Whether it’s on your commute, working out at the gym, or simply on a lazy Sunday afternoon, listening to audiobooks is a great way to catch up on the latest from your favorite author, the bestseller that’s all the rage, or practice a meditation guide. Audible is one of the biggest producers of audiobooks and other audio storytelling.
But how does it work? How much does it cost? Here’s everything you need to know about Audible.
What is Audible?
Audible boasts that its audiobooks stand out from basic text-to-speech adaptations that several ebook apps and readers offer since they are narrated by authors, famous actors, public figures, or professional narrators. Audible claims its content is available to listeners in over 180 countries, in as many as 47 languages.
It is an audiobook and podcast service owned by a subsidiary of Amazon.com, Inc. Apart from audiobooks and podcasts, the service also produces Audible Originals, ranging from shows with star-studded casts to live performances, concerts, musicals, theatre productions, comedy specials, and even guided wellness programs.
The Audible catalog of audio titles can be listened to with a membership, but it is not necessary to purchase titles. It’s available to use on Android, iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and web browsers. The Windows app wasdeprecated in 2022and is no longer available - however, the Audible Cloud Player can be accessed via web browsers. The service is also available on Alexa and Echo devices and Amazon’s Fire Tablets. Audible content is available to buy via Audible.com, Amazon.com, and iTunes.
Established in 1998, Audible has been through several iterations in its 25-year history. It was acquired by Amazon in 2008. The company also runs the Audiobook Creation Exchange (ACX), which puts content creators, publishers, and other rights holders in touch with narrators, producers, and other voice actors to create audio content such as audiobooks. you’re able to find more details about this on theACX website.
How does Audible work?
Regardless of how Audible titles are purchased, they are owned by the buyers or members “forever,” even after the subscription period ends. Notably, Audible offers free 30-day trials. However, there are two types: the Audible Plus free trial, which lets you access the service but gives you no free credits, and the Audible Premium Plus free trial, which also gives you one free Audible credit. After the free trial ends, you will be charged the monthly subscription rate.
If you want an Audible subscription, click the following link and give it a shot. You might just find that you read more than you ever have.
Other Audible features include the ability to download and save titles to your library to listen to them offline. You can also follow podcasts to be notified whenever a new episode lands. The Audible player lets you choose playback speed, set a timer to shut down playback, and even use car mode for bigger, simplified controls for when you’re on the move. Audible is also part of the Waze navigation app’s Audio Player Program, letting users of the app easily access Audible content when navigating.
There is also theAudibleSync appfor Windows 10 and Windows 11, which lets users download their Audible content and transfer it to supported MP3 players. A feature called WhisperSync for Voice also lets you pick up where you left off when you switch between select Kindle eBooks and Audible audiobooks - known as paired editions orKindle eBooks with Audible Companions. More details can be foundhere.
How much does Audible cost?
There are 3 tiers of monthly Audible subscriptions: Audible Plus, Audible Premium Plus - 1 Credit, and Audible Premium Plus - 2 Credits. There are also two annual subscriptions, which are essentially extensions of the premium monthly subscriptions: Audible Premium Plus Annual - 12 Credits and Audible Premium Plus Annual - 24 Credits. Notably, memberships purchased via the Audible Android or iOS apps arepriced differently, as detailed further in this article.
Audible had a special Premium Plus offer running at the time of writing thatcharged $5.95 per monthfor the first 4 months and $14.95 per month thereafter. The offer is valid till June 19, 2025. That’s significantly cheaper than the basic Audible Plus subscription.
For the Audible iOS app, the Audible Premium Plus subscription is priced at $15.99 a month, with 1 credit per month and access to the entire Audible Plus catalog. The Audible Premium Plus Annual Membership is priced at $159.99 annually, with 12 credits per year.
