In our tipps-tricks article on Audible , we explain everything you need to know about Amazon's audiobook service - including the pros and cons, how it works, and things to look out for. You can then weigh up the options and, based on all the information, decide whether a subscription for audiobooks is worthwhile for you.
What exactly is Audible?
Amazon's Audible is a monthly subscription service that gives users access to an extensive library of audiobooks. Audible is initially launching a free 30-day trial that comes with two free audiobooks. The trial will automatically switch to the paid subscription for around € 10 / month after the 30 days - unless you cancel the account. Note that one of the biggest complaints about the trial is that the company doesn't ask whether you want to continue with a subscription, but that you will be automatically charged if you do not cancel your account. If you choose to have an Audible account, every month your account will be credited with a free credit that you can use to buy an audiobook, so-called credits.
Amazon's app offers users ad-free, high-quality audio files that can be listened to online or offline. This means that you can search through your favorite tracks without using up any data volume. You can also use it to compile your own digital archive of audiobooks that you can access at any time. Unlike other audiobook services, audiobooks purchased with Audible are yours forever - as if you were buying a real book..
All audio books are interchangeable. So if you don't like a title, you can easily swap it for another. The app also offers members exclusive savings of 30 percent on additional monthly purchases, including Mysteries & Thrillers, Personal Development, Business, Bios & Memoirs, Science Fiction & Fantasy.
Is Audible worth it?
Occasionally you can find audiobooks for as little as 99 cents! Note, however, that the price you pay monthly for Audible depends on the number of titles you buy and your expenses. Because just because you have a monthly subscription you won't get every audiobook for free. So the price of the subscription is worth as much as an audio book, of which you can choose one for free every month with the credits you receive. If you have already redeemed your credits but would like to have another audiobook, you either have to wait until next month to receive new credits or you have to buy it. You don't have to choose a new audiobook every month because the credits can be carried over to the next month, so you can choose between two or more audiobooks..
Audible's offering is constantly expanding: Amazon recently took over the podcast network Wondery.
Does an Amazon Prime membership include Audible?
No, unfortunately you will not benefit from this if you are already a member of Amazon Prime . The costs of around € 10 per month after the trial version still apply. However, from time to time Amazon offers to use the Audible service free of charge for the first three months. This also means that there are three free audio books of your choice. So keep an eye out for such an offer.
Is Audible easy to use?
Like most Amazon products, the app offers user-friendly navigation. You can switch between pages and menus for quick and easy access to thousands of titles. Audiobook sub-categories such as “Preorders”, “Wishlist” and “Search” make it easier to find new titles with enthusiastic reviews. In addition, all audiobooks are subject to Amazon's five-star customer rating system.
Aesthetically, the app leaves little to be desired. It offers easy-to-read text, high-contrast graphics, and customizable options. That being said, the affiliate website is a bit sparse, with just a white background, gallery-style book cover grids, and six overhead menus. However, every audiobook has a detailed product page with information such as author, length, publication date and publisher.