In this detailed comparison, we'll explain the differences between Audible Premium Plus vs Audible Plus, compare features, pricing, benefits, and help you decide which membership offers the best value for your listening habits.
What Is Audible?
Audible is Amazon's audiobook and spoken-word entertainment platform. It offers one of the world's largest libraries of:
- Audiobooks
- Audible Originals
- Podcasts
- Guided wellness programs
- Sleep stories
- Language learning content
Whether you're commuting, exercising, or relaxing before bed, Audible makes it easy to enjoy books without reading a physical page.
The service offers two primary subscription plans:
- Audible Plus
- Audible Premium Plus
Although both plans include unlimited streaming from the Plus Catalog, they differ significantly in ownership, audiobook credits, and overall value.
Audible Premium Plus vs Audible Plus: Quick Comparison
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What Is Audible Plus?
Audible Plus is the more affordable membership designed for people who mainly stream content rather than build a permanent audiobook collection.
Instead of purchasing books individually, members get unlimited access to the Plus Catalog, which contains thousands of audiobooks and podcasts.
What You Get
- Unlimited listening from the Plus Catalog
- Thousands of Audible Originals
- Sleep stories
- Meditation content
- Podcasts
- New titles added regularly
Think of it like Netflix for audiobooks—you can listen as much as you want, but you don't own the titles permanently.
Pros of Audible Plus
- Lowest monthly cost
- Unlimited listening
- Great for discovering new authors
- Excellent podcast selection
- No commitment to individual purchases
Cons of Audible Plus
- No monthly audiobook credit
- Cannot keep books permanently
- Popular bestsellers are often unavailable
- Library changes over time
What Is Audible Premium Plus?
Audible Premium Plus includes everything available in Audible Plus, along with monthly audiobook credits that let you permanently own audiobooks.
Every month, members receive credits that can be exchanged for nearly any audiobook in Audible's store—regardless of price.
Even if you cancel your membership later, books purchased with credits remain in your library.
What You Get
- Everything in Audible Plus
- Monthly audiobook credit
- Permanent ownership of purchased books
- Member-exclusive sales
- Up to 30% discount on additional audiobook purchases
- Access to premium Audible titles
Why Credits Matter
Imagine a bestseller costs $35.
With Premium Plus, you can use one credit instead of paying full price.
Whether the audiobook costs $15 or $50, one credit covers it.
This makes Premium Plus especially valuable for expensive audiobooks.
Audible Premium Plus vs Audible Plus: Feature Comparison
1. Audiobook Ownership
Audible Plus
You only have access while:
- The title remains in the Plus Catalog
- Your subscription is active
If either changes, you lose access.
Audible Premium Plus
Books purchased with credits stay in your account forever.
Winner: Premium Plus
2. Unlimited Listening
Both plans include unlimited streaming from the Plus Catalog.
This means you can listen to thousands of titles without limits.
Winner: Tie
3. Monthly Credits
This is the biggest difference.
| Plan | Monthly Credits | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Audible Plus | ❌ None | Unlimited access to the Plus Catalog only. No credits to redeem for premium audiobooks. |
| Audible Premium Plus | ✅ 1 Credit per Month (or more on select annual plans) |
Redeem your credit for almost any audiobook, regardless of its retail price, and keep it forever. |
Winner: Premium Plus
4. Discounts
Premium Plus members receive:
- Member-only sales
- Up to 30% off extra purchases
Audible Plus members don't receive the same shopping benefits.
Winner: Premium Plus
5. Value for Money
If you listen to:
- One or more new audiobooks every month → Premium Plus offers excellent value.
- Mostly podcasts and included books → Audible Plus may be enough.
Audible Pricing (2026)
Pricing varies slightly depending on your country and any promotional offers, but the typical U.S. pricing is shown below:
| Plan | Monthly Price |
|---|---|
| Audible Plus | Around $7.95/month |
| Audible Premium Plus | Around $14.95/month |
Audible frequently offers promotions such as:
- Free trial for new members
- Discounted introductory pricing for the first few months
- Bonus audiobook credits during special events
- Seasonal promotions (Prime Day, Black Friday, holiday sales)
These offers can change throughout the year, so it's worth checking the latest deals before subscribing.
