What Is Audible?
Audible is Amazon's audiobook and audio entertainment subscription service—the largest audiobook platform in the world. It offers over 500,000 titles and uses a credit-based system to let members purchase audiobooks.
The Basics
What it is: Subscription audiobook service
Owner: Amazon (since 2008)
Library: 500,000+ titles
Platform: App (iOS, Android, Kindle), web
Model: Monthly credits + streaming catalog
What Audible Offers
Audiobooks
- Massive selection (largest in the world)
- New releases and bestsellers
- Exclusive Audible Originals
- Professional narration
Podcasts
- Exclusive Audible podcasts
- Ad-free listening
Plus Catalog
- Thousands of included audiobooks
- No credits needed (streaming)
- Rotates regularly
How It Works
- Subscribe to a membership tier
- Receive credits monthly (1 credit = 1 audiobook)
- Use credits on any audiobook, any price
- Keep books forever (even after canceling)
- Stream Plus Catalog content freely
See: How Does Audible Work? for detailed breakdown.
Membership Plans
| Plan | Price | Credits |
|------|-------|---------|
| Plus | $7.95/mo | 0 (catalog only) |
| Premium 1 Credit | $14.95/mo | 1 credit |
| Premium 2 Credits | $22.95/mo | 2 credits |
| Annual 12 | $149.50/yr | 12 credits |
Pros of Audible
- Largest audiobook selection
- Own books permanently
- Credit system can be cost-effective
- Excellent app experience
- Whispersync (sync with Kindle)
- Generous return policy
Cons of Audible
- Expensive compared to libraries (free)
- Credits expire after 1 year
- DRM (books only work in Audible app)
- No family sharing (one account per person)
- Can't transfer books to other platforms
Who Should Use Audible?
- Listen to 1+ audiobooks monthly
- Want latest releases and bestsellers
- Value convenience over cost
- Prefer owning your books
- Only listen occasionally
- Have a great library system
- Prioritize lowest cost
- Want books in open formats
Audible vs. Alternatives
| Platform | Cost | Selection | Ownership |
|----------|------|-----------|-----------|
| Audible | $14.95+/mo | Largest | Yes |
| Libby (Library) | Free | Large | No (borrowed) |
| Spotify | Included | Limited | No |
| Libro.fm | $14.99/mo | Large | Yes |
Getting Started
- Usually 30 days free
- 1-2 free credits
- Cancel before trial ends = pay nothing
It's worth trying to see if the platform works for you.
See: How to Cancel Audible if you decide it's not for you.