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Audible Plus is a great way to finally read those books you've been meaning to get around to for years. But is it worth the expense of taking on yet another monthly subscription service? Let's find out.
UPDATE: 7/27/23
Checked content for accuracy, product availability, and dead links.
What Is Audible Plus?
In 2020, Audible revamped its Plus offerings into a two-tiered structure: Audible Plus and Audible Premium Plus.
Audible Plus is basically Netflix for audiobooks. It costs just $7.95 a month and gives you access to the Plus Catalog. The Plus Catalog is a library of more than 11,000 titles of audiobooks across all of Audible's categories, and new titles arrive every week. So, it shouldn't take you long to find a title that you'll enjoy. And the recommendation algorithm quickly serves you titles perfectly matched to your tastes after you start browsing and listening.
One of the best parts about the Plus Catalog is that you can take a chance on audiobooks you otherwise may pass over if you had to pay cash or spend a credit on them. And yes, there are some stinkers in the Plus Catalog. But you'll skip the step of throwing the preverbal book against the wall, wishing you could get your money back. Instead, you can calmly scroll on to find a better book.
Another great feature of an Audible Plus membership is their new podcast feature. Podcast categories include business, history, music, science, sports, true crime, TV & film, Technology, society and culture, news, kids & family, and comedy. While this selection is good, and there are many Audible exclusive podcasts, there's no guarantee that you'll be able to find the podcasts that you're currently subscribed to in other apps on Audible.
Audible Plus
Audible Plus gives you access to thousands of audiobooks every month for less than you're paying for Netflix. And because new titles are added to the Plus Catalog every week, it's an incredible value.
Shop NowWhat Is Audible Premium Plus?
Audible Premium Plus includes everything you get with the Plus membership, along with an Audible credit (or two) each month. Credits allow you to purchase any Audible audiobook offers, no matter how much the cash price is. Credits are a great benefit for readers who like long, substantial volumes and new and best-selling titles. And because it's rare to find such books in the Plus Catalog, it's a great value.
There are a few pricing tiers for Audible Premium Plus. If you want a single credit per month, you can pay either a $14.95 monthly fee or $149.50 per year. Two credits each month costs $22.95 monthly or $229.50 annually. It's important to note that the prices will be slightly higher if you subscribe to Audible through the iOS app. And Apple doesn't offer two credits per month plans or give you the option to pay annually.
The Plus Catalog is a lifesaver if you find yourself counting the days until your next credit arrives. But you can also purchase more credits from Audible if you can't wait. It's probably best to purchase your credits in bulk. The best deal is to get three credits for between $35 and $40, depending on how and when you buy.
And if you have Amazon Prime, you can take advantage of a 30-day free trial to try the service out. Amazon even promises to remind you before it charges for the second month, so you won't forget to cancel. You just sign in with your Amazon account, and you're good to go.
There are a couple of hitches where credits are concerned. First, it isn't like purchasing an audiobook for cash, where you own it to the end of time and can play it on any media player you want. Instead, it's a license that allows you to listen on Audible compatible devices and software. It's a slight distinction, but an important one.
The other is that your credits expire one year after you purchase or receive them. Expiring credits shouldn't be a problem becaiuse most Audible members are eager to get the book they've been waiting for when their monthly credits arrive. Additionally, should you ever choose to end your Plus membership, your credits will immediately expire. So, make sure you spend them before you leave. But don't worry about the credits you've already used; those books are yours forever (in the Audible app).
Audible Premium Plus
Audible Premium Plus not only gives you access to the 11,000+ titles in the Plus Catalog but also grants you a credit or two each month to purchase any book Audible sells.
Shop NowIs Audible Plus Worth the Money?
So, is an Audible subscription worth the money? Short answer: Yes!
Readers know the benefits a good book brings into someone's life. One of the best things about the growing adoption of audio-based media is that you don't have to be anchored to a chair with a paper book in your hands to enjoy it. Audiobooks, like podcasts, can be consumed pretty much anywhere you are. The ability to consume books while you go for a walk, cook, drive, or even work is an innovation that can change your life through the perfect mixture of entertainment and education.
If you're spending money on multiple video streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount Plus, and Disney Plus, it's absolutely worth your time and money to get into books. And you can most likely part with one of the streaming platforms you don't use very much to make the room in your budget.
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