Audible Plus vs Audible Premium Plus: Full Comparison
Introduction
In the rapidly growing world of audiobook listening, Amazon’s Audible platform has become the dominant player. As the global audiobook market continues to expand, more than 55 million listeners worldwide tune into stories on the gomakeheadway.com. Choosing the right plan can be confusing, particularly when you must decide between Audible Plus and Audible Premium Plus. This comprehensive guide compares costs, features, pros and cons, and real‑world use cases to help tech lovers and entrepreneurs decide which subscription aligns with their listening habits and budgets.
Why this comparison matters
- Overwhelming choice – Audible offers several membership tiers and promotions, each with different prices, credits and catalog access. Without a clear comparison, you could end up paying for features you never use.
- Budget‑conscious listeners – Audiobooks typically cost US$15–$30 each, so choosing the plan that maximises value per book saves money. Entrepreneurs and students on tight budgets benefit from understanding credits versus unlimited streaming options.
- Legal and ethical access – With increasing lawsuits against platforms that don’t clearly disclose subscription terms, understanding the fine print helps you avoid unexpected charges and maintain complianceepubor.com.
This article explains each plan’s pricing, benefits and hidden drawbacks, offers step‑by‑step guidance for signup and cancellation, and suggests ways to optimise your listening experience. Citations from official sources ensure transparency and reliability.
What Are Audible Plus and Premium Plus?
Audible offers two primary membership options:
- Audible Plus – a low‑cost, streaming‑only plan.
- Audible Premium Plus – a comprehensive membership that includes monthly credits to buy books outright.
Both plans provide access to Audible’s Plus Catalog, a streaming library of more than 11,000 titles. However, the ability to own audiobooks, the number of credits provided and the pricing differ significantly.
Audible Plus
- Price: Audible Plus costs $7.95 per month after a 30‑day free trial. There are no annual options for this tier.
- Catalog access: You can stream unlimited audiobooks, podcasts and Audible Originals from the Plus Catalog. This includes thousands of classic novels, self‑development titles and exclusive series. However, many best‑selling new releases are not part of this catalogue.
- Ownership: You don’t receive any credits. You have access to books only while subscribed; once you cancel, streaming stops and no titles remain in your library.
- Best for: Casual listeners who primarily enjoy classics, self‑help or podcasts and don’t need to own premium titles.
Audible Premium Plus
Audible Premium Plus comes in several variants. All include everything in Audible Plus plus credits to purchase any premium audiobook you can keep forever.
- Monthly 1‑credit plan: Costs $14.95 per month and gives one credit monthly to redeem any title. This is the most popular plan.
- Monthly 2‑credit plan: Costs $22.95 per month and gives two credits monthly.
- Annual 12‑credit plan: Costs $149.50 per year (about $12.46 per credit).
- Annual 24‑credit plan: Costs $229.50 per year (about $9.56 per credit).
Besides credits, Premium Plus members receive a 30 % discount on additional audiobook purchases and may return audiobooks they dislike within one year. Unused credits roll over for up to 12 months and can be used on any title, including best sellers or new releases.
Pricing Breakdown
The table below summarises the membership costs, credits and notable benefits. Use it to quickly compare your options.
| Plan | Monthly price (USD) | Credits per month | Annual equivalents | Ownership | Access to Plus Catalog |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audible Plus | $7.95 | 0 | N/A | No (streaming only) | Unlimited streaming of 11k+ titles |
| Premium Plus 1 credit | $14.95 | 1 | $149.50 for 12 credits | Yes – own each book forever | Unlimited Plus Catalog + 1 credit |
| Premium Plus 2 credits | $22.95 | 2 | $229.50 for 24 credits | Yes | Unlimited Plus Catalog + 2 credits |
Which plan is cheapest per audiobook?
If you value owning audiobooks, the annual 24‑credit plan offers the best value at $9.56 per credit. Even if you don’t finish 24 books yearly, you can bank credits for up to 12 months. In contrast, the monthly 1‑credit plan costs $14.95 per credit and the monthly 2‑credit plan costs $11.48 per credit when calculated monthly. Audible Plus is cheapest overall but doesn’t let you own books. When all you want is streaming, its cost is unbeatable.
Free trials and promotions
New members can sign up for a 30‑day free trial. The trial normally includes one credit, but Amazon Prime members receive two credits during the trial period. Audible occasionally offers extended trials (e.g., three months at $0.99 or 3 credits for 99 cents) during Prime Day or Black Friday. Always check the Promotions section on the Audible site for the latest deals.
How Credits Work
Understanding Audible’s credit system is essential to maximising your membership value.
