Discover the truth about whether Audible Premium Plus includes Kindle Unlimited access with our comprehensive, research-backed analysis that separates fact from fiction.
- Audible Premium Plus and Kindle Unlimited are separate Amazon services with no bundled access
- Premium Plus offers 1-2 monthly credits plus unlimited access to the Plus Catalog
- Kindle Unlimited provides access to over 4 million ebooks, magazines, and audiobooks
- Both services can be used together for a comprehensive reading and listening experience
- 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
- Average Audiobook Price: $33 – retail price compared to Audible’s $14.95 monthly membership
- Genre Selection: 130+ – audiobook genres and microgenres available on Audible
The Truth About Audible Premium Plus and Kindle Unlimited
One of the most common misconceptions among Amazon service users is whether Audible Premium Plus includes Kindle Unlimited access. The straightforward answer is no – these are completely separate subscription services that operate independently. However, understanding how they work together can help you maximize your reading and listening experience.
Audible Premium Plus is Amazon’s premium audiobook subscription service that includes monthly credits for purchasing audiobooks you keep forever, plus unlimited access to the Audible Plus Catalog of included titles. According to Audible’s official member benefits page, Premium Plus members receive “1 credit per month to be used to redeem any title from our Premium selections” plus “exclusive sales and discounts for any additional titles you purchase.”
Understanding Audible Premium Plus Membership Tiers
Audible offers several Premium Plus membership options designed to fit different listening habits and budgets:
- Premium Plus (1 Credit): $14.95/month – Includes Plus Catalog access plus 1 monthly credit for any premium title
- Premium Plus (2 Credits): $22.95/month – Includes Plus Catalog access plus 2 monthly credits for premium titles
- Auto-renewal: All plans automatically renew at the stated price after 30 days unless canceled
- Annual Premium Plus (12 Credits): $149.50/year – Immediate access to 12 credits plus Plus Catalog
- Annual Premium Plus (24 Credits): $229.50/year – Immediate access to 24 credits plus Plus Catalog
- Credit Expiration: Credits expire one year after issue date if unused
What Kindle Unlimited Actually Offers
Kindle Unlimited is Amazon’s ebook and audiobook subscription service that provides access to over 4 million titles for $11.99 per month. While it does include some audiobooks, the selection is more limited than Audible’s catalog, and you don’t get to keep the books if you cancel your subscription.
The key distinction is ownership versus access. With Audible Premium Plus, you use credits to purchase audiobooks that remain in your library even if you cancel. With Kindle Unlimited, you’re essentially borrowing books during your active subscription period.
How Audible’s Credit System Works
Understanding Audible’s credit system is crucial for maximizing your Premium Plus membership value. Each month, Premium Plus members receive credits based on their plan level:
- 1-Credit Plan: Receive 1 credit monthly for any audiobook regardless of retail price
- 2-Credit Plan: Receive 2 credits monthly for premium title selections
- Annual Plans: Receive all credits upfront (12 or 24) for immediate use
Credits can be used to purchase any audiobook in Audible’s catalog, even those with retail prices significantly higher than your monthly membership fee. This represents substantial savings, especially when you consider that the average retail price of an audiobook is $33, while your monthly credit costs just $14.95 on the basic Premium Plus plan.
Device Compatibility and Listening Experience
Both Audible and Kindle Unlimited offer extensive device compatibility, making it easy to enjoy your content across multiple platforms:
- Mobile: iOS, Android, and Windows devices via free Audible app
- Amazon Ecosystem: Compatible Fire tablets, Kindles, and Alexa-enabled devices
- Smart Home: Sonos devices and other smart speakers
- Offline Listening: Download audiobooks for offline enjoyment without internet connection
For Alexa users, you can simply say “Alexa, read [Title] from Audible” to start listening to your purchased audiobooks. This seamless integration demonstrates how Amazon’s ecosystem works together, even though the services remain separate subscriptions.
Membership Benefits and Exclusive Features
Audible Premium Plus members enjoy several exclusive benefits beyond just monthly credits:
- Plus Catalog: Unlimited access to thousands of audiobooks, podcasts, and Audible Originals
- Exclusive Discounts: Members-only sales and daily deals on additional purchases
- 2-for-1 Sales: Special promotions where two audiobooks cost just one credit
- Audible Daily Deal: Featured audiobook discounted specifically for members
- Unlimited Rewinds: Never worry about missing content with easy replay functionality
These additional perks significantly enhance the value of your Premium Plus membership, providing access to content beyond what your monthly credits alone would cover.
Free Trials and Membership Management
Both Audible and Kindle Unlimited offer free trials for new members, though these are separate promotions:
- Audible Plus/Premium Plus: 30-day free trial with full access to Plus Catalog
- Premium Plus Trial: Includes free credits to redeem premium titles during trial period
- Auto-renewal: Plans automatically convert to paid membership after trial unless canceled
- Flexible Cancellation: Switch plans or cancel anytime with no long-term commitment
It’s important to note that while you can enjoy both free trials simultaneously, they remain separate subscriptions that will auto-renew independently unless canceled. For more information on managing your subscription, check out our guide on Audible subscription holds and suspensions.
Q: Does Audible Premium Plus include Kindle Unlimited access?
A: No, Audible Premium Plus and Kindle Unlimited are separate subscription services. Premium Plus focuses on audiobooks with monthly credits and Plus Catalog access, while Kindle Unlimited provides access to ebooks, magazines, and limited audiobooks.
Q: Can I use Audible credits for Kindle Unlimited books?
A: No, Audible credits are specifically for purchasing audiobooks from Audible’s catalog. Kindle Unlimited operates on a borrowing model rather than a purchase system.
Q: Is there any discount for having both Audible and Kindle Unlimited?
A: Currently, Amazon doesn’t offer bundled pricing or discounts for subscribing to both services simultaneously. Each service is billed separately at its standard monthly rate.
Final Thoughts
While Audible Premium Plus doesn’t include Kindle Unlimited access, both services offer tremendous value for avid readers and listeners. The key is understanding their distinct purposes and how to leverage each for maximum benefit. Audible Premium Plus excels for building a permanent audiobook library through credit purchases, while Kindle Unlimited provides extensive access to ebooks and some audiobooks during your active subscription.
For heavy consumers of both audiobooks and ebooks, maintaining both subscriptions can be worthwhile. However, if you need to choose between them, consider your primary content preferences and whether you value permanent ownership (Audible) or broad access (Kindle Unlimited) more highly.
