I'm big fan of Audible. I listen to Audiobooks on my way to work and before going to bed everyday. However, there is no denying, that Audible is an expensive service. For starters, the most popular Audible subscription (Gold plan) cost $15/month for 1-credit/month. The 1 credit you get each month can be used to buy any 1 Audiobook. But, what most people don't know, along with their popular Gold plan, Audible also offers 2 other plans that are less popular - Silver and Platinum plans. Read: How to Get 2 Free Audiobooks From Audible Trial Instead of 1

Audible Membership Explained

1. Silver plan

Silver plan costs $15 every 2 months, instead of every month, and give 1 credit every two months. Meaning you get 6 books a year and pay total of $90 in a span of one year. Silver plans also get membership benefits like -
  • 30% discounts on every audiobook,
  • Return any book you purchased in past one year, if you aren’t satisfied with it
  • Up to six credits rolled over
  • Access to Original Premium Podcasts in Channels
Audible doesn’t advertise the Silver plan for some reason, you can’t even sign up for it on their website. But you can always send an email or chat with Audible customer care to enroll yourself in the silver plan. Who should get the silver plan? If you want to start listening to audiobooks but not sure if it's for you; or if don't want to invest too much money; or if you only listen to audiobooks occasionally, one book every two months will be perfect for you. Related: Use Secret Silver Subscription Plan to Save Money on Audible

2. Gold Plans

The standard Gold plan costs $15 every month and gives you 1 credit every month for any audiobook of your choice. Meaning if you keep your Audible Gold plan for a year, you get 12 books and pay total of around $180 in a span of one year. Note: Audible offers a separate Gold Annual plan which offers you 12 credits all at once and you only need to $149.50/year. Gold plans also get membership benefits like - 30% discounts on every audiobook, Return any book you purchased in past one year, if you aren’t satisfied with it Up to five credits rolled over Access to Original Premium Podcasts in Channels Who should get the silver plan? The Gold plan is the standard plan on Audible. When you subscribe to Audible, you are automatically enrolled in Gold plan. This plan is perfect for those, who love reading books, but don't get much time to sit and open a book. You can easily finish one book per month while commuting, walking, or doing daily chores, etc.

3. Platinum Plans

The standard Platinum plan costs $22 every month and gives you 2 credit every month for any audiobook of your choice. Meaning if you keep your Audible Platinum plan for a month, you get 24 books and pay total of around $264 in a span of one year. Note: Again, like the Gold plan, Audible also offers a separate Platinum Annual plan which offers you 24 credits all at once and you only need to $229.50/year. Platinum plans also get membership benefits like - 30% discounts on every audiobook, Return any book you purchased in past one year, if you aren’t satisfied with it Up to 10 credits rolled over Access to Original Premium Podcasts in Channels Who should get the silver plan? The Platinum plan is for advance readers (or should I say listener). If you love reading books, but don't get much time to sit and open a book. You can easily finish one book per month while commuting, walking, or doing daily chores, etc.

Audible Membership Comparison Table

Audible Plans
Plan Name Silver Gold Platinum
Price $14.95/ every 2 month $14.95/month $22.95/month
Credits 1 every 2nd month 1 per month 2 per month
Credit Rollover Limit Not mentioned 5 credits maximum 6 credits maximum
30% Discount off Additional Audiobooks Yes Yes Yes
Easy Audiobook Exchanges Yes Yes Yes
Annual Plan Not Available $149.50/year for 12 Credit $229.50/year for 24 Credit

Wrapping Up: Audible Subscription plan

If you are not getting enough time to listen your Audiobooks, or it's getting heavy on your pocket,, you can also pause your membership, meaning no new credits, and no billing, for up to 3-months once per year. You can also cancel your membership at any time. Any books you have purchased are yours to keep forever even after you cancel. However, before you cancel, make sure to use up your credits first. Read: A Simple Trick to Get 50% Discount on Audible for Three Months