Audible's standard monthly cost and what's included

Audible's main membership plan costs $14.95 per month in the United States. That membership gives you one audiobook credit per month, which you can use to download any title from Audible's catalog regardless of its retail price. You keep the audiobook permanently — if you cancel your membership, you keep the books you've already purchased with credits.

Beyond the monthly credit, Audible members also get access to the Plus Catalog, a rotating collection of thousands of titles you can listen to as much as you want without using a credit. This catalog changes monthly and includes bestsellers, classics, and original Audible productions. Members also receive a 30% discount on any audiobooks you buy beyond your monthly credit.

Key Takeaways

  • Audible's standard membership is $14.95 per month and includes one audiobook credit, access to the Plus Catalog, and a 30% discount on additional purchases.
  • The first month costs $4.95 if you're a new member, then the regular price applies; you can cancel anytime without penalty.
  • Audible offers a three-month trial at $0.99 per month for new members, after which the standard rate begins.
  • Premium Plus membership costs $22.95 per month and includes two credits instead of one, plus all other standard benefits.
  • Prices and membership tiers vary by country, and Audible occasionally runs promotional rates for existing members.

Introductory pricing for new members

If you're new to Audible, the company offers a discounted trial period. The current offer is typically three months at $0.99 per month, though this promotion changes periodically. After the trial ends, your membership converts to the standard $14.95 monthly rate unless you cancel.

Some promotions offer the first month at $4.95 instead of the full price, depending on when you sign up and what offer is running. Check Audible's website directly to see what new-member rate is currently available, since these deals rotate.

Premium Plus and other membership tiers

Audible offers a Premium Plus tier at $22.95 per month. This plan gives you two audiobook credits per month instead of one, plus all the same benefits as the standard plan — access to the Plus Catalog, the 30% discount on additional purchases, and the ability to keep your books if you cancel.

There is no tier below the standard $14.95 plan. Audible also does not offer a free membership option, though the trial period lets you test the service before committing to the paid rate.

How to use your monthly credit and what happens if you don't

When your monthly credit posts to your account, you can use it immediately or save it. Audible lets you roll over unused credits — there's no limit to how many you can accumulate, so you're not forced to spend your credit each month. This means if you want to save up and buy an expensive audiobook or a series, you can wait until you have enough credits.

If you cancel your membership, any unused credits are forfeited. The audiobooks you've already purchased with credits remain in your library permanently, but you lose access to the Plus Catalog and the member discount.

The Plus Catalog and what it includes

The Plus Catalog is a separate collection from Audible's full library. It includes thousands of titles — recent bestsellers, classic literature, self-help, fiction, and Audible Originals (audiobooks produced by Audible). You can listen to anything in the Plus Catalog as many times as you want without using a credit.

The catalog rotates monthly, meaning some titles leave and new ones arrive. If you're listening to a book from the Plus Catalog and it rotates out, you lose access to it unless you use a credit to purchase it. Audible notifies members when titles are about to leave the catalog.

Discounts and promotional rates

Audible runs periodic promotions for existing members, especially if you've cancelled or let your membership lapse. These offers might reduce your monthly rate to $9.95 or $10.95 for a set number of months. You'll typically see these offers via email or when you log into your account.

The 30% member discount applies to any audiobook purchase beyond your monthly credit. Some titles go on sale independently of membership status, and the member discount stacks on top of those sales. Audible also occasionally offers bonus credits during promotional periods.

Cancellation and what it costs

You can cancel your Audible membership anytime without penalty or cancellation fee. Your access ends at the end of your current billing cycle. If you cancel mid-month, you don't receive a refund for the unused portion — Audible bills monthly in advance.

If you cancel and rejoin later, you're treated as a returning member rather than a new one, so you won't receive the introductory trial rate again. However, Audible often sends win-back offers to former members, which may include discounted rates for a few months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my Audible account with family members?

Audible does not officially support account sharing. Your account is for personal use only. However, Audible does offer a Family Plan in some regions that lets multiple household members have separate accounts under one billing arrangement — check your country's Audible site to see if this is available where you live.

What happens to my books if I cancel?

Audiobooks you purchased with credits stay in your library permanently after cancellation. You can download them and listen offline. However, you lose access to the Plus Catalog and can no longer use the member discount on new purchases.

Do I have to use my credit every month?

No. Unused credits roll over indefinitely, so you can save them up and spend multiple credits on an expensive title or a series. There's no penalty for not using your credit in a given month.

Is there a cheaper way to listen to audiobooks?

Many public libraries offer free audiobook borrowing through apps like Libby or OverDrive, which connect to Audible's catalog and others. Some libraries also partner with Audible directly. This is free if you have a library card, though selection and availability vary by location.

What's the difference between a credit and buying an audiobook outright?

A credit lets you get any audiobook at no additional cost beyond your membership fee. Buying outright means paying the full retail price (minus your 30% member discount) and owning it permanently without using a credit. Credits are typically the better value for expensive titles.