Let’s be real for a second. We all have that list of books we swore we were going to read this year. But between work, traffic, and life in general, sitting down with a physical book feels like a luxury we can’t afford.
This is where Audible Premium Plus claims to save the day.
You have probably heard every YouTuber and podcaster on the planet talk
about it. But is it actually worth the hype? Or is it just another subscription
to drain your bank account?
I’ve tested it thoroughly, canceled it, and resubscribed to give you the honest truth.
(Note: Please insert the Affiliate Disclosure here exactly as Amazon requires) Transparency Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click a link and sign up, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend what we actually use.
What Actually IS Audible Premium Plus? (No Fluff)
Forget the confusing marketing jargon. Here is exactly how it works:
Audible Premium Plus is Amazon’s top-tier audiobook service. It costs $14.95
per month, and for that price, you get two main things:
- 1 Credit Per Month: One
credit equals ONE book. It doesn’t matter if the book costs $10 or $50. You use your credit, and the
book is yours.
- The Plus Catalog: Think of this like the "Netflix of Audiobooks." It’s a huge library of podcasts, originals, and older audiobooks that you can listen to unlimitedly without using any credits.
The "Free Trial" Hack: How to Beat the System
Here is the part most people miss, and it is the main reason I recommend
trying it at least once.
When you sign up for the [30-Day Free Trial], you get 1 Credit
immediately (or sometimes 2 if you are a Prime member).
You can use that free credit to buy any book you
want. And here is the kicker: If you cancel the trial five minutes later, YOU
KEEP THE BOOK FOREVER.
Yes, you read that right. Even if you never pay a dime, the book remains in
your library. It’s a risk-free way to grab a bestseller you’ve been dying to
read.
"Pro Tip: If you are a student, you can get even more free perks. Check out our guide on the Amazon Prime Student Trial."
The Good Stuff (Why I Like It)
- The Library is Massive: If a book exists in audio format, it is on
Audible. No
other competitor comes close to their selection.
- Whispersync is Magic: If you
own the Kindle version of a book, you can switch between reading and
listening seamlessly. It picks up exactly where you left off.
- Great Return Policy: Did
you waste a credit on a narrator whose voice annoys you? Audible actually
lets you return the book and get your credit back. (Just don’t abuse this
feature).
- Offline Listening: You
download the books. No data or Wi-Fi is needed while you are driving or on
a flight.
The Bad Stuff (The Reasonable Cons)
I promised you honesty, so here are the flaws:
- It’s Not Cheap:
$14.95/month is steep if you don’t listen often. If you only listen to one
book every three months, this subscription isn't for you.
- Credits Expire: If you
pile up credits and don’t use them for a year, you lose them. Also, if you
cancel your subscription, you lose any unused credits instantly. (Always spend your credits
before hitting the cancel button!).
- Buying Extra Books: If you
run out of credits, buying extra books cash can be expensive, though
members get a 30% discount.
Audible vs. The Alternatives (Spotify?)
"But wait, doesn't Spotify have audiobooks now?"
Yes, they do. But here is the catch: Spotify Premium currently limits you
to 15 hours of listening per month. If you are listening to a long
biography or a fantasy novel (which can easily be 30+ hours), Spotify will cut
you off halfway through.
Audible has no limits. You own the book. You can listen to it ten
times if you want.
"If you prefer reading with your eyes instead of listening, you might find better value in our Kindle Unlimited Review."
Who Should AVOID This?
Please do not sign up for Audible if:
- You strictly listen to podcasts (there are plenty
of free apps for that).
- You listen to less than 5 books a year.
- You prefer holding a physical paper book in your
hands (I get it, nothing beats the smell of paper).
Reasonable Verdict: Should You Get It?
If you spend any time commuting, doing chores, or walking the dog,
audiobooks are a productivity cheat code.
Here is my reasonable advice: Don't overthink it.
- Sign up for the Free Trial.
- Use your free credit to get a long, expensive
book (get maximum value!).
- Listen to it.
- If you don’t love it, cancel before the 30 days
are up. You paid nothing, and you kept a free book.
It’s literally a win-win situation.