This post may include affiliate links – check our Privacy Policy
The era of Audiobooks is now in full swing, but this is only because audiobooks’ benefits outnumber any cons. With audiobooks, efficient multitasking is far better; you can get ready in the morning, work, do chores, travel, and simultaneously enjoy your desired texts.
Audiobooks have made access to literature a lot more inclusive in no small measure. Even with their limitations, folks afflicted with visual or physical disabilities can absorb as much knowledge as the avid book reader.
Fortunately, audiobooks are very diverse and spread across several genres, so there is almost no limit to the number of books available. In addition, many classic books have also been recorded for their audiobook version.
Perhaps you have become convinced to join the audiobook wave, and it is time for you to choose an audiobook platform. An Audible membership might have been recommended to you by a friend or suggested to you by ads.
However, you may still ponder the million-dollar question – Is Audible worth it? Take it from us, an Audible account is one of the most significant investments you will ever make.
Not sure about that? This in-depth honest Audible review will show you why we can make such a bold statement and the true Audible membership worth.
If you also ponder on “how does Audible work?” This Audible review will provide an insightful guide to the several goodies that will flip your switch on considering Audible.
Is Audible worth it? Let us find out!
Table of Contents
What is Audible?
Audible is an Amazon company that provides an audiobook subscription service. They boast the most extensive audiobook collection on the internet.
Thousands of the world’s best books are readily available in their audiobook versions. However, their scope is not limited to only regular audiobooks.
As an Audible member, you are also provided with access to the audio version of several magazines, radio shows, podcasts, and interviews. These include entertainment content like stand-up comedy and niche business materials like The Wall Street Journal.
How does Audible work?
An Amazon account is required to sign up for Audible. You can create a new one or use your existing account to start your Audible journey.
To access Audible, you can visit the platform’s website, www.audible.com, or download the free Audible app from your device’s application store. You can also access your account via the app on any amazon devices like Kindles, Sonos devices, Alexa-enabled devices, compatible Fire tablets, etc.
Starting your Audible Account
Audible lets you kick off your journey with a 30-day free trial when you initially sign up. However, the free trial only starts after you add your credit card. During this period, you have access to download free audiobooks – one free audiobook and two Audible originals.
Suppose you decide to cancel your Audible subscription before or at the end of the trial period. In that case, you get to keep your audiobooks completely free of charge! Otherwise, you will be charged a monthly fee for the subscription service, but you still get to keep your free audiobook.
Canceling your membership before the 30-day free trial period ends also guarantees a discounted offer to continue your membership- so you pay less to become a member, fantastic!
Audible’s subscription model has two tiers: Audible Plus and Audible Premium Plus. Both tiers allow for an enjoyable variety of experiences. They will be explained in this Audible review.
Audible Credits System
Credits refer to the ability to purchase an Audible book from the selection of the Premium title without any payment cost. Each credit is used to buy one audiobook regardless of the actual price. Any audiobooks purchased remain yours forever and will be saved to your Amazon account even after you cancel your membership.
However, you are not obliged to spend your credit(s) monthly. Audible credits accumulate if you don’t use them for a while. However, your unused credits expire after 12 months!
This shouldn’t be a problem since so many audiobooks are available for purchase. In fact, there is no limit to how many audiobooks you are allowed to buy except for the audible credit available. Moreover, If you are not satisfied with one audiobook, you can purchase your desired audiobooks directly or buy more credits.
Audible Premium Plus
Formerly known as Audible Gold, Audible Premium Plus is the standard membership plan; a monthly subscription fee for one or two credits on this plan.
The audiobook available for purchase is selected from a burgeoning collection of almost 500, 000 books called Audible Premium Titles.
In addition to owning your audiobooks from this vast collection, this plan gives you unlimited listening access to a full Audible library of over 10, 000 titles known as the Audible Plus catalog.
Audible Premium Plus Annual
In addition to their monthly subscription service, Audible offers annual plans for your convenience. The first annual plan provides 12 credits all year round, and the second plan offers 24 credits for the entire year. You may use these credits however you see fit.
This will be an excellent option once you are acclimatized and prepared to commit to Audible. If you also prefer a one-time annual payment over a monthly fee deduction, this is the plan for you.
Audible Plus
The Audible Plus plan does not award any credit but allows monthly access to borrow audiobooks of your choice.
You only have access to the Audible Plus catalog, containing over 10,000 content materials. Think of it as a streaming service, like Netflix, where you can watch any show or movie but do not own it.
You may purchase audiobooks at their price if you wish to own them forever. However, unlike Premium Plus, this plan has limitations since there is no access to the juicy Premium Titles collection.
However, this plan is perfect for you if you are testing the waters and not yet ready for a full commitment. It will also suit your style if you are new to audiobooks and yearning to explore several genres!
The cost of Audible Pricing
The Audible Plus membership costs $7.95 per month for access without an Audible credit.
