Wondering whether to choose Audible Plus or Premium Plus in 2025? Compare features, pricing, credits, and ownership to find out which plan is right for you and if Audible is worth it this year.
If you’ve been exploring audiobooks as a way to enjoy stories, learn new skills, or just make your commute more engaging, you’ve probably come across Audible, one of the most popular audiobook platforms worldwide. Audible is known not only for its massive catalog of titles but also for offering flexible subscription plans that cater to different types of listeners. But with options like Audible Plus and Audible Premium Plus, it can get confusing to figure out which plan is right for you.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Audible Plus vs Premium Plus, covering features, benefits, pricing, ownership rights, and more. We’ll also provide real-life examples so you can see how each plan might fit your listening habits and lifestyle. Whether you’re a casual listener who enjoys streaming a variety of titles or a dedicated audiobook enthusiast who wants to own and collect your favorite books, this guide will help you make an informed choice.
For instance, imagine you’re a commuter who likes exploring new genres like fantasy, romance, and self-help. Audible Plus might be perfect for you because it lets you stream unlimited titles without worrying about ownership. On the other hand, if you love bestselling novels and want to build your personal audiobook library, Premium Plus is a better fit, as it provides monthly credits to purchase and permanently own books.
What Is The Difference Between Audible Plus And Premium?
If you want a fast snapshot of the differences between Audible Plus and Premium Plus, here’s a concise breakdown that highlights the key features and who each plan is for. Think of this as your quick decision-making guide before diving into the more detailed sections.
Audible Plus: Unlimited Streaming for Casual Listeners
Audible Plus is ideal for casual listeners who enjoy exploring a variety of audiobooks without the need to own them. For a flat monthly fee of $7.95, you get unlimited access to the Plus Catalog, which includes over 11,000 titles spanning genres like classics, romance, thrillers, nonfiction, and even podcasts and Audible Originals.
This means Audible Plus is perfect for listeners who want variety and flexibility without worrying about ownership. For instance, imagine your daily commute involves switching between genres: you might start with a motivational audiobook, then enjoy a short mystery, and finish with an episode of a popular Audible Original podcast. With Audible Plus, all of this is possible for a single monthly fee, and you can explore new authors and topics freely — just remember, you only have access to these titles while your subscription is active.
Audible Premium Plus: Full Catalog Access with Permanent Ownership
Audible Premium Plus is designed for avid listeners or book collectors who want ownership, full catalog access, and additional perks. Priced at $14.95 per month, it includes everything Audible Plus offers plus one monthly credit that can be redeemed for any audiobook from the full Audible catalog, which has over 470,000 titles. Titles obtained with credits are yours to keep forever, even if you cancel your subscription. Premium Plus also provides exclusive sales, member-only discounts, and options to purchase extra credits when needed.
For example, if you’ve been waiting to read the latest bestseller, Atomic Habits, Premium Plus lets you redeem a single credit to get it at the equivalent of $14.95, instead of the retail $25–$30. You can listen immediately and keep it permanently, something you cannot do with Audible Plus.
Key takeaway:
- Audible Plus = Unlimited streaming, ideal for variety, exploration, and casual listening without ownership.
- Premium Plus = Everything in Plus, plus permanent ownership, full catalog access, and extra perks, ideal for dedicated audiobook enthusiasts.
Audible Plus vs Premium Plus Comparison Table: Feature Breakdown
| Feature | Audible Plus | Audible Premium Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Free Trial | 30 days | 30 days |
| Monthly Cost | $7.95 | $14.95* |
| Annual Plan | Not available | $149.50/year* |
| Eligible Titles | 11,000+ (Plus Catalog) | 500,000+ (Full Catalog via credits) |
| Plus Catalog Access | Yes | Yes |
| Premium Catalog Access | No | Yes |
| Credits | No | 1–2 credits/month (varies by plan) |
| Book Ownership | No | Yes (purchased via credit or cash) |
| Discounts & Sales | Limited | 30% off additional purchases, exclusive member sales |
*Premium Plus also has a 2‑credit monthly option ($22.95) and annual plans (12 or 24 credits/year).
