Audible has launched a new Standard plan priced at $9 per month, offering a monthly audiobook credit that was previously exclusive to the $15 Premium Plus tier. This budget-friendly option lets subscribers download any audiobook from the library, including most new releases, while also providing ad-free access to curated content from Audible Originals and Wondery+.

Unlike the Premium Plus subscription, the Standard plan doesn't allow users to keep audiobooks after cancellation. Credits disappear once you end your subscription, which matters mainly for those who re-listen to favorites. The pricier plan also includes sales access, discounts, and a rotating catalog of audiobooks and podcasts similar to Kindle Unlimited for audio content.

Amazon projects this move will bring millions of new consumers into the Audible ecosystem within a year. The Standard plan launches today in the US, UK, Canada, Germany, France, and Australia, with testing underway in additional global markets. This pricing strategy appears designed to compete more aggressively in the growing audiobook subscription space.