Audible Launches Cheaper Plan to Appeal to Streaming Audiences

Article content(Bloomberg) — Amazon.com Inc.’s Audible is launching a cheaper plan at a time of growing competition with Spotify Technology SA, which bundles audiobooks with music and podcasts. Sign In or Create an AccountEmail AddressContinueor View more offersArticle contentAudible’s new “standard” audiobook offering will cost $8.99 in the US, the company announced Tuesday, versus $14.95 for its existing “premium” plan. Article contentWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Article contentUnder the less expensive option, which is available in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany and France, subscribers won’t own the audiobooks they consume but can stream the titles for as long as they remain members. Premium customers, by contrast, don’t lose access to the audiobooks they’ve chosen if they close their accounts. Article contentArticle content“By expanding our membership options, we’re maximizing access for lighter listeners while enabling publishers and creators to reach new audiences — a win-win that grows the entire audiobook category,” said Cynthia Chu, chief financial and growth officer at Audible, in a statement.Article contentTop StoriesGet the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.There was an error, please provide a valid email address.Sign UpBy signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.Thanks for signing up!A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againInterested in more newsletters? Browse here.Article contentBloomberg News previously reported in 2024 that Audible was experimenting with a lower priced plan. The company said Tuesday that testing in Australia and the UK drove “strong double digit percentage” increases in new memberships compared to prior offerings. Article contentThe company said it expects millions of new consumers to try Audible through the standard plan in the next year.Article contentIn August, Amazon consolidated some of its Wondery podcast team with Audible. The new plan will give subscribers access to ad-free podcasts that were once behind a paywall on the Wondery+ app. Additionally, certain hit podcasts, such as The Shrink Next Door and Dying for Sex, will become exclusively available for Audible members.Article contentAudible’s primary competitor, Spotify, has raised prices globally while expanding its audiobook offering to new territories. In 2025, the Swedish streaming giant said the number of people listening to an audiobook rose 36% in the past year, while the number of hours consumed grew 37%.Article contentTrending Posthaste: Canadians are paying more than lip service to Buy Canada — and now the numbers prove it News One tax change that could improve Canada's productivity and benefit all Personal Finance Atlantic Canada's energy isolation is getting worse as East-West pipeline divide persists Oil & Gas PDAC 2026: Hodgson says Canada's mining sector is at a 'hinge moment' while announcing new critical minerals projects Mining Heading for a mortgage default? Bank of Canada research lays out three telltale signs Mortgages Share this article in your social networkCommentsYou must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.Create an AccountSign in Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information. Posthaste: Canadians are paying more than lip service to Buy Canada — and now the numbers prove it News One tax change that could improve Canada's productivity and benefit all Personal Finance Atlantic Canada's energy isolation is getting worse as East-West pipeline divide persists Oil & Gas PDAC 2026: Hodgson says Canada's mining sector is at a 'hinge moment' while announcing new critical minerals projects Mining Heading for a mortgage default? Bank of Canada research lays out three telltale signs Mortgages