Audiobooks make it easy to enjoy stories anywhere. You can listen while driving, working out, or just relaxing. But with so many apps, picking the right one can be tough. For most people, it comes down to Audible vs Storytel.
Both platforms have huge libraries, but they work differently. Audible lets you buy and keep each audiobook. Storytel offers a subscription for unlimited listening. So, which fits your style better, Audible or Storytel?
In this guide, we'll compare everything: the Storytel subscription cost, library size, special features, and more. By the end, you'll know which service is truly worth it.
Part 1. Audible vs. Storytel: Which Is Better?
Before we dive in, let's quickly see how Audible and Storytel work.
What is Audible?
Audible is the world's largest platform for audiobooks and spoken content. It is owned by Amazon. You buy books mainly with monthly credits. Any book you get with a credit is yours to keep, even if you cancel.
What is Storytel?
Storytel is a European subscription service. It works like Netflix, one monthly fee gives you unlimited access to audiobooks and e-books. But if you cancel, you lose access. Storytel is known for local and non-English titles.
Now that you know what each service does, we will compare them in the areas that matter most: subscription plans, library size, user experience, kids mode, and global focus. These points will help you see which service fits your listening style best.
1. Audible vs. Storytel: Subscription Plans
Let's compare the membership plans, pricing models, and benefits offered by Audible and Storytel to help you make an informed decision.
Audible:
Audible has two main types of monthly plans. The big difference is whether you want to just borrow some books or if you want to own a book every month.
| Comparison Factor | Audible Plus | Audible Premium Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $7.95 | $14.95 |
| Monthly Credit (for Buying Books) | No Credits | 1 Credit (Good for one book in the entire catalog) |
| Core Benefits | Unlimited listening to the Plus Catalog (a smaller, included library). |
1. Unlimited listening to the Plus Catalog. 2. Use the monthly credit to get a book from the Full Library (all bestsellers). |
Audible also offers a generous 1-month free trial, during which you receive 2 free audiobooks. You can initiate this free trial using your Amazon credentials or an Audible account. After the trial period, the subscription continues at a rate of $15/month.
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Storytel:
Storytel has more subscription plans. Most plans have the same features. The price changes based on the number of accounts and the length of the subscription.
| Features | Unlimited | Family (2 accounts) | Family+ (3 accounts) | Unlimited Yearly | Unlimited Bi-yearly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (approx.) | $12.98/mo | $14.90/mo | $19.90/mo | $119/yr | $69/6 months |
| Benefits |
* Unlimited access to Storytel library. * Single account, one device. * Switch between reading and listening. * Kids Mode. * Offline downloads. |
* All Unlimited features. * Two accounts, simultaneous use. * Personal bookshelf per user. |
* All Family features. * Three accounts, simultaneous use. |
* All Unlimited features. * Pay yearly for discount. |
* All Unlimited features. * Pay 6 months upfront for discount. |
As of now, Storytel also provides a 7-day trial period, giving you the opportunity to explore their offerings before committing to a subscription.
Winner for Subscription Plans: Audible
2. Audible vs. Storytel: Library Size
Audible:
Audible has the largest audiobook library in the world. It is divided into two main library catalogs:
1. The Full Premium Catalog
This is Audible's huge collection. It has over 1 million titles worldwide, from new bestsellers to classics and popular series.
- Access: You need monthly credits (with a Premium Plus plan) or pay cash to get these books.
- Ownership: Books you buy stay in your library forever. You keep them even if you cancel. This is perfect for building a permanent collection.
2. The Audible Plus Catalog
This is a smaller, but still large, library. All Audible members can access it for free.
- Size: It has thousands of audiobooks, podcasts, and exclusive Audible Originals.
- Access: Works like "all-you-can-listen." You can stream as much as you want without using credits.
- Ownership: These books are like rentals. You lose access if you cancel, since they are part of the membership.
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Storytel:
On the other hand, Storytel offers a global collection of over 1.5 million titles. It's an impressive library that caters to a wide range of audiences. Storytel, too, offers its fair share of exclusives, called Storytel Originals, often focusing on local talent and unique storytelling. If you're interested in discovering emerging authors or region-specific stories, Storytel might have some hidden gems waiting for you.
Every title in Storytel is included in your monthly fee. There are no credits and no extra costs, you can stream or read as many titles as you want, without limits.
Winner for Library Size: Storytel
3. Audible vs. Storytel: User Interface
The user interface and overall user experience are critical factors when choosing an audiobook platform. We'll let you through the process to explore their availability on various devices and any unique features.
Audible:
Audible has a clean and easy-to-use interface. You can use it on the mobile app, web player, and other platforms. The design makes it simple to navigate your library, find new titles, and manage subscriptions.
User Interface Breakdown:
- Intuitive player: The playback screen has big, clear buttons for play, pause, rewind, fast-forward. It also includes handy features like a sleep timer, clip adding, car mode