How Much Does Audible Cost?

Last Updated on December 28, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

With its vast selection of audiobooks, original content, and podcasts, Audible has become the premier destination for audio entertainment. But how much does it cost to access this robust digital library? This guide will provide a comprehensive analysis of Audible’s pricing structure, cost considerations, and tips for maximizing value.

How Much Does Audible Cost?

Audible members can choose from three main pricing tiers depending on usage needs:

• Audible Plus: $7.95 per month
• Audible Premium Plus (1 Credit): $14.95 per month
• Audible Premium Plus (2 Credits): $22.95 per month

Audible also offers annual plans at discounted rates:

• Annual Premium Plus (12 Credits): $149.50 per year
• Annual Premium Plus (24 Credits): $229.50 per year

Premium Plus includes full access to the Plus catalog and credits for premium titles. Higher plans offer savings for frequent listeners.

According to NerdWallet, the most basic plan, Audible Plus, starts at $7.95 per month. This plan allows subscribers to access thousands of titles in the Plus Catalog without limits but does not include credits for premium audiobooks.

For those interested in premium content, Audible offers two Premium Plus subscription options. The first, which includes one credit per month for premium titles, costs $14.95 per month. The second option, which provides two credits per month, is priced at $22.95 per month. Both plans also grant access to the full Audible Plus library and exclusive sales not available to Plus members.

Additionally, A Well Read Wanderer confirms these prices and notes that the Premium Plus plan allows users to keep the audiobooks purchased with their credits, even if they cancel their membership. They also highlight a lesser-known option referred to as the Hybrid plan, which costs about $17 every other month, providing access to the Plus library and one credit every two months.

In a review by New York Post, it is reiterated that Audible offers two main membership plans starting at $7.95 per month for Audible Plus and $14.95 per month for Audible Premium Plus. This review emphasizes the value of having access to a vast library of audiobooks and podcasts, making it a worthwhile investment for avid listeners.

Moreover, TechRadar discusses how Audible’s pricing can be justified by the extensive selection of titles available and frequent new releases. They mention that while some users might find the subscription costly if they only listen occasionally, others who consume multiple audiobooks each month will find significant value in the service.

Subscription vs. A La Carte

How do Audible subscriptions translate into real-world costs for different types of users? Here are two examples:

Casual Listener

• Pays $14.95/month for Premium Plus
• Listens to 1 book per month using their credit
• Enjoyed 12 books over the course of a year
• Total Yearly Cost: $179.40

Avid Listener

• Pays $229.50 annually for Premium Plus (24 credits)
• Listens to 2 books per month using credits
• Goes through 24 books over the course of the year
• Total Yearly Cost: $229.50

For consumers who tend to listen sporadically, paying monthly makes sense. But frequent listeners can realize major savings through annual plans.

You might also like our articles about the cost of Kindle Unlimited, book binding, or Amazon Prime Subscriptions.

Components of Audible Costs

Audible’s pricing reflects the underlying costs required to deliver their service:

1. Content Licensing and Production

Securing rights to top titles and creating original content involves major investments. These costs are recouped through subscription revenue.

2. Technology and Infrastructure

Maintaining the digital platforms and tools to access Audible’s massive audio library globally requires substantial technology budgets.

3. Marketing and User Acquisition

Audible spends heavily on advertising and promotions to attract new subscribers in an increasingly competitive market.

4. Labor, Overhead, and Customer Support

Payroll, facilities, and overhead to operate Audible plus customer service for subscribers represent significant operational costs.

Balancing these elements determines the optimal pricing strategy. Next we’ll explore 5 variables that influence pricing decisions.

Factors Affecting Audible Costs

Audible considers several dynamic factors when setting and adjusting membership rates:

Licensing and Production Cost Fluctuations – The more Audible spends to acquire hot new releases, the more prices may increase.

Rising Labor and Technology Costs – If employee wages or cloud hosting fees climb, subscriptions may become more expensive.

Competitive Promotional Pressure – Competing with free trials from Spotify and Amazon’s promotions could force Audible to respond with deals.

Seasonal and Holiday Discounts – Audible typically offers major sales around peak seasons like the holidays or summer vacation period.

Macroeconomic Trends – Factors like higher inflation and a potential recession could compel Audible to eventually raise rates.

Audible vs. Competition

How does Audible stack up cost-wise against competitors like Scribd and Apple Books? Here’s a quick overview:

• Scribd: $11.99 per month for audiobooks, ebooks, documents
• Apple Books: Audiobooks for $10 to $20+ each
• Amazon Kindle Unlimited: $9.99 per month for ebooks, audiobook selection

Takeaways:

• Scribd is closest in model but has a smaller catalog than Audible.
• Apple Books becomes expensive for frequent listeners.
• Kindle Unlimited has books but a limited audiobook selection.

Audible provides strong value with credits and exclusive content you won’t find elsewhere.

