Audiobook Subscription Buying Guide: Compare Features & Prices

What is the best and cheapest way to listen to audiobooks?
Audiobook Subscription Buying Guide: compare Features & Prices for 2024
Are you tired of juggling multiple audiobook platforms or paying full price for every title? With audiobook subscriptions booming – projected to reach $35 billion by 2030 – navigating the sea of services can feel overwhelming. This complete guide cuts through the noise,comparing 8 top audiobook subscription services across 12 key factors to help you find your perfect listening match.

What Is an Audiobook Subscription Service?
Unlike purchasing individual titles, audiobook subscriptions operate like Netflix for books. For a monthly fee, you typically receive:
- Credits redeemable for premium titles
- Access to exclusive member-only libraries
- Discounts on additional purchases
- Cross-device listening capabilities
Top 5 Audiobook Subscription Services Compared
| service | Price/Month | Credits | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audible Premium Plus | $14.95 | 1 credit + Audible Originals | Largest catalog (200k+ titles) |
| Scribd | $11.99 | Unlimited listens* | Includes eBooks & magazines |
| Libro.fm | $14.99 | 1 credit + discounts | Supports local bookstores |
| Audiobooks.com | $14.95 | 1 credit + VIP rewards | Family sharing options |
| Kobo Audiobooks | $9.99 | 1 credit + member pricing | Seamless eReader integration |
*Some popular titles may become temporarily unavailable during your billing cycle
key Factors to Consider When Choosing
1. Catalog Size & Selection
While Audible boasts the largest library with over 200,000 titles, services like Scribd counter with their unique “all-access” model. Consider:
- Bestseller availability: New releases frequently enough appear first on Audible
- Niche genres: Libro.fm excels in literary fiction while kobo dominates romance
- Exclusive content: Audible Originals vs. Scribd’s investigative journalist series
2. Credit Systems vs. Unlimited Models

Most services use a credit system where 1 credit = 1 book. Exceptions:
- Scribd: True unlimited listening (though throttling may occur)
- Libro.fm: Credits roll over for 90 days
- Audible: Premium Plus members get 2 credits monthly for $22.95
3. Platform Experience & Features
Must-have features:
- Speed control (up to 3.5x)
- Sleep timer customization
- Cross-device synchronization












