Podcasts are gaining traction rapidly, offering a convenient way to engage with a variety of content at any time. However, a common question arises: are podcasts free on Audible?
Whether you’re diving into comedy or culinary tutorials, it’s essential to be aware of potential costs upfront. While Michael J. Neill coined the term ‘podcast’ in 1995 with his show PodShow, the format has since diversified to cover every imaginable genre.
Understanding the difference between freely available and paid podcasts on Audible allows you to explore your preferred content without surprises.
This guide will clarify these distinctions and help you make the most of your podcast experience.
What Exactly Is Audible, For Those Who Don’t Know?
While it doesn’t offer original programming, Audible’s catalog boasts some popular podcasts like Serial, Stuff Mom Never Told You, and WTF with Marc Maron.
Unlike Netflix, Disney+, and even Amazon’s own Prime Video app, Audible specializes exclusively in audiobooks.
If you’re looking for something to listen to on the go, there are plenty of options here.
You can choose from a variety of packages, depending on what you want out of the experience.
Pricing Plans
Audible offers several subscription plans designed to cater to different listening preferences and budgets. Below are the details of the Audible plans available in 2024:
- Audible Plus: For $7.95 per month, this plan provides unlimited access to the Audible Plus Catalog, which includes thousands of audiobooks, podcasts, and other audio content. You can stream or download titles from this catalog without any additional cost.
- Audible Premium Plus: Priced at $14.95 per month, this plan includes everything in the Audible Plus plan, plus one credit per month. Each credit can be used to purchase any audiobook from the Audible catalog, which you then own permanently.
- Audible Premium Plus – 2 Credits: This option costs $22.95 per month and includes all the benefits of the Audible Plus plan, along with two credits per month for any premium selection titles.
For those preferring annual subscriptions, Audible also offers:
- Audible Premium Plus Annual – 12 Credits: This annual plan costs $149.50 and provides 12 credits per year.
- Audible Premium Plus Annual – 24 Credits: This plan costs $229.50 per year and includes 24 credits.
- Audible offers a 30-day free trial with access to one free audiobook to keep and unlimited streaming from the Audible Plus Catalog.
These plans allow you to enjoy a wide range of audiobooks and audio content, with the flexibility to choose titles that suit your preferences.
Additionally, you can sign up for a 30-day free trial of Audible. This trial gives you access to the Audible Plus Catalog, which includes thousands of audiobooks, podcasts, and Audible Originals.
For new Audible Premium Plus subscribers, the trial also includes one credit, which can be used to purchase any audiobook in the Audible catalog. This credit allows you to keep the audiobook permanently, even if you cancel your subscription.
After the 30-day trial period, the subscription will auto-renew with Audible Plus or Audible Premium Plus.
What Is Free To Listen To On Audible?
Audiobooks are one of the most popular ways people consume audio content.
There are now over 2 million books on Audible.com alone, and millions more across platforms like iTunes, Amazon Kindle, Google Play, and others.
This makes finding something to listen to while you work out, commute, read, or just relax is easy.
But how do you know what to pick? Start out by narrowing down your favorite genre.
Which Free Podcasts Are The Best On Audible?
Heist Podcast With Michael Cane
Audible has announced the launch of Heist With Michael Caine, a new podcast hosted by actor, director, and legend Sir Michael Caine.
The series will explore some of the most famous crimes committed around the world, including the infamous Antwerp Diamond Heist, the Transylvania Rare Book Robbery, and the United California Bank Robbery.
Each episode features a different case study, from the planning stages to the execution, where Caine takes listeners behind the scenes of each heist and explains how the robbers pulled off such audacious feats.
Each story is told by one of the detectives involved in the pursuit of the crooks.
The series launches with the first episode focusing on the notorious Antwerp Diamond Heist.
This is the biggest jewel theft ever attempted, involving the largest stolen gemstone in history.
The series is being produced by the award-winning production house Film4 Productions, whose credits include Man On Wire, The King’s Speech, Pride & Prejudice, Atonement, and The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty.
Life Of A Monarch: Elizabeth II
In this brand-new podcast series, Royal Correspondent Jennie Bond takes listeners into the heart of the monarchy to uncover the truth behind the legend.
From the palace walls to Buckingham Palace gardens, Bond uncovers the facts behind some of history’s biggest stories, including Princess Diana’s death, Prince Charles’s rise, and the secret lives of our royals.
From the moment she ascended to the Throne, there’s been no shortage of drama surrounding Her Majesty.
But over the course of five decades, she’s had to endure some pretty incredible challenges too, including the death of her father, the Duke of Edinburgh; the aftermath of the Profumo scandal; the Falklands War; the IRA bombings; the Princess Diana tragedy; and the Brexit vote.
How Much Is It For Audible?
Audible membership comes in four plans, ranging in price from $3.49 to $15.99 per month.
All include access to over 300,000 audiobooks in the Audible app, along with free listening to over 50,000 original podcasts.
You can choose how many credits you want to use each month.
If you are looking for something cheaper, there is a special offer where you can get three months of Audible for just $10.99.
If you’ve been paying attention to the news over the last few months, you’d know that Amazon is now offering a huge selection of audiobooks via its Alexa voice assistant.
While plenty of people don’t want to pay for audiobooks, others do, and Amazon account holders are sure they aren’t missing out on anything.
The e-commerce giant launched its WhisperSync feature a couple of years ago.
This lets you listen to a digital book on an Amazon Echo device and continue listening to the audiobook on your podcast app, phone, tablet, or computer.
The feature syncs the audiobook to your Kindle app, so you can pick up exactly where you left off.
In fact, you won’t even have to worry about losing your place because the audiobook will automatically resume where you stopped.
Free or Fee? Audible FAQs
Can I listen to podcasts on Audible for free?
Yes, Audible offers a selection of podcasts that can be listened to for free. However, some premium podcasts might require an Audible subscription or a separate purchase.
Does it cost money to listen to podcasts on Audible?
While many podcasts on Audible are free, some premium podcasts or exclusive content might be charged or require an Audible subscription.
Do you get podcasts on Audible?
Yes, Audible provides a diverse range of podcasts spanning various genres. From comedy to true crime, listeners can find a wide array of podcast content on Audible.
Can you get anything on Audible for free?
Yes, Audible offers a variety of free content, including select audiobooks and podcasts. However, the most extensive selection and exclusive content might require a subscription or purchase.
Final Thoughts
Podcasting has become one of the most popular ways to consume content online.
With so many different platforms available, finding something that suits your needs is easy.
Plenty of apps and websites allow you to download and stream these shows directly to your mobile devices.
However, if you’re looking for a more traditional way to enjoy podcasts, you might want to check out some of the best podcast players available today.
Including Audible!
