Audible Podcasts: The Latest Guide to Best Shows, Pricing & Downloads

Part 1. How to Find Podcasts on Audible

Does Audible have podcasts? Absolutely. The platform has expanded significantly beyond audiobooks to include thousands of podcasts, from popular public shows to exclusive "Audible Originals." Here is how you can find them.

How to Listen on the Audible App (iOS & Android)

Step 1. Open the Audible app and ensure you are signed in to your account.

Step 2. Tap on the Discover tab located at the bottom of the main screen.

Step 3. Select Podcasts from the menu options. You can browse by "Audible Originals", "Trending". or specific genres like True Crime or Comedy.

Step 4. Once you find a show you are interested in, tap on the cover art.

Step 5. Tap Play next to the latest episode to start listening immediately, or tap Follow to add it to your Library for easy access later.

How to Listen on the Web (Audible.com)

Step 1. Open your web browser and navigate to audible.com.

Step 2. Sign in to your Amazon/Audible account.

Step 3. Hover over the Browse button in the top navigation bar and select Podcasts.

Step 4. Click on any podcast title to view the episode list and press Play on the web player to listen directly in your browser.

Part 2. The Big Question: Are Audible Podcasts Free?

This is the most common confusion I see online. The answer is yes—and no. It depends entirely on what you want to listen to.

Audible has structured its podcast library into two distinct tiers. First, you have the Public Podcasts. These are the shows you likely already know and love, like Dateline NBC or The Daily. You can listen to these on Audible for free, even without a paid membership, just by having an Amazon account. They function exactly like they do on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Then, there is the Plus Catalog. This is where things get interesting. If you have an Audible Plus or Premium Plus membership, you unlock access to thousands of exclusive "Audible Originals". These aren't just people talking into microphones; they are often full-cast productions, ad-free, and exclusive to the platform.

Think of it like Netflix Originals—you generally can't find these shows anywhere else.

Part 3. My Top Picks: The Best Audible Podcasts

With thousands of titles available, "paralysis by analysis" is real. Based on the charts and my own listening history, here are a few standouts that define the current audio landscape.

For the Thrill Seekers: Immersive Audio Dramas

If you haven't listened to Impact Winter, you are missing out on the gold standard of audio fiction. It's a post-apocalyptic vampire saga that uses 3D audio to terrifying effect. Listening to this with noise-canceling headphones is an experience that genuinely rivals watching a blockbuster film.

Another heavy hitter is The Prophecy. Without spoiling too much, it blends supernatural thriller elements with a grounded, gritty reality. These shows prove that audio drama has entered a new golden age.

For the Detectives: True Crime

Audible has invested heavily in the True Crime genre. In the Dark remains a masterpiece of investigative journalism, digging into cases with a depth that few other shows achieve. If you prefer your mystery with a fictional twist, check out Mistletoe Murders. It's a "cozy mystery" that is surprisingly gripping and perfect for binge-listening.

For a Good Laugh: Comedy

Sometimes you just need to disconnect. Toni and Ryan have exploded in popularity thanks to their chaotic, unscripted energy. It feels like hanging out with your funniest friends. For something more structured, the "Audible Original" comedy slate often features big names like Kevin Hart or Michelle Obama, offering content you won't find on free RSS feeds.

Part 4. The "Rental" Problem: Downloads and Limitations

While Audible allows offline listening, there is a catch: downloads are saved as encrypted .AAX files, not standard MP3s. This Digital Rights Management (DRM) locks your content specifically to the Audible app.

Why this is a problem:

• Device Restrictions: You cannot listen on generic MP3 players, smartwatches, or older car stereos via USB.
• The "Rental" Trap: If you cancel your membership, you instantly lose access to any "Plus Catalog" podcasts you downloaded. You don't own them; you are just renting them.

The Solution: DRmare Audible Converter

To truly own your library and listen on any device, you need DRmare Audible Converter. It quickly converts protected AAX files into universal formats like MP3 or M4B without losing audio quality.

Here is how to use it to liberate your library:

Step 1Log In and Set Preferences

Launch the DRmare Audible Converter. Instead of hunting for files on your computer, you will see a built-in Audible web player right inside the software. First, log in to your Audible account. Next, click the menu icon in the top right corner, select Preference, and navigate to the Convert tab. Here you can set your desired output format (MP3 is usually best for compatibility) and adjust quality settings like bit rate.

Step 2Select Audiobooks from Your Library

Browse your library using the embedded player just like you would on a browser. When you find the podcasts or audiobooks you want to save, click the green "Add" icon located in the bottom-right corner. A list will pop up; simply check the box next to each title you wish to convert and click "Convert" to add them to the queue.

Step 3Start the Conversion

The software will automatically move your selected titles to the "Converting" tab. When you are ready, click the Convert button at the bottom. DRmare will download and convert the files simultaneously at high speed. Once finished, you can find your restriction-free audio files in the "Converted" tab, ready to be transferred to any device you own.

Part 5. A Note for Aspiring Creators

If you are on the other side of the microphone and searching for "Audible Podcast Creator", you should know that Audible is actively looking for new voices. The Audible Podcast Development Program is their initiative to find original stories.

Unlike uploading to Spotify, which is open to everyone, getting an Original on Audible usually involves a pitch process. They are looking for high-quality, narrative-driven content. If you have a script that fits the "audio cinema" vibe I mentioned earlier, it is worth checking their submission guidelines on the Audible creator portal.

Part 6. Final Thoughts

Audible has successfully transformed from a bookstore into a full-blown entertainment hub. The quality of their Originals is undeniably high, often justifying the subscription price alone.

However, don't let the platform's restrictions limit your enjoyment. By using tools like DRmare, you can ensure that the stories you love are accessible on your terms, safe from subscription cancellations, and playable on whatever device you choose. Happy listening!