Get expert insights on how many free audiobooks come with audible premium plus with our detailed explanation and practical advice.
- Audible Premium Plus includes unlimited access to thousands of free audiobooks in the Plus Catalog
- Members receive 1 credit monthly to purchase any premium audiobook regardless of price
- The average retail price of audiobooks is $33, making the $14.95 monthly membership highly cost-effective
- Credits expire after one year, so strategic planning is essential for maximizing value
- 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
- Cost Savings: $396+ – potential annual savings compared to purchasing audiobooks individually
- Catalog Size: 11,000+ – audiobooks available in the Audible Plus Catalog
Understanding Audible Premium Plus Free Audiobooks
When you subscribe to Audible Premium Plus, you gain access to two distinct types of audiobooks: the Plus Catalog and Premium Selection titles purchased with credits. Understanding this distinction is crucial for maximizing your membership value.
The Plus Catalog contains over 11,000 audiobooks that you can listen to for free as long as you maintain your subscription. These include Audible Originals, classic literature, popular fiction, and non-fiction titles across 130+ genres. As noted by A Well Read Wanderer, “Amazon advertises that there are 11,000 audiobook titles available to members in their Audible Plus catalog (that means, audiobooks that are included with subscription, no credit required).”
What’s Included in the Free Plus Catalog?
The Plus Catalog offers substantial value with titles spanning multiple categories:
- Classic Literature: Titles like “The Great Gatsby” and “Pride and Prejudice” narrated by professional actors
- Popular Fiction: Bestselling authors and award-winning novels
- Audible Originals: Exclusive content produced by Audible
- Non-Fiction: Business, self-help, history, and biography titles
- Children’s Books: Family-friendly content for all ages
It’s important to note that the Plus Catalog rotates regularly, with titles being added and removed monthly. This means you should prioritize listening to titles that interest you before they potentially leave the catalog.
Premium Plus Credit System Explained
Beyond the free Plus Catalog, Audible Premium Plus members receive 1 credit per month that can be used to purchase any audiobook from the premium selection, regardless of its retail price. These purchased titles are yours to keep forever, even if you cancel your membership.
Considering the average audiobook retails for $33 and your monthly membership costs $14.95, each credit represents significant savings. If you use your credit to purchase a $33 audiobook, you’re effectively getting it at a 55% discount plus unlimited access to the Plus Catalog.
| Membership Plan | Monthly Cost | Monthly Credits | Plus Catalog Access | Annual Credit Value* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium Plus Monthly | $14.95 | 1 | Yes | $396 |
| Premium Plus 2 Credits | $22.95 | 2 | Yes | $792 |
| Premium Plus Annual (12 credits) | $149.50 | 12 upfront | Yes | $396 |
| Premium Plus Annual (24 credits) | $229.50 | 24 upfront | Yes | $792 |
*Based on average audiobook price of $33
How Audible Compares to Other Audiobook Services
When evaluating audiobook services, it’s helpful to understand how Audible’s model differs from competitors like Spotify’s audiobook offering. As noted in an honest review of Spotify for audiobooks, “Rather than sell you individual titles, Spotify allots a certain number of listening hours per user, per month.”
This fundamental difference highlights Audible’s advantage for serious audiobook listeners:
- Ownership vs. Access: Audible credits purchase permanent ownership, while Spotify offers temporary access
- Unlimited Listening: Audible has no listening hour restrictions
- Credit Flexibility: Credits can be used on any title regardless of length or price
- Larger Catalog: Audible offers over 130 genres compared to more limited selections elsewhere
Maximizing Your Audible Premium Plus Value
To get the most from your Audible Premium Plus membership, consider these expert strategies:
Credit Management
Credits expire one year after they’re issued, so develop a system to track your credit balance and expiration dates. Use credits for expensive titles first, as this maximizes your savings potential.
Plus Catalog Exploration
Regularly browse new additions to the Plus Catalog and create a listening queue. Since titles rotate, prioritize those that interest you most before they potentially leave the catalog.
Member-Only Sales
Audible frequently offers member-exclusive sales, including cash sales where titles are heavily discounted and 2-for-1 credit sales. These can significantly stretch your credit value.
Daily Deals
Check the Audible Daily Deal for deeply discounted titles (often $2.95-$5.95). These are perfect for building your permanent library without using credits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many free audiobooks do I actually get with Audible Premium Plus?
A: You get unlimited access to the entire Plus Catalog (11,000+ titles) plus one credit monthly to purchase any premium title to keep forever. There’s no limit to how many Plus Catalog titles you can listen to each month.
Q: What happens to my purchased audiobooks if I cancel my membership?
A: Any titles purchased with credits are yours to keep permanently, even after cancellation. However, you’ll lose access to the Plus Catalog titles, which require an active subscription.
Q: Can I listen to Audible on multiple devices?
A: Yes, Audible supports listening across multiple devices including iOS, Android, Windows, Fire tablets, Kindles, and Alexa-enabled devices. Your progress syncs automatically between devices.
Q: Are there any hidden costs with Audible Premium Plus?
A: The $14.95 monthly fee covers your credit and Plus Catalog access. Additional costs only occur if you purchase extra credits or buy titles during cash sales beyond your monthly credit.
Q: How does the free trial work?
A: New members typically get a 30-day free trial including one credit and full Plus Catalog access. If not canceled before the trial ends, your membership automatically continues at the regular price.
Final Thoughts
Audible Premium Plus offers exceptional value for audiobook enthusiasts, providing both unlimited access to thousands of free titles in the Plus Catalog and a credit system for building a permanent library. With strategic use of your membership, you can enjoy hundreds of dollars worth of audiobooks for a fraction of the retail cost.
The key to maximizing your Audible experience lies in understanding the distinction between Plus Catalog titles (free with subscription) and credit-purchased titles (yours to keep forever). By regularly exploring the rotating