Is Audible Included with Prime? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re an audiobook lover with an Amazon Prime membership, you’ve probably wondered: Is Audible included with Prime? It’s a fair question—Prime comes with so many perks, from free shipping to streaming video, that it’s easy to hope Audible’s vast audiobook library might be part of the deal. Today, I’m breaking it all down for you, exploring how Audible and Prime connect (or don’t) and what it means for your listening habits. Let’s get into it!

What Are Audible and Amazon Prime?

First, a quick refresher. Audible is Amazon’s audiobook platform, boasting over 520,000 titles—everything from bestsellers to exclusive originals and podcasts. It’s a subscription service with plans starting at $7.95/month for Audible Plus (unlimited access to a select catalog) or $14.95/month for Premium Plus (one credit per month for any title, plus the Plus catalog). You can download the app, listen offline, and keep books you buy with credits forever.

Amazon Prime, on the other hand, is a broader membership at $14.99/month or $139/year. It includes free two-day shipping, Prime Video, Prime Music, and Prime Reading—a rotating library of eBooks and magazines. With Audible being an Amazon company, it’s natural to wonder if Prime unlocks its audiobook goodness for free.

Is Audible Included with Amazon Prime?

The short answer: no, Audible isn’t fully included with an Amazon Prime membership. They’re separate subscriptions, meaning your Prime fee doesn’t automatically grant you a full Audible membership. However, there’s a bit more to the story—Prime members do get some audiobook-related perks that tie into Audible, even if it’s not the whole package.

Here’s the scoop:

• Prime Reading with Narration: Prime includes Prime Reading, which offers a rotating selection of eBooks, some of which come with free Audible narration. These aren’t the full Audible library—just a curated subset—and the titles change regularly. It’s a nice bonus if you’re into both reading and listening, but it’s limited compared to Audible’s offerings.
• Free Trial Boost: New Audible subscribers who are Prime members often get an enhanced trial. Typically, it’s 30 days with two free credits (each worth one audiobook) instead of the standard one credit for non-Prime users. After the trial, you’d pay the regular Audible rate unless you cancel.
• Audible Originals Access: Prime members can sometimes snag free Audible Originals—exclusive audio content like podcasts or short stories—via the Audible app. These are sporadic perks, not a consistent library access.
• Amazon Music Unlimited Tie-In: As of late 2024, Amazon Music Unlimited ($9.99/month for Prime members) includes one audiobook per month from Audible’s catalog. If you’re already subscribed to that, it’s a way to dip into Audible without a separate membership—but it’s still not “included” with Prime alone.

So, while Prime doesn’t give you unlimited Audible access, it does sprinkle in some audiobook treats to sweeten the deal.

How Do Audible and Prime Compare for Audiobook Fans?

Let’s stack them up:

• Library Size: Audible’s 520,000+ titles dwarf Prime Reading’s smaller, rotating selection. If you want variety and the latest releases, Audible’s the clear winner.
• Cost: Prime’s audiobook perks come at no extra charge beyond the $14.99/month membership, but they’re limited. Audible’s full experience starts at $7.95/month on top of Prime if you want more than occasional listens.
• Ownership: With Audible, books bought with credits are yours forever. Prime Reading titles disappear when they rotate out unless you buy them separately.
• Extras: Audible includes podcasts and originals; Prime offers narration for some eBooks but leans more on its video and shipping benefits.

If you’re a casual listener, Prime’s extras might scratch the itch. But for serious audiobook fans, Audible’s depth is hard to beat.

Why Aren’t They Bundled Together?

You might wonder why Amazon keeps them separate. It’s likely a business choice—Audible’s a premium service with a dedicated audience willing to pay for its massive catalog and quality narration. Bundling it with Prime could dilute its value or overwhelm casual users who don’t need 500,000+ audiobooks. Instead, Amazon hooks Prime members with teasers, nudging them toward a full Audible subscription.

What’s the Verdict for Audiobook Lovers?

So, is Audible included with Prime? Not fully, but Prime does offer a taste of audiobook life—enough to keep casual listeners happy without stepping on Audible’s toes. If you’re just dipping into audiobooks, start with Prime Reading’s narrated titles or the Music Unlimited perk (if you’ve got it). Craving more? Audible’s trial—especially with that Prime boost—is a great way to explore.

Have you tried Audible or stuck with Prime’s offerings? Share your thoughts below—I’d love to hear how you navigate the audiobook world!