Audible simplifies the experience of enjoying audiobooks. Whether you’re using a computer, tablet, smartphone, or a connected speaker, Audible ensures you can stream, download, and listen with ease. We’ve delved into the key advantages and drawbacks of Amazon’s audiobook service to help you determine if Audible’s features align well with your listening preferences, available time, and budget.
What Is Audible?
Audible, an Amazon subsidiary, offers a vast selection of audiobooks, podcasts, and meditation tracks. It provides flexible options to enjoy your favorite titles: buy them directly, use credits to redeem them, or explore its expansive Plus library featuring over 200,000 books. 📚
To access the Plus library, you’ll need an Audible Plus or Audible Premium Plus subscription. With Audible Premium Plus, you gain a monthly free credit, which you can exchange for any Audible book. Best of all, any title you acquire through credits is yours to keep forever—even if those credits expire after a year without use. Plus, if you ever decide to cancel your subscription, you still retain ownership of all your purchased and redeemed titles.
Who Should Get Audible
Audible is the perfect choice for anyone who loves audio content. Here’s why you might want to give it a try:
- You favor audiobooks over physical books: If you find yourself gravitating towards listening rather than reading, Audible offers a vast library to indulge your preferences.
- You’re a podcast enthusiast: With a wide range of podcasts available, Audible can significantly enhance your listening experience.
- You’re already integrated into the Amazon ecosystem: If you frequently use Amazon’s services and products, adding Audible could streamline your digital lifestyle.
- You buy audiobooks regularly: Audible can be a cost-effective solution, especially if you’re an avid audiobook listener looking to economize.
This section is designed to resonate with potential users by highlighting specific scenarios where Audible could be beneficial, making it easy for your readers to see if it’s a good fit for their needs.
Who Shouldn’t Get Audible
Although Audible has its perks, it might not be the best fit for everyone. Consider looking elsewhere if:
- You prefer physical audiobooks on CD: If tangible collections are more your style, Audible’s digital-only format may not appeal to you.
- You frequent other platforms for media purchases: If you’re loyal to other audiobook and media services, sticking with them might make more sense.
- Your listening time is limited: If you don’t see yourself listening to at least one audiobook per month, Audible’s subscription model might not offer the best value for you.
- Exclusive content doesn’t catch your interest: If none of the unique audiobooks or podcasts offered by Audible excite you, other platforms might better match your tastes.
Why You Should Use Audible
Audible offers incredible value if you’re a regular audiobook listener, looking to economize on digital purchases, or a connoisseur of high-quality audio productions, including those with Dolby Atmos. Here’s why Audible might be your best bet for audiobooks:
You Enjoy a Vast Selection of Audiobooks
As a part of tech giant Amazon, Audible boasts an expansive library, ranging from timeless classics to the latest bestsellers. If there’s a specific audiobook you’ve been searching for, chances are, Audible has it.
You Want to Save Money on Audiobooks
With the Audible Premium Plus subscription at $14.95 per month, you receive one credit each month, redeemable for any audiobook. Considering that audiobooks can cost between $30 to $60, this represents significant savings. Plus, you have a full year to use each credit, allowing you to wait for eagerly anticipated new releases.
You’re Interested in Exclusive Content
Audible continually expands its collection of exclusive content, including audiobooks, meditation tracks, and podcasts that you won’t find elsewhere. These are available with at least an Audible Plus subscription, adding unique value to your listening experience.
Seamless Integration with Amazon
One of the most convenient benefits of Audible is its integration with your existing Amazon account, eliminating the need for separate logins and making purchases straightforward.
Consider browsing through some of the latest Audible Originals before deciding to sign up, to get a taste of what’s available exclusively on the platform.
When You Shouldn’t Use Audible
While Audible offers many benefits, it might not suit everyone’s needs. Here are some scenarios where you might want to pass on an Audible subscription:
Limited Listening Time
If your schedule doesn’t allow you to enjoy at least one audiobook or exclusive podcast each month, an Audible subscription might not be cost-effective. Audiobooks are great for multitasking and entertainment, but without sufficient time to listen, you might not get your money’s worth.
Preference for Physical Media
Audible allows you to download content for offline listening, but if you prefer the tactile experience of physical media, such as CDs, it might fall short. For those who enjoy collecting or displaying physical audiobooks, a digital service like Audible won’t meet this need.
Loyalty to Other Ecosystems
If you’re already invested in digital content from Google or Apple, sticking to one ecosystem might make more sense. Both Google Play and iTunes offer a wide range of audiobooks, potentially simplifying your digital library management.
Spotify Premium Users
As of 2023, Spotify Premium includes access to audiobooks, allowing subscribers to listen to up to 15 hours of audiobooks each month at no additional cost. If you already have a Spotify Premium subscription, this might cover your audiobook needs without requiring a separate service like Audible.
Audible Plus vs. Audible Premium Plus
Audible offers two main subscription options, each catering to different types of listeners. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose the one that best suits your audiobook habits:
- Audible Plus: Priced at $7.95 per month, this plan is perfect for casual listeners. It provides full access to the Plus Library, but does not include any free credits for audiobook purchases. It’s a great way to enjoy audiobooks without a significant monthly commitment.
