Is Audible Worth It in 2026? Review & Money-Saving Hacks

Are you an audiobook listener who’s been wondering, is Audible worth it? And if so, which Audible plan is best? Things seem to change frequently with Amazon’s popular audiobook subscription plan, and it can be hard to stay on top of the many changes to do a cost-benefit analysis.

I have been an on-again off-again Audible user for well over a decade, so I’ve seen it go through lots of different iterations of itself. I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with it. For a while, I said that Audible has generally gotten better over the years, but I see that starting to change in 2026.

There are both benefits and drawbacks to using Audible, but even more importantly, there are some Audible hacks to get it for cheaper than the advertised price. Plus, Amazon keeps switching things up, offering new ways to subscribe and a variety of ways to get benefits (including a totally new plan option introduced in December, 2024).

In this detailed review, you’ll get my in-depth analysis of Audible, find out how to decide which plan is for you, learn about secret features of Audible that aren’t well-known, and find out how to get Audible for cheaper. 

So let’s dig in so that you can get the information you need to decide for yourself: Audible, is it worth it? 

Don’t forget to pin this post for later. 

Whenever possible, I recommend buying books at local bookshops or through Bookshop.org, because shopping there puts the profits right into the hands of indie bookstores all over the country.

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Audible: What’s Changed in Recent Years?

Audiobooks have become increasingly popular in recent years. They provide a convenient way for book lovers to enjoy their favorite stories on the go, or, if you’re like me, while cleaning the kitchen, doing laundry, and driving. 

Audible, an Amazon-owned platform, has emerged as one of the go-to sources for audiobooks. In fact, Amazon Audible controls 63% of the US audiobook publishing market as of 2022. 

The basic premise of Audible is that members sign up to pay one consistent monthly price in exchange for a number of book credits per month (usually one per month), which can be used on any book in their audiobook library. The appeal of this membership option is the ability to choose audiobooks that might otherwise cost much more. 

In recent years, Audible has changed their basic structure from this original model. Now, in addition to your monthly credit, subscribers also get access to their Audible Plus catalogue of over 11,000 titles. 

These 11,000 titles are available with your membership without using any of your Audible credits. 

Let me tell you, this was the best decision Amazon has probably ever made when it comes to maximizing the value of an Audible membership. 

In this day and age, we all seem to have an infinite number of services to subscribe to, from the ever-increasing paid streaming services, to apps, to music streaming services, to cloud storage. Over time, I think it became harder for any of us to justify the $15 a month to receive only one audiobook. For avid readers and audiobook listeners, I think many of us decided that that just didn’t provide enough value to keep paying for. 

Enter, the audible library included with membership. 

Update: December, 2024

As of this month, Amazon introduced yet another option to get access to Audible — through your Amazon Music subscription. As of December, any subscribers to Amazon Music can also access one audible book per month.

Update: June, 2026

While I do think the Audible Plus library was a smart move on Amazon’s part, I have seen a trend in the last year toward including only Audible exclusive audiobooks in that library. For the past few years, I’ve compiled a list of the 50 best audiobooks included in the Audible Plus library.

Each year, there were always some very big titles on the list, including Outlander and even some popular Romantasy. When I updated that post in 2026, I noticed all the biggest titles have been removed and seem to be getting replaced only by Audible exclusive titles. I expect that trend to stick around as they continue to produce their own audiobooks.

The Audible Plus library still has tons of options if you are into listening to classic literature, and they produce a lot of versions with various famous actors as the narrators. If that’s what you’re primarily into listening to, then you can definitely get your money’s worth from the Audible Plus library. If not, I’d say this benefit is overall decreasing in appeal and value.

Let’s dive a little deeper and break down the available Audible plans, including the latest option, so you can make an informed decision about which Audible plan is best for your needs. 

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Audible Plus vs. Audible Premium Plus: Which Audible Plan is Best?

Let’s take a look at what your options are when considering whether Audible is worth it. 