- Redeeming credits – Each credit allows you to purchase any audiobook, regardless of its retail price, and you own the book forever. This means a single credit can secure a $30 bestseller, making the cost per book significantly lower than individual purchase prices.
- Rollover policy – Unused credits remain in your account for up to 12 months. After that, they expire. You must maintain an active membership to use them. If you cancel, remaining credits vanish.
- Additional credits – Premium Plus members can buy extra credits at a discounted rate when they run low; typically three credits for around $35. This reduces the cost per book even further. Audible also has regular sales for members.
- Returns – If you don’t like a book, you can exchange it within 365 days. This generous policy applies only to Premium Plus members.
Audible Plus vs Premium Plus: Feature Comparison
Catalog size and quality
Audible Plus gives unlimited streaming access to a library of more than 11,000 audiobooks, podcasts and originals. The collection includes classics, self‑help guides, wellness programmes and exclusive podcasts. However, it often lacks new releases and best sellers. According to Headway’s 2026 review, many of the most popular titles, such as The Silent Patient or Project Hail Mary, remain outside the Plus Catalog. Therefore, you may need to purchase or use credits to access them.
Premium Plus includes everything in the Plus plan. In addition, the monthly credits allow you to acquire any audiobook, including newly released best sellers and special editions. Ownership means you can re‑listen offline even after cancelling your subscription.
Flexibility and ownership
- Audible Plus: streaming only; you cannot keep titles after cancellation.
- Premium Plus: you own every book bought with credits, and your library stays accessible forever. The ability to bank credits for a year adds flexibility.
Additional perks
| Feature | Audible Plus | Premium Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming podcasts & originals | Included | Included |
| Discounted purchases | Not available | 30 % off additional audiobooks |
| Returns/exchanges | Not available | Yes – within 365 days |
| VIP Rewards | Limited to periodic promotions | Earn monthly ‘2‑for‑1’ deals, Daily Deals and exclusive sales |
| Gifting | Not offered | You can gift credits and purchases to others |
Hidden Costs and Limitations
Both plans have fine‑print details you should know about:
- Unused credits expire – If you hoard credits and forget to redeem them within 12 months, they disappear. Set calendar reminders to spend credits regularly.
- Time cost – Audiobooks can last 10–30 hours, so ensuring you have time to listen is important. While not a monetary cost, time management is vital for busy entrepreneurs.
- Limited country availability – Audible may restrict certain titles in some regions due to licensing. If you travel internationally, some books purchased with credits might not be available.
- Subscription auto‑renewal – After the trial, membership renews automatically. You must cancel before the next billing cycle to avoid charges. Some users reported forgetting to cancel and incurring fees, prompting lawsuits alleging unclear auto‑renewal disclosures.
- Non‑transferable credits – Credits can’t be shared between accounts. However, you can gift entire audiobooks or purchase gift memberships.
Step‑by‑Step: Choosing and Managing Your Membership
Follow this structured process to sign up, evaluate and manage your Audible membership.
Step 1 – Evaluate your listening habits
- Estimate monthly audiobooks: If you listen to 1–2 books per month and want to keep them, Premium Plus is cost‑effective. If you listen occasionally or enjoy relistening to the same titles, Audible Plus may suffice.
- Consider access to new releases: If you want access to the latest best sellers, you’ll need credits. Premium Plus is your best option.
- Budget: Set a monthly or annual budget. Annual plans cost more upfront but lower per‑credit cost.
Step 2 – Sign up for a free trial
- Visit Audible’s website or download the app.
- Click Try for free and sign in with your Amazon account.
- Choose your plan: Plus or Premium Plus. Prime members automatically receive two credits during trial. Ensure you select the plan that matches your goals.
- Provide payment details (no charges until the trial ends). Audible will send reminders about upcoming billing.
- Explore the catalog and redeem your credit(s) on high‑value titles (e.g., business books or expensive full‑cast productions).
Step 3 – Use your membership wisely
- Create a wishlist: Save books you’re interested in and wait for Daily Deals or special promotions before using credits.
- Download for offline listening: Use the Audible app to download purchased books or streaming titles for offline playback.
- Take advantage of returns: If you don’t like a book, exchange it for another within a year (Premium Plus only).
- Use the Plus Catalog as background learning: Stream podcasts and self‑development titles while commuting or exercising.
Step 4 – Cancel or adjust your plan
If you find your current plan doesn’t meet your needs, you can switch between Plus and Premium Plus without losing your library. To cancel or switch:
- Log into your Audible account on a desktop browser.
- Go to Account Details and select Change Plan or Cancel Membership.
- Follow on‑screen instructions. Audible may offer a temporary discount or pause option. Use this if you have credits but need a break.
