What Audible Includes
Audible offers two main membership tiers:
- Audible Plus ($7.95/month): Unlimited access to the Plus Catalog of 11,000+ audiobooks, podcasts, and originals. No credits for new releases.
- Audible Premium Plus ($14.95/month): Everything in Plus, plus 1 credit per month to buy any audiobook in the store (yours to keep forever).
The Premium Plus 2-credit plan ($22.95/month) is available for heavy listeners who want two books monthly.
The Math: When Audible Pays for Itself
Audiobooks typically cost $20-40 to purchase outright. Here's when Audible saves money:
- 1 audiobook/month: Premium Plus saves $5-25 per book
- Plus Catalog only: If you'd spend $8+/month on audiobooks, Plus is worth it
- Less than 1 book/month: Credits roll over for 12 months, but you may not use them all
Members also get 30% off additional audiobook purchases, which stacks well for heavy listeners.
When Audible IS Worth It
You commute or exercise regularly
If you have 30+ minutes of daily time for audio content (commuting, gym, walks, chores), you'll easily consume one or more audiobooks monthly. This makes Premium Plus an excellent value.
You want new releases and bestsellers
Audible has the largest audiobook selection, including exclusives and day-one releases. Library apps have limited copies and long wait times for popular titles. If you want to listen to new releases immediately, Audible is the best option.
You value owning your books
Audiobooks purchased with credits are yours forever, even if you cancel. This differs from streaming services where you lose access when you stop paying. Your Audible library persists indefinitely.
You'll use the Plus Catalog
The Plus Catalog includes thousands of audiobooks, podcasts, and Audible Originals at no extra cost. If you enjoy browsing and discovering content, this adds significant value beyond your monthly credit.
When Audible is NOT Worth It
You're an occasional listener
If you finish fewer than 10 audiobooks per year, you're better off buying individually or using free alternatives. Unused credits do roll over for 12 months, but they eventually expire.
Your library has good audiobook selection
Apps like Libby and hoopla provide free audiobooks through your library card. Selection varies by library, but many have extensive catalogs. You'll wait longer for popular titles, but it's completely free.
You prefer podcasts
If you primarily listen to podcasts rather than books, Audible's value diminishes. Most podcasts are free elsewhere, and Audible's exclusive podcasts alone don't justify the subscription cost.
You only want specific books
If you know exactly which 3-4 audiobooks you want this year, buying them individually during Audible sales (or from competitors like Google Play Books) might be cheaper than maintaining a subscription.
Audible vs Alternatives
| Service | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Audible Premium Plus | $14.95/month | New releases, largest selection, ownership |
| Audible Plus | $7.95/month | Casual listeners, catalog browsing |
| Libby (Library) | Free | Budget-conscious, patient listeners |
| Spotify Audiobooks | 15 hrs/month with Premium | Existing Spotify Premium subscribers |
| Scribd | $11.99/month | Readers who also want ebooks and magazines |
How to Get Audible Cheaper
- Free trial: New members get 30 days free with 1-2 credits
- Annual plan: Pay $149.50/year for 12 credits (save $30)
- Pause membership: Pause for up to 3 months per year to skip payments
- Cancel for retention offers: Audible often offers discounts (like $7.95/month) when you attempt to cancel
- Amazon promotions: Watch for deals bundling Audible with Prime Day or holiday sales
The Bottom Line
Audible is worth it for regular audiobook listeners who value convenience, selection, and new releases. The Premium Plus membership saves money compared to buying audiobooks individually if you listen to at least one book per month. However, if you're budget-conscious and patient, free library apps provide a solid alternative.
Our Verdict
Subscribe to Audible Premium Plus if you'll use at least 10-12 credits per year and want immediate access to new releases. Try Audible Plus ($7.95) if you're happy exploring the included catalog. Use Libby first if you're not sure how much you'll listen—it's free and helps you gauge your audiobook habits before committing to a paid subscription.