For some time now, the two primary Audible plans have been Audible Plus and Audible Premium Plus. Let’s break down each of these options. 

Audible Plus ($7.95 per month)

Think of Audible Plus like getting a library card to Amazon’s Audible Plus catalog. For your membership of around $8 a month, you can download and listen to as many of the 11,000 available titles as you choose. 

However, your selection is limited to those 11,000 titles, and you won’t actually “own” any of your audiobooks. That is, as soon as you cancel your membership, you will no longer have access to those titles in your library. 

This cheaper plan does NOT include any Audible credits. 

In my opinion, this plan might be a good option for the non-picky audiobook listener, someone who wants a constant library of audiobooks from which they can choose, but who doesn’t have a lot of specific titles in mind. 

Audible Premium Plus ($14.95 per month)

Now, if you’re an audiobook listener with some very specific audiobook titles in mind, the Audible Plus library might not fulfill all your audiobook desires. 

You have the option to sign up for the Audible Premium Plus Plan, which is similar to the original Audible plans. You’ll get one audiobook credit per month to use on any audiobook of your choice, plus you’ll get access to the Audible Plus library. 

That means that the audiobooks you “buy” with your monthly credits will be yours indefinitely, even if you cancel your Audible plan. 

There’s also the option to get 2 monthly audiobook credits for $22.95 per month. 

Audible Premium Plus is a good choice for audiobook listeners who listen to a lot of audiobooks and have a lengthy list of specific titles in mind. Or, for audiobook listeners who don’t want to figure out Libby, the easiest way to get free audiobooks by digitally borrowing them from your library. 

A Hidden Third Option: Audible’s Hybrid Membership Plan ($17 every other month)

For some reason, Amazon doesn’t seem to broadcast their third Audible membership option, and I really can’t understand why, because this secret third option is the Audible sweet spot for me. 

The third choice for Audible membership has no official title, so I’m going to call it the Hybrid plan. In the hybrid plan, you pay $17 every other month (so essentially $8.50 per month, only 50 cents more than the Audible Plus plan). In exchange, you get access to the entire Audible Plus Catalog AND an audiobook credit every other month (as opposed to monthly). 

This is my favorite Audible plan, one that made Audible absolutely worth it for me until 2026. I often have specific audiobook titles I want to listen to, but I usually try to get a decent number of them through my library. This secret Audible plan allowed me to keep my constant access to their Plus library without accumulating more audiobook credits than I can use. Plus, with the lower price tag, it was easier to justify the expense.

However, with the decline in quality and variety in the Audible Plus catalog in 2026, I have once again canceled my membership.

Still, I think this third option is really the best Audible plan for many users, and I’m baffled that Amazon doesn’t go about advertising it! 

Tip: Usually to select this plan, you’ll need to sign up for Audible Premium Plus, then go into your membership settings and switch it.

Related: Wondering if the books on Audible Plus are any good? I’ve combed through the library of titles and come up with a list of the 50 best Audible Plus books.

New Audible Plan: Included in Amazon Music Unlimited ($9.99 per month)

Starting in December, 2024, subscribers to Amazon Music Unlimited get to listen to one audiobook per month. This is a huge departure from the company’s usual audiobook membership options, and honestly I think it’s a direct response to Spotify Audiobooks gaining traction (check out my breakdown of Spotify audiobooks and why I think they’ve botched the job).

I think this is less about audiobooks and more about trying to tempt more users away from Spotify to sign up for Amazon’s rival unlimited music streaming subscription. According to one estimate, as of February, 2024, Spotify accounted for 36% of the US subscriber market share compared to Amazon’s 23.8%.

But setting aside motives, what does this new fourth option even entail? Basically, any Amazon Music Unlimited Subscriber can choose one Audible book to listen to during each billing cycle. The easiest way to do that is to use the Amazon Music app. Select the Audible option in the menu, scroll from the Audible catalogue, and choose a title. It will then ask you to confirm your choice, as you won’t be able to change it until the next billing cycle.

