What is Audible used for?

Audible is Amazon's subscription service for audiobooks, podcasts and original audio, with offline listening in its app. It is a good fit for listening to audiobooks while commuting and trying audiobooks with a free trial.

How much does Audible cost?

Paid plans for Audible start at $8.99 per month, and there is no free plan. A free trial is available.

Is Audible open source?

No. Audible is proprietary (closed-source) software and can't be self-hosted. Open-source alternatives to Audible include Audiobookshelf and Grimmory.

What are some alternatives to Audible?

Audible competes with Storytel, Everand and Spotify. For open-source options, see Enlisted's ranked list of open-source Audible alternatives.

Audible: features, pricing and alternatives

About Audible

Audible is Amazon's audiobook and spoken-word service. Members listen to bestsellers, new releases, exclusive Audible Originals and podcasts in the Audible app, including offline, and the catalog includes a Plus Catalog of titles included with membership.

The site offers a 30-day free trial and then lists plans starting at $8.99 per month, with a Prime member promotion of $0.99 per month for four months plus a $20 credit that ends on October 7, 2026. Its navigation covers audiobooks, podcasts, Originals, Latino and Hispanic voices, bestsellers, coming soon, new releases, gifts and an Audible for Business offering.

Audible is a proprietary, hosted consumer service tied to an Amazon sign-in rather than software you run yourself. Offers and terms apply, pricing can differ by marketplace, and the app supports listening offline once titles are downloaded.

Key features

Audiobooks and podcasts in one app
Audible Originals exclusive content
Offline listening in the app
Plus Catalog included with membership
Gift subscriptions and titles
Audible for Business offering

Good fit for

→Listening to audiobooks while commuting
→Trying audiobooks with a free trial

Tags: audiobooks; podcasts; amazon; subscription; audible-originals; offline-listening; entertainment

Audible: questions and answers

What is Audible used for?: Audible is Amazon's subscription service for audiobooks, podcasts and original audio, with offline listening in its app. It is a good fit for listening to audiobooks while commuting and trying audiobooks with a free trial.
How much does Audible cost?: Paid plans for Audible start at $8.99 per month, and there is no free plan. A free trial is available.
Is Audible open source?: No. Audible is proprietary (closed-source) software and can't be self-hosted. Open-source alternatives to Audible include Audiobookshelf and Grimmory.
What are some alternatives to Audible?: Audible competes with Storytel, Everand and Spotify. For open-source options, see Enlisted's ranked list of open-source Audible alternatives.