Audible Rolls Out a More Affordable Standard Plan for Listeners

Amazon's audiobook service is adding a lower-cost plan that gives subscribers limited listening without monthly credits. Amazon's audiobook platform Audible is expanding its subscription lineup with the launch of a new Standard membership plan, the company announced Tuesday. It's a lower-priced option designed for listeners who want access to audiobooks and podcasts without paying for the company's premium tier. In the US, the Standard plan costs $9 per month and includes one audiobook selection, which remains available as long as the membership is active. The plan also includes unlimited listening from a curated library, which Audible says includes a selection of Audible Originals and nearly 200 popular titles previously available on Wondery Plus.By comparison, Audible's Premium Plus plan starts at $15 per month and includes a monthly credit that can be used to purchase any audiobook in Audible's catalog. Those purchased titles remain in a user's library even if they cancel their membership. The launch comes as audiobook services face growing competition from both streaming subscriptions and library-based apps. Spotify's Premium plans include a set amount of audiobook listening time each month (Spotify currently advertises 15 hours per month for eligible Premium subscribers), while apps like Libby allow audiobook borrowing through participating public libraries at no cost. Audible, which Amazon acquired in 2008, remains one of the largest audiobook platforms and has spent years building out exclusive productions and original audio content, alongside its paid audiobook storefront. In recent years, the company has also experimented with different pricing tiers and subscription perks as it competes with other streaming-style services.Audible says the new Standard plan is available immediately in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany and France, with additional markets planned later.