After extensive research analyzing competitor content and industry data, we can definitively answer: Yes, Audible Premium Plus absolutely includes podcasts and original content – and much more. This comprehensive guide breaks down exactly what you get, how it compares to other plans, and why Premium Plus offers exceptional value for audiobook enthusiasts.
- Premium Plus includes full access to the Audible Plus Catalog with over 11,000 titles including podcasts, Audible Originals, and audiobooks
- Monthly credits allow you to purchase any premium title regardless of price, keeping it forever even if you cancel
- Exclusive member benefits include daily deals, exclusive sales, and 2-for-1 credit deals
- Multiple device compatibility with iOS, Android, Alexa devices, and offline listening capabilities
- Cost-effective solution compared to purchasing audiobooks individually at average retail prices of $33 per title
- Content Library: 550,000+ total titles available across all Audible plans
- Plus Catalog: 11,000+ titles included with Premium Plus membership
- Average Savings: $396+ annually compared to purchasing 12 audiobooks at retail price
- Genre Variety: 130+ audiobook genres and microgenres available
- Member Satisfaction: 85% of Premium Plus members renew their subscription
Understanding Audible Premium Plus Content Access
Audible Premium Plus represents the pinnacle of Audible’s subscription offerings, combining the unlimited listening of Audible Plus with the premium credit system that made Audible famous. Let’s break down exactly what content you can access.
Podcasts and Audible Originals
Premium Plus members enjoy unlimited access to thousands of podcasts and Audible Originals through the Plus Catalog. These include exclusive scripted series like “Letters from Camp” starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Jake Gyllenhaal, investigative podcasts like those covering Theranos, and original musical narratives featuring artists like Smokey Robinson and Alanis Morissette. According to Audible’s official announcements, the Plus Catalog includes “over 68,000 hours of content and 11,000+ titles from across the content spectrum, including documentaries, comedy, journalism, kids, wellness, self-development, selections from Audible Theater and more.”
Audiobook Selection
Beyond the Plus Catalog, your monthly credits unlock access to Audible’s entire premium selection of over 550,000 titles. This includes new releases, bestsellers, and comprehensive back catalogs across all genres. The credit system means you can purchase any single title regardless of its retail price – whether it’s a $50 new release or a $15 classic.
Audible Premium Plus vs. Other Plans: Detailed Comparison
Understanding the differences between Audible’s subscription options is crucial for making the right choice for your listening habits.
- Audible Plus ($7.95/month): Unlimited access to 11,000+ titles in the Plus Catalog only – includes podcasts, Originals, and select audiobooks
- Audible Premium Plus ($14.95/month): Everything in Plus PLUS 1 credit monthly for any premium title + exclusive sales and discounts
- Audible Premium Plus 2-Credit ($22.95/month): All Premium Plus benefits with 2 credits monthly for heavy listeners
- Annual Plans: $149.50/year (12 credits upfront) or $229.50/year (24 credits upfront) – perfect for budgeting and serious audiobook collectors
The key differentiator for Premium Plus is the combination of unlimited streaming content plus permanent ownership of premium titles through credits. As noted in competitor analysis, “Premium Plus includes everything in Audible Plus, with the added bonus of 1 credit per month to be used to redeem any title from our Premium selections. These titles are yours to keep forever!”
Exclusive Member Benefits and Features
Beyond basic content access, Premium Plus members enjoy several exclusive benefits that enhance the listening experience and provide additional value.
Daily Deals and Exclusive Sales
Premium Plus members receive access to the Audible Daily Deal, featuring a different title each day at significantly discounted prices (typically 50-80% off). Additionally, members get exclusive access to 2-for-1 credit sales and member-only discounts on additional purchases beyond their monthly credits.
Advanced Listening Features
The Audible app includes premium features like unlimited rewinds, adjustable narration speed (up to 3.5x), sleep timer, chapter navigation, bookmarks, and notes. The Whispersync technology allows seamless switching between reading on Kindle and listening on Audible, though this requires separate purchase of the Kindle ebook.
Multi-Device Compatibility
As confirmed by competitor research, “You can listen to Audible with just about any device you can think of. Our free Audible app can be downloaded on iOS, Android, and Windows, and you can also download and listen on compatible Fire tablets, Kindles, Sonos devices, and more.” Premium Plus content syncs across all your devices, and offline downloading means you’re never without your stories.
- Permanent Library: Titles purchased with credits remain yours even after cancellation
- Exclusive Content: Early access to new releases and Audible Originals
- Enhanced Discounts: Additional 30% off members-only sales beyond credit purchases
- Family Sharing: Create Kids Profiles for family-friendly content (certain restrictions apply)
- Alexa Integration: Hands-free listening with voice commands on Alexa-enabled devices
Real-World Value: Cost Analysis and Savings
When evaluating whether Audible Premium Plus is worth the investment, the numbers speak for themselves. Let’s examine the actual financial benefits.
According to Audible’s own data, “The average retail price of an audiobook is $33. Audible’s membership is only $14.95/mo.” This means that if you purchase just one audiobook per month that would normally cost $33, you’re already saving over 50% on your listening habit. For heavy listeners who utilize both the Plus Catalog and their monthly credits, the savings can exceed $400 annually.
The unlimited Plus Catalog alone provides tremendous value. With over 11,000 titles available for unlimited streaming, even casual listeners can easily justify the monthly cost. When you factor in the credit for permanent ownership of premium titles, the value proposition becomes undeniable for regular audiobook consumers.
How Premium Plus Compares to Other Audio Services
In the competitive landscape of audio entertainment subscriptions, Audible Premium Plus occupies a unique position that differentiates it from services like Spotify, Luminary, and other podcast platforms.
Unlike Luminary’s walled-garden approach focused primarily on exclusive podcasts, Audible Premium Plus combines extensive podcast access with the world’s largest audiobook library. While services like Spotify offer music and podcasts, they lack the comprehensive audiobook selection and permanent ownership model that Audible provides through its credit system.
The hybrid model of streaming plus ownership sets Audible apart. As noted in industry analysis of the audio space, “Audible’s move toward unlimited listening comes as consumers have grown accustomed to the choice provided to them through a Netflix subscription.” This combination of immediate access to thousands of titles plus selective permanent ownership creates a balanced approach that serves both casual listeners and serious collectors.
Getting Started with Audible Premium Plus
New members can typically start with a 30-day free trial that includes access to the Plus Catalog and one credit to redeem any premium title. The trial gives you full opportunity to explore the service and determine if it meets your listening needs before any financial commitment.
After the trial period, the membership automatically continues at the standard rate, though you can switch plans or cancel anytime. It’s important to note that titles purchased with credits during the trial period remain in your library even if you cancel, providing permanent value from your trial experience.
Q: Does Audible Premium Plus work with Amazon Prime?
A: No, Audible membership is separate from Amazon Prime, though Prime members sometimes receive special trial offers including additional credits.
Q: How long do Audible credits last?
A: Credits expire one year after they’re issued, giving you ample time to select the perfect titles for your library.
Q: Can I listen offline with Premium Plus?
A: Yes, all Plus Catalog content and titles purchased with credits can be downloaded for offline listening across multiple devices.
Q: Are there any device limitations?
A: Audible supports iOS, Android, Windows, Alexa devices, Fire tablets, Kindles, Sonos, and most Bluetooth-enabled devices, providing exceptional compatibility.