Navigating Audible's subscription tiers can feel confusing. You see two main options, Audible Plus and Premium Plus, but the real difference isn't immediately obvious. Is one just a slightly better version of the other, or do they serve entirely different kinds of listeners? The answer is the latter.
Choosing the right plan comes down to one simple question: Do you prefer to borrow from a massive library, or do you want to own your favorite audiobooks forever?
This guide will break down the crucial differences between Audible Plus and Premium Plus. We'll compare the cost, features, and the all-important details of what happens to your books if you cancel. By the end, you'll know exactly which plan fits your listening habits and your budget.
Part 1. Audible Plus vs Premium Plus Comparison At a Glance
For a quick overview, here's a direct comparison of the two Audible membership plans.
Feature | Audible Plus | Audible Premium Plus |
---|---|---|
Monthly Price | $7.95 | Starts at $14.95 |
Plus Catalog Access | ✅ Unlimited Access | ✅ Unlimited Access |
Monthly Credits | ❌ None | ✅ 1 or 2 per month |
Ownership of Books | ❌ No (Rental model) | ✅ Yes (For credit purchases) |
Exclusive Sales | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (Up to 30% off) |
Part 2. What is the Audible Plus Catalog?
The foundation of both Audible memberships is the Audible Plus Catalog. Think of it as a huge, rotating library with thousands of titles you can listen to as much as you want. It includes a diverse mix of Audible Originals, popular podcasts, and a wide selection of audiobooks across many genres.
With either an Audible Plus or Premium Plus plan, you can stream these titles or download them to your device for offline listening. It's a fantastic way to discover new authors and series without any extra cost. However, it's crucial to understand that you are essentially "borrowing" these titles. You don't own them, and if you cancel your membership, you lose access.
Part 3. What Are Audible Credits?
This is the single biggest difference between the two plans. Audible Credits are the exclusive perk of the Audible Premium Plus membership.
Each month, you receive one or two credits depending on your plan. You can use one credit to purchase any single title from Audible's entire premium selection, regardless of its regular price. This includes brand-new releases and bestsellers that are not in the Plus Catalog.
The most important benefit is this: any audiobook you buy with a credit is yours to keep forever in your library, even if you decide to cancel your Premium Plus membership down the line. This is the "ownership" model that sets it apart.
Part 4. Audible Plus vs Premium Plus Cost: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
The price difference between the two plans is significant, so it's important to understand the value you get for the higher cost.
- Audible Plus: A flat rate of $7.95 per month.
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Audible Premium Plus:
- 1 Credit/Month: $14.95 per month
- 2 Credits/Month: $22.95 per month
- 12 Credits/Year (Annual Plan): $149.50 per year, which breaks down to just $12.46 per month.
While the monthly cost of Premium Plus is higher, the annual plan offers considerable savings. Furthermore, Premium Plus members gain access to exclusive, members-only sales, often getting up to 30% off cash purchases of additional audiobooks. For avid listeners, these savings can easily justify the higher subscription fee.
Part 5. What Happens When You Cancel Audible Subscription?
Understanding what you keep and what you lose is essential before making a choice.
When you cancel your Audible subscription, the outcome is very different for each plan. If you have Audible Plus, any title you downloaded from the Plus Catalog will become locked and unplayable. Because you were only borrowing them, your access is revoked.
If you cancel an Audible Premium Plus plan, you keep every single audiobook you purchased with a credit or cash. They remain in your library permanently. However, you will lose any unused credits you've accumulated, so be sure to spend them before you cancel.
What if you love the discovery aspect of the Plus Catalog but hate the idea of losing access to a great audiobook you found? This is where a helpful tool comes in. With software like DRmare Audible Converter, you can convert and download your favorite titles from the Plus Catalog into common audio formats like MP3. This allows you to create a permanent, personal backup, giving you the best of both worlds: the freedom to explore and the security of ownership.
Here's a step-by-step guide to use DRmare Audible Converter
- Step 1Log In and Set Conversion Preferences
First, launch the DRmare Audible Converter on your Windows PC. Use the built-in web browser to log directly into your Audible account. Once you are logged in, click the menu icon in the top right corner and navigate to "Preference > Conversion". In this window, you can customize the output format (like MP3, M4A, etc.), bit rate, and sample rate to fit your needs.
- Step 2Add Audiobooks from Your Library
After setting your preferences, go to your library within the Audible web player inside the DRmare program. You will see a green "Add" icon in the bottom right corner of the window. Click this icon. A new window will pop up, displaying all the audiobooks in your library. Simply check the box next to each title you wish to convert to add them to the conversion list.
- Step 3Convert Your Selected Books
Navigate to the "Converting" tab to see all the books you've selected. When you are ready, click the "Convert" button to begin the download and conversion process for all the titles in the list. After the conversion is complete, you can find your universally compatible audio files ready to be played on any device.
Part 6. Audible Plus vs Premium Plus - Which Should You Choose?
The difference between Audible Plus and Premium Plus is clear. The best plan for you depends entirely on your listening habits.
Choose Audible Plus if...
You are an explorer and a casual listener. If you enjoy discovering new content and are happy with a vast, curated selection rather than specific bestsellers, this plan is perfect. It offers incredible value for a low monthly cost, much like a streaming service for audiobooks.
Choose Audible Premium Plus if...
You are a collector and an avid reader. If you want to listen to specific new releases the day they come out and want to build a personal library of audiobooks that you own forever, Premium Plus is the clear winner. The annual plan offers the best value for serious listeners.
Part 7. FAQs about Audible Plus vs. Premium Plus
Is Audible Plus included with Amazon Prime?
No. While Prime members may occasionally get special offers, an Audible Plus or Premium Plus subscription is a separate service and not included with Amazon Prime.
Can I upgrade from Audible Plus to Premium Plus?
Do I lose my credits if I cancel my Audible Premium Plus membership?
Yes. Any unused credits will be forfeited when your final billing cycle ends. It is highly recommended that you use all your credits before canceling your subscription.
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