Which Plan Saves More Money?
Let's compare two readers.
Example 1: Sarah
Sarah listens to:
- Podcasts
- Meditation
- Sleep stories
She finishes only one audiobook every two months.
Best choice: Audible Plus
Example 2: Michael
Michael finishes:
- Three audiobooks every month
- Mostly new bestsellers
Buying them individually would cost over $70 monthly.
With Premium Plus:
- Monthly credit covers one expensive title
- Member discounts reduce the cost of additional books
- Plus Catalog adds even more listening options
Best choice: Audible Premium Plus
Who Should Choose Audible Plus?
Audible Plus is ideal if you:
- Are new to audiobooks
- Mainly listen to podcasts
- Prefer unlimited streaming
- Don't need to own audiobooks
- Want the lowest monthly cost
Who Should Choose Audible Premium Plus?
Premium Plus is perfect if you:
- Listen every day
- Enjoy bestselling audiobooks
- Want to build a permanent library
- Read multiple books each month
- Like saving money on expensive audiobooks
Audible Premium Plus Pros & Cons
Pros
- Keep audiobooks forever
- Monthly credit provides excellent value
- Member discounts
- Access to Audible sales
- Unlimited Plus Catalog included
Cons
- Higher monthly cost
- Credits may accumulate if you don't listen regularly
- May be unnecessary for casual listeners
Audible Plus Pros & Cons
Pros
- Affordable subscription
- Unlimited streaming
- Great introduction to audiobooks
- Excellent podcast selection
Cons
- No audiobook ownership
- Limited access to premium titles
- No monthly credit
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upgrade from Audible Plus to Premium Plus?
Yes. You can upgrade your membership at any time. Your access to the Plus Catalog continues, and you'll start receiving monthly credits once you switch.
Do I keep my audiobooks if I cancel Premium Plus?
Yes. Any audiobook you purchased with credits or money remains in your Audible library even after cancellation.
Can I use Audible without a subscription?
Yes. You can purchase audiobooks individually without a membership, but members typically receive better pricing and additional benefits.
Is the Plus Catalog included with Premium Plus?
Absolutely. Premium Plus includes everything in Audible Plus, plus monthly credits and member discounts.
Which plan is better for beginners?
If you're unsure whether you'll listen often, Audible Plus is a low-cost way to explore audiobooks. If you expect to enjoy new releases and build a library, Premium Plus is usually the better long-term investment.
Final Verdict: Audible Premium Plus vs Audible Plus
Choosing between Audible Premium Plus vs Audible Plus comes down to how you listen.
If you simply want unlimited access to a rotating catalog of audiobooks, podcasts, and Audible Originals at the lowest price, Audible Plus is a solid choice.
However, if you regularly listen to audiobooks, enjoy bestselling releases, and want to keep your favorite titles forever, Audible Premium Plus offers significantly more value. The monthly credit, permanent ownership, and member discounts can easily offset the higher subscription cost for frequent listeners.
Our Recommendations
- ✅ Choose Audible Plus if: You're a casual listener, enjoy podcasts, and prefer an affordable monthly plan.
- ✅ Choose Audible Premium Plus if: You listen to at least one audiobook every month, want to build a personal library, and appreciate discounts on additional purchases.
Ultimately, both memberships deliver a high-quality listening experience. The best option depends on whether you prioritize streaming flexibility or long-term audiobook ownership.
Related Articles
To help you get even more from your Audible and Kindle experience, check out these guides:
- Kindle Paperwhite Review
- How to Reset Kindle Paperwhite
- Can You Listen to Audiobooks on Kindle?
- Kindle vs Paperwhite
- Best Kindle Accessories for Readers
Join the Conversation
Which Audible plan do you use—Audible Plus or Audible Premium Plus? Have you found the monthly credit worthwhile, or do you prefer unlimited streaming? Share your experience in the comments below and help other readers choose the membership that's right for them.
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