If you’ve been eyeing audiobooks and wondering “how much is Audible, really?”, the short answer is: it depends on which plan you pick and what you actually listen to. Audible’s pricing has a few moving parts, so let’s break it down in plain terms, then look at a lower-commitment way to start listening today.
Listen Free with an Audiobooks.com Trial30-day free trial • Your first audiobook free • Cancel anytimeHow Audible pricing works
Audible’s most popular plan is Premium Plus, which runs around $14.95 per month (check the provider for current details). That membership gives you one credit each month plus access to the Audible Plus catalog of included titles. There’s also a lower-cost Audible Plus plan that gives you catalog listening without monthly credits, and an annual option that effectively lowers the per-month cost if you pay upfront. Audible occasionally adjusts plans and names, so the live pricing page is always the source of truth.
The credit model, explained
The part that confuses most people is credits. With Premium Plus, your monthly fee buys one credit, and one credit equals one audiobook of almost any price. That’s a great deal when you redeem a credit on a long, expensive title (a 25-hour fantasy epic that would cost $30+ to buy outright). It’s a worse deal if you only listen occasionally and let credits pile up unused, or if you redeem credits on cheap titles.
Key things to know about credits (general, check Audible for specifics):
- Credits typically roll over for a limited time, then expire if unused.
- Books you buy with credits are yours to keep, even if you cancel.
- Members usually get discounts on additional purchases beyond their credit.
Is Audible worth it?
Audible is a strong, well-built service with an enormous catalog and excellent apps. It tends to make sense if you finish at least one full-length audiobook a month and like owning titles permanently. If you read in bursts, travel a lot, or just want to test whether audiobooks fit your routine before paying around $15 a month, a monthly subscription can feel like a lot to commit to up front.
A cheaper way to start listening
If your real goal is simply to start listening without immediately paying for a full membership, an Audiobooks.com free trial is an easy on-ramp. You can sign up, grab a credit, and download a full audiobook to see whether the format clicks for you, all before deciding to pay anything. The app works on phones, tablets, and the web, and the library is large enough that most popular titles are covered.
We’re not here to trash Audible; it’s a great platform and a fair pick for heavy listeners. But if you want to answer “is this even for me?” with minimal cost and minimal risk, starting on a free trial is the honest, low-pressure move. You can always compare both and keep whichever fits your habits and budget.
Listen Free with an Audiobooks.com Trial30-day free trial • Your first audiobook free • Cancel anytimeFAQ
Q: How much is Audible per month?
Premium Plus is around $14.95/month, with a cheaper Audible Plus tier and an annual option also available. Prices change, so check Audible for current details.
Q: What is an Audible credit worth?
One credit equals one audiobook regardless of its retail price, so credits stretch furthest on long, expensive titles. Credits usually expire after a set period if unused.
Q: Can I cancel Audible anytime?
Audible memberships are generally cancelable, and books bought with credits stay in your library after you cancel. Cancellation terms can change, so confirm the current policy with the provider.
Q: Is there a cheaper or free way to try audiobooks?
Yes. An Audiobooks.com free trial lets you download a full audiobook and test the format before committing to a paid plan, which is the easiest low-cost way to start.
Q: Audible or Audiobooks.com, which should I choose?
If you finish a full audiobook most months and want to own titles, Audible is solid. If you want to start cheaply and see if audiobooks fit your life first, begin with the Audiobooks.com free trial and decide from there.
Related guides
Official sources: Audible