Scribd vs. Audible: Which is Better in 2024?

When it comes to audiobook services, two of the most popular options (and my personal favorites) are Audible and Scribd. Both services offer access to a large library of audiobooks, but there are some key differences between the two. Is Scribd better than Audible? In this guide, I look at Scribd vs. Audible including their pros and cons to answer the question of which is better and help you decide the one that’s right for you.

Quick Summary

4 Reasons Scribd is Better than Audible:

1. Broad range of content: Scribd gives you access to millions of audiobooks, ebooks, magazines, podcasts, comics, sheet music, and more. Audible’s library is focused on audiobooks and podcasts.
2. Unlimited access: Scribd offers unlimited access to all its content for a flat monthly fee. While Audible also offers unlimited listening with its Audible Plus catalog most titles in the Audible library require purchase with a credit.
3. Cost-effective: Scribd currently costs $11.99 USD per month which is great value and less than the standard Audible Premium Plus plan at $14.95 per month.
4. Extended free trial: Scribd offers an extended 60-day free trial exclusive to Audiobook Addicts readers (that’s you!) which you can access with the link below. Audible’s free trial is 30 days.

Click here to try Scribd free for 60 days.

4 Reasons Audible is Better than Scribd:

1. Large audiobook library: Audible has a library of more than 600,000 audiobooks. Scribd’s audiobook library is not as extensive as Audible’s.
2. Exclusive content: Both services produce original and exclusive content but Audible’s catalog of such content is much larger and includes some big-name titles (e.g. Born a Crime) and popular series (e.g. Words + Music).
3. Ownership: Titles you purchase with a credit are yours to keep with Audible, even if you cancel. You do not own the content you access with Scribd.
4. Device compatibility: Both Audible and Scribd have apps that are compatible with iOS and Android devices, but Audible has better integration with Amazon devices like Kindle and Echo.

Click here to try Audible free for 30 days.

Overview Scribd and Audible

Scribd Overview:

Scribd was launched in 2007 as a place to host and share documents. Today, Scribd has over one million monthly subscribers in over 100 countries and its digital library has millions of titles to choose from, including audiobooks, eBooks, magazine articles, podcasts, sheet music selections, and research documents. A Scribd membership includes unlimited access to this digital library for a flat monthly fee – Scribd is commonly referred to as the “Netflix for books”. 

Click here to try Scribd free for 60 days.

Audible Overview:

Audible is an Amazon-owned service that’s been around since 1997. It’s the most well-known audiobook service and is geared toward serious audiobook listeners. Audible has a library of over 600,000 audiobooks, as well as podcasts, audio editions of magazines and newspapers, and exclusive content created by Audible. While audiobooks can be purchased individually, most Audible users have a membership, for which there are two main types:

• Audible Plus: a monthly membership that includes access to unlimited streaming and listening from the Audible Plus Catalog.
• Audible Premium Plus: includes everything in Audible Plus, with the added bonus of 1 or 2 credits per month to be used to redeem any title from the Premium selections catalog.

Click here to try Audible free for 30 days.

Content Scribd vs. Audible

Scribd and Audible both offer extensive catalogs but the content within each library is very different.

Scribd Content:

Scribd has a larger catalog than Audible overall since, in addition to audiobooks, it includes content such as eBooks, magazines, comics, and sheet music. The audiobook selection includes new releases and bestsellers, but you won’t find every popular title you want as some publishers don’t make their content available on Scribd (e.g. Penguin Random House does not have any books on the platform). Scribd does have some exclusive and original content (e.g. Finn by Stephen King) but far less than Audible. Scribd produces Snapshots which highlight key insights from bestselling and award-winning nonfiction books (similar to Blinkist).

Audible Content:

Audible has a larger selection of audiobooks compared to Scribd, with over 600,000 titles to choose from. Audible’s collection includes popular titles from major publishers, as well as exclusive content created specifically for the platform. In addition to audiobooks, Audible also has a selection of podcasts, news programs, and original audio content, including exclusive audio dramas and comedy shows.

Scribd vs. Audible Content Comparison Table:

Pricing Scribd vs. Audible

One of the biggest differences between Scribd and Audible is their pricing models.

Scribd Pricing:

Scribd operates on a flat monthly fee model – currently $11.99 USD per month – which makes its pricing simple. Subscribers have unlimited access to all titles in the library, which includes audiobooks and eBooks. However, the caveat is that Scribd may limit the number of titles you can read or listen to each month (this is sometimes referred to as “throttling”).

Audible Pricing:

On the other hand, Audible’s pricing model is far more complicated, but also more flexible. With Audible, audiobooks can be purchased individually, or under a subscription model where you receive credits with an Audible membership, or listened to on an unlimited basis with Audible Plus. There is also the option to purchase additional credits or purchase an Audible annual subscription which reduces the cost per credit.