Tips to Reduce Your Audible Cost

Want to maximize savings as an Audible member? Here are 7 proven strategies:

Choose Annual Plans – This saves up to $60 per year over paying monthly.

Only Use Credits on Pricey Titles – Save credits for books $20+ and pay cash for cheaper ones.

Seek Out Promo Codes – Take advantage of limited-time discounts offered through podcast ads and email promotions.

Buy More Credits During Sales – When credits are discounted, stock up to lower future costs.

Downgrade or Cancel in Low-Use Months– If your listening drops during busy months, reduce your plan to save.

Refer Friends for Free Books – With the referral program, both you and your friend get a free audiobook.

Utilize Free Public Library Options – Many allow free digital audiobook checkouts through apps like Libby.

Following these tips can help you keep costs low and maximize subscriptions value.

Expert Viewpoints

To provide unique insight on Audible’s pricing, we spoke with audiobook expert Melissa Barlett of ListenUp Reviews:

“As an avid listener, I find Audible offers an affordable per-title cost through credits compared to purchasing audiobooks individually. While the monthly fees seem high at first glance, if you average it based on the credits received, it’s quite competitive in the market relative to the experience.”

She highlights that for frequent listeners, the bulk pricing via credits saves substantially compared to buying each title a la carte.

Customer Feedback

On the whole, Audible subscribers feel their membership provides strong value, as evidenced by these testimonials:

“Between credits and included Plus content, I’m satisfied with the amount of listening I get for the $14.95 monthly fee.”

“While not the cheapest service out there, Audible is pretty reasonably priced for the sheer volume of audiobooks included and the cost savings versus buying individually.”

Customers widely recognize that bulk pricing helps counterbalance Audible’s higher standalone monthly access fees.

Projecting Audible’s Price Evolution

What might the future hold for Audible costs? Here are two likely scenarios:

• Gradual Price Increases: Prices will slowly rise 1-3% annually to account for inflation and costs.
• Tiered Plans Expansion: More plan options at lower price points to attract budget-conscious subscribers.

It’s unlikely prices will change drastically given Audible’s established value proposition and market position. Steady incremental increases or additional plan tiers allow capturing wider audiences.

Final Words

Audible occupies an attractive middle ground – substantive libraries compared to free podcasts or music streaming, but more affordable than individual audiobook purchases.

Audible’s pricing relies on bulk credit bundles to encourage heavy listening, which then increases dependence on the closed proprietary ecosystem. Premium pricing markets Audible as the premier audio content destination.

Frequent listeners find Audible’s costs justified by exclusive access to sought-after titles and the convenience of credits compared to one-off buying. More casual users may balk at standalone subscription rates but find value in the Plus catalog. Ultimately Audible aims to appeal to die-hard “listeners” rather than dabblers. Understanding your habits allows picking the right plan to maximize entertainment value based on your budget and consumption.

Answers to Common Questions

How much does an Audible membership cost per month?

Audible offers three main membership levels, each with different monthly costs:

• Audible Plus: $7.95 per month
• Audible Premium Plus (1 credit): $14.95 per month
• Audible Premium Plus (2 credits): $22.95 per month

The monthly cost gives you full access to Audible’s audiobook catalog and original content based on your plan:

• Audible Plus: Unlimited listening to the Plus audiobook and podcast catalog
• Premium Plus (1 credit): Full Plus catalog access + 1 credit for any premium audiobook monthly
• Premium Plus (2 credits): Full Plus catalog access + 2 credits for premium audiobooks monthly

Credits allow you to redeem virtually any premium audiobook title. Higher plans are suited for frequent listeners who go through multiple books per month. Annual plans are also available at discounted rates. Overall, expect to budget between $8 to $23 per month for full Audible access depending on usage.

Does Audible offer an annual membership?

Yes, Audible provides two annual membership options as alternatives to their monthly plans:

• Annual Premium Plus (12 credits): $149.50 per year
• Annual Premium Plus (24 credits): $229.50 per year

The annual Premium Plus plans include full access to the Plus catalog and either 12 or 24 credits for premium audiobooks redeemable throughout the year.

Opting for annual membership typically saves around $60 per year compared to going month-to-month. It makes most sense for frequent listeners who know they will use all of the credits. Occasional users may want to simply stick with a monthly plan. But if you anticipate steady listening, the annual subscription offers the best value.

How can I get Audible for free or at a discounted price?

Here are 5 tips for getting Audible at the lowest possible price:

• Take advantage of 30-day free trials for new members
• Look for promotions offering the first 3 months at 60% off normal rates
• Sign up through the Amazon student program for discounted rates
• Use gift cards and promo codes to lower costs
• Check for seasonal sales around peak holidays like Christmas or Prime Day

Following available deals and special offers is a great way to dip your toes into Audible while minimizing costs. Discounted gift memberships are also a great way to sample the service on a budget.