- Audible Premium Plus: For $14.95 per month, this plan is ideal for avid audiobook listeners who frequently purchase and keep titles. It includes one free credit per month, which can be used to permanently add any audiobook to your personal library. Additionally, subscribers get full access to the Plus Library. Like the Plus plan, it also offers Dolby Atmos on select titles, enhancing the listening experience with immersive sound.
Both plans offer:
- Full Access to the Plus Library: Dive into a wide range of titles available for streaming.
- Dolby Atmos on Select Titles: Experience enhanced audio quality on specific audiobooks.
Whether you’re a casual listener or a dedicated audiobook enthusiast, Audible has a plan that can meet your needs. Consider how often you listen to and purchase audiobooks to determine the best subscription for you.
Do You Need Audible to Listen to Audiobooks?
While Audible is a major player in the audiobook world, it’s not the only option for audiobook enthusiasts. You can purchase audiobooks from various online stores without a subscription. Popular alternatives include Google Play and iTunes, but there are many others to explore. If you have a Spotify Premium subscription, you can also access a selection of audiobooks on Spotify, and many titles are still available on physical CDs for those who prefer a tangible collection.
However, Audible stands out with its exclusive content, including audiobooks, podcasts, and meditation tracks that you won’t find anywhere else. For these exclusives, an Audible subscription is necessary.
Is There an Audible Free Trial?
Yes, Audible offers a free 30-day trial for both its Audible Plus and Audible Premium Plus plans. The Audible Plus trial gives you access to a vast library for free, after which it renews at $7.95 per month. The Audible Premium Plus trial, which also lasts for 30 days, includes one free credit to redeem any audiobook. This plan renews at $14.95 per month. If you are an Amazon Prime subscriber trying out Audible Premium Plus for the first time, you receive an additional free credit during the trial, giving you two in total.
It’s important to note that neither Audible subscription plan is included with Amazon Prime, but Prime members do get an extra credit during their first month of an Audible trial.
Is Audible Worth the Money?
For avid audiobook listeners, Audible can be a highly cost-effective choice. Here’s a breakdown of what each subscription offers and how it translates to value:
- Audible Plus ($7.95 per month): This plan provides access to thousands of audiobooks which you can listen to at no additional cost beyond the monthly fee. It’s perfect for those who enjoy streaming audiobooks without the need to own them.
- Audible Premium Plus ($14.95 per month): In addition to the benefits of the Plus plan, this subscription gives you one credit per month to redeem for any audiobook, which you then own permanently. This plan is ideal if you want to build and keep a personal audiobook library.
- Enhanced Audible Premium Plus ($22.95 per month): For the ultimate audiobook enthusiast, this option offers two credits per month instead of one, doubling your potential to grow your collection.
Considering that individual audiobooks can cost around $50, the value of an Audible Premium Plus membership becomes apparent. It’s especially economical for those who typically purchase audiobooks regularly, as it significantly reduces the cost per book.
If you’re someone who buys at least one audiobook a month, investing in Audible could save you money in the long run, making it a worthwhile addition to your digital media services.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a casual listener or a dedicated audiophile, Audible offers a range of subscription plans designed to match your audiobook consumption habits. From the vast selection available through Audible Plus to the exclusive content and ownership options with Audible Premium Plus, there’s something for everyone. However, if you prefer physical books, are loyal to other ecosystems, or find the exclusive content unappealing, there are other options available like Google Play, iTunes, and Spotify.
Before making a decision, take advantage of the free 30-day trial to explore what Audible has to offer. Remember, with Audible’s flexible subscription plans and the potential for significant savings compared to purchasing audiobooks individually, it could very well be the perfect addition to your digital media collection. Assess your own listening habits, budget, and preferences to determine if Audible is the smart choice for your audio entertainment needs.
FAQ
What are the main differences between Audible Plus and Audible Premium Plus?
Audible Plus offers unlimited access to the Plus Library for streaming audiobooks at $7.95 per month, without any free credits. Audible Premium Plus, at $14.95 per month, includes all the benefits of Audible Plus along with one monthly credit to purchase and own an audiobook permanently. A higher tier of Audible Premium Plus also offers two credits per month at $22.95.
Can I listen to audiobooks on Audible without a subscription?
While Audible emphasizes subscription plans, you don’t necessarily need one to enjoy audiobooks. You can purchase audiobooks individually without a subscription, but you miss out on the subscription benefits like free access to the Plus Library and monthly credits.
What exclusive content does Audible offer?
Audible hosts a unique collection of Audible Originals, which includes exclusive audiobooks, podcasts, and meditation programs that aren’t available on any other platform. These are accessible with an Audible Plus or Audible Premium Plus subscription.
Is there a free trial available for Audible?
Yes, Audible offers a 30-day free trial for both its Audible Plus and Audible Premium Plus plans. This allows you to test out the service and explore its library before committing to a monthly subscription.
What should I consider before subscribing to Audible?
Consider your audiobook listening habits, such as how often you listen, whether you prefer owning audiobooks, and if the exclusive content interests you. Also, assess if the subscription cost aligns with your budget and if you’re interested in other media ecosystems like Google Play or iTunes.
What are the alternatives to Audible for listening to audiobooks?
Besides Audible, there are other platforms where you can enjoy audiobooks, such as Google Play, iTunes, and Spotify Premium, which also offers a selection of audiobooks as part of its subscription. Physical CDs are another option for those who prefer tangible copies or collecting.
