Audible Launches Cheaper Tier Amid Rising Audiobook Competition

Last updated: 2026/03/04 at 6:02 AM

News Room Published 4 March 2026

Amazon’s audiobook platform Audible announced a new, affordable Standard plan on Tuesday.

The Standard plan costs $8.99 per month in the US and is about $7 cheaper than the existing Premium plan at $14.95. The entry-level subscription lets you listen to one audiobook per month and opens access to a curated collection of Audible Originals and about 200 titles from Amazon’s own Wondery podcast app.

Along with this announcement, Amazon also stated that it is shutting down the Wondery app and transferring most of its catalogue to the Audible app. Wondery is a podcast network known for its character-driven shows across genres such as true crime, investigative journalism, history, business, science, sports, and more.

You require a $9-per-month Wondery+ subscription to unlock full access, but in the coming months, Amazon will discontinue both the app and its subscription.

Meanwhile, with the Standard plan on Audible, you’ll retain access to the audiobook you pick each month for as long as your membership remains active. To unlock broader access to Audible’s catalog or purchase audiobooks à la carte, you’ll need to get the Premium subscription. With the costlier tier, you also keep your audiobook after your subscription ends.

In early tests of the Standard plan across Australia and the UK, Audible saw a positive uptick in customer sign-ups. “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, Audible’s chief finance and growth officer.

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At launch, the Standard plan is available for customers in the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, and France. Audible is also conducting tests across various other markets.

As News notes, the move comes as Spotify gains more audiobook listeners. The music streamer launched audiobooks in 2022, and noted in October that its audiobook listeners grew by 36% year-on-year and its audiobook hours grew by 37%. To listen to audiobooks on the app, you need a Spotify Premium subscription, which costs $13 per month after a January price hike.