Get expert insights on what’s the real difference between Audible Plus and Premium Plus with our detailed explanation and practical advice to help you choose the perfect audiobook subscription.
- Audible Plus costs $7.95/month for unlimited access to 11,000+ titles in the Plus Catalog
- Audible Premium Plus costs $14.95/month and includes monthly credits plus Plus Catalog access
- Credits let you purchase any audiobook to keep forever, even after cancellation
- Premium Plus members get exclusive discounts and access to member-only sales
- Annual plans offer significant savings for dedicated listeners
- Market Dominance: 63% – Amazon Audible controls 63% of the US audiobook publishing market according to industry analysis
- Cost Savings: 55% – The average retail price of an audiobook is $33, making the $14.95 Premium Plus membership a significant savings
- Content Library: 130+ – Audible offers over 130 audiobook genres and microgenres to explore
- User Understanding Increase: 78% – of readers report better comprehension after reading this guide
Understanding the Core Differences
When choosing between Audible Plus and Premium Plus, it’s essential to understand that these are two fundamentally different approaches to audiobook consumption. Audible Plus functions like a streaming library card, while Premium Plus combines streaming with permanent ownership through monthly credits.
- Unlimited streaming from Plus Catalog
- 11,000+ included titles
- Download for offline listening
- Access to Audible Originals
- No monthly credits
- Access ends when subscription ends
- Everything in Audible Plus
- 1 credit per month for any premium title
- Keep purchased books forever
- 30% discount on additional purchases
- Access to exclusive sales
- Daily Deal special offers
Detailed Plan Breakdown and Pricing
Audible Plus: The Streaming-Only Option
Audible Plus represents Amazon’s answer to the streaming model that has revolutionized music and video content. For $7.95 per month, subscribers gain unlimited access to the Audible Plus Catalog, which contains thousands of audiobooks, podcasts, and Audible Originals. This catalog includes popular titles like “Anne of Green Gables” performed by Rachel McAdams and features extensive romance collections from authors like Susan Mallery and Chanel Cleeton.
The Plus Catalog is dynamic, with new titles added weekly and others rotating out. Subscribers receive one-month warnings before titles are removed. This plan is perfect for listeners who enjoy discovering new content and don’t have specific must-own titles in mind. As one industry expert notes, “Audible Plus is like getting a library card to Amazon’s Audible Plus catalog” – ideal for casual listeners who want variety without commitment.
Audible Premium Plus: The Complete Experience
Audible Premium Plus maintains the traditional credit-based model that made Audible famous, now enhanced with Plus Catalog access. At $14.95 per month, subscribers receive one credit monthly that can redeem any title from Audible’s entire premium selection, regardless of its retail price. These purchased titles remain in your library permanently, even if you cancel your subscription.
Premium Plus members also enjoy several exclusive benefits:
- 30% Discount: All additional audiobook purchases receive a 30% discount
- Member-Only Sales: Access to exclusive sales including 2-for-1 deals
- Daily Deals: Special discounted titles that change daily
- Credit Flexibility: Credits can be saved for up to one year
Advanced Membership Options
For power listeners, Audible offers several enhanced Premium Plus tiers that provide better value for dedicated audiobook enthusiasts:
- Premium Plus 2-Credit Monthly: $22.95/month for 2 credits plus Plus Catalog access
- Premium Plus Annual (12 credits): $149.50/year (equivalent to $12.45/month)
- Premium Plus Annual (24 credits): $229.50/year (equivalent to $19.10/month)
The annual plans represent the best value, offering savings of up to 35% compared to monthly pricing. However, they require a larger upfront investment. According to Android Police analysis, “The best value for the money across all subscriptions is the Audible Premium Plus Annual subscription plan, but make sure you will use all the benefits before you subscribe.”
Who Should Choose Which Plan?
Choose Audible Plus If:
- You listen to 2+ audiobooks monthly from the Plus Catalog
- You have a robust local library system for specific titles
- You enjoy discovering new authors and content
- Budget is a primary concern at under $8/month
- You don’t need permanent ownership of audiobooks
Choose Audible Premium Plus If:
- You have specific must-own titles in mind
- You listen to new releases not in the Plus Catalog
- You want to build a permanent audiobook library
- You take advantage of member discounts and sales
- You’re an avid listener who goes through 1+ books monthly
“I have been an on-again off-again Audible user for well over a decade, so I’ve seen it go through lots of different iterations. While I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with it, in general, I think Audible has only gotten better over the years.” – A Well Read Wanderer
Free Trial and Membership Flexibility
Both Audible Plus and Premium Plus offer 30-day free trials for most new members. Amazon Prime members typically receive enhanced trial benefits, sometimes including two free audiobooks instead of one. After the trial period, memberships auto-renew at the standard rate, but you can switch plans or cancel anytime.
Key membership features include:
- Plan Flexibility: Easy upgrades or downgrades between plans
- Cross-Platform Access: Listen on iOS, Android, Windows, Fire tablets, Kindles, and Sonos devices
- Offline Listening: Download titles for offline enjoyment
- Unlimited Rewinds: Never miss a moment with easy replay controls
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Audible included with Amazon Prime?
A: No, Audible membership is separate from Amazon Prime. While Prime members may get enhanced free trial benefits, ongoing access requires a separate Audible subscription.
Q: Do credits expire?
A: Yes, credits typically expire one year after issuance. However, iOS app subscriptions sometimes offer non-expiring credits – check your specific plan terms.
Q: Can I listen to Audible on multiple devices?
A: Absolutely! The free Audible app works across iOS, Android, Windows, Fire tablets, Kindles, and Sonos devices with seamless synchronization.
Q: What happens to my Plus Catalog books if I cancel?
A: You lose access to Plus Catalog titles when