This table serves as a quick reference to identify which plan aligns with your listening habits, budget, and goals.
What is Audible Plus? Detailed Features and Benefits
Audible Plus is a subscription plan designed for listeners who enjoy exploring audiobooks, podcasts, and original content without needing permanent ownership.
For $7.95 per month, Audible Plus provides unlimited access to the Plus Catalog, which includes:
- Over 11,000 titles across multiple genres, including classics, contemporary works, romance, nonfiction, children’s books, and documentaries.
- Audible Originals and exclusive content.
- Short-form content such as podcasts, meditation programs, and sleep tracks.
- Downloadable audiobooks for offline listening.
It’s similar to a “Netflix for audiobooks“: you can explore different authors, narrators, and genres while your subscription is active. Once canceled, access to the Plus Catalog ends.
How to Access Audible Plus Catalog
- Website: Browse > Plus Catalog or use the top navigation bar if available.
- App: Profile > “The Plus Catalog” under “Included with Membership.” Use Discover > Search > “Included in your membership” to filter Plus titles.
Important Points About Audible Plus Membership
- Titles are available only while your subscription is active.
- Example: If you listen to Little Women on Audible Plus and then cancel, you won’t have access to it anymore.
- The Plus Catalog updates frequently, with new content added weekly.
- Example: Last month, Audible added the popular Project Hail Mary audiobook to the Plus catalog.
- Titles leaving the catalog are marked with an “included until” label.
- Plus Catalog titles cannot be shared with Amazon Household members unless purchased.
- Popular content can be found through Audible’s Most Listened Audiobooks page.
Audible Plus is ideal for casual listeners who want unlimited streaming and enjoy exploring new content without the need for ownership.
What is Audible Premium Plus? Comprehensive Benefits and Features
Audible Premium Plus includes everything in Audible Plus along with extra features tailored for dedicated audiobook listeners.
Key Audible Premium Plus Membership Benefits
- Monthly or Annual Credits: Redeem credits for any audiobook from the full Audible catalog, including bestsellers and new releases. Titles obtained with credits are yours to keep permanently.
- Example: Use one credit to get The Lincoln Highway and keep it forever.
- Discounts on Cash Purchases: Members get at least 30% off additional purchases.
- Example: Buy a $30 audiobook for $21 with the discount.
- Exclusive Sales & Deals: Access to member-only promotions, such as 2‑for‑1 or 3‑for‑2 credit offers, giving you more audiobooks for fewer credits.
Audible Premium Plus Pricing Options
1 Credit/Month: $14.95
2 Credits/Month: $22.95
Annual 12 Credits: $149.50/year
Annual 24 Credits: $229.50/year
How Audible Premium Plus Credits Work
- Credits can be used for any audiobook, regardless of price — a $30 or $40 audiobook can cost the same one credit.
- Unused credits expire after 12 months.
- Extra credits can be purchased at discounted rates.
- If you’re unhappy with a title you purchased using a credit, you can return or exchange it and revive the credit.
Premium Plus is perfect for listeners who want permanent access to specific titles, new releases, and popular audiobooks without paying full retail price.
Example Scenario:
If you often buy a $25 audiobook each month, subscribing to Premium Plus at $14.95 and using one credit per month effectively gets you a $25 title for the equivalent of ~$15 — a great value.
Another example: During a 2‑for‑1 credit event, you can redeem one credit to get Where the Crawdads Sing and Atomic Habits, effectively doubling your books for the same cost.
Side‑By‑Side Feature Breakdown: Audible Plus vs Premium Plus
To make an informed decision between Audible Plus and Premium Plus, it’s essential to understand the features of each plan in detail and how they can fit into your listening habits. Here’s a side-by-side breakdown with topic-rich subheadings and practical tips to help you maximize each plan.
