Is Audible worth it? Our honest take
Trial, best plan, credits, pros and cons, and who should skip it. Everything you need to decide, in plain English.
New members only. Renews at the plan price unless you cancel before the trial ends.
At a glance
The key facts
How it works
From sign-up to first listen in four steps
Start the free trial
Choose a plan and join. New members get 30 days free, with the same benefits as paying members.
Pick your first audiobook
Use your credit on any title in the premium selection. Prime members who are new to Audible can choose 2 titles with their first trial.
Listen anywhere
Use the Audible app on your phone, download for offline listening, or stream on supported devices including Alexa-enabled ones.
Keep or cancel
Do nothing and the membership continues at the plan price. Cancel before the trial ends and you are not charged.
Plans
Standard vs Premium Plus: which is best?
Both plans include a 30-day free period for new members. After that, they renew monthly until you cancel.
Standard
- 30-day free trial for new members
- Access to the Audible Plus Catalogue
- Member discounts on extra purchases
- Listen offline in the app
Premium Plus
- 30-day free trial for new members
- Monthly credit towards any title in the premium selection
- Credits roll over until they expire
- Keep every title you buy, even after cancelling
Offers, credit counts and pricing can change, so check the current details on Audible before you join.
What you get
Why people use Audible
Huge library
Bestsellers, new releases, free podcasts and exclusive Audible Originals in one app.
Listen offline
Download titles and listen on commutes, flights or walks without a signal.
Titles are yours
Anything bought with cash or credits stays in your library after you cancel.
Credits roll over
Unused credits carry from month to month until they expire or the membership ends.
Member discounts
Members get access to sales and discounts on additional audiobook purchases.
Alexa and devices
Stream on phones, tablets and supported smart speakers and streaming devices.
Our verdict
The good and the not-so-good
What we like
- Free trial lets you test it risk-free
- Keep purchased titles forever
- Offline listening and good apps
- Wide choice of genres and narrators
What to watch
- Auto-renews, so set a reminder before the trial ends
- Plus Catalogue access ends if you cancel
- Credits expire, so use them
- Not included with Amazon Prime itself
Best for
Commuters, parents, gym-goers and anyone who wants to read more but never finds the time.
Maybe skip if
You only listen to a book or two a year, or you prefer to borrow audiobooks free from a library.
FAQ
Questions people ask
Is the Audible free trial really free?
New members get 30 days free. If you do not cancel before it ends, the plan renews at its monthly price. Cancel before then and you are not charged.
Do I keep my audiobooks if I cancel?
Yes. Audiobooks bought with cash or credits stay yours. You lose access to Plus Catalogue titles and any selections made as a Standard member.
Which Audible plan is best?
Standard is best for casual listeners who mainly want the Plus Catalogue. Premium Plus is best if you want a monthly credit towards any title. Check Audible for current pricing and offers.
Do Prime members get extra credits?
New Audible customers with Prime can pick 2 titles with their first trial. Audible itself is not included with Prime.
Do credits expire?
Credits roll over month to month, but they do expire, so it is best to use them regularly.
Ready to try your first audiobook?
Start the 30-day free trial and decide for yourself. Cancel before it ends and you pay nothing.
Start 30-day free trialAffiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases and sign-ups made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Our opinions are our own. See our Privacy Policy.