Audible vs Audiobooks.com vs Libro.fm: which subscription should you choose?

These three services work in a similar way. You pay a monthly fee, you receive a credit, and you exchange that credit for any audiobook, which you then keep. The differences are in the trial, the extras, the catalogue, how flexible your credits are and where your money goes. Here is how they compare in practice.

The free trial

Audiobooks.com leads clearly. New members typically get a 30 day trial that includes multiple books to keep, usually one premium title plus bonus VIP titles. Audible's trial is usually 30 days with one credit plus access to its included Plus catalogue. Libro.fm usually offers a first month deal rather than a free trial, often a credit at a reduced price or bonus credits with a membership. If your goal is the most listening for the least money up front, Audiobooks.com is the one to try first.

Monthly price and credits

All three sit close to fifteen dollars a month in the US for one credit. Audible Premium Plus includes one credit plus the Plus catalogue of included titles. Audiobooks.com Premium includes one credit plus a monthly VIP title. Libro.fm charges a similar fee for one credit and offers a two credit plan; its credits do not expire, and you can pause or cancel without losing the books you bought. Audiobooks.com credits roll over while you are a member. Audible credits generally expire after a set period if unused, so check the current terms.

Catalogue

Audible has the largest catalogue, plus exclusive Audible Originals and podcasts that you cannot get anywhere else. Audiobooks.com and Libro.fm carry most mainstream best sellers on release day, but you will not find Audible exclusives on either. For most listeners who want popular fiction and nonfiction, all three are more than enough.

Apps and listening experience

Audible has the most polished app, with listening stats, badges, clips, and excellent device support including Alexa and Kindle. Audiobooks.com has a simpler, fast app with reliable downloads, a sleep timer, speed control and car support. Libro.fm's app is clean and capable, and it is also the only one of the three that lets you download DRM free files and play them in any app you like.

Ownership and your money

This is where Libro.fm stands apart. Your books are DRM free, which means you truly own the files, and every purchase shares revenue with an independent bookstore you choose. With Audible and Audiobooks.com you keep your books after cancelling, but they live inside each company's app.

Who should pick which

Choose Audiobooks.com if you are new to audiobooks, want the most generous trial, and mainly listen to mainstream titles. Choose Audible if you want exclusives, the largest catalogue, the Plus catalogue of included books and the deepest device integration. Choose Libro.fm if you care about owning your files and supporting local bookshops, and do not need Audible Originals.

Our recommendation

Start with the Audiobooks.com trial and listen to everything you get. By the end of thirty days you will know how often you listen and what you like. If you find yourself wanting exclusives, move to Audible. If you want to own your library outright, move to Libro.fm. Nothing stops you trying all three one after another, and many listeners do exactly that.

Offers and prices change often and vary by country, so always check the current details on each service's own site before you sign up.