Audible Rolls Out 99-Cent Premium Plus for New Members

Today Audible is offering a special promotion that dramatically reduces the barrier to trying audiobooks. New members can sign up for Premium Plus at $0.99 per month for the first three months, with a free $20 Audible credit added into a solid trial deal that makes this one of the best we’ve ever seen.

What the Audible Premium Plus trial deal includes

The promo offers full Premium Plus access, meaning you get one monthly credit good for any title in Audible’s library — yours to keep even if you cancel. You also receive unlimited listening through the Audible Plus Catalog, a collection of audiobooks, originals, and podcasts. After the trial period is up, the plan goes back to its regular $14.95 per month, unless you cancel.

It’s that $20 credit that’s the kicker. Paired with three Premium Plus credits, new listeners can build a small personal library at an almost microscopic out-of-pocket cost. The offer is targeted at new subscribers for a very small seasonal window, and the bonus credit will expire around the end of the year.

Why this Audible promotion is a standout offer now

On raw value, it’s hard to top. Audiobook titles on the bestseller list can cost anywhere from $15 to $30, and one Premium Plus credit should cover a month’s worth of any such single title regardless of the sticker price. Three credits for $2.97 in that scenario can easily give you three bestsellers to own, while the $20 credit could cover another pick or two discounted titles. Purchased titles remain in your library, with those who cancel before the trial ends being the exception.

The broader market backdrop makes it even more appealing. U.S. audiobook revenue has increased steadily for more than a decade, according to the Audio Publishers Association, with sales hitting close to $2 billion in recent years and listening on the rise among listeners of all ages. There’s been a similarly pronounced move to audio documented during commutes and chores — times when screens are cumbersome and hands are full, notes Edison Research. Lower-budget trial proof that meets that behavioral trend is smart timing.

Kindle synergy and daily use with Whispersync for Voice

For readers who already have a Kindle habit, Audible’s Whispersync for Voice is a useful added value. A number of titles also support the ability to seamlessly switch from reading to listening, meaning you can read a few pages on the train and then pick up where you left off with audio on your treadmill or couch without losing your place. It’s an underappreciated perk that makes a discounted membership into a daily convenience.

How this offer compares to other audiobook options

Competitors approach audiobooks differently. In Spotify’s case, a monthly limit of audiobooks is bundled into the service’s Premium plans, which are more focused on streaming rather than purchasing content. Apple Books and Google Play Books are primarily à la carte stores. Libro.fm is an indie-friendly alternative with bookstore support. Audible’s value proposition — ownership of books via credits in addition to all-you-can-listen content — is still unique, and this promo just increases that value (it doesn’t require a subscription, though you do have to at least start one).

Tips and tricks to make the most of the Audible trial

• Use your credits on longer or more expensive titles to maximize savings, and save the $20 credit for new releases or collections that don’t often go on sale.
• Explore the Plus Catalog of series, exclusive originals, film companions, and more without spending credits.
• Download a few samples to vet narrators — performance quality varies, and narration can make or break an audiobook.

Put a calendar alert before renewal if you’re uncertain whether to continue; the plan auto-renews at the regular Premium Plus rate. The deal is available to new members only, and terms may vary by region. Listeners will have the ability to keep — and maintain even after the rollout a year from now — library content accessed with credits that go toward your monthly fee, while unused credits in the Premium Plus package (generally, they roll over to ensure minimal waste during busy months within set caps) can be banked.

Bottom line: who should consider this limited-time deal

For 99 cents a month for three months, plus a $20 credit, Audible’s new promotion provides absurdly good value for anyone who’s never been sure about audiobooks or has wanted to begin stocking an audio library. It’s one of the more interesting seasonal promotions from the category leader — and a low-risk way to make commutes, workouts, and chores that much more fun.