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What Does Audible Cost? A Deep Dive into Pricing, Plans, and Perks

The burning question on every audiobook enthusiast’s mind: What does Audible actually cost? The short answer is, it varies. Audible operates primarily on a subscription model, but offers multiple tiers and options to cater to different listening habits and budgets. While there is no single price, a typical Audible Premium Plus subscription costs $14.99 per month. This gets you one credit per month, redeemable for any audiobook in their extensive library, regardless of price. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Let’s break down the options and unveil the true cost (and value) of Audible.

Understanding Audible’s Subscription Plans

Audible doesn’t just offer a single, cookie-cutter subscription. They’ve crafted a range of plans, each with its own set of perks and pricing. Choosing the right one depends on your listening habits, budget, and how much you value owning your audiobooks.

Audible Premium Plus: The Flagship Experience

This is the plan most people think of when they think of Audible. For $14.99 per month, you receive:

One credit per month: Redeemable for any audiobook in Audible’s vast catalog, regardless of its retail price. This is where the real value shines. You could snag a $40 audiobook for just your monthly credit!
Access to the Plus Catalog: A rotating selection of thousands of Audible Originals, podcasts, and audiobooks you can stream as much as you like. Think of it as Audible’s version of Netflix, but for your ears.
Exclusive discounts and sales: As a Premium Plus member, you’ll get access to special sales and discounts not available to non-members, further maximizing your savings.
30% off all additional audiobooks: Even after you’ve used your monthly credit, you still receive a substantial discount on any other titles you purchase.

Audible Premium Plus Annual: A Long-Term Investment

For avid listeners, the Audible Premium Plus Annual plan offers a compelling alternative. Priced at $149.50 per year, this plan essentially gives you 12 credits upfront, saving you money compared to paying monthly. This breaks down to about $12.46 per credit, a significant discount. It includes all the same benefits as the monthly Premium Plus plan, just with a prepaid credit allocation.

Audible Premium Plus 2 Credits: For the Voracious Listener

If you devour audiobooks at an accelerated pace, the Audible Premium Plus 2 Credits plan might be your best bet. It offers two credits per month for $22.99 per month. This is ideal for those who consume multiple audiobooks monthly and want to build their personal library quickly. It also includes all the same benefits as the standard Premium Plus plan.

Audible Plus: Unlimited Streaming, No Credits

For those who prefer a streaming-centric experience without the commitment of owning audiobooks, Audible Plus is priced at $7.99 per month. This plan grants unlimited access to the Plus Catalog, allowing you to stream thousands of audiobooks, podcasts, and Audible Originals. However, it doesn’t include monthly credits to purchase and keep individual titles. This is a good option if you enjoy exploring a wide range of content and don’t mind not owning the audiobooks permanently.

Can You Buy Audiobooks Without a Subscription?

Yes, absolutely! Audible allows you to purchase audiobooks à la carte, without subscribing to any plan. The price of each audiobook varies, typically ranging from a few dollars to upwards of $40, depending on the length, popularity, and publisher. Keep in mind that buying audiobooks individually can be significantly more expensive than using a subscription and redeeming credits, especially if you listen to more than one or two books per month.

Factors Influencing the Cost of Audible

Several factors influence the overall cost of your Audible experience. Understanding these variables can help you make informed decisions and optimize your subscription for maximum value.

The Retail Price of Audiobooks

The primary driver of cost, particularly if you buy audiobooks individually, is the retail price of the titles themselves. New releases, popular authors, and longer audiobooks tend to command higher prices. Comparing the retail price to the value of an Audible credit is crucial when deciding whether to use a credit or purchase the audiobook outright.

Your Listening Habits

How often do you listen to audiobooks? If you’re a casual listener, the Audible Plus plan might suffice. If you’re a voracious consumer, the Premium Plus with 2 credits per month or the annual plan could offer the best value.

The Value of Owning Audiobooks

Do you prefer to own your audiobooks permanently, or are you content with streaming them? If ownership is important to you, the Premium Plus plans are the way to go. If you’re happy with access to a vast streaming library, Audible Plus might be a better fit.

Special Offers and Promotions

Audible frequently runs special offers and promotions, such as discounted subscription rates, bonus credits, or audiobook sales. Keeping an eye out for these deals can significantly reduce the overall cost of your Audible experience.

Family Sharing

Audible allows you to share your audiobook library with family members through Amazon Household. This feature enables you to share your purchased audiobooks with up to six members of your household, potentially reducing the overall cost per person.

FAQs: Your Audible Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the cost and benefits of Audible:

Can I cancel my Audible subscription? Yes, you can cancel your Audible subscription at any time. You’ll retain access to any audiobooks you purchased with credits, but you’ll lose access to the Plus Catalog and any unused credits will typically be forfeited.
What happens to my credits if I cancel? Generally, unused credits are forfeited upon cancellation. However, Audible sometimes offers the option to convert your unused credits into a partial refund or retain them for a limited time. Check your account settings or contact customer support for the specific terms of your cancellation.
Can I pause my Audible subscription? Yes, Audible typically allows you to pause your subscription for a period of time, usually up to three months. During the pause, you won’t be charged, but you also won’t receive monthly credits. You’ll still have access to your purchased audiobooks.
Does Audible offer a free trial? Yes, Audible often offers a free trial period, typically 30 days. During the trial, you usually receive a free credit to redeem for an audiobook, as well as access to the Plus Catalog.
Can I return an audiobook on Audible? Yes, Audible has a generous return policy. If you’re not satisfied with an audiobook, you can typically return it for a refund or exchange within 365 days of purchase.
Is Audible worth the cost? Whether Audible is worth the cost depends on your individual listening habits and preferences. If you listen to audiobooks frequently and value owning them, Audible’s Premium Plus plans can offer excellent value. If you prefer streaming content, Audible Plus might be a better fit.
How does Audible compare to other audiobook services? Audible is the dominant player in the audiobook market, offering the largest selection of titles. Other services like Spotify and Google Play Books offer audiobook subscriptions, but their catalogs may be smaller. Consider your specific needs and preferences when comparing services.
Can I listen to Audible on multiple devices? Yes, you can listen to Audible on multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and Alexa-enabled devices. Your audiobook library is synced across all your devices.
What is the Audible Plus Catalog? The Audible Plus Catalog is a rotating selection of thousands of audiobooks, podcasts, and Audible Originals that you can stream as much as you like with an Audible Plus or Premium Plus subscription. It’s like a lending library of audio content.
Does Audible offer discounts for students or seniors? While Audible doesn’t have specific discounts for students or seniors, they often run promotions and offers that can provide savings. It’s worth checking their website or contacting customer support to inquire about available discounts.
How do I redeem an Audible credit? To redeem an Audible credit, simply browse the audiobook catalog and select the title you want. If you have a credit available, you’ll see the option to “Buy with 1 Credit” on the audiobook’s product page.
What are Audible Originals? Audible Originals are exclusive audiobooks and podcasts produced by Audible. They often feature well-known authors and celebrities and are only available on Audible. These titles are often included in the Plus Catalog.

Ultimately, the cost of Audible is an investment in your listening pleasure. By carefully evaluating your listening habits, exploring the available subscription options, and taking advantage of special offers, you can unlock a world of audiobooks and tailor your Audible experience to fit your budget and lifestyle. So, plug in those headphones and dive in!