Last Updated on: Mar 03, 2025
You’re halfway through a gripping thriller when your Audible credit runs out. You need more audiobooks—fast. But should you upgrade to Audible’s pricier plan or stick with Audible Plus? You’re not alone. In 2025, 52% of U.S. adults regularly stream audiobooks, up from 45% in 2022. With subscription costs rising, choosing the right plan is critical.
What We'll Cover
- Audiobooks in 2025: U.S. Listening Trends
- Audible vs. Audible Plus: 2025 Plan Showdown
- Pros and Cons of Audible vs. Audible Plus
- Is Audible Worth It in 2025?
- Audible: What’s Changed in Recent Years?
- Audible Gift Memberships
- Audible Hacks: How to Get Audible for Cheaper
- How to Choose: A 5-Step Decision Guide
- Real User Scenarios
- FAQs: People Also Asked
- Conclusion: Your Perfect Audiobook Match
This guide cuts through the noise. Using 2025 listener trends, state-specific data, and cost comparisons, we’ll help you decide between Audible and Audible Plus. No fluff—just actionable insights to match your habits.
Audiobooks in 2025: U.S. Listening Trends
National Snapshot
- Revenue Growth: Audiobook sales hit $2.4 billion in 2025, up 33% from 2022 (AAP).
- Top Genres: Mystery/Thriller (35%), Self-Help (28%), and True Crime (22%) dominate listener preferences.
State-by-State Breakdown
| State | Weekly Listeners (2025) | Top Genre | Avg. Monthly Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 55% | Self-Help | 16 |
| Texas | 50% | True Crime | 13 |
| Florida | 47% | Romance | 11 |
| New York | 58% | Business | 18 |
| Pennsylvania | 44% | Historical Fiction | 10 |
| Illinois | 46% | Sci-Fi | 12 |
| Ohio | 43% | Biographies | 9 |
| Georgia | 45% | Southern Lit | 10 |
Sources: Pew Research Center, AAP 2025 Forecasts, State Library Surveys.
Did You Know? Texas listeners finish audiobooks 20% faster than the national average—a trend tied to long commutes in cities like Houston and Dallas.
Audible vs. Audible Plus: 2025 Plan Showdown
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Audible | Audible Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $14.95/month (Try for $0.00) | $7.95/month (Try for $0.00) |
| Monthly Credits | 1 | 0 |
| Plus Catalog Access | ✅ | ✅ |
| Exclusive Member Sales | ✅ | ❌ |
| Ad-Free Podcasts | ❌ | ✅ |
| Family Sharing | ✅ (2 adults) | ❌ |
| Best For | New releases, heavy listeners | Budget listeners, podcast fans |
Key Links:
- Explore Audible: Amazon Audible
- Browse Audible Plus: Amazon Audible Plus
Pros and Cons of Audible vs. Audible Plus
- 1 Credit Per Month: Redeem for any audiobook, even $40+ bestsellers
- Exclusive Sales: Save 30-50% on additional titles during member-only promos
- Keep Books Forever: Retain access even after canceling
- Higher Cost: $15.95/month vs
- $8.95 for Audible Plus
- Limited Podcasts: No ad-free podcast access
- Budget-Friendly: $8.95/month for unlimited Plus Catalog access
- Podcast Perks: Thousands of ad-free shows like Serial and Crime Junkie
- No Commitments: Cancel anytime without losing catalog access
- No Credits: Can’t purchase new releases without paying à la carte
- Limited Sharing: No family plan options
Is Audible Worth It in 2025?
Audible’s value hinges on your habits:
- Worth It If:
- You listen to 2+ new books/month (credits save $10–$20 per title).
- You want premium features like Household Sharing or exclusive sales.
- Not Worth It If:
- You prefer podcasts or classics (Audible Plus covers these at half the price).
2025 Price Hike Note: Audible increased its monthly fee by 6% in 2024, but heavy listeners still save $100+/year compared to buying books individually.
Audible: What’s Changed in Recent Years?
