Audible vs. Google Play Audiobooks: Which One to Choose?

Google has recently entered the audiobooks market with Google Play Audiobooks. While Amazon's smart assistant, Alexa, can read audiobooks via its Echo devices, Google Play Audiobooks can be read by Google Assistant on your phone and Google Home devices.

Amazon Audible vs. Google Play Audiobooks

Audiobooks can be expensive and make a significant dent in your pocket by the end of the year. Let's compare what both platforms have to offer in terms of pricing, features, compatibility, collection, and more.

1. Plans and Pricing

The biggest difference between Audible and Google Play Audiobooks is the membership plans. Google has adopted a pay-per-audiobook plan where you pay for individual titles. Audible, on the other hand, is known for its subscription service.

Audible offers three different plans: silver, gold, and platinum, each with its own pricing and credits. With a membership, you can buy any audiobook for 1 credit, regardless of its price. Audible members also enjoy a 30% discount on all titles.

Google Play Audiobooks, however, does not offer membership plans. You can buy audiobooks at their shelf price. Currently, Google is running a promotion where most audiobooks are available at half their original price. They also offer a 50% discount on your first audiobook.

Winner – Audible: With its intelligent credit system and discounts, Audible is cheaper if you listen to one or more audiobooks per month.

2. Collection

Google has not shared any information on the number of audiobooks available. Audible, on the other hand, offers over 400,000 audiobook titles, making it the go-to place for audiobook lovers.

Winner – Audible: With its vast collection of audiobooks, Audible takes the lead.

3. Return Policy

Audible offers the Great Listen Guarantee, allowing you to return any audiobook purchased in the last 12 months. Google Play Audiobooks has a return policy where you can get a refund if the audiobook fails to load or run.

Winner – Audible: Audible's return policy is more flexible compared to Google Play Audiobooks.

4. Country Availability/Compatibility

Google Play Audiobooks is available in 45 countries and supports 9 languages. You can listen to audiobooks on any Android powered device and use Google Assistant and Google Home devices. Audible, on the other hand, is currently only available in the U.S. and supports a handful of languages.

Winner – Tie: While Google Play Audiobooks has broader availability, Audible offers Whispersync, allowing you to switch between reading and listening seamlessly.

5. Other Features

Both services offer features like timers, increased reading speeds, and previews. Google Play Audiobooks promises AI and machine learning to improve sorting and storing metadata. Audible offers Whispersync and the ability to listen to audiobooks in your car with Car Mode.

Winner – Tie: Both services offer similar features and playback devices.

Wrapping Up: Audible vs. Google Play Audiobooks

Audible is the clear winner in terms of pricing, collection, return policy, and compatibility. However, Google Play Audiobooks is a new entrant with the potential to grow and improve. In the end, the choice between the two platforms depends on how many audiobooks you listen to each month. Google Play is cheaper when audiobooks are on sale, but Audible is cheaper if you listen to one or more audiobooks per month.