Is Audible Worth It? A Comprehensive Review of the Leading Audiobook Platform

In a world where multitasking is the norm, audiobooks have emerged as a popular alternative to traditional reading. They allow you to immerse yourself in a story while commuting, exercising, or even doing household chores. But is listening to audiobooks really the same as reading? Absolutely! You’re still engaging with the text, just through your ears instead of your eyes.

Among the myriad of audiobook platforms available, Audible stands out as one of the most recognized names. Owned by Amazon, it offers a vast selection of audiobooks, podcasts, and audio originals. As a proud library card holder who has primarily consumed literature through audiobooks in recent years, I decided to dive deep into Audible to see if it lives up to the hype. Spoiler alert: I think it does! Below, I’ll share my comprehensive review of the service, including pricing, features, and some of my favorite audiobooks.

What is Audible?

Audible is a subscription service that provides users with access to a massive library of audiobooks, audio originals, and podcasts. You can either purchase audiobooks individually or subscribe to one of two monthly plans for unlimited listening. The platform is user-friendly and offers unique perks, such as the Audible Plus catalog, which includes a selection of titles available at no additional cost to subscribers.

Audible Subscription Price: How Much is Audible?

Audible offers two membership plans:

• Audible Plus: $7.95/month

  • Access to the Plus Catalog, which includes select Audible Originals, audiobooks, podcasts, and exclusive series.
• Audible Premium Plus: $14.95/month
  • Includes everything in the Plus plan, plus one credit each month for any audiobook in Audible’s premium selection, regardless of price.

Both plans come with exclusive deals and discounts, and new users can take advantage of a one-month free trial to explore the service.

Is Audible Free with Prime?

Unfortunately, Amazon Prime members do not receive free access to Audible. However, Prime members can benefit from the Prime Reading program, which offers a rotating selection of free e-books and includes free Audible narration for those titles.

Does Audible Have a Free Trial?

Yes! Audible offers a one-month free trial for both the Plus and Premium Plus plans. Occasionally, they also provide extended free trials during major shopping events like Prime Day.

How Does Audible Work? Our Review

Having tested several audiobook platforms, I consistently find myself returning to Audible. The combination of free books included in the subscription and the ability to choose one premium title each month makes it a compelling choice.

While one credit per month may not suffice for voracious readers, Audible allows you to purchase additional credits if needed. However, these additional credits are priced higher than the subscription cost, so I typically reserve my credits for books priced above $14.95 and purchase cheaper titles outright.

Pros and Cons of Audible

Pros:

• Access to select free Audible books included in the subscription.
• Flexible playback speed ranging from 0.5x to 3.0x.
• Purchased books remain in your library even after canceling your subscription.

Cons:

• One credit per month may be insufficient for avid readers.
• The library search function could be more intuitive.

How Does Audible Compare to Other Audiobook Platforms?

I’ve also explored other audiobook services like Libro.fm and Spotify.

• Libro.fm offers a similar subscription model at $14.99/month, providing one credit for any book. However, it lacks the extensive free content available in Audible’s Plus catalog.

• Spotify has recently introduced audiobooks, allowing users to purchase titles a la carte. Premium subscribers can listen to 15 hours of audiobooks monthly, but this limit can be restrictive, especially for longer titles.

For those who enjoy borrowing from the library, apps like Libby and Hoopla are excellent options. However, the long waitlists for new releases often lead me back to Audible, especially when I need a book for a deadline.

How to Return an Audible Book

Books purchased with credits or money are yours to keep indefinitely, even if you cancel your subscription. However, titles from the Audible Plus catalog can be removed from your library if you no longer wish to keep them.

Some of the Best Audible Books We’ve Read

When selecting audiobooks, I gravitate towards titles with engaging formats, full-cast narrations, and celebrity memoirs narrated by the authors themselves. Some standout recommendations include:

• "Becoming" by Michelle Obama – A powerful memoir that resonates deeply when narrated by the author.
• "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern – A beautifully woven tale that comes alive with a full-cast narration.
• "Educated" by Tara Westover – A gripping story of resilience and self-discovery, made even more impactful by Westover’s narration.

The Final Verdict

As a long-time Audible subscriber, I can confidently say that the platform is worth it for anyone who loves audiobooks. If you enjoy reading new releases shortly after they come out, Audible can be a better option than relying solely on your library, especially given the long waitlists for popular titles.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and how quickly you consume audiobooks. For me, Audible strikes the perfect balance between new releases and older titles, making it an invaluable resource in my reading journey.

How We Tested

To provide an honest review, I utilized Audible extensively over the past two years, focusing on user-friendliness, selection, and overall experience. The app’s intuitive design and vast library make it easy to find and enjoy audiobooks, ensuring that I always have something engaging to listen to.

In conclusion, whether you’re a seasoned audiobook listener or just starting, Audible offers a wealth of content and features that make it a top choice in the audiobook landscape. Happy listening!

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