In an age where our lives are busier than ever, finding time to sit down with a good book can be a challenge. Enter Audible, the audiobook streaming service owned by Amazon, which offers a seamless solution to this problem. Whether you’re commuting, exercising, or simply unwinding, Audible transforms everyday moments into found-time-opportunities for immersive storytelling and the Growth Guidebook focus point, personal growth. I have personally used Audible and enjoyed it – and I think you will too. Here’s why signing up for an Audible subscription is a decision you won’t regret.
What is Audible?
Audible is an online service that lets you purchase and stream audiobooks, podcasts, and other spoken-word content. Compatible with Android, iOS, Mac OS, Windows, and Kindle, Audible is accessible on virtually any device. It boasts an unparalleled selection of audiobooks across genres, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
How memberships work
A central aspect of Audible is its membership, which operates on a monthly or yearly subscription basis, offering various benefits:
1. Credits
With Audible, a monthly subscription (around $15 in the U.S.) gives you one credit per month, which can be used to purchase any audiobook, regardless of its price. This means you can snag that $30 bestseller for just one credit, making it a cost-effective way to build your digital library.
2. Audible Originals
As a member, you gain access to Audible Originals – exclusive audiobooks and programs that you won’t find anywhere else. These include comedy specials, memoirs, plays, and more, often at no extra cost.
3. The Audible Plus Catalog
Your membership also includes access to the Audible Plus catalog, a vast collection of audiobooks, podcasts, sleep tracks, and meditation programs available for streaming without using your credits. This diverse catalog spans genres from fantasy to wellness, so you’ll always have something new to explore.
4. Special Deals and Discounts
Audible frequently offers limited-time deals and discounts on audiobooks, allowing members to purchase additional books at significantly reduced prices.
5. Lifetime Ownership
Even if you decide to cancel your subscription, any audiobooks you’ve purchased with credits or bought outright remain yours to keep forever.
Why Audible Stands Out
1. Convenience and Accessibility
Audible is designed to fit seamlessly into your lifestyle. The app’s user-friendly interface ensures you can easily find, download, and manage your audiobooks. Whether you’re on a smartphone, tablet, or computer, Audible’s consistent design makes navigation a breeze.
2. Superior Quality and Selection
Audible is renowned for its high-quality audio and vast selection of titles. With over 200,000 audiobooks, including new releases and bestsellers, you’ll never run out of stories to enjoy.
3. Enhanced Listening Features
Audible’s app offers a range of features to enhance your listening experience. You can adjust playback speed, set sleep timers, and create bookmarks. These features make it easier to customize your experience to suit your preferences.
4. Community and Support
Audible also provides excellent customer support and a vibrant community of users. With forums and reviews, you can get recommendations and tips from fellow audiobook enthusiasts.
Addressing the Drawbacks
While Audible is an incredible service, it’s important to acknowledge that it’s not a buffet-style, all-you-can-listen platform like Spotify. Audiobooks, due to their length and production costs, are structured differently. However, the value offered by Audible’s credit system and free exclusive content far outweighs this limitation. You get a world-class library at your fingertips.
Final Thoughts and Personal experience
Audible is a gateway to a richer, more informed life, but is it worth the buy? I would say yes, because for just short of 8$/m it’s simply the broadest and most legit audiobook service. And if the price is worrying, rest assured that you get plenty of access with just your membership – credits are just bonuses that you can use to build your lifetime library. I have personally used Audible while working my cleaning job at a medical clinic and have enjoyed it a lot. I believe in it as a tool to education and entertainment alike. Therefore, i recommend that you give it a go which you can do for free, no risk involved with a permanent 30-day free trial offer. And even better, for a limited time you can get a 60-day free trial.
Take an actionable step towards your personal growth
Disclaimer: I am in no way sponsored by Audible and all opinions are my own, but the link above is affiliate meaning i get a commission when you use it to sign up – no downside for you.