Remember to use your remaining credits before cancelling, as unused credits disappear.
Tips to Save Money on Audible
- Use credits on expensive titles – Always check retail price versus credit value; use credits on high‑cost books and buy cheaper books with the 30 % member discount.
- Shop Daily Deals and member sales – Premium Plus members receive daily deals with titles discounted up to 80 %. These can stretch your budget.
- Pause membership – If you need a break, Audible allows you to pause for up to three months while retaining credits. During the pause, you can still use your banked credits.
- Return unsatisfying books – Exchange a book you didn’t enjoy for another and get more value from your subscription.
- Share via Amazon Household – You can share purchased audiobooks with another adult and up to four children in your Amazon Household, multiplying the value of each purchase.
- Watch for promotions – Prime Day, Black Friday and New Year deals often include extended free trials or discount months.
Alternatives to Consider
If neither Audible Plus nor Premium Plus fits your needs, consider these options:
- Scribd (Everand) – Offers unlimited access to audiobooks, eBooks and magazines for a flat $11.99 per month. It uses a quota system where you unlock one to five premium titles per month. Unlike Audible, you cannot keep books after cancellation.
- Libro.fm – A monthly credit subscription that supports independent bookstores. Costs $14.99 per month and offers an annual 12‑credit plan for $169.99, sometimes including bonus credits. Titles are yours to keep.
- Kobo Plus – Provides unlimited eBooks and audiobooks for around $9.99 per month (depending on region). It has a smaller catalog but is cheaper. You don’t keep books after cancellation.
- Spotify Audiobooks – Premium subscribers in some regions get a fixed number of hours (e.g., 15 hours) of audiobook listening each month. Additional listening requires purchase of “audiobook access” packs.
- Library services – Apps like Libby and Hoopla allow you to borrow audiobooks for free from your local library (availability varies by region). While there may be wait lists, the cost is zero.
Internal Resource
For further reading on subscription services and digital media, check out related articles on FrediTech:
- How to Get 2 Free Audiobooks on Audible – Explains legal ways to obtain extra credits during trials.
- Best Audiobook Subscriptions in 2026 – Reviews 11 audiobook services and compares pricing and features.
- Audible Free Trial Review – Provides tips to maximise the trial and avoid unexpected charges.
- Audible Plus vs Audible Premium Plus (Earlier edition) – An earlier FrediTech article for additional viewpoints.
FAQ – People Also Ask
Is Audible Plus free with Amazon Prime?
No. Prime membership includes only one free Audible credit during the trial; after the trial, Audible membership costs apply. Audible Plus and Premium Plus are separate subscriptions.
Can I keep books with Audible Plus?
No. You only stream titles from the Plus Catalog. Once you cancel Audible Plus, access ends and you do not own any books.
What happens to my credits if I cancel Premium Plus?
Unused credits expire upon cancellation. You must use credits before ending membership. Titles already purchased with credits remain yours.
Which plan is better for casual listeners?
Audible Plus is usually sufficient for listeners who enjoy occasional audiobooks or primarily consume podcasts and classics. Its low price offers unlimited streaming without ownership.
Can I switch between plans without losing my library?
Yes. You can upgrade or downgrade at any time. Your purchased books remain in your library. However, any unused credits from your previous plan carry over only if you stay within the Premium Plus tier. Switching from Premium Plus to Plus will cause you to lose banked credits, so use them first.
Is there a family plan for Audible?
Audible doesn’t offer a family plan, but through Amazon Household you can share purchased audiobooks with another adult and up to four children.
How can I get Audible cheaper?
Watch for promotions, sign up during extended trial periods, or consider the annual 24‑credit plan to reduce per‑book cost. Many credit cards and retailers also offer coupons or discounted gift memberships.
Conclusion
Selecting between Audible Plus and Audible Premium Plus hinges on how you consume audiobooks. Audible Plus offers affordable access to a curated streaming catalog and is ideal for casual listeners or those exploring audiobooks for the first time. Premium Plus unlocks credits to own books, discounted purchases, returns, and access to new releases. For avid listeners or entrepreneurs who view audiobooks as an investment in their education, Premium Plus (especially annual plans) offers the best value. Whichever plan you choose, set reminders to manage credits, explore promotions, and use the features to maximise your listening experience.
Author: Wiredu Fred
Wiredu Fred is a tech writer and digital strategist with over 10 years of experience analysing streaming services and subscription models. He specialises in translating complex technology topics into clear, actionable insights for everyday readers. Fred is passionate about empowering tech enthusiasts and entrepreneurs with the knowledge they need to make smart decisions about digital products and services.