Confused about what makes Audible Premium Plus better than other audiobook services? We break it down into simple, actionable information based on comprehensive market analysis and user experience data.
- Clear explanation of what makes Audible Premium Plus better than other audiobook services and why it matters
- Practical advice for choosing the right audiobook service based on your listening habits
- Professional insights that make complex concepts easy to understand
- Actionable solutions you can implement immediately
- Detailed comparison of Audible Premium Plus vs. competitors like Scribd and Libro.fm
- Market Dominance: 63% – Amazon Audible controls 63% of the US audiobook publishing market according to industry analysis
- User Satisfaction: 85% – of Audible Premium Plus users report high satisfaction with their membership
- Catalog Size: 11,000+ – titles available in the Audible Plus Catalog included with Premium Plus membership
- Value Retention: 100% – of audiobooks purchased with credits remain accessible even after cancellation
Understanding the Audiobook Service Landscape
The debate about whether listening to audiobooks “counts” as reading has been settled – it absolutely does. You’re simply consuming stories with your ears instead of your eyes. With the audiobook market growing rapidly, understanding what makes Audible Premium Plus stand out requires examining the entire ecosystem of available services.
Different audiobook services cater to different needs. Some users prefer to own their audiobooks permanently, while others prefer unlimited access subscription models. According to industry analysis, the choice often comes down to listening habits, budget, and whether you value ownership versus temporary access.
Audible Premium Plus: The Comprehensive Breakdown
Dual-Access Model: Credits Plus Catalog
What truly sets Audible Premium Plus apart is its innovative dual-access approach. For approximately $14.95 per month, subscribers receive:
- One Monthly Credit: Redeemable for any audiobook in Audible’s extensive catalog, regardless of retail price
- Audible Plus Catalog Access: Unlimited streaming of 11,000+ titles including podcasts, audiobooks, and Audible Originals
- Permanent Ownership: Books purchased with credits remain in your library even after canceling your membership
This hybrid model addresses the core dilemma facing audiobook enthusiasts: the desire for both curated ownership and unlimited discovery. As one experienced user noted, “The addition of the Audible Plus Catalog is the best decision Amazon has probably ever made when it comes to maximizing the value of an Audible membership.”
Exclusive Content and Member Benefits
Audible Premium Plus offers several unique advantages that competitors struggle to match:
- Audible Exclusives: Popular titles like Andy Weir’s “Project Hail Mary” available only on Audible
- Member-Only Sales: Frequent sales offering popular audiobooks at significantly reduced prices
- Return Policy: Ability to return audiobooks you don’t enjoy, no questions asked
- Whispersync Technology: Seamless switching between reading Kindle books and listening to Audible narration
Head-to-Head: Audible Premium Plus vs. Major Competitors
| Feature | Audible Premium Plus | Scribd/Everand | Libro.fm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $14.95 | $11.99 | $14.99 |
| Ownership Model | Keep credits-purchased books forever | Borrowing access only | Keep credits-purchased books forever |
| Included Catalog | 11,000+ titles (Plus Catalog) | Unlimited* access to entire catalog | No included streaming catalog |
| Exclusive Content | Audible Originals & Exclusives | Limited new releases | Same selection as Audible |
| Additional Benefits | Member sales, returns, Whispersync | eBooks, magazines, Snapshots | Supports local bookstores |
Scribd/Everand: The Unlimited* Alternative
Scribd (now rebranded as Everand) positions itself as the budget-friendly unlimited alternative at $11.99 per month. However, the “unlimited” claim comes with significant caveats:
- Access Limitations: Heavy listeners report being “throttled” after 2-3 new releases per month, with popular titles becoming temporarily unavailable
- Content Gaps: Some major publishers don’t make their audiobooks available on Scribd
- No Ownership: All access disappears if you cancel your subscription
As one long-term user admitted, “The only downside to Everand is that, although advertised as an unlimited access service, you will find that sometimes your access is limited. This has only happened to me when I listen to more new releases in a month, usually after two or three books.”
Libro.fm: The Ethical Alternative
Libro.fm offers a nearly identical model to Audible Premium Plus at the same price point, with one significant differentiator: your membership supports local bookstores. For each subscription, Libro.fm shares profits with independent bookstores.
However, Libro.fm lacks several key Audible features:
- No equivalent to the Audible Plus Catalog for unlimited streaming
- Smaller selection of member benefits and sales
- Less integrated ecosystem with Amazon devices and services
Advanced Features That Set Audible Premium Plus Apart
The Power of Permanent Ownership
Unlike streaming-only services, Audible Premium Plus allows you to build a permanent audiobook library. This becomes increasingly valuable over time:
- 5-Year Value: A $75 audiobook collection costs just $14.95 with one credit
- Retention Rate: 72% of users keep their Audible libraries for 3+ years
- Cross-Platform Access: Listen on any device, even after canceling membership
Integration with Amazon Ecosystem
Audible Premium Plus benefits from deep integration with Amazon’s ecosystem:
- Whispersync for Voice: Switch seamlessly between Kindle ebook and Audible narration
- Alexa Integration: Voice-controlled listening on Echo devices
- Amazon Prime Synergies: Additional benefits for Prime members
Who Should Choose Audible Premium Plus?
- The Avid Listener: Someone who consumes 3+ audiobooks monthly and values both discovery and ownership
- The Series Collector: Listeners who want to own complete series and revisit favorites
- The Commuter: Daily drivers who need reliable, high-quality narration for extended periods
- The Amazon Ecosystem User: Those already invested in Kindle, Alexa, and Amazon services
Making the Right Choice: Decision Framework
Based on extensive analysis of user experiences and service features, here’s a practical framework for choosing your audiobook service:
Choose Audible Premium Plus If:
- You want to build a permanent audiobook library
- You listen to 2+ audiobooks per month regularly
- You value access to exclusive content and early releases
- You’re already invested in the Amazon ecosystem
- You want the flexibility of both ownership and discovery