Overview
The speaker shares a detailed personal review and comparison of leading audiobook platforms—Audible, Everand (formerly Scribd), BookBeat, and Storytel—covering cost, access models, features, regional differences, and strategies for getting the best value when listening to audiobooks.
Reasons for Loving Audiobooks
- Audiobooks allow multitasking during daily activities like cooking and moving.
- Listening daily provides convenient access to books without dedicating time to traditional reading.
Audible: Features and Tips
- Audible offers the largest audiobook selection and a 30-day free trial with one free credit (two for Amazon Prime members).
- Subscription plans include monthly (ÂŁ7.99), two-month, and yearly options, with yearly plans offering lower per-credit costs.
- Audible Plus catalog includes exclusive series, originals, podcasts, and documentaries at no extra cost.
- Members can access exclusive discounts—up to 80% off selected titles and a daily deal up to 75% off.
- Monthly deals and periodic “two books for one credit” sales are available to members.
- Credit bundles (e.g., 3 credits for ÂŁ18, 5 credits for ÂŁ28.99) lower the per-book price.
- Amazon Prime members get two free audiobooks during the trial.
- All purchased audiobooks remain accessible after canceling the subscription.
- Audiobooks can be returned for credit (limits apply), including accidental purchases, via the website or customer support.
- Canceling and waiting sometimes prompts special return offers or discounts from Audible.
- Kindle Unlimited subscribers can access many audiobooks through Audible integration.
Everand (formerly Scribd): Features and Limitations
- Previously offered “Netflix-style” unlimited listening, now changed in the US to a credit-based system (as of October 2024).
- Standard plan: $11.99/month for 1 credit; Plus plan: $16.99/month for 3 credits plus unlimited access to a smaller catalog.
- Most popular titles require credits, reducing true unlimited access.
- Still comparatively affordable if selecting three priority books per month.
- Credits may be cheaper than Audible in some cases.
- Cancelation is advised if the credit-based model reaches the user’s region and unlimited access is lost.
BookBeat: Pricing and Catalog
- Hour-based subscription: Basic (20 hours, ÂŁ6.99/month), Standard (40 hours, ÂŁ10.99), Premium (100 hours, ÂŁ17.99).
- Value for money is high, especially for those listening to multiple books monthly.
- Large English audiobook selection, including popular and indie titles; also offers books in Swedish.
- Free trial available for the basic plan.
- Special promotional pricing available for initial months.
Storytel: Overview and Use Cases
- Offers a 7-day free trial and unlimited listening for $7.99/month.
- Useful for accessing audiobooks not available on other platforms.
- Catalog includes English and other languages; service available in Europe and North America.
- App is easy to use, similar to Audible and BookBeat.
- Suggests maximizing the trial by planning which books to listen to in the free period.
Strategies for Getting Audiobooks Cheaply
- Use free trials strategically to access expensive or priority titles.
- Monitor daily and monthly deals on Audible and activate app notifications.
- Buy credit bundles or take advantage of special offers to reduce per-book costs.
- Compare catalogs across platforms before subscribing or buying with credits.
Recommendations / Advice
- Always enter a subscription or trial with a clear reading plan to maximize value.
- Avoid abusing the audiobook return feature to prevent account restrictions.
- Use email support for accidental purchases or if return options are limited.
- Cancel or pause subscriptions if the platform’s value proposition changes (e.g., Everand’s shift to credits).