Subscription Cost and Plan Options: Choosing the Right Price Point
Audible Plus: $7.95 per month. A budget-friendly option for those who want to stream a variety of audiobooks without purchasing them.
Tip: Consider starting with the 30-day free trial to explore different genres before committing to a monthly subscription.
Premium Plus: $14.95 per month, with options for 1-credit, 2-credit, or annual plans. Offers additional perks like monthly credits, exclusive discounts, and ownership of titles.
Tip: Use the annual plan if you listen to audiobooks regularly — it provides cost savings and ensures you don’t miss out on credits.
Catalog Access and Content Variety: Streaming vs Full Library
Audible Plus: Unlimited access to the Plus Catalog, featuring over 11,000 titles, including classics, short audiobooks, podcasts, and Audible Originals.
Tip: Explore different categories each week to discover new genres and authors without spending extra.
Premium Plus: Access to the entire Audible catalog, over 500,000 titles, plus unlimited streaming from the Plus Catalog.
Tip: Use your credits strategically to obtain high-value audiobooks that aren’t included in the Plus Catalog, while streaming other titles for variety.
Credits and Book Ownership: Permanent Access vs Streaming Only
Audible Plus: No credits included; titles are available only during an active subscription.
Tip: Focus on shorter or experimental titles to maximize enjoyment without worrying about ownership.
Premium Plus: Monthly credits allow you to redeem any audiobook from the full catalog, which you own permanently. Additional cash purchases come with at least 30% discount.
Tip: Save credits for premium or high-priced audiobooks to get maximum value, and use cash discounts for mid-priced titles.
Exchanges and Returns: Flexibility in Listening
Audible Plus: No exchange or return options; streaming content cannot be swapped.
Tip: Preview samples before listening to ensure the title matches your interests and avoid dissatisfaction.
Premium Plus: Allows easy exchanges if you’re not satisfied with a credit-based purchase.
Tip: Keep track of your credits and return titles promptly if they don’t meet your expectations, so you can use the credit on a better match.
Exclusive Sales and Discounts: Maximizing Membership Benefits
Audible Plus: Limited access to select sales or promotions.
Tip: Check Audible’s app or website regularly for included deals on Plus Catalog titles.
Premium Plus: Access to exclusive sales, member-only promotions, and cash purchase discounts.
Tip: Monitor 2-for-1 or 3-for-2 credit promotions to maximize your audiobook library without spending extra credits.
Ideal Use Cases and Listening Strategy: Matching Plan to Habits
- Audible Plus: Best for casual listeners who prioritize variety and discovery over ownership.
Tip: Rotate through different genres weekly to keep your listening experience fresh and diverse. - Premium Plus: Perfect for avid audiobook enthusiasts, collectors, and those who want permanent access to specific titles.
Tip: Combine credit use for premium titles with unlimited streaming for ongoing variety to get the best value from the plan.
This side-by-side breakdown with tips makes it clear that Audible Plus focuses on unlimited streaming and variety, while Premium Plus offers streaming, permanent ownership, and added flexibility, making it ideal for listeners who want both breadth and depth in their audiobook experience
Who Should Pick Which Audible Plan? Tips to Get the Best Value from Audible Membership
Choosing between Audible Plus and Premium Plus ultimately depends on your listening habits, goals, and preferences. Let’s break it down so you can see which plan aligns best with your needs and how to maximize value from your membership.
Who Should Choose Audible Plus: Ideal for Casual Listeners
Audible Plus is perfect for listeners who enjoy variety, flexibility, and exploration without the need to own titles permanently.
Key characteristics of Plus listeners:
- You like to try different genres and authors without committing to buying each book.
- You enjoy short audiobooks, podcasts, or Audible Originals that you can stream during commutes or workouts.
- You’re comfortable with stream-only access — the titles are available as long as your subscription is active.
Tips to get the best value from Audible Plus:
- Plan your listening schedule: Rotate genres weekly to explore a wide range of content. For example, listen to a short thriller on Monday, a self-help audiobook on Wednesday, and a podcast on Friday.