With this new way to access Audible, you do NOT get access to the Audible Plus library. You only get your one chosen title, and like a library loan, you don’t own the audiobooks you choose. Your access goes away when you cancel your subscription or choose another book the next billing cycle.

So what are my thoughts on this new Audible option? I’ll be curious to see how well it works, honestly. This might tempt some users away from Spotify as they charge extra for audiobook access and allow a strange 15-hour limit that drives some users crazy.

For now, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend jumping ship or subscribing to Amazon Music Unlimited solely for audiobook access. But, they are offering a 3-month free trial right now, so feel free to try it out for a bit and see what you think.

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Related: Wondering about Audible alternatives? Here’s my review of Everand, a monthly subscription service that is cheaper than Audible and gives you access to a huge library of ebooks and audiobooks.

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Lesser-Known Benefits of an Audible Membership

Just as Amazon doesn’t advertise its secret third membership option, there are several features available to Audible users that aren’t well known. I think these can have some bearing on your decision and worth mentioning in this Audible review. 

Share with Your Family Library

This feature won’t make a difference if you aren’t an Amazon family with multiple family members in your Amazon family, but if that is you, it’s helpful to know that you can share audiobooks with other Amazon accounts and profiles that are included in your Amazon family. 

Listen from Your Kindle Device

Do you own a Kindle device? (If you’re still on the fence, make sure you check out my detailed review of the Kindle Paperwhite 10th Generation). One benefit of an Audible membership is you can seamlessly switch between reading an ebook and listening to the audiobook. Amazon remembers your place and picks up there when you switch between the two. 

It’s worth noting that Kindle Paperwhite devices don’t have built-in speakers, so you’ll need to be prepared with headphones if you want to listen from your Kindle. Also, audiobooks take up a lot more memory on your Kindle device. All things told, this is not an Audible feature that I personally use, but I mention it in case it makes a difference for you. 

Return Audible audiobooks

This is another hidden feature you should know about when deciding is Audible worth it? You can return audiobooks within one year of purchase if you’re not satisfied, even if you listened to the entire book. 

Just remember, while it’s tempting to use this as a library and return every book after you’ve listened to it, it’s important to be mindful of authors and audiobook narrators, as returns also mean they don’t get any royalties. The publishing industry is struggling enough right now without audiobook listeners taking excess advantage of this return ability.

Buy More Audible Credits in Bulk

For those audiobook listeners who find themselves wanting more credits than the monthly ones in your plan, Amazon frequently gives promotions to buy bulk credits at a discounted rate. 

This comes in handy when you’re eyeing an audiobook series or a collection. For example, when I decided to invest in the entire Harry Potter series on Audible (after years of listening to them on CD), I bought additional credits in bulk. This meant that I got each Harry Potter audiobook for around $10 apiece, which is really a great deal. 

Audiobook sales

Periodically throughout the year, Amazon will run a huge sale of audiobooks for Audible subscribers, and many people find these sales very attractive. Popular titles will go on sale for $5-6, making them much cheaper than the usual cost of a credit.

Audible Gift Memberships

Gift shopping for book lovers can be tricky, but did you know you can actually gift someone an Audible membership? This would make a great stocking stuffer, or if someone’s been asking for ideas of what you want, you can send them this recommendation! Perfect choice for long-distance gift-giving.  

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Related: Stumped for what audiobook to listen to or spend credits on? Check out my list of the 15 best Audible narrators.

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The Real Talk: Audible’s Downsides

Now, I’m the last person to say that Amazon Audible is without its downsides. So as this is a detailed Audible review, it wouldn’t be complete without discussing some of the cons of an Audible membership, and reasons why I’ve had an on-again-off-again relationship with it. 

Amazon’s Business Practices

It’s no secret that Audible is under the Amazon umbrella, and that connection has raised some eyebrows. Amazon’s business practices have come under fire over the years, and rightfully so. Those shady business practices include tax avoidance, poor working conditions for employees, and a negative impact on the environment. 

