While I have shared my thoughts on Kobo Audiobooks before, I have recently restarted up my Audible subscription. I have had several major issues with Kobo Audiobooks (largely that I could not actually download any audiobooks for nearly 2 months and that their customer service was downright atrocious) and so I decided to diversify my audiobook library in case this happens again. And I’m rediscovering some of the major benefits of Audible!
Note: I know that many people choose not to support an Amazon-owned service- this post wouldn’t be the one for you!
Also, I do know that Libby/Overdrive exists and that they allow you to borrow audiobooks from the library for free. I use Libby extensively, but I also like to have my own audiobooks to enjoy when I choose/to keep long term.
Audible Basics
If you don’t know, Audible is an audiobook service where you can subscribe to a monthly plan and receive 1 or 2 credits to redeem for audiobooks (1 credit = 1 audiobook), or you can outright purchase audiobooks. In Canada, the 1 credit plan is $14.95/month and the 2 credit plan is $25.95/month. (Yes, it is slightly more expensive than Kobo’s audiobook subscription plan in Canada.)
The Perks of Audible for History Buffs
Audible can be hit and miss for non-fiction history and biography audiobooks, but they do have a good selection of historical fiction options. (More on that below!) You can find many audiobooks on Audible that you can’t find elsewhere, and you can also find a lot of fantastic audiobooks of classic literature with wonderful narrators. Rosamund Pike’s narration of Austen’s books is a highlight! There are some perks that I think make it worth subscribing to Audible, though, even if only for part of the year.
1) Audible Plus Catalogue
Audible Plus is an additional catalogue of books that you can add to your library for free for as long as you are actively subscribed to Audible. (That means that if you cancel your subscription you will not have access to the Audible Plus books in your library until you subscribe again.) This catalogue has a lot of wonderful classics (see the Rosamund Pike Austen books), but it also has a strong showing for recently published books.
Books do sometimes get moved in and out of the Audible Plus catalogue, but Audible seems to give you a month’s warning or so. However, if you are devouring audiobooks at a rapid speed, this is a great way to maximise your subscription without needing to buy additional credits.
2) Audible Podcasts
I have to say, I have been really quite impressed with the Audible podcasts I’ve listened to. They have a wonderful variety of scripted fictional podcasts (typically 6-10 episodes) but also many great history podcasts. Audible podcasts do tend to be limited series rather than an ongoing podcast that continues on until the hosts decide otherwise. While this can lead to podcasts feeling short- I could’ve done with more of Stephen Fry’s Victorian and Edwardian Secrets podcast episodes!- it also means that you could listen to all episodes and then cancel or pause your subscription if you need to.
And once again, if you are particular about your narrators, there are many big-name actors and celebrities who have Audible podcasts. (It really makes sense for the fictional series, but they also are great in the non-fiction offerings.)
3) Audible Exclusives
I would be shocked if anyone reading this blog has not run into an audiobook being an Audible exclusive. However, if you did not know, many authors will sign exclusively with Audible, for at least part of their catalogue. For example, Marie Benedict’s The Mitford Affair was only available through Audible. I will admit, I dislike this as an audiobook reader as a whole because Audible exclusives are not available for libraries to purchase/borrow. However, it is still a perk of using Audible. My recommendation for Audible exclusives is to look ahead for books that you are waiting for and check if they are Audible exclusives- if they are, save your monthly credit for those!
Want more audiobooks? Find my history non-fiction and fiction recommendations!
If you are a subscriber, what are the best benefits of Audible for you? And do you have any Audible recommendations?
Cheers,
The Historian
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