How Does Audible Work?
Audible uses a credit-based subscription system that can seem confusing at first. Here's how it actually works and how to maximize your membership.
The Credit System Explained
- You pay a monthly fee
- You receive credits each month
- 1 credit = 1 audiobook (any price)
- Credits allow you to "buy" expensive audiobooks for less
- $14.95/month gets you 1 credit
- That credit buys ANY audiobook
- A $40 audiobook costs you $14.95 (via credit)
Membership Tiers
| Plan | Price | Credits | Includes |
|------|-------|---------|----------|
| Plus | $7.95/mo | 0 | Plus Catalog only |
| Premium 1 | $14.95/mo | 1/month | Plus Catalog + 1 credit |
| Premium 2 | $22.95/mo | 2/month | Plus Catalog + 2 credits |
| Annual 12 | $149.50/yr | 12/year | Plus Catalog + 12 credits |
| Annual 24 | $229.50/yr | 24/year | Plus Catalog + 24 credits |
The Plus Catalog
- Thousands of audiobooks you can stream
- Podcasts exclusive to Audible
- Audible Originals
- Unlimited listening, no credit needed
It's like Netflix for some audiobooks—but the catalog is limited, not everything.
Buying Without Credits
- Members get 30% off list price
- Useful when you've used your credits
- Some books are very cheap on sale
How Credits Work
- Credits roll over (up to 6 for monthly, all for annual)
- Credits expire after 1 year from issue
- You can buy extra credits (3 for $36)
- 1 credit = 1 book (any price)
- Short $5 book = 1 credit
- Long $50 book = 1 credit
- Strategy: Use credits on expensive books, buy cheap ones outright
Getting Started
- Sign up (often free trial with 1-2 credits)
- Browse and choose your first audiobook
- Use your credit or buy outright
- Download and listen in the Audible app
- Credits refresh monthly
Maximizing Value
- Use credits on expensive books ($30+)
- Buy cheap books ($10 or less) with cash
- Check Daily Deals (deeply discounted books)
- Browse Plus Catalog before using credits
- Consider annual plans for better per-credit value
Listening Experience
- Adjustable playback speed (0.5x to 3x)
- Sleep timer
- Bookmarking
- Offline listening (download books)
- Syncing across devices
- Whispersync (sync with Kindle books)
Returning Books
- Return books you don't like
- Get your credit back
- Limited to reasonable use (not abuse)
Good for: Trying narrators you're unsure about.
Is Audible Worth It?
- You listen to 1+ audiobooks monthly
- You want access to new releases
- You value the convenience
- You rarely finish books
- Your library has great audiobook selection
- You only want free/cheap options
See also: Free Audible Books