Are you an avid reader looking for a convenient way to enjoy your favorite books without having to physically hold them? You’re not alone. With the rise of audiobooks, many readers have turned to services like Audible to access a vast library of titles. But with so many membership plans to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is right for you.
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Understanding Audible Membership Plans
Audible is a popular audiobook subscription service owned by Amazon, offering access to a vast library of audiobooks. But did you know that the service has changed over the years, now offering multiple plans to cater to different needs and budgets? Let’s break down the different plans to help you make an informed decision.
Audible Plus
The Audible Plus plan costs $7.95 per month and offers access to a library of 11,000 titles. However, it’s essential to note that this plan does not include any audiobook credits. If you’re someone who listens to audiobooks frequently, this plan might not be the best value for you. On the other hand, if you’re a casual listener or want to try out audiobooks without committing to a more expensive plan, Audible Plus might be a good starting point.
| Plan Details | Audible Plus |
|---|---|
| Monthly Fee | $7.95 |
| Access to Library | 11,000 titles |
| Audiobook Credits | None |
Audible Premium Plus
The Audible Premium Plus plan costs $14.95 per month and offers one audiobook credit per month, plus access to the Audible Plus library. This plan is ideal for those who listen to audiobooks regularly and want the flexibility to choose from a vast selection of titles. With this plan, you can use your audiobook credit to purchase any title, regardless of its price.
| Plan Details | Audible Premium Plus |
|---|---|
| Monthly Fee | $14.95 |
| Access to Library | 11,000 titles (Audible Plus) + 1 audiobook credit |
| Audiobook Credits | 1 per month |
Hybrid Membership Plan
The hybrid membership plan costs $17 every other month and offers access to the Audible Plus library and an audiobook credit every other month. This plan is perfect for those who want to balance their audiobook listening with other forms of entertainment. By paying every other month, you can enjoy the benefits of Audible while having more flexibility in your budget.
| Plan Details | Hybrid Membership Plan |
|---|---|
| Payment Frequency | Every other month |
| Monthly Fee | $17 (every other month) |
| Access to Library | 11,000 titles (Audible Plus) + 1 audiobook credit (every other month) |
| Audiobook Credits | 1 every other month |
Amazon Music Unlimited Plan
A new plan, included in Amazon Music Unlimited ($9.99/month), offers one audiobook per month, but no access to the Audible Plus library. This plan is geared towards music lovers who also enjoy listening to audiobooks. However, it’s essential to note that this plan does not offer the same level of flexibility as the other Audible plans.
| Plan Details | Amazon Music Unlimited Plan |
|---|---|
| Monthly Fee | $9.99 |
| Access to Library | None (Audible Plus) |
| Audiobook Credits | 1 per month |
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Lesser-Known Benefits of an Audible Membership
While the different plans and pricing might be the most significant factors in your decision-making process, there are several lesser-known benefits of an Audible membership that you should consider.
Sharing Audiobooks with Family Members
Did you know that you can share your audiobooks with family members? With Audible, you can create a family library and share your audiobooks with up to five family members. This feature is perfect for families who enjoy listening to audiobooks together or for those who want to share their favorite titles with loved ones.
Listening from Kindle Devices
If you own a Kindle device, you can listen to your audiobooks directly from your device. This feature is convenient for those who enjoy reading and listening to books in different formats. With Whispersync, you can switch seamlessly between reading and listening to your audiobooks.
Returning Audiobooks
Audible allows you to return audiobooks if you’re not satisfied with your purchase. This feature is perfect for those who are unsure about a particular title or want to try out a new author. With Audible, you can return an audiobook and get a full refund or exchange it for another title.
Money-Saving Hacks
While Audible membership plans can be affordable, there are several money-saving hacks that you can use to get the most out of your subscription.
Sniffing Out Promotions and Free Trials
Keep an eye out for promotions and free trials that Audible offers periodically. These can be a great way to try out the service without committing to a paid plan. You can also use these promotions to upgrade your plan or try out a new feature.
Threatening to Cancel
If you’re not satisfied with your plan or want to negotiate a better deal, try threatening to cancel your subscription. Audible customer service may offer you a better deal or a free trial to keep you as a customer.
Signing Up with an American Express Platinum Card
If you have an American Express Platinum Card, you can get a $200 credit towards Audible purchases. This is a great way to offset the cost of your membership plan or purchase additional audiobooks.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Audible membership plan can be overwhelming, but by understanding the different plans and benefits, you can make an informed decision that suits your needs and budget. Whether you’re a casual listener or an avid reader, Audible has a plan that can cater to your audiobook needs. Remember to take advantage of the lesser-known benefits and money-saving hacks to get the most out of your subscription.