On the other hand, Audible Premium Plus comprises one Audible credit plan and two Audible credits plan. The one-credit plan costs $14.95/month, and the two credits plan costs $22.95/month.
Audible Premium Plus Annual costs $149. 50 for the 12 credits plan and $229.50 for the 24 credits plan. This plan reiterates Premium Plus’s credits per month model but for a combined lower cost.
It is important to note that the Audible cost fee will be more expensive for the monthly Premium Plus (i.e., $14.95/month X 12 = $179. 4/year) than the Premium Plus Annual (i.e., $149.50).
For all its outstanding services, the subscription fees are quite economical; the audible subscription worth is well-priced. It surely helps define our answer to the pertinent question of “Is Audible worth it.”
Perks of an Audible membership
Many of the features available on the platform make Audible worth its bargain price! This audible review will help you understand each one.
Asides from the unlimited access to Audible’s vast audio library, an Audible subscription will also get you two free Audible original books each month at no additional cost.
In addition, Audible also grants users access to the 30% discounted audiobook sale. Audible offers these weekly deals each Friday from the Premium Selection Title books.
Some other cool perks that make Audible worth it include:
Audible Wishlist
Audible provides a wishlist feature, allowing you to add your desired books to a list later. Whenever these books are part of an exclusive sales deal, you will be notified and may be lucky to pick them up for prices lower than the cost of credit ($14.95).
Audible Box Sets
Box sets are also available on Audible; these are usually title series- both fiction and nonfiction books- across several genres. Users can search for box sets and gain access to multiple audiobooks for a single credit!
With a box set, you easily get way more value – multiple audible audiobooks instead of one – for a single Audible credit!
Audible Platform Sync
You can access your Audible audiobook library on multiple devices, enabling you to sync your progress across devices.
Once you download audiobooks on Audible, you won’t be bothered about losing progress when you switch devices.
Amazon Household Sharing
Since amazon accounts are required to access Audible, you can take advantage of the Amazon household feature. This feature means your close friends and family can join in the fun.
Your amazon household will be linked to two full adult accounts and a couple of teen/children accounts. Every account included in your household platform will have access to your library.
Canceling/Pausing Audible Subscription
It is hassle-free to cancel your membership; the Audiobook service does not hold you down with overwhelming commitments. Cancellations are pretty rapid and straightforward.
With Audible, you can also pause your membership. If your credits are about to expire or you have issues with your credit card, Audible allows you to pause your membership once in 12 months.
The pause lasts for 1-3 months. You will have to contact Audible’s customer support to access this feature, and they will pause it for you.
During this period, your credits are still viable, and Audible will delay their expiry, but you will not have access to the Audible Plus Catalog.
Amazon Whispersync
This feature is another incredible one from Audible! Suppose you also have a Kindle ebook version of an Audible Audiobook you already own. In that case, Audible allows you to sync both through your Amazon membership.
Hence, the reading progress on your Kindle ebook will be linked to the audiobook and vice versa.
This means that you switch between listening to and reading books of your choice.
Audible Originals
You may wonder what the Audible Original books are. The Originals are a set of Audible audiobooks, podcasts, and magazines exclusive to the platform alone. These content materials are not available on any other platform.
Is Audible cheaper with Prime?
Even though Audible doesn’t offer any free features with its Prime membership, it is less expensive for you.
Amazon Prime Members new to Audible get a better free trial deal. Instead of the usual one audible credit, Prime members are given one extra credit for another free book.
Does Audible give free credits?
Audible credits are the currency of the entire audiobook service system. Thus, after the first 30 days, Audible subscribers are not eligible for any more complimentary credits.
All credits are directly bought with the monthly subscription.
Returns Policy
For any reason you may, Audible allows its users to return purchased audiobooks for a new and different audiobook. You must make sure to be careful in going about it.
Unlike the free audiobooks from the Audible Plus catalog, any Audible audiobook from the premium category is a direct purchase. However, you must only return a book you can’t finish.
Thus, Audible will immediately refund your credits or money on any return. You may also request a direct replacement with another book of your choice.
Returns can only be made during the 365-day period after the book has been purchased. Any returns initiated after over a year from the initial purchase date will be invalid.
Failure to comply with the return terms can result in Audible blocking you from returning any more audiobooks. In addition, such situations may also affect the author’s royalty payments.
Customer Support
Another of the many reasons why that proves the reputable Audible worth is its impeccable customer support office. The dedicated department helps users like yourself have a pleasurable experience with Audible.
Audible’s customer service is reachable by direct messaging and phone calls; they will help resolve any of your issues with the platform.
Conclusion- Is Audible worth it or not?
We hope you enjoyed this honest audible review that provided the answers to the dilemma of “Is Audible worth it or not.” It is clear to see why Audiobook fans love Audible. Listening to audiobooks is so much fun, and it is even more delightful with Audible.
If you want to learn more about audiobooks but are busy with little time to read them, then Audible is the perfect solution for you.
Give their free trial a try and tune into your favorite audiobooks. It is truly a no-brainer!