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Quick answer: Audible is better if you want to own audiobooks, choose from a very large library and listen to several books a month. Spotify is better if you already pay for Premium and listen to a few audiobooks a month, since it includes about 15 hours of audiobook listening in the US at no extra cost. Check current prices and limits, because both services change plans often.
Quick facts
Audible: monthly credit, keep books forever, very large catalog
Spotify Premium: about 15 hours of audiobooks per month in the US
Spotify offers an add-on for more hours at an extra cost
Audible has a free trial for new members
Libraries offer free audiobooks too
Spotify’s move into audiobooks gave Audible a competitor. Which should you choose? It depends on how much you listen and whether you want to own your books. This comparison reflects plans and prices as reported at the time of writing, so check for updates.
Table of Contents
How Each Service Works
Audible sells monthly memberships that include credits for audiobooks you keep, plus a catalog of included titles. Spotify added audiobooks to Premium subscriptions in several countries, giving subscribers a monthly allowance of listening hours from a selected catalog. Titles in the Spotify catalog can be streamed and downloaded inside the Spotify app.
Cost Comparison
| Item | Audible | Spotify |
|---|---|---|
| Base plan | Around 15 dollars a month (Premium Plus) | Included with Premium music plan |
| Audiobook allowance | One credit, plus the Plus catalog | About 15 hours a month in the US |
| Extra hours | Buy more credits or books | Optional add-on or hour top-ups |
| Own the books | Yes, for credit purchases | No, access only |
For someone who already pays for Spotify, the audiobook allowance can feel like a free bonus.
Selection and Catalog
Audible has the largest audiobook catalog, including new releases, exclusive titles and a huge back catalog. Spotify’s included catalog is smaller and focuses on selected titles, with many popular books available through the paid add-on or purchase. Check whether the books you want are included before you commit.
Listening Experience
Both offer variable speed, bookmarks and sleep timers. Spotify makes it easy to switch between music, podcasts and books in one app. Audible has more features for audiobooks, such as clips, extra content and integration with Kindle through Whispersync for Voice on some titles. Narration quality is similar since many books are the same.
Who Should Choose Audible?
Choose Audible if you listen to one or more books a month, want to own your library, like new releases and best-sellers or want a long audiobook collection. Audible also offers regular sales and credit bundles.
Who Should Choose Spotify?
Choose Spotify if you already have Premium, listen to a few books a year and are fine with a limited catalog. If you often finish more than 15 hours a month, you may run out of hours or need to pay extra. Spotify can also be a way to try audiobooks without a new subscription.
Don’t Forget Free Options
Before paying for either, check Libby and Hoopla. A library card can give you thousands of free audiobooks. Many listeners combine a library app with one paid service for the books they want right away.
A Sample Listening Budget
Imagine you listen to 20 hours of audiobooks a month. Spotify’s included hours may cover about three quarters of that, and you would need to add hours or switch to another book source for the rest. Audible would let you take two long books with one credit and one more through the Plus catalog, or buy more credits. If you listen 5 to 10 hours a month, Spotify’s allowance likely covers you completely at no added cost. Estimating your monthly hours is the best first step.
Switching Between Services
Nothing prevents you from using both. Many people keep Spotify for music and podcasts, with the included hours for casual listening, and hold an Audible membership for months when they have more time to listen, canceling in between. Books bought with Audible credits remain available, which makes it easy to pause. Just keep an eye on the terms of each plan, because features, prices and catalogs change.
Which Is Better for Learning and Nonfiction?
Both services carry popular nonfiction, but check whether the specific title is included in your plan. Audible has strong selections of self-help, history and business titles, often with excellent narration. Spotify’s included catalog is more limited, with a mix of older and newer books. For study or professional reading, you may want to own the audiobook or pair it with print so you can take notes and refer back.
Voice, Narration and Sleep Features
Both services offer sleep timers and speed controls from 0.5 to 3.5 times on some titles. Audible often has multiple narrators and full cast productions, while Spotify’s catalog includes many titles read by the author. If narration quality is critical, sample the first chapter in each app. A good narrator can turn an average book into a joy and a poor one can ruin a great story.
Bottom Line
If you already pay for Spotify and listen only a few hours a month, start there. If you listen most days and want a large selection, a flexible Audible plan is more satisfying. If neither fits your budget, use your library. You can switch services at any time, so try one for a month and decide.
Related: whether Audible is worth it and Libby vs Hoopla.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Audible better than Spotify for audiobooks?
Audible has a larger catalog and lets you keep books; Spotify is cheaper if you already pay for Premium.
How many hours of audiobooks does Spotify give?
About 15 hours a month in the US with Premium.
Do I own Spotify audiobooks?
No, you have access while subscribed.
Can I listen offline on both?
Yes, both support downloads.
Is there a free option?
Yes, library apps like Libby and Hoopla.