Audible offers an affordable Standard plan for listeners

Amazon audiobook platform audible Expands its subscription lineup with Launch of the new standard membership planThe company announced on Tuesday. It’s a lower-priced option designed for listeners who want access to audiobooks and podcasts without paying for the company’s premium tier.

In the United States, The Standard plan costs $9 per month It includes a selection of audiobooks, which remain available as long as the membership is active. The plan also includes unlimited listening from a curated library, which Audible says includes a selection of Audible Originals and nearly 200 popular titles previously available on Wondery Plus.

By comparison, Audible’s Premium Plus plan starts at $15 per month and includes a monthly credit that can be used to purchase any audiobook in the Audible catalog. These purchased titles remain in the user’s library even if they cancel their membership.

The launch comes as audiobook services face increasing competition from both streaming subscriptions and library-based apps. Spotify Premium plans include a set amount of audiobook listening time each month (Spotify currently advertises 15 hours per month For eligible premium subscribers), while apps like Libyan Allowing audiobooks to be borrowed through participating public libraries at no cost.

Audible, which Amazon acquired in 2008, remains one of the largest audiobook platforms and has spent years creating exclusive productions and original audio content, along with a paid audiobook storefront. In recent years, the company has also experimented with different pricing tiers Subscription privileges Because it competes with other streaming style services.

Audible says the new Standard plan is available immediately in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany and France, with additional markets planned for later.