Is Audible included with Amazon Prime?

The short story (pun intended) is No. A full Audible Plus or Audible Premium Plus membership is not included with a Prime membership. However, an Amazon...

The short story (pun intended) is No. A full Audible Plus or Audible Premium Plus membership is not included with a Prime membership. However, an Amazon Prime membership does include select eBooks with Audible Narration.

Overview of Audible and Amazon Prime

Audible is a popular platform for audiobooks and podcasts, offering a vast collection of titles for listeners to enjoy. With an Audible membership, users gain access to a wide range of audiobooks across various genres, including best sellers, new releases, and Audible Originals. Subscribers can listen to their favorite books anytime, anywhere through the Audible app, which is available for Android and iOS devices.

Amazon Prime is a subscription service offered by Amazon that provides a plethora of benefits to its members. Prime members have access to a range of services and perks, including free two-day shipping on eligible items, unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows on Prime Video, and unlimited access to a selection of Kindle books through Prime Reading. In addition to these benefits, Prime members also enjoy several advantages related to Audible.

Regarding Audible and Amazon Prime, those with an Amazon Prime membership, Prime members receive certain Audible benefits. This includes access to a rotating selection of free audiobooks from Audible's catalog through Prime Reading. Prime members can enjoy these free audiobooks on their Kindle devices or through the Audible app.

Advantages and disadvantages of Audible for Prime members

There are several advantages and disadvantages for Prime members when it comes to Audible. On the advantages side:

• Free Audiobooks: Access to a rotating selection of free Audible audiobooks through Prime Reading.
• Exclusive Discounts: Prime members enjoy exclusive discounts on select Audible memberships, expanding their audiobook options at a reduced price.
• Whispersync for Voice: Seamless switching between reading and listening with synchronized progress across Kindle eBooks and audiobooks.
• Audible Channels: Access to a curated collection of podcasts, audio series, and original programming through Audible Channels.
• Enhanced Reading Experience: Audible Narration accompanies many Kindle books, providing professional narration while reading.

On the disadvantages side, there are a few points to consider regarding Audible for Prime Members:

• Limited Audiobook Selection: The free audiobook selection through Prime Reading is rotating and may not include specific titles.
• Additional Costs for Premium Titles: Premium audiobooks or popular releases may require additional purchases or credits.
• Dependency on Technology: Requires devices such as Kindle or smartphones for accessing Audible content.
• Audible Subscription Commitment: Involves committing to a subscription with ongoing payments or management.
• Platform-Specific Restrictions: Certain Audible features may be limited to specific devices or platforms.

Despite these potential disadvantages, the advantages of Audible for Prime members, including free audiobooks, exclusive discounts, enhanced reading features, and additional audio content, make it a valuable addition to the Prime membership for audiobook enthusiasts and avid readers.

How to access Audible with an Amazon Prime membership

Many of the eBooks that you can borrow through Prime Reading also have Whispersync for Voice audiobook companions. A select amount of these audiobook companions can be borrowed and downloaded for free! The free audiobook companions will be identified by the Prime headphone logo. This allows you to switch back and forth between reading and listening, without losing your place.

 You can borrow these free eBooks and audiobook companions on the Amazon website and on a Kindle device. To do so, follow these steps:

1. Search for an eBook on the Amazon website or in the Kindle bookstore.
2. Books that come with the free audiobook companion will be identified by the Prime headphones logo.
3. Click or tap on Read and Listen for Free.

Pricing plans for Audible and Amazon Prime

Audible and Amazon Prime offer different pricing plans with unique benefits:

Audible Pricing Plans: Audible provides an Audible Premium Plus membership. This plan includes one monthly credit that can be used to purchase any audiobook, along with access to the Audible Plus catalog for unlimited listening to a variety of audiobooks, podcasts, and Audible Originals. Members also enjoy exclusive discounts on additional audiobook purchases. Additionally, Audible offers an annual plan for Audible Premium Plus, providing the same benefits at a discounted price for a full year.

Amazon Prime Pricing Plans: Amazon Prime offers a comprehensive subscription plan with numerous advantages. Members receive free two-day shipping on eligible items, access to Prime Video for streaming movies and TV shows, Prime Music for ad-free music streaming, and Prime Reading for access to a rotating selection of Kindle books. They also gain early access to exclusive deals during Amazon Prime Day. The pricing for Amazon Prime is typically charged on an annual basis. Moreover, there is a discounted membership plan called Amazon Prime Student, specifically designed for students to enjoy most of the benefits of Amazon Prime at a reduced cost.

While Audible and Amazon Prime have a connection, it's important to note that they are separate subscriptions with their own pricing structures and benefits. Audible membership is specifically focused on audiobooks and offers credits, unlimited listening, and exclusive discounts, while Amazon Prime provides a broader range of benefits beyond audiobooks.

Tips for getting the most out of your Audible subscription with Amazon Prime

To make the most of your Audible subscription with Amazon Prime:

1. Access Free Audiobooks: Take advantage of the rotating selection of free audiobooks through Prime Reading.

2. Explore Audible Channels: Discover podcasts, audio series, and original programming on Audible Channels.

3. Use Whispersync for Voice: Seamlessly switch between reading and listening with synced progress.

4. Listen on Multiple Devices: Enjoy audiobooks on smartphones, tablets, computers, and Amazon Echo devices.

5. Benefit from Exclusive Discounts: Look for exclusive discounts on audiobooks and memberships for Amazon Prime members.

By following these tips, you can maximize your Audible subscription with Amazon Prime, making the most of the free audiobooks, diverse content, seamless reading/listening experience, device flexibility, and exclusive discounts available to you.

Alternatives to Audible for those without a Prime membership

For those without a Prime membership or looking for alternatives to Audible, there are several options available to explore. Here are a few notable alternatives:

1. Scribd offers a subscription service that provides unlimited access to a wide range of audiobooks, eBooks, magazines, and more. It has a diverse library across various genres and is available at a fixed monthly fee.
2. Libby is a free app that allows you to borrow and listen to audiobooks from your local library. You can access a vast selection of titles, borrow them digitally, and enjoy them on your preferred device.
3. Google Play Books offers a large collection of audiobooks for purchase, allowing you to build your audiobook library. The platform provides a user-friendly experience and supports playback on multiple devices.
4. Audiobooks.com offers a subscription-based service with access to a wide selection of audiobooks. It provides a user-friendly app, personalized recommendations, and the option to purchase additional titles.
5. OverDrive is another app that allows you to borrow audiobooks from your local library. It offers a vast collection of titles that you can borrow digitally and enjoy on various devices.
6. LibriVox is a free platform that provides audiobooks recorded by volunteers from the public domain. It offers a vast selection of classic literature and allows you to enjoy audiobooks at no cost.

These alternatives provide options for accessing audiobooks without a Prime membership. Each platform has its own unique features, pricing structures, and available titles, so you can choose the one that best suits your preferences and reading habits.

Ultimately, whether Audible is included with Amazon Prime depends on the specific subscription and the value placed on the audiobook service. Prime does offer advantageous deals for Audible, but it's crucial to consider the pros and cons, as well as the pricing plans. Alternatives like Spotify and Kobo are viable options for those without Prime or those uninterested in its added benefits. Before committing to any audiobook service, it's important to research and ensure it aligns with one's needs and budget. With a little exploration, everyone can find an audiobook service that suits them, whether it's through Amazon Prime or a third-party provider.