In conversations about books and reading, you’ve probably heard the term “Audible” mentioned. As an Amazon-owned company, Audible has become a go-to source for millions of audiobooks, podcasts, and Audible Originals.
But one question often crops up: does Audible have free books? To put it simply, yes. But to understand how to access these free Audible books, it’s essential to delve deeper into what Audible is, how it works, and what it offers.
What Exactly is Audible and How Does it Work?
Audible is a popular platform that provides an expansive selection of audiobooks, from bestsellers and new releases to science fiction and fairy tales. It also offers podcasts, and unique Audible Originals which are exclusively produced and available only on Audible. Users can access Audible on a variety of devices including Android, iPhone, and iPad through the Audible app, and via Alexa-enabled devices.
Subscribing to Audible is fairly straightforward. Visit the Audible website or Audible.com and create an Audible account. After signing up for an Audible membership, users can buy audiobooks using monthly credits provided as part of their Audible subscription.
However, it’s worth noting that Audible has two primary membership types: Audible Premium Plus and Audible Plus.
Audible Plus
Audible Plus’ monthly subscription service costs around $7.95 per month and you can get access to all Audible audiobooks, new titles, podcasts, Audible originals, free audiobooks, and more.
Plan features:
- Cost: $7.95/m
- Free 30-day free trial
- Audible originals
- Audiobooks
- Sleep tracks
- Meditation programs
- Podcasts
Audible Premium Plus Plan
Audible Premium Plus membership also grants you access to the entire Audible library and the Audible Plus catalog plus everything in the Audible Plus plan.
Plan features:
- Cost: $14.95/m
- Free 30-day free trial
- Includes everything in the Audible catalog
- Audible Premium Plus Members get 1 title per month from the extended best sellers selection. To keep forever.
One thing to note is that Audible, though owned by Amazon, isn’t automatically available for Amazon Prime members. You’ll need to purchase an Audible subscription and choose the right Audible Plan, even if you are a Prime account holder.
How to Access Free Books on Audible
Getting free audiobooks on Audible is not as straightforward as streaming a movie on Netflix or a song on Spotify. Although there are certain ways to access them.
For starters, new users can benefit from the Audible trial, which offers one or two free audiobooks depending on the type of trial selected. These free audiobooks remain in your Audible library even after the trial ends.
But Amazon Prime members are also in for a treat. While they don’t exactly get full access to Audible for free, they do have access to a rotating selection of more than 50 audiobooks from the Audible Plus Catalog.
Is there a good selection of free audible books
Yes, Audible does offer a good selection of free books, especially for Audible Plus and Audible Premium Plus members. These members have access to the Audible Plus Catalog, which features thousands of audiobooks, podcasts, Audible Originals, and more, all available for free. The genres available range widely, from science fiction and mystery to self-help, business, and children’s books, so there should be something to satisfy almost any taste.
In addition to this, Amazon Prime members also have access to a rotating selection of more than 50 free audiobooks from the Audible Plus Catalog. Also, Audible frequently offers free audiobooks or exclusive content as part of special promotions or events, so it’s worth keeping an eye on the platform for these opportunities.
It’s important to note, however, that while there are many free options available, the most popular and new-release titles typically are not included in the free selection. These titles would require the use of a credit (for Audible Premium Plus members) or a separate purchase.
How to Search for Specific Genres of Free Books on Audible
To search for specific genres of free books on Audible, start by visiting the Audible Plus Catalog. From there, you can filter by category to find a variety of books, including sci-fi, non-fiction, and many others. You can also search for keywords in the search bar on the Audible app or website.
Is Audible free for Amazon Prime Members?
While Audible and Amazon Prime are both owned by Amazon, Audible is not entirely free for Amazon Prime members. Prime members do have access to some free content from Audible as a perk of their Prime membership. This free content includes a rotating selection of more than 50 audiobooks from Audible’s Plus Catalog.
The cost of a monthly Audible subscription is separate from the cost of an Amazon Prime membership.
Does Audible Have Any Other Freebies or Benefits for Members
In addition to free audiobooks, Audible members enjoy several other benefits such as:
- access to exclusive sales
- 30% off all regularly priced audiobooks
- access to the Audible Originals.
Audible Premium Plus members receive monthly credits that can be used for any audiobook, while Audible Plus members have unlimited access to the Audible Plus Catalog.
What are the Disadvantages of Being an Audible Member
While Audible offers a wealth of advantages, there are a few potential downsides.
For example, the cost for a monthly Audible subscription may be high for some users, with Premium Plus priced at $14.95/month. Another concern is the availability of popular books. Audible boasts a vast library, not every book is available as an audiobook.
Also, if you don’t use your Audible credits, they expire after a certain time frame, which varies depending on the type of Audible membership you have. Unlike services like Overdrive, Audible’s books come with DRM protection, meaning they cannot be shared or transferred between different platforms.
The bottom line is Audible does offer free books, but it’s essential to understand the conditions that come with them. By using Audible trials, being an Amazon Prime member, or exploring the Audible Plus Catalog, you can enjoy a selection of free audiobooks.
Despite a few drawbacks, Audible’s plethora of content, including new audiobooks, full cast performances, and even the classic “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” make it a valuable resource for those looking to delve into the immersive world of audiobooks.
