Subscription
Best for frequent listeners.
Credit-based subscription plans offer a certain number of redeemable credits for a recurring flat fee.
Example: $14.95/month buys 1 credit that can be redeemed for an audiobook, regardless of the audiobook’s retail value.
Membership clubs offer deeply discounted audiobook prices for a recurring flat fee.
Example: $5.00/month allows you to buy audiobooks at a 40% discount rate. You are essentially buying access to discounted audiobooks. The audiobooks themselves are purchased separately.
Example titles: Beautiful Creatures & The Best of Me
These titles will be used for pricing comparisons.
❖ Audible
↳App
Selection: 180,000+ titles
Format: Digital Download & Streaming
Pros: Gigantic selection; Easy returns; Frequent sales; Multiple plans; Plans include audiobook credit(s) and access to membership pricing (30% discount); Permanent ownership of books, even if subscription is canceled
Cons: Pricey; No rentals or CDs; No in-app purchasing
Price Comparison: 1 credit for each ($14.95); Membership pricing: Beautiful Creatures (Digital $17.95); The Best of Me (Digital $17.14)
❖ Audiobooks.com
↳App
Selection: 100,000+ titles
Format: Digital Download & Streaming
Pros: 30-day free trial (1 free book); iOS & Android apps; International service
Cons: One plan; Purchases must be made with credits (no membership pricing)
Price Comparison: 1 credit for each ($14.95)
○ Audiobooks Now
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Format: Digital Download
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○ AudiobookStore.com
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Format: Digital Download
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○ Downpour
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Format: Digital Download
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○ eStories
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Format: Digital Download
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○ Scribd
Selection: 45,000+ audiobooks; 1,000,000+ eBooks
Format: Digital Download & Streaming
Pros: Great subscription price; Nice selection; Extended free trials available; Long samples; Good return policy; Referral program; eBook credits included with subscription
Cons: Smaller audio selection; No rentals or CDs; Books disappear if subscription is canceled
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○ TuneIn
Selection: 40,000+ audiobooks (unlimited access)
Format: Streaming
Pros:
Cons: Smaller audio selection; No rentals or CDs; Books disappear if subscription is canceled
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