 11,000+ titles available in the Plus Catalog for unlimited streaming
- 9,000 Audible Originals exclusive to members
- $33 average retail price of an audiobook vs. $7.95-$14.95 member pricing
- 130+ genres and microgenres available
Understanding Audible Membership Tiers
Audible offers several membership levels, each with different access to exclusive content. The two main membership types are Audible Plus and Audible Premium Plus, with Premium Plus offering the most comprehensive access to exclusive materials.
Audible Plus Membership ($7.95/month)
This entry-level membership provides unlimited access to the Audible Plus Catalog, which includes:
- Thousands of audiobooks marked with the “included” tag
- Audible Originals produced exclusively for members
- Select podcasts and audio shows
- Ability to stream or download for offline listening
Audible Premium Plus ($14.95/month)
The premium membership includes all Plus benefits plus:
- 1 credit per month for any premium title (regardless of retail price)
- Exclusive member discounts (up to 30% off additional purchases)
- Access to daily deals and 2-for-1 credit sales
- Early access to new releases
Premium Plus Annual Plans: Maximum Value
For serious audiobook listeners, Audible’s annual Premium Plus plans offer significant savings and immediate access to multiple credits:
- 12-Credit Annual Plan ($149.50/year): Equivalent to $12.45 per credit, with all Plus Catalog benefits
- 24-Credit Annual Plan ($229.50/year): Just $9.56 per credit – the lowest cost per audiobook available
- Both plans include all Premium Plus benefits like exclusive sales and discounts
- Credits are available immediately for use on any premium titles
According to long-time Audible user Barry D. Moore who has reviewed 483 Audible books, “The annual plans bring the average cost per book down to $12.45, the lowest price in the industry. With special offers and discounted extra credits, my average cost per book is about $8.”
Audible Originals: Exclusive Content Worth Exploring
One of the most valuable aspects of Audible membership is access to Audible Originals – content produced exclusively for Audible members. These include:
- Celebrity-narrated works: Performances by actors like Kate Winslet, Tom Hanks, and Stephen Fry
- Original audio dramas: High-production value stories with full casts
- Author exclusives: Works created specifically for Audible by bestselling authors
- Educational content: Courses and lectures from top universities and experts
Recent notable Audible Originals include “Victorian Secrets” narrated by Stephen Fry (7 hours 40 minutes) and “Winter Rising” by Alex Callister (11 hours 31 minutes). These productions often feature higher audio quality than standard audiobooks, with some available at 128kbps bitrate compared to the standard 64kbps.
Member-Exclusive Benefits Beyond Audiobooks
Audible membership includes several often-overlooked benefits that enhance the listening experience:
- Daily Deals: Featured audiobooks discounted up to 85% for members
- 2-for-1 Sales: Use one credit to get two premium titles during special sales
- Exclusive Podcasts: Professional productions available only to members
- Seasonal Content: Special holiday stories and themed collections
- Unlimited Rewinds: Never lose your place, even if you get distracted
As noted in Audible’s official member benefits, Premium Plus members also receive “an exclusive discount on additional purchases, as well as access to 2 for 1 deals.” These special offers can significantly reduce the effective cost per audiobook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Audible free with Amazon Prime?
A: No, Audible is a separate service from Prime. However, Prime members do get an enhanced free trial with 2 free credits instead of 1 when they first sign up for Audible. After the trial, all members pay the same subscription rates regardless of Prime status.
Q: What happens to my audiobooks if I cancel my membership?
A: Any titles you’ve purchased with credits or bought at member prices are yours to keep forever, even after cancellation. You only lose access to the Plus Catalog streaming content.
Q: How does the Plus Catalog differ from premium selections?
A: The Plus Catalog offers unlimited streaming of included titles while premium selections are individual audiobooks you can own permanently using credits. Premium selections typically include newer releases and bestsellers, while the Plus Catalog features a rotating selection of older and Audible Original titles.
Q: Can I share my Audible books with family?
A: Through Amazon Household sharing, you can share your Audible library with one other adult. However, simultaneous listening isn’t allowed. For more on sharing options, see our guide to Audible family sharing.
Maximizing Your Audible Membership
To get the most value from your Audible membership:
- Take advantage of the free trial: New members get 1-2 free credits to redeem any premium titles
- Browse the Plus Catalog first: You might find what you want without using credits
- Watch for sales: Daily deals and 2-for-1 sales can stretch your credits further
- Consider annual plans: If you listen regularly, annual plans offer the lowest cost per book
- Explore Audible Originals: These exclusive productions offer unique content unavailable elsewhere
