Audible and Audiobooks.com are two of the most popular audiobook platforms, offering vast libraries of titles across genres. Audible vs Audiobooks.com, which one is better?
Audible, owned by Amazon, is known for its extensive selection, exclusive content, and seamless integration with Amazon and Alexa devices. It offers a monthly subscription with credits to exchange for audiobooks and access to the Audible Plus catalog.
Audiobooks.com, on the other hand, offers a competitive alternative with a user-friendly app, access to over 400,000 titles, and the ability to stream or download audiobooks. Its subscription model is similar to Audible’s, but it includes extra perks like free VIP books each month and curated book lists.
Both platforms offer high-quality listening experiences, but the better choice depends on your preferred features, ecosystem, and content availability. In the sections that follow, I’ll address all your key concerns about these two audiobook subscription services to help you make an informed decision.
1. Audible vs Audiobooks: Pricing & Subscription Models
Audible
- Offers a credit-based system (1 credit/month for $14.95, redeemable for any audiobook, including premium titles).
- Additional purchases at member discounts (up to 30% off).
- Free trial: 30day trial with 1 free credit.
- Audible Plus ($7.95/month) provides access to a rotating selection of free audiobooks (but excludes premium titles).
Audiobooks.com
- $14.95/month for 1 credit (similar to Audible’s basic plan).
- VIP Club offers unlimited access to a specific genre (e.g., Mystery & Thriller) for the month.
- Free trial: 30day trial with 3 free audiobooks (more generous than Audible).
- No ownership of books if subscription lapses (similar to Audible’s Plus catalog).
2. Audible vs Audiobooks: Content Library & Selection
Audible
Audible boasts the largest audiobook library, with over 700,000 titles, including exclusive content and Audible Originals. It also offers strong integration with Amazon Kindle through features like Whispersync for Voice, which allows seamless switching between reading and listening. Additionally, Audible is known for its high-profile narrators and premium productions, including many audiobooks read by celebrities.
Audiobooks.com
Audiobooks.com offers a library of over 425,000 titles—smaller than Audible’s, but still extensive. It stands out by providing access to over 10,000 free audiobooks, which is more than what Audible’s Plus catalog typically offers. While it doesn't integrate with Kindle, it does support downloads for purchased books on Android and iOS devices.
3. Audible vs Audiobooks: User Experience & Features
Audible
- Better app interface (smoother playback, better bookmarking).
- Family sharing (up to 2 adults & 4 kids in Amazon Household).
- Return policy: Easy returns for unwanted books (within 365 days).
- No ownership of books if subscription lapses (similar to Audible’s Plus catalog).
- Audible’s Trustpilot rating is quite low—around 1.6 out of 5—with 78% of reviews being 1-6tar. Users frequently report being charged even after canceling their subscriptions—sometimes for several months without realizing.
Audiobooks.com
- Social features (users can create and share booklists).
- Offline listening supported (like Audible).
- No family plan, but allows one free audiobook per month for friends via referral.
- Compared to Audible’s Trustpilot rating—which hovers around 1.6 out of 5 with over 700 negative reviews, Audiobooks.com fares better, with a score of approximately 3.7 based on 4,627 reviews. There are also a lot of reports of unauthorized charges or misleading free-trial terms exist.
4. Audible vs Audiobooks: Ownership & DRM
Audible
Audible uses DRM protection, meaning audiobooks must be played through the Audible app or on approved devices. However, any books purchased with credits or cash remain in your library permanently, even after you cancel your subscription.
Based on the user experiences above, it's clear that many people are concerned about losing access to their purchased Audible books. To avoid this, it's a good idea to back up your Audible books to your computer. If you'd like to do that, follow the guide below to download your Audible books as MP3 files.
Audiobooks.com
Audiobooks.com also uses DRM protection, so audiobooks can only be played through their official app or web player. Books accessed through the subscription will no longer be available once your membership ends—similar to how Audible Plus works.
When you cancel your Audiobooks.com subscription, any books you obtained through the VIP Rewards or trial credits (the "Audiobooks Club" books) will be removed from your account. It is better to download your Audiobooks.com books to mp3 for backup. The following guide will show you how to download Audiobooks.com books as MP3 files with 100% original quality.
Which One Should You Choose?
| Feature | Audible | Audiobooks.com |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $14.95/month (1 credit) | $14.95/month (1 credit + VIP Club) |
| Free Trial | 1 book (30 days) | 3 books (30 days) |
| Library Size | 700,000+ titles + Originals | 425,000+ titles + VIP selections |
| Audio Quality | 64 kbps (higher fidelity) | 32 kbps (standard) |
| Credits Value | Credits Value $6–12/book with annual/Platinum plans | $7.50/book |
| Return/Exchange Policy | 1-year unlimited returns | Limited, at discretion |
| DRM | Yes (locked to Audible) | Yes (Locked to Audiobooks.com) |
| Unique Features | Originals, Kindle/Alexa sync | Genre clubs, curated lists |
| App Experience | Reliable, Amazon-integrated | Modern, praised UI |
Who Should Choose Audible?
1 Avid listeners who crave a massive library— Audible is with over 1 million titles including Audible Originals and exclusives.
2 Frequent credit users looking for the best value—Their credits average around $6–12 when using annual or Platinum plans .
3 Quality-focused listeners—Audible’s audio is typically encoded at 64?kbps, offering richer sound quality.
4 Avid listeners who crave a massive library—It is with over 1 million titles including Audible Originals and exclusives.
5 Return-friendly users—Audible’s Great Listening Guarantee allows hassle-free returns for any reason within 1 year.
Who Should Choose Audiobooks.com?
1 Casual or club-style listeners— Audiobooks.com offers one premium credit plus a VIP audiobook choice each month.
2 Users who prefer a clean, well designed app—Audiobooks.com’s app earns higher praise for user-friendly navigation and curated book lists.
3 Genre club enthusiasts—Audiobook Clubs offer unlimited listening in specific genres for 30 days.
4 Supporters of non-Amazon platforms—Audiobooks is valued by users wary of Amazon or those wanting a more independent interface.
Final Verdict
Go with Audible if you’re a heavy listener, value high-quality audio, want maximum content & return flexibility, and are already embedded in Amazon’s ecosystem.
Opt for Audiobooks.com if you prefer curated listening experiences, a clean, self-contained app, and aren’t seeking exclusive Audible Originals.
Still unsure? Both platforms offer 30-day free trials—you can test each and see which one fits your listening habits best!
Iris Yan has been a passionate member of Epubor since 2017. Her mission is to enhance your ebook reading experience by sharing insightful tips and tricks. Join her on a journey towards reading excellence today!