- Focus on shorter titles and podcasts: With unlimited streaming, you can get through more books faster without worrying about cost.
- Use the 30-day free trial strategically: Test the Plus Catalog to see if the available titles meet your interests before committing to a monthly plan. Start your free trial here.
- Keep track of new releases: The Plus Catalog updates regularly, so check back often to discover new titles and Audible Originals.
Who Should Choose Audible Premium Plus: Ideal for Avid Listeners and Collectors
Premium Plus is tailored for dedicated audiobook enthusiasts, collectors, or anyone who wants permanent access to high-value titles.
Key characteristics of Premium Plus listeners:
- You want to own audiobooks and build a personal library.
- You listen to bestsellers, new releases, or high-priced titles that would be costly to buy individually.
- You want credits, exclusive discounts, and exchange options to maximize value.
Tips to get the best value from Audible Premium Plus:
- Use your credits wisely: Redeem them for expensive or high-demand audiobooks. For instance, use a monthly credit to grab a bestseller like Atomic Habits instead of lower-priced titles available in the Plus Catalog. Claim your Premium Plus trial.
- Combine streaming with credit purchases: Stream unlimited titles from the Plus Catalog while using credits for premium titles to balance variety with ownership.
- Take advantage of member discounts and sales: Premium Plus members get at least 30% off additional purchases and access to exclusive promotions, like 2-for-1 or 3-for-2 credit deals.
- Exchange titles if needed: If a credit-based purchase isn’t what you expected, return it to use your credit on a better-suited audiobook.
- Consider annual plans for frequent listeners: If you consistently use your credits and enjoy purchasing audiobooks, the annual Premium Plus plan offers cost savings and ensures you never miss a credit.
Maximizing Your Audible Membership
Regardless of which plan you choose, there are strategies to get the most value from Audible:
- Create a listening schedule: Allocate specific times for audiobooks, podcasts, or Audible Originals to make the most of your subscription.
- Explore different categories: Don’t stick to one genre — use Audible’s recommendations and curated lists to find hidden gems.
- Check for seasonal sales and offers: Audible frequently runs promotions, and Premium Plus members can save significantly on additional titles.
- Use the mobile app efficiently: Bookmark favorites, download titles for offline listening, and use the Plus Catalog filters to easily find content included in your membership.
Ready to start listening and discover your perfect Audible plan? Sign up for Audible today and enjoy your 30-day free trial!
By understanding your listening habits and following these tips, you can ensure that Audible Plus or Premium Plus provides maximum value and aligns perfectly with your audiobook goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Audible Plus vs Premium Plus
Can I keep books if I cancel Audible Plus?
No. Titles from the Plus Catalog are only available while your subscription is active.
How many credits are included with Premium Plus?
One credit per month is standard for the base Premium Plus plan. There are options for two credits/month or annual plans (12 or 24 credits/year).
Do Audible credits expire?
Yes — typically after 12 months from issuance.
Can Plus‑Catalog titles be shared with family or friends?
No — titles included via Plus streaming cannot be permanently shared. Only titles you purchase (via credit or cash) can be shared.
Is Premium Plus worth the extra cost?
For many frequent listeners, yes. For ~$14.95/month you get a credit to redeem for any audiobook (often $25–$40+). Plus perks like discounts and sales add further value.
What if I listen to many books per month?
If you go through multiple titles monthly, Premium Plus may pay off fast because owning a high-price audiobook using a credit is efficient.
Final Verdict: Which Audible Plan is Right for You?
Both Audible Plus and Premium Plus offer excellent listening experiences, but the right choice depends on your habits and goals:
- Casual, exploratory listeners: Audible Plus
- Frequent listeners seeking permanent access to bestsellers and library building: Premium Plus
With a 30‑day free trial available for both plans, you can test either one risk-free to determine which suits your needs. Start listening today and choose the Audible membership that perfectly fits your style and preferences.
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