Audible Plus vs Premium Plus: Understanding the Core Differences
Many listeners approach Audible to expand their audiobook collection, but the platform presents two primary membership tiers: Audible Plus and Audible Premium Plus. Audible Premium Plus is the clear winner for most dedicated audiobook enthusiasts, offering a credit-based system that allows members to own specific titles permanently, alongside access to the Plus Catalog. The primary difference lies in how you acquire and access audiobooks beyond the included catalog.
Audible Plus: The All-You-Can-Listen Catalog
Audible Plus is designed for listeners who prefer an all-you-can-listen model, similar to a streaming service for music or video. With an Audible Plus membership, subscribers gain unlimited access to a curated selection of thousands of audiobooks, Audible Originals, podcasts, and sleep tracks, collectively known as the Plus Catalog. This catalog rotates regularly, with new titles added and others removed periodically. Members can listen to any title within this catalog as much as they like, without using credits or making additional purchases.
This plan is an excellent option for individuals who enjoy exploring a variety of genres, discovering new authors, or simply want a constant stream of content without the commitment of buying individual books. It is particularly appealing for those who listen casually or wish to supplement their existing library without spending extra. The value comes from the sheer volume of available content for a single subscription fee, allowing for extensive listening without worrying about running out of credits.
However, a significant limitation of Audible Plus is that titles from the Plus Catalog are only accessible as long as your membership is active and the titles remain in the catalog. You do not own these audiobooks. If a title leaves the catalog or you cancel your subscription, you lose access. With a Premium Plus membership, you receive one or more credits each month, which can be redeemed for any title in Audible's vast library, regardless of its price. Once you use a credit to acquire an audiobook, you own that title permanently, even if you cancel your subscription. This ownership aspect is a key differentiator and a major draw for many listeners.
Beyond the credits, Premium Plus subscribers also get full access to the entire Plus Catalog, just like Audible Plus members. This means you can still enjoy thousands of included titles for unlimited streaming, while simultaneously building a permanent library of your favorite or highly anticipated books using your credits. Premium Plus also frequently includes additional perks, such as exclusive member-only sales and discounts on extra credits or à la carte purchases.
The ability to own titles provides long term value, allowing you to revisit beloved stories years down the line without an active subscription. For many, the flexibility to choose any audiobook from Audible's complete collection, including new releases and blockbusters, makes Premium Plus the preferred option. The value of a single credit often exceeds the monthly cost of the subscription, especially when used for higher-priced audiobooks.
Who Should Consider Audible Premium Plus?
- Avid Audiobook Listeners: If you listen to multiple audiobooks a month and want to build a personal library.
- Specific Title Seekers: Essential for those who want immediate access to new releases, specific authors, or best-selling titles not in the Plus Catalog.
- Collectors: Ideal for listeners who value owning their audiobooks permanently.
- Value-Maximizers: The credits often provide significant savings compared to buying individual audiobooks at their full retail price.
For more details on how Audible credits function, you can read our guide: How Audible Works: Credits, Plans, and What You Actually Pay.
Audible Plus vs Premium Plus: Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Audible Plus | Audible Premium Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Plus Catalog Access | Yes, unlimited streaming | Yes, unlimited streaming |
| Monthly Credits | No | Yes (1 or more per month) |
| Book Ownership | No (access only while in catalog/membership active) | Yes (books purchased with credits are yours forever) |
| Full Library Access | No (only Plus Catalog) | Yes (use credits for any title) |
| New Releases/Bestsellers | Generally not included | Accessible with credits |
| Member Discounts | Limited | Yes, on additional purchases |
Which Audible Plan Is Right For You?
Deciding between Audible Plus and Premium Plus depends largely on your personal listening habits, your desire for ownership, and your budget.
When Audible Plus is the Better Choice
Choose Audible Plus if you are new to audiobooks and want to dip your toes in without a large financial commitment. It is also perfect for listeners who are happy with a rotating selection of titles and do not necessarily need to own specific books. If you enjoy discovering new content and are not particular about listening to the latest bestsellers, the Plus Catalog offers incredible value. This plan is essentially a buffet for your ears, allowing you to sample widely without individual purchases. It is also a good option if you primarily use other services for your main audiobook consumption but want Audible as a supplementary source for exploration.
When Audible Premium Plus is Worth the Investment
Audible Premium Plus is almost always the better choice for serious audiobook fans. If you have a specific list of books you want to read, if you consistently listen to more than one audiobook a month, or if you value owning your content, Premium Plus provides unmatched value. The ability to use credits for any title in Audible's vast library, including new releases, popular authors, and exclusive Audible Originals, ensures you can always get the books you want. The long term benefit of building a personal library that you own forever often outweighs the higher monthly cost. Consider the cost of a single audiobook purchased outside of a membership, often, one credit can save you a significant amount, especially on premium titles. If you find yourself frequently wishing for specific books that aren't in the Plus Catalog, then Premium Plus is the clear path forward.
For a broader perspective on Audible's overall value proposition, you might find our article helpful: Is Audible Worth It? An Honest Breakdown of the Membership.
Beyond the Basics: Other Considerations
Both Audible Plus and Premium Plus memberships come with access to Audible's user friendly app, which offers features like customizable narration speed, sleep timers, and car mode. You can download titles for offline listening on any compatible device, including smartphones, tablets, and smart speakers. While the Plus Catalog provides a great starting point, the vast majority of Audible's 700,000+ titles are only accessible through credit purchase, highlighting the extensive reach of a Premium Plus membership.
For those considering alternatives, comparing Audible to other services can be enlightening. For example, some listeners explore the differences between Audible and Kindle Unlimited, which offers a different model for ebooks and some audiobooks. Audible vs Kindle Unlimited: Which Subscription Is Right for You?
Audiobook Picks to Illustrate Plan Value
Here are three highly-rated audiobooks that showcase the diverse offerings available on Audible, whether through the Plus Catalog or with a Premium Plus credit.
Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover
Colleen Hoover's storytelling often captivates a broad audience, and "Reminders of Him" is no exception, earning a 4.7-star rating from over 300,000 Audible listeners. This novel explores themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the enduring power of love as a young mother, Kenna Rowan, returns to the town where her life tragically unraveled, hoping to reunite with her estranged daughter. The narration delivers an emotional depth that enhances the poignant narrative, making it a compelling listen for fans of contemporary romance and emotional dramas. Titles like this are often highly anticipated and best secured with a Premium Plus credit to ensure permanent access.
Beach Read by Emily Henry
"Beach Read" by Emily Henry holds a strong 4.5-star rating with over 200,000 reviews, solidifying its place as a contemporary romance favorite. The story follows a cynical literary fiction writer and a best-selling romance novelist, who are neighbors for the summer and decide to swap genres to overcome their writer's block. This witty and heartfelt audiobook is praised for its sharp dialogue and charming narration, which perfectly captures the humor and emotional resonance of the characters. Such a popular and well-received title is an excellent candidate for a Premium Plus credit, allowing listeners to own a feel-good story they'll want to revisit.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab (Top Pick)
"The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" by V.E. Schwab is a mesmerizing fantasy novel that has garnered a 4.6-star rating from over 200,000 Audible reviews, making it a standout choice for a Premium Plus credit. The story follows a young woman in 18th-century France who makes a Faustian bargain to live forever but is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets. Her solitary existence spans centuries until she encounters a man who remembers her name. The audiobook's lyrical narration beautifully conveys the protagonist's journey through time and her struggle against oblivion, making it an immersive and unforgettable experience that listeners will want to keep in their permanent library.
