Audible offers three main subscription tiers, each with a different monthly cost and number of audiobook credits per month
Audible is Amazon's audiobook and podcast service. You pay a monthly subscription fee and receive a set number of credits each month — one credit typically lets you read one audiobook to keep permanently, even if you cancel later. The three plans are Plus, Plus Premium, and Premium Plus. Each tier costs more but gives you more credits and access to more content.
The exact price of each plan varies by region and changes periodically. In the United States, Plus starts at the lowest price point, Premium Plus at the highest. All three plans include access to Audible's podcast catalog at no extra charge, and all let you return audiobooks within a certain window if you change your mind about a purchase.
You do not have to commit to a long-term contract. You can cancel anytime, and your credits do not roll over to the next month — you either use them or lose them. If you pause your subscription, your credits freeze and do not expire while paused.
Key Takeaways
- Audible's three subscription tiers differ in monthly cost and the number of audiobook credits you receive each month.
- One credit typically equals one audiobook that you own permanently after purchase, regardless of whether you keep your subscription active.
- All plans include access to Audible's full podcast catalog and the ability to return audiobooks within a set timeframe.
- You can pause or cancel your subscription at any time without penalty, and paused credits do not expire.
How credits work and what they buy you
A credit is Audible's currency for purchasing audiobooks. When you use a credit, you read an audiobook and own it permanently — you can listen to it as many times as you want, and it stays in your library even if your subscription ends. Credits do not expire while your subscription is active, but they do not roll over to the next month either. If you have one credit left on the 30th and do not use it, it disappears when your billing date arrives.
Most audiobooks cost one credit. Some very long books or special editions may cost more than one credit, and Audible shows you the credit cost before you purchase. If you run out of credits, you can still buy audiobooks at full price without using a credit — prices vary widely depending on the title, but typically range from $15 to $35 per book.
Audiobooks you purchase with credits are yours to keep. If you cancel your Audible subscription, you can still listen to every audiobook you bought with credits. You straightforward lose the ability to purchase new books with credits and lose access to the podcast catalog.
What's included beyond audiobooks
All Audible subscription plans include access to Audible's podcast section. You can listen to thousands of podcasts without using credits — they stream on demand, and new episodes appear as they are released. This is included in every tier at no extra cost.
All plans also include the ability to return an audiobook within a certain window after purchase if you decide you do not want it. The return window is typically 30 days from purchase, though Audible's policy can vary. When you return a book, your credit is restored to your account and you can use it to purchase a different title.
Audible Plus and higher tiers include access to the Audible Plus Catalog — a rotating collection of thousands of audiobooks and podcasts that you can listen to without using credits. Think of it like a library: you can listen to any book in the catalog as many times as you want while your subscription is active, but you do not own them. If you cancel, you lose access to the catalog titles.
Comparing the three plans side by side
| Plan | Monthly Credits | Plus Catalog Access | Podcast Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plus | 1 credit per month | Yes | Yes |
| Plus Premium | 2 credits per month | Yes | Yes |
| Premium Plus | 3 credits per month | Yes | Yes |
The main difference between plans is the number of credits you receive each month. All three plans include the same podcast access and the same Plus Catalog. The choice comes down to how many audiobooks you want to purchase per month and whether the higher monthly cost makes sense for your listening habits.
If you listen to one audiobook per month on average, the Plus plan is the most economical. If you listen to two or three per month, Premium Plus may offer better value than paying for books individually. Audible does not offer a free tier, but new members often receive promotional pricing for the first month or two.
How to manage your subscription and credits
You manage your Audible account through the Audible website or mobile app. You can see your current credit balance, view your library of purchased books, and check when your next billing date is. You can also pause your subscription from your account settings — pausing freezes your credits and stops your monthly charge until you resume.
To cancel, you go to your account settings and select the cancel option. Audible will ask you why you are canceling and may offer you a discounted rate to stay, but you can proceed with cancellation regardless. After you cancel, you keep all audiobooks you purchased with credits, but you lose access to the Plus Catalog and podcasts.
If you want to switch between plans, you can change your plan type from your account settings. The change takes effect on your next billing date. If you upgrade mid-month, you may be charged a prorated amount for the remainder of the month.
Common reasons to choose each plan
Choose Plus if you listen to roughly one audiobook per month and want the lowest monthly cost. This plan gives you one credit monthly, which covers one standard audiobook, plus access to the Plus Catalog if you want to sample books without using credits.
Choose Plus Premium if you listen to two audiobooks per month on average. Two credits per month means you can purchase two books and own them, or use one credit and explore the Plus Catalog with the other. This plan works well for regular listeners who want a mix of ownership and browsing.
Choose Premium Plus if you listen to three or more audiobooks per month, or if you want maximum flexibility. Three credits per month means you can purchase three books and own them, or mix credits with Plus Catalog listening. This plan is best for heavy listeners or people who want to build a large personal library quickly.
What happens to your books if you cancel or pause
Your purchased audiobooks are yours permanently. If you cancel your subscription, every audiobook you bought with credits stays in your library and you can listen to it anytime. You do not lose access to books you own just because your subscription ended.
If you pause your subscription, your credits freeze at their current number and do not expire while paused. When you resume, your credits are still there. This is useful if you know you will not have time to listen for a few months but want to keep your subscription active without paying.
The only content you lose access to when you cancel or pause is the Plus Catalog and podcasts. Those are streaming services tied to your active subscription. Books you purchased with credits are separate and remain yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my credits to buy any audiobook on Audible?
Almost all audiobooks cost one credit. Some very long books, special editions, or premium titles may cost more than one credit — Audible shows the credit cost before you purchase. If a book costs more credits than you have, you can still buy it at full price without using credits.
What if I do not use my credit before my billing date?
Unused credits expire when your billing date arrives and your new month begins. They do not roll over. If you know you will not use a credit, you can pause your subscription to freeze it, or purchase a book you might want to listen to later.
Do I own the audiobooks I listen to in the Plus Catalog?
No. The Plus Catalog is a streaming library included with your subscription. You can listen to those books as many times as you want while your subscription is active, but you do not own them. If you cancel, you lose access. Books you purchase with credits are different — you own those permanently.
Can I switch plans without canceling?
Yes. You can change your plan type anytime from your account settings. The new plan takes effect on your next billing date. If you upgrade mid-month, you may pay a prorated amount for the remainder of that month.
Is there a way to get Audible for free?
Audible does not offer a free tier, but new members often receive promotional pricing for the first month or two. Check the Audible website for current new-member offers. Some libraries also offer Audible access through their digital collections at no cost to cardholders.