Since 2023, Audible has rolled out:
- Enhanced Plus Catalog: Added 5,000+ titles, including 2024 Pulitzer winners.
- Dynamic Pricing: Credits now apply to audiobooks priced up to $50 (previously $35 cap).
- Family Sharing Expansion: Share with 2 adults (up from 1 in 2023).
However, the core structure—1 credit/month, Plus Catalog access—remains unchanged.
Audible Gift Memberships
Give the gift of audiobooks with 3, 6, or 12-month Audible plans:
- Pricing:
- 3 Months: $45 (save $2.85 vs. monthly).
- 12 Months: $150 (save $41.40).
- Perks: Recipients get all Audible benefits, including credits and Plus Catalog.
- How to Gift: Visit Amazon Audible Gifts, select a plan, and send via email.
Audible Hacks: How to Get Audible for Cheaper
- Annual Plans: Save 20% with a $150/year subscription (vs. $191.40 monthly).
- Promo Codes: Watch for 30% off deals during Prime Day or Black Friday.
- Cancel and Resubscribe: New members often get discounted rates (e.g., $9.95 for 3 months).
- Libby App Combo: Borrow free audiobooks from your local library to stretch credits.
How to Choose: A 5-Step Decision Guide
- Calculate Your Listening Time
- Formula: (Books/month × Avg. runtime) + Podcast hours.
- Example: 2 books (24 hours) + 8 podcast hours = 32 hours/month. Audible Plus may fall short.
- Genre Matters
- Audible’s credits are ideal for new releases (avg. $25 retail). Audible Plus offers unlimited access to 10,000+ classics and podcasts.
- Budget Breakdown
- Audible: $15.95 = 1 credit ($15.95 value) + Plus Catalog ($7.95 value).
- Audible Plus: $8.95 = Catalog only.
- Family Needs
- Only Audible allows Household Sharing—split credits with one other adult.
- Test Drive Both
- Use the 30-Day Free Trial to compare.
Real User Scenarios
Case 1: The Commuter (Chicago, IL)
- Habits: 15 hours/week, mostly new thrillers.
- Winner: Audible. Credits save $10+/book vs. buying à la carte.
Case 2: The Podcast Lover (Miami, FL)
- Habits: 10 hours/week of true crime podcasts + occasional memoirs.
- Winner: Audible Plus. Unlimited podcasts + Plus Catalog classics fit the $8.95 budget.
Pro Tips to Maximize Your Plan
- Audible Hack: Pool credits for high-cost series (e.g., $40 fantasy sagas).
- Plus Hack: Use the “Offline Library” to save data during travel.
- Interlink: For genre picks, see [Link I: “Best Mystery Audiobooks of 2025”].
- Interlink: Master sharing with [Link II: “How to Set Up Audible Household”].
FAQs: People Also Asked
I’m confused about the difference between Audible and Audible Plus
Audible includes 1 monthly credit for any audiobook + Plus Catalog access. Audible Plus offers only the Plus Catalog (no credits) at half the price.
Is Audible Plus worth it?
Yes, if you listen to <12 hours/month or prioritize podcasts/classics. For heavy listeners, Audible’s credits provide better value.
Is Audible Plus free with Amazon Prime?
No. Audible Plus is a standalone subscription ($8.95/month). Prime members get exclusive discounts but not free access.
How much does Audible Plus cost?
$8.95/month in 2025, up from $7.95 in 2023.
Is Harry Potter included in Audible Plus?
No. The Harry Potter series requires credits or à la carte purchases on Audible.
Conclusion: Your Perfect Audiobook Match
In 2025, Audible is the go-to for credit collectors craving bestsellers, while Audible Plus caters to casual listeners and podcast bingers. Still unsure? Take our quick quiz:
-
How many hours do you listen monthly?
a) <10 → Audible Plus
b) 10+ → Audible -
Love podcasts?
a) Yes → Audible Plus
b) No → Audible
Final Tip: Start with the free trial—you’ve got nothing to lose but 30 days.
The responses below are not provided, commissioned, reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any financial entity or advertiser. It is not the advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