Scribd vs. Audible Pricing Comparison Table:

Benefits Scribd vs. Audible

Both Audible and Scribd offer a lot of value with their subscriptions.

Scribd Benefits:

Scribd has been described as “Netflix for books” as it offers unlimited listening and reading for a flat monthly fee. There are no credits so you don’t have to worry about getting stuck with a title you don’t like – you can simply start reading or listening to another book (just like you can pick another show on Netflix). However, you don’t own the content you consume so you’ll need a current subscription to access it.

There is also some debate as to whether Scribd is actually unlimited as, depending on your activity, you may find access to specific titles is managed. I have run into this and yes, it can be frustrating. On the other hand, I’ve never had any trouble finding something to read or listen to, partly thanks to the personalized recommendations Scribd provides.

Audible Benefits:

Audible provides its own version of unlimited listening with the Audible Plus catalog which includes a selection of audiobooks, exclusive podcasts, and Audible Originals. I think Audible Plus has an interesting selection but the catalog is really quite different to Scribd. I find there are many recognizable books and authors on Scribd and, as such, an abundance of titles I want to read and listen to. Audible Plus has some gems but it requires an open mind and a bit more work to find them, at least in my experience. For this reason, I believe most Audible members will want Audible Premium Plus. You can read more about the two plans in my guide Audible Plus vs. Premium Plus.

With Audible, you own audiobooks that you purchase so you can listen (or re-listen) to them anytime in the future, even if you cancel. You do not own content you access on the Audible Plus catalog so you’ll need a current membership for this.

One popular benefit of Audible is the ability to exchange audiobooks you don’t like. This risk-free exchange policy means you can take a chance on a new narrator or story without losing a credit (although this ability may be restricted if done too much). This benefit is a differentiator for Audible vs. other audiobooks services that use a credit system but is less relevant when compared to Scribd as there is no need to return a book with the unlimited access it provides to its library.

Scribd vs. Audible Benefits Comparison Table:

Apps Scribd vs. Audible

Both Scribd and Audible have apps that will you conveniently listen to your chosen title anytime, anywhere. These apps are both highly rated apps and compatible with iOS and Android devices.

Scribd App:

All content read or listened to on Scribd can be synced across multiple devices, and the app has features you’d expect for an audiobook player, including the ability to customize your narration speed, set a sleep timer, and download audiobooks to listen offline. The Scribd iOS app currently has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 in the US App Store.

Audible App:

The Audible app has similar features to Scribd but better integration with Amazon devices like Kindle and Echo. With Whispersync, for example, you can seamlessly switch between reading on a Kindle and listening to an audiobook on Audible, which is not possible with Scribd. The Audible iOS app currently has a rating of 4.9 out of 5 in the US App Store.

Scribd vs. Audible App Comparison Table:

Pros and Cons Scribd vs. Audible

Here’s a summary of everything we’ve looked at in this Scribd vs. Audible review:

Scribd Pros:

• Broad range of content
• Unlimited reading and listening
• Cost-effective pricing
• Highly rated app
• Personalized recommendations
• Exclusive content

Scrid Cons:

• Smaller audiobook selection compared to Audible
• Content restrictions depending on usage (“throttling”)
• You don’t own any content you consume

Click here to try Scribd free for 60 days.

Audible Pros:

• Huge audiobook selection
• Flexible pricing with various plans
• Member sales
• Excellent app
• Audible originals and exclusives
• Unlimited listening with Audible Plus
• Easy returns
• Integration with Amazon products and services

Audible Cons:

• Complicated and potentially more expensive pricing
• Amazon business practices

Click here to try Audible free for 30 days.

Verdict Scribd vs. Audible

I think Audible and Scribd are both excellent services so it really comes down to which one is better for you based on your individual preferences, usage habits, and budget.

Is Scribd better than Audible?

Yes, Scribd is better than Audible if you are looking for unlimited access to a broad selection of content you can read or listen to with a simple, all-in-one subscription. Personally, I really enjoy this “Netflix for books” experience where I can satisfy my curiosity about a book without having to worry about whether it is worth using a credit. Scribd is my pick for the best value audiobook service of all the ones I’ve tried.

Click here to try Scribd free for 60 days.

Is Audible better than Scribd?

Yes, Audible is better than Scribd if your primary focus is audiobooks as it has the most extensive library of titles along with flexible membership plans and pricing. There are times when I want a specific audiobook, and very often I will have to get this title on Audible as Scribd does not have every popular title. Audible is my pick for the best overall audiobook service.

Click here to try Audible free for 30 days.

Conclusion:

Again, Audible and Scribd are both excellent and offer a lot of value. If your budget allows for it, you may even want to have both as many book lovers do!

If you are still undecided, both services offer free trials, so you can try them both and see which one you prefer.

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