Additionally, few people have anything good to say about Amazon’s role in the book publishing industry. That makes it a morally complicated issue of whether or not to support Amazon by signing up for an Audible membership, and it’s one answer I can’t provide for you. 

It’s important to understand these criticisms of Amazon and to reflect on your own values when deciding is Audible worth it.

The Cost Factor

Here’s the deal: Audible can get pricey, especially if you, like me, tend to listen to audiobooks just once. For me, audiobooks aren’t like movies or TV shows that I often return to. Those monthly subscription fees can add up, even with the budget-friendly options. If you’re a one-time listener, the cost might feel like a hurdle.

If cost is a big factor in your decision, and even the hybrid plan puts a strain on your finances, I’d stick with free ways to get audiobooks, like linking a Libby account to your library card. 

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Related: Recently, Audible has gotten some new competition with Spotify audiobook benefits for subscribers. Read all about the new audiobook subscription service and my comparison to an Audible subscription.

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Audible Hacks: How to get Audible for Cheaper

There are actually a good number of ways to make Audible even cheaper than the advertised price. I’ve explored so many of these methods over the years, and I’m not going to gate keep this knowledge. 

Here’s some things to try to lower the cost of your Audible subscription that can make a huge difference on whether or not Audible is worth it. 

Sniff Out Promotions and Free Trials

Audible is known for its regular promotions and free trials for new members. These opportunities are the best way to test the waters and dive into Audible’s offerings. 

Keep your eyes peeled for special Audible deals, such as getting 3-4 months of Audible at a reduced monthly price. There are also usually special Audible discount deals on Black Friday and on Amazon Prime Day. 

Keep in mind that Amazon limits how often you can get access to new subscriber deals. You usually have to have had your membership canceled for 4-6 months to qualify for these new member promotions. 

That’s one Audible hack I’ve taken advantage of in the past, when I felt like my Audible credits were stacking up, and there weren’t many more titles I wanted in the near future. Then, I’d cancel my membership while I listened to those audiobooks and signed up again with a new membership deal. 

Threaten to Cancel

If you’re debating canceling Audible to save money, but you don’t REALLY want to cancel, initiate the cancellation process on your Audible account. In the process, Amazon will ask you to select the reason for cancellation. If you select that the plan is “too expensive,” oftentimes Amazon will offer you an exclusive discount to keep you from canceling. 

Keep in mind that this won’t work every time. I’m not sure the exact limit on how many times or how often you can use this Audible hack — it’s likely no more than once a year, but that can go a long way toward saving money on your Audible membership. 

Sign up with an American Express Platinum Card

This is one Audible cost-saving hack that nobody is talking about! If you’re an Amazon Express Platinum Card member, your Audible membership can be free! 

Now, this option for saving money on Audible won’t be the best choice for everyone, as the annual fees are not insignificant (nearly $700 at the time of writing). There are lots of travel benefits with the Amex Platinum Card, including airport lounge access, hotel credits, no foreign transaction fees, and free enrollment in TSA Precheck. 

Another benefit of the Amex Platinum Card is an annual digital entertainment credit of $240 per year, which means your Audible fees will get credited back to your card. 

As a new card member, you can earn a bonus 80,000 points within the first 6 months.

Note: It was announced in Fall, 2023 that Audible would be a participating partner in this benefit only through October, 2023. However, there are lots of book lovers like me who are very unhappy with this, so hopefully it will change back!  As of December, 2024, that’s not been the case.

Related: If you need audiobook recommendations, maybe check out my list of the best books I read in 2022 to get you started (one of the books on this list is my favorite audiobook of all-time!). 

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Verdict: Is Audible worth it? 

In the end, only you can know if an Audible membership is right for you. For some people, it’s totally worth the monthly subscription cost. For others, it may be better to get audiobooks through an alternative source, like Libby. 

Hopefully, this post has armed you with the knowledge you need to know to answer the question, is Audible worth it? And if you do choose to give Audible a try, hopefully you learned some tips and Audible hacks to save money on your membership and build your audiobook library.

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