Are you wondering if Audible is worth your money? You’re not alone. With millions of people in the United States and around the world trying audiobooks for the first time, it’s natural to ask if Audible really delivers value. In this in-depth guide, we’ll break down everything about Audible—what it offers, how much it costs, the pros and cons, and whether it’s the right choice for you. By the end, you’ll know exactly if Audible is worth it for your lifestyle.
What Is Audible and How Does It Work?
Audible is Amazon’s audiobook and spoken-word platform. It lets you listen to audiobooks, podcasts, and other audio content on your phone, tablet, computer, or smart speaker. Instead of reading a physical book or an eBook, you listen while commuting, exercising, cooking, or relaxing.
Here’s how it works: you sign up for a membership and receive credits each month. Each credit lets you download any audiobook, no matter the price. Once you’ve downloaded a book, it’s yours to keep—even if you cancel your membership later. Audible also offers access to exclusive podcasts, Audible Originals (content you can’t get anywhere else), and sleep tracks for relaxation.
So whether you’re a busy professional, a student, or someone who simply prefers listening over reading, Audible offers a convenient way to consume books.
Is Audible Free or Paid?
Many people ask: is Audible free? The short answer is no, Audible is a paid service. However, it does offer a free trial for 30 days (or sometimes even 60 days during special promotions). This trial gives you one or two free audiobooks and access to the Audible Plus catalog to test the service.
Once the free trial ends, you’ll need to pay for a subscription to keep accessing premium content. But don’t worry—we’ll break down Audible’s subscription plans next so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
Audible Subscription Plans Explained
Audible offers two main membership types in the United States: Audible Plus and Audible Premium Plus. Each comes with different features and price points.
How Much Does Audible Cost?
Audible Plus costs $7.95 per month and gives you unlimited access to the Audible Plus catalog. This includes thousands of audiobooks, podcasts, and Audible Originals. But keep in mind: you don’t own these books; access ends if you cancel.
Audible Premium Plus starts at $14.95 per month. This plan gives you 1 credit per month that you can use to buy any audiobook in Audible’s full catalog. It also includes everything in Audible Plus. You own the audiobooks you purchase with credits forever—even if you cancel later.
For heavy listeners, there’s a Premium Plus plan with 2 credits per month for $22.95/month.
What Do You Get With a Membership?
- 1 or 2 monthly credits (Premium Plus)
- Unlimited streaming of the Audible Plus catalog
- Access to exclusive podcasts and Originals
- Discounts on additional audiobook purchases (up to 30% off)
- Sleep tracks and meditation programs
- The ability to keep purchased books forever
This mix of ownership and unlimited streaming gives Audible more flexibility than most audiobook platforms.
Can You Cancel Anytime?
Yes, Audible lets you cancel anytime without penalties. If you’re not happy, simply cancel through your Amazon account. You’ll lose access to the Audible Plus catalog, but any audiobooks you bought with credits remain yours forever.
Audible Pros and Cons
Like any service, Audible has strengths and weaknesses.
Pros
- Huge library of over 200,000 audiobooks
- Keep audiobooks purchased with credits forever
- High-quality narrations by famous voices
- 30-day free trial available
- Easy-to-use app for all devices
- Discounts on extra purchases
- Sleep and wellness programs included
Cons
- Monthly fee may feel expensive for casual listeners
- Only 1 credit per month on the base Premium Plus plan
- Some bestsellers not included in the unlimited Plus catalog
- Limited free content after trial ends
By weighing these pros and cons, you can decide if Audible fits your reading habits.
Is Audible Worth It for You?
Here’s the big question: is Audible worth the money?
It depends on how often you listen to books. If you love reading but struggle to find time, Audible’s audio format is a game-changer. One audiobook a month costs less than most physical books, and the ownership model means you build a permanent library.
For casual listeners, Audible Plus might be enough. But if you want new releases or bestsellers, Premium Plus gives you more value.
If you’re unsure, try the free trial and see how much you use it.
Audible vs Other Options (Like Kindle)
How does Audible stack up against Kindle or other audiobook apps like Scribd?
With Kindle, you’re still reading text (either eBooks or on Kindle Unlimited). Audible, on the other hand, lets you listen, which is perfect for multitasking. Scribd offers an unlimited model for books and audiobooks but doesn’t let you own any titles.
Audible’s biggest advantage is ownership—you keep books bought with credits forever. This is not true for Kindle Unlimited or Scribd, where access ends when you cancel.
Tips to Get the Most From Audible
- Use your free trial wisely—pick high-value books
- Set a monthly listening goal to use your credits
- Explore free content in Audible Plus
- Share your library with Amazon Household (for family sharing)
- Download books for offline listening during commutes
Is There a Cheaper Plan?
If $14.95 feels high, start with Audible Plus at $7.95/month. Or look out for Amazon deals that offer discounted Audible memberships during Prime Day or Black Friday.
Does Audible Offer a Student Discount?
Yes, Audible offers a student discount through Amazon Prime Student. Students get 50% off Audible Premium Plus for up to 12 months, making it just $7.95/month. It’s a great deal for learners on a budget.
Verdict: Should You Try Audible?
If you enjoy books but don’t have time to sit and read, Audible is absolutely worth trying. It’s affordable compared to buying physical books, and the ownership model gives lasting value. Whether you pick Audible Plus or Premium Plus depends on how many books you want each month.
The free trial makes it risk-free to test the service and see if audiobooks fit your lifestyle.
The Bottom Line
Audible is a fantastic tool for book lovers and busy people alike. It’s not free, but its features and flexibility make it worth the cost for most users. Start with the free trial, explore the massive library, and decide if it matches your needs. Chances are, once you get used to listening, you’ll never look back.
