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I finally started listening to books of all genres, including fiction, and I am never looking back. I still read physical copies and/or Kindle books. There is nothing like holding a book in my hands and using my eyes and brain to process the words, BUT audiobooks are pure perfection when working around the house or driving back and forth to school or work.
This post is specifically about Audible, Amazon’s audiobook powerhouse. Some consider it too costly, especially in the current economic climate of 2024. In this article, I will break down the costs and explain how Audible works. Hopefully, this information will help you decide if you want to try it for free! FAQs included at the end! Let’s dive in… What is Audible?
The audiobook industry is booming, and Amazon (of course) has a gigantic presence in the Audible market. This makes sense if you remember Amazon started off as an online bookseller. Audible is an Amazon subsidiary that offers audiobooks and podcasts. Although Audible is now almost synonymous with Amazon, the company started in 1995 as an independent organization producing digital audio players and was acquired by Amazon in 2008.
Today, everyone recognizes the orange and white icon representing the Audible App. Audible is the largest producer of downloadable audiobooks in the world! Available across all popular platforms, such as iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows, and Kindle devices, Audible is super convenient to access and use while on the go. As a subscription-based service, it operates with monthly credits that carry over from month to month if not used. Most titles in its vast library of over 200,000 books can be purchased as follows: one audiobook per one credit. However, longer works may require two credits, and super short books may require less than one credit. More on cost vs. cost effectiveness later. There is also a membership tier for listening only vs. purchasing using credits; more on that below. Audible works seamlessly with your Amazon account and offers more than Audible Audiobooks. The service now provides podcasts, spoken word, guided meditations, and more.
Audible Plus & Audible Premium Plus, What’s the difference?
Audible subscription plans are offered using a tiered model.
Audible Plus is a listening service that provides access to the audiobook library, Audible originals, and podcasts. Subscribers Can also listen to sleep tracks and meditations. Other than price, the main difference between Audible Plus and Audible Premium Plus plans is ownership. Audible Plus is the less expensive plan offering “all you can listen” but no ownership. Audible Premium Plus plans allow subscribers to exchange credits for ownership of titles - for life. Audible Plus memberships also give subscribers access to an extended collection of titles, discounts, and additional deals when available. Pros and Cons of Audible
Pros of Using Audible
Get #thesosblog emails!#nospam promise, practical tips, recommendations, encouragement, realistic lifeAudible vs. the Libby Library App
The most significant difference between Audible and Libby is cost. Libby is free through local libraries nationwide, and Audible is a paid subscription-based service offered by Amazon. To use the Libby app, you must have a library card in good standing.
You can access digital content from your library account through the Libby App. All content through Libby is borrowed with due dates, just like taking a book from the library. Digital content will be automatically returned on the due date, or users can return content manually before the due date. Another big difference between the two audiobook platforms is catalog size. Audible has the largest collection of titles available, while Libby is limited to your local library’s collection. Also, popular titles may require a wait time for access. How Much Does Audible Cost?
Cost-effectiveness depends on each subscriber’s listening habits and budget. It may also depend on how often you think you will use an audiobook service. For example, I do not need 24 credits per year, but I do use 12 credits per year and enjoy the other perks that come with an Audible Plus subscription.
Here is a cost breakdown for each Audible Membership Plan.
One credit does not always equal one book title. Book title “costs” vary based on the length of the title and other factors. Most titles require one credit; however, some require two, and some require less than one.
Savings with Annual Plans
Paying in a one-time lump sum for an annual plan vs a monthly plan can save money.
The Audible Premium Plus 12-credit plan is $149.50 per year, or $12.46 per credit, compared to $14.95 per credit for the monthly plan. This is a savings of about $2.49 per month or $29.88 per year for 12 months (no pauses in membership). The Audible Premium Plus 24-credit plan is $229.50 per year, or $9.43 per credit. A significant per-credit savings if you will use 24 credits over 12 months. I am a Happy Customer Who Became an Affiliate.
I love Audible and have been a subscriber for about five years now. Initially, I used audiobooks solely for nonfiction books—self-help, business, memoirs, or other nonfiction titles. I had a hang-up about using audiobooks for my fun reading, some weird metal roadblock about audiobooks not really counting as "reading."
I love Audible and have been a subscriber for about five years now. Initially, I used audiobooks solely for nonfiction books—self-help, business, memoirs, or other nonfiction titles. I had a hang-up about using audiobooks for my fun reading, some weird metal roadblock about audiobooks not really counting as “reading.” My daughter convinced me to try Audible for fiction last year (so it's been over three years since I started using Audible). I started with The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and was hooked! What took me so long? I finally realized that when my kids were little, I read books to them out loud all the time, and it counted as reading. This isn’t a competition. Why does it have to “count” anyway? My list-making mental gymnastics on overdrive, I guess! After becoming an Amazon affiliate, I realized that Audible is part of that program! I love the service and promote it with helpful informational posts like these and other posts and resources. I want to be fully transparent about that and tell you I was a loyal customer first, THEN became an affiliate. I am still a paying subscriber on a 12-credit plan! I am not sponsored by Amazon but may earn a small commission for qualifying purchases if you use my affiliate links. Try Audible for Free (2 free books included for Prime Members)
You can try Audible with a thirty day trial.
Amazon Prime members can get two titles for free when using theAudible Premium Plus trial. Audible Plus and Audible Premium Plus plans offer a thirty-day trial period—for free! As with many free trial periods, you will be automatically charged following the free trial if cancellation is not processed during it. See Amazon for terms and conditions. Bonus Tip - All about Audible Returns!
Yes, you read that right! I was delighted to discover that Audible credits can be returned if you return a book. There are a few stipulations, but the process works!
It is important to understand that the service does not work like a library, and your account may be flagged if you habitually return too many titles. Per the Audible policy, the company reserves the right to limit how many returns you can make or revoke return privileges at their discretion (in other words, they are not a library borrowing service but a store!) Return requirements:
How to return an Audible book.
Step 1:
Go to the Audible website (desktop version) and log in to your account. Using the desktop version very important because returns using the Amazon/Audible website are much easier!
Step 2:
Click your username in the top navigation menu.
Step 3:
Go to account details.
Step 4:
Find your purchase history on the account details page. Find the title you want to return and select Return this title. Mobile App Returns
Although there are instructions for using the app for returns, like this article from TechWiser: How to Return a Book on the Audible App, I have never been able to find or access return options using the app. I use an Android device, so this may be different for iOS users. If so, let me know in the comments below!
The Audible website instructions regarding mobile app returns are as follows:
Is it Worth it to Get Audible?
While that is a personal decision based on reading habits and individual finances, trying Audible for free costs nothing! My rule of thumb with free trials is to use them! If I enjoy the service, I keep it; if not, I cancel. For audiobooks, Audible can not be beaten in my book (pun intended!).
FAQs about Audible
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