Introduction: Understanding Audible’s Subscription Options
When it comes to listening to audiobooks, Audible is one of the world’s leading platforms. With a massive library of titles across every genre, it has become the go-to destination for book lovers, multitaskers, and lifelong learners.
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Audible offers two main membership plans: Audible Premium and Audible Premium Plus. While they may sound similar, they provide different levels of access, features, and benefits. Choosing the right plan depends on your listening habits, budget, and how much value you want to get from your subscription.
This guide will give you a complete comparison between Audible Premium and Premium Plus, explain their key differences, pricing, perks, and limitations, and help you decide which plan suits your needs best.
Audible Premium: Overview and Features
Audible Premium is designed for casual listeners who want access to Audible’s streaming library without committing to purchasing audiobooks permanently.
Key Features of Audible Premium:
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Unlimited streaming access to the Audible Plus Catalog (thousands of audiobooks, podcasts, wellness programs, and more)
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Access via the Audible app on mobile, desktop, or Alexa-enabled devices
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Ability to download and listen offline while your subscription is active
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No monthly credits (you do not own any titles permanently)
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Affordable monthly cost compared to Premium Plus
Ideal for: People who enjoy listening to audiobooks and podcasts occasionally and are happy streaming content rather than owning it.
Audible Premium Plus: Overview and Features
Audible Premium Plus combines all the benefits of Premium and adds monthly credits, allowing you to purchase and permanently keep audiobooks from the entire Audible store — even if you cancel your membership later.
Key Features of Audible Premium Plus:
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All benefits of Audible Premium (unlimited Plus Catalog streaming)
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1 or more monthly credits (each credit can be used to buy any audiobook, no matter the price)
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Purchased titles are yours to keep forever
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Exclusive 30% discounts on additional audiobook purchases
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Access to exclusive sales and member-only deals
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Ability to build a personal audiobook library
Ideal for: Avid audiobook listeners who want to own books permanently, build a collection, and get the best value per title.
Audible Premium vs Premium Plus: Key Differences
Feature | Audible Premium | Audible Premium Plus |
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Monthly Credits | ❌ None | ✅ 1+ per month |
Ownership of Audiobooks | ❌ No (stream only) | ✅ Yes (you keep them forever) |
Plus Catalog Access | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Discounts on Purchases | ❌ No | ✅ 30% off |
Offline Listening | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Price | Lower | Higher |
Ideal For | Casual listeners | Avid listeners & collectors |
Which Plan Is Right for You?
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Choose Audible Premium if you:
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Prefer streaming rather than owning
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Listen occasionally or casually
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Want a lower monthly cost
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Don’t care about building a personal audiobook library
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Choose Audible Premium Plus if you:
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Listen to multiple audiobooks per month
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Want to own and keep your audiobooks
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Like discounts and member-only sales
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Want to build a permanent collection
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Bottom line:
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If you want to sample and explore, go for Audible Premium.
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If you want long-term value and ownership, choose Audible Premium Plus.
Tips Before Subscribing
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Sign up for free trials (Audible often offers 30-day free trials for both plans)
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Use your credits wisely on expensive audiobooks to get the best value
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Take advantage of exclusive member-only deals and promotions on Premium Plus
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Consider upgrading or downgrading your plan anytime based on your listening needs
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the difference between Audible Premium and Premium Plus?
Audible Premium gives you unlimited streaming from the Plus Catalog, while Premium Plus includes streaming plus monthly credits to buy and keep audiobooks.
2. Can I keep books from Audible Premium?
No. Titles from the Plus Catalog are only available while you have an active subscription. Once you cancel, you lose access to them.
3. Can I keep books from Audible Premium Plus?
Yes. Any audiobook you purchase with credits or money is yours to keep forever, even after cancelling.
4. How much does Audible Premium cost?
Audible Premium usually costs less than Premium Plus, around $7.95/month (prices may vary by region).
5. How much does Audible Premium Plus cost?
Premium Plus typically costs $14.95/month for 1 credit, with higher tiers available for more credits per month.
6. Can I switch from Premium to Premium Plus anytime?
Yes. You can upgrade or downgrade your Audible plan anytime from your account settings.
7. What is the Audible Plus Catalog?
It’s a library of thousands of audiobooks, podcasts, and more that are free to stream with either Audible Premium or Premium Plus.
8. Do unused credits from Premium Plus expire?
Yes, credits usually expire after 12 months if unused, so it’s best to use them regularly.
9. Can I listen offline with both plans?
Yes. Both Audible Premium and Premium Plus allow you to download titles for offline listening.
10. Is Audible Premium Plus worth it?
Yes — if you listen regularly and want to own audiobooks, Premium Plus offers greater long-term value and exclusive member perks.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between Audible Premium vs Premium Plus comes down to how you consume audiobooks. If you simply want to stream and explore thousands of titles without owning them, Audible Premium is a cost-effective choice.
However, if you’re an avid audiobook lover who wants to own books, get discounts, and maximize value, Audible Premium Plus is the clear winner. It gives you full access to the Plus Catalog while allowing you to build a personal audiobook collection you keep forever.
Either way, Audible offers a free trial, so you can test both plans and decide which one works best for your lifestyle.
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