Audible vs Storytel
Audible and Storytel are leading audiobook subscription services with different geographic strengths and pricing models. Audible dominates in North America with the largest catalog, while Storytel offers competitive pricing and strong family plan options in Europe and select other regions.
Audible
Amazon-owned audiobook streaming service with over 750,000 titles and monthly credit system. Available in 10+ countries with US as primary market.
Monthly Price (US)
$14.95
Catalog Size
750,000+ titles
Available Countries
10+
Free Trial
30 days
Pros
- Largest audiobook catalog globally with exclusive titles
- Seamless integration with Amazon ecosystem and Alexa devices
- Flexible credit system allows purchase of premium titles beyond subscription
Cons
- Higher subscription cost ($14.95/month in US) compared to competitors
- Credits roll over only for limited time, encouraging spending
- Family sharing limitations; no true family plan until recent updates
Storytel
Scandinavian-based audiobook and e-book subscription service with strong European presence and affordable family plans. Offers 600,000+ titles across multiple regions.
Monthly Price (Europe)
€9.99
Catalog Size
600,000+ titles
Available Countries
15+
Family Plan
Yes (4-6 users)
Pros
- Lower subscription pricing ($9.99/month in many markets) with true family plan (4-6 users)
- Includes both audiobooks and e-books in single subscription
- Strong presence in Europe, Latin America, and Asia with localized content
Cons
- Smaller overall catalog compared to Audible in English-language titles
- Limited availability in North America; US market entry is recent and limited
- Fewer exclusive deals with major publishers
Audible wins
Audible's vastly larger English-language catalog, exclusive partnerships, and established market dominance in North America give it the overall edge for most English-speaking users.
Audible
Best for: English-language audiobook enthusiasts in North America seeking the widest selection and exclusive content.
Storytel
Best for: European users prioritizing affordability, family sharing, and multilingual/multi-format content in one subscription.
Service Features & Pricing Comparison
| Aspect | Audible | Storytel |
|---|---|---|
| Base Subscription Cost | $14.95/month (US) | $9.99/month (Europe), varies by region |
| Family Plan | Limited (recent addition) | Dedicated family plan (4-6 users) |
| Content Types | Audiobooks only | Audiobooks + e-books |
| Primary Markets | US, UK, Canada, Australia | Europe, Scandinavia, Latin America, Asia |
| Offline Downloads | Yes, unlimited | Yes, limited per plan tier |
| Free Trial | 30 days | 14-30 days (region dependent) |
Catalog & Content Quality
English-Language Audiobooks
Audible has exclusive licensing deals with major publishers and nearly 200,000 more English titles overall.
Multilingual Coverage
Storytel prioritizes European languages (Swedish, Norwegian, Dutch, German) and offers strong regional content catalogs.
Exclusive & Premium Titles
Audible invests heavily in exclusive productions and bestseller licensing; Storytel relies more on general publisher catalogs.
Value for Multi-User Households
Storytel's family plan covers 4-6 profiles for the price of one; Audible requires separate accounts or limited sharing.
E-Book Integration
Storytel bundles e-books with audiobooks; Audible e-books require separate Kindle subscription.
Best Use Cases by Market
Audible is ideal for North American users seeking the broadest English-language selection, exclusive content, and deep Amazon ecosystem integration. Storytel excels for European households seeking multilingual content, family sharing, affordable pricing, and combined audiobook-e-book access in a single subscription.
When to choose each
Choose Audible if…
Best for: English-language audiobook enthusiasts in North America seeking the widest selection and exclusive content.
Choose Storytel if…
Best for: European users prioritizing affordability, family sharing, and multilingual/multi-format content in one subscription.
Frequently Asked Questions
Storytel offers a superior family plan (4-6 simultaneous users) at lower cost, while Audible recently added family features but with more restrictions. For household sharing, Storytel provides better value.
Audible has ~750,000 titles with stronger English-language coverage and exclusive deals; Storytel has ~600,000 titles with better multilingual and European regional catalogs. Audible dominates for new bestsellers.
Storytel recently launched in select US markets with limited availability and a smaller catalog compared to its European service. Audible remains the dominant player in the US with broader availability.
Sources & references
Suggested sources to verify product details, pricing, reviews, and specifications.
- ReferenceAudible Reviews | Read Customer Service Reviews of www.audible.com
Users describe negative interactions with the website. Many reviewers report difficulties with the site's... See mo
- ReferenceCustomer Review Guidelines
We encourage you to share your opinions, both favorable and unfavorable. Customer Reviews help customers learn more abou
- ReferenceAn Avid Audiobook Fan's Audible Review: Is It Worth It? (2024)
A review of Audible from an avid audiobook listener - find out how it works, pros & cons and if it is worth it for y