Audible has become a household name for audiobook lovers, offering a vast library of digital audiobooks, podcasts, and original content. If you’re curious about diving into the world of spoken word entertainment or looking to understand exactly how this popular service functions, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will break down everything you need to know about Audible, from membership plans and costs to credits, compatible devices, and more.
What is Audible?
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Audible, an Amazon-owned service, is the leading provider of audiobooks and spoken-word entertainment. Think of it as Netflix, but for your ears. It boasts an enormous selection of titles, from timeless classics and the latest bestsellers to exclusive podcasts and Audible Originals you won’t find anywhere else. With an Audible membership, you can stream or download your chosen audio content and listen on a variety of devices, making it perfect for commutes, workouts, or simply relaxing at home. Audiobooks are brought to life by professional narrators, often including the authors themselves or well-known personalities, creating an immersive listening experience. For example, you can find podcasts hosted by celebrities like Michael Caine in “Heist,” exploring famous robberies, or Alan Partridge’s comedic podcast “From the Oasthouse.” Audible’s library is constantly updated with new releases every month, ensuring there’s always something new to discover.
Understanding Audible Membership and Cost
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The cost of Audible is structured around different membership plans, designed to cater to various listening habits and budgets. Here’s a breakdown of typical Audible membership costs:
- Audible Plus: This plan usually starts around £7.99 per month. It provides unlimited listening to the Audible Plus Catalog, which includes thousands of audiobooks, podcasts, and originals. However, it does not include credits for purchasing audiobooks outside of the Plus Catalog.
- Audible Premium Plus: This is the most popular plan and typically costs around £7.99 per month or £109.99 per year. With this plan, you receive one credit per month (or 12 credits upfront with the annual plan), which can be exchanged for any audiobook in the Audible library, regardless of price. You also get access to the Audible Plus Catalog. The annual plan offers better value for frequent listeners.
- Audible Premium Plus 2 Credits: For heavy listeners, this plan, around £14.99 per month, provides two credits per month, along with access to the Plus Catalog. The annual equivalent offers 24 credits.
Audible frequently offers a 30-day free trial, allowing you to experience the service before committing to a paid membership. Amazon Prime members often receive enhanced trial benefits, such as two free audiobook credits instead of one. Keep an eye out for promotional offers, as Audible often provides discounted trial periods or introductory pricing to attract new subscribers.
Decoding Audible Credits: Your Audiobook Currency
Audible credits are the internal currency that powers the Premium Plus memberships. Think of them as tokens that you exchange for audiobooks. Here’s how Audible credits work:
- One Credit = One Audiobook: Generally, one credit allows you to purchase any audiobook in the Audible store, regardless of its list price. This means you can use a single credit to get a brand-new release or a lengthy epic novel that might cost significantly more to buy outright.
- Credit Rollover: If you don’t use your credit in a given month, it typically rolls over to the next month, allowing you to accumulate credits. This is beneficial if you have busy months where you don’t have as much listening time. However, credits usually have an expiration date, often after 12 months of being issued, so it’s important to use them within a reasonable timeframe.
- Credit Tiers: As mentioned in the membership section, different Premium Plus plans offer varying numbers of credits per month or year. Choose a plan that aligns with your listening habits to maximize value.
- Buying More Credits: If you run out of credits but want to purchase more audiobooks, Audible often offers the option to buy additional credits at a discounted rate, especially for Premium Plus members.
Getting Started with Audible: Devices and Account Setup
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Accessing Audible is incredibly convenient and flexible, as it’s designed to work across a wide range of devices. Here’s what you need to get started:
- Audible App: The most user-friendly way to experience Audible is through its dedicated mobile app. The Audible app is available for both iOS (iPhone and iPad) and Android devices (smartphones and tablets). Simply download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Web Browser: You can also access your Audible library and purchase audiobooks through a web browser on your computer (PC or Mac). Just visit the Audible website and log in.
- Amazon Account: Since Audible is an Amazon company, you’ll need an Amazon account to sign up for Audible. If you already shop on Amazon, you can use your existing account credentials. If not, creating an Amazon account is a quick and free process.
- Device Compatibility: Audible is compatible with a vast array of devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and even some smart speakers like Amazon Echo devices. This versatility allows you to listen to your audiobooks wherever you are and on your preferred device.
How to Buy Audiobooks on Audible
Purchasing audiobooks on Audible is a straightforward process, whether you’re using the app or the website:
- Through the App: Within the Audible app, you can browse the store, search for specific titles, and view audiobook details. When you find a book you want to buy, you’ll typically see options to “Buy with 1 Credit” (if you have credits available) or to purchase the audiobook for its listed price.
- Via the Website: On the Audible website, you can navigate and search for audiobooks similarly to the app. When you select an audiobook, you’ll see purchase options, including using a credit or buying it directly. Make sure you are logged in to your Amazon/Audible account to complete the purchase.
- Amazon Website Integration: You can also buy Audible audiobooks directly from the regular Amazon website. When searching for books on Amazon, look for the “Audible Audiobook” option. You can often purchase the audiobook version alongside physical or Kindle editions.
Exploring Free Content on Audible
Alt: Comedian Mo Gilligan promoting Audible free trial, suggesting access to complimentary audiobooks and content upon signup.
While Audible is a subscription service, there are several ways to access free content:
- Free Trial Audiobook(s): As part of the Audible free trial, you typically receive one or two free audiobook credits (depending on promotions and Prime membership). These credits can be used to purchase any audiobook in the library, and they are yours to keep even if you cancel your membership.
- Audible Plus Catalog: Audible Plus members have unlimited access to the Audible Plus Catalog, which contains thousands of audiobooks, podcasts, and Audible Originals that you can stream without using credits.
- Free Podcasts: Audible offers a selection of free podcasts that are available to all users, even without a paid membership.
- Audible Daily Deals and Sales: Keep an eye on Audible’s “Daily Deals” and regular sales, which often offer significant discounts on select audiobooks, sometimes even making them available for free for a limited time.
- Free Audible Originals: Audible occasionally makes select Audible Originals available for free to members and non-members alike as promotional offers.
Returning Audiobooks on Audible
Audible has a generous return policy called the “Great Listen Guarantee,” which allows you to return audiobooks in certain situations:
- Not Enjoying a Book: If you start listening to an audiobook and find that it’s not to your taste, you can typically return it for a refund or credit, even if you’ve listened to a significant portion of it.
- Accidental Purchase: If you accidentally purchase the wrong audiobook, you can also return it.
- Returning via Website: To return an audiobook, you usually need to do so through the Audible website. Go to your “Purchase History” under your account details, and you should find an option to “Return” the audiobook next to eligible titles.
- Fair Use: While Audible is generally lenient with returns, it’s important to use the return policy fairly and not abuse it. Excessive returns may lead to account review.
Managing Your Audible Membership: Cancellation
Managing your Audible membership, including cancellation, is straightforward:
- Automatic Renewal: Audible memberships typically renew automatically at the end of each billing cycle (monthly or annually). This includes after your free trial period.
- Cancelling Membership: If you wish to cancel your Audible membership, you can do so through the Audible website. Navigate to your “Account Details” and look for the “Cancel Membership” option under “Account Settings.” Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the cancellation process.
- Keeping Purchased Audiobooks: Any audiobooks you purchased with credits or by paying for them outright are yours to keep in your Audible library, even after you cancel your membership.
- Credit Loss Upon Cancellation: Be aware that any unused credits you have accumulated will typically be forfeited when you cancel your membership. It’s advisable to use your credits before cancelling to maximize their value.
Audible provides a fantastic way to enjoy books and spoken-word content on the go. Understanding how it works, from membership structures to credits and features, empowers you to make the most of this popular service and enhance your listening experience.
