Audible vs Scribd: Audiobook Service Wars?

Audible vs Scribd: Audiobook Service Wars?

When it comes to audiobook services, two big names stand out in the market – Audible and Scribd. Both offer a wide selection of audiobooks for listeners to choose from, but which one should you choose? In this article, we will compare Audible and Scribd and determine which one comes out on top in the audiobook service wars.

Content Selection

Audible is owned by Amazon and boasts a massive collection of over 200,000 audiobooks. This includes popular bestsellers, classic novels, and even original content. Audible also offers a variety of audiobook categories such as fiction, non-fiction, and self-help. With such a vast selection, it’s no surprise that Audible is the go-to choice for many audiobook listeners.

On the other hand, Scribd has a significantly smaller collection with around 60,000 audiobooks. While it may not compare to Audible’s quantity, Scribd focuses more on quality. They have a hand-picked selection of popular and critically acclaimed titles, making it perfect for listeners who are looking for specific books or recommendations.

Pricing

When it comes to pricing, both Audible and Scribd offer monthly subscriptions. Audible has a standard subscription plan for $14.95 per month, which includes one audiobook credit per month. You can also purchase additional credits if you want to listen to more audiobooks. However, this can quickly add up, making Audible a more expensive option in the long run.

Scribd, on the other hand, offers unlimited access to their entire collection for just $9.99 per month. This means you can listen to as many audiobooks as you want without any additional charges. Moreover, Scribd also includes e-books, magazines, and sheet music in their subscription, making it a better value for money.

Platform and User-Friendliness

Both Audible and Scribd can be accessed through their respective websites and mobile apps. Audible’s app has a user-friendly interface with easy navigation and search options. It also has a useful feature called “Whispersync” that allows you to seamlessly switch between reading and listening to a book.

Scribd’s app is also user-friendly and easy to navigate. However, one downside is that it does not have a “Whispersync” feature. Additionally, Scribd’s app can be a bit glitchy at times, causing inconvenience to users.

Social Features

Audible has a community feature that allows you to see what your friends are reading and recommend books to them. There is also a “Listener Page” that showcases how much you have listened to in the past month and the number of books in your library. This social aspect is a unique feature that sets Audible apart.

Unfortunately, Scribd lags behind in social features. They do not have a community or listener page. However, they do have a “Continue Reading” and “Save for Later” feature, making it easier for users to keep track of their progress and bookmark books they are interested in.

Conclusion

In this battle of Audible vs Scribd, it’s a close call. Audible’s vast selection and social features may be appealing to some, but it also comes with a higher price tag. On the other hand, Scribd’s valuable subscription and hand-picked selection make it a great option for those on a budget.

Ultimately, the choice between Audible and Scribd comes down to personal preference. If you are an avid listener and don’t mind spending a little extra for a broader selection, then Audible may be the perfect choice for you. However, if you are looking for quality and value for money, Scribd may be the audiobook service of choice.

In conclusion, both Audible and Scribd are great options for audiobook lovers. While Audible may have the upper hand in terms of content selection and social features, Scribd offers an affordable and curated selection of titles. Whether you go for Audible or Scribd, one thing is for sure – you will have access to hours of entertainment and knowledge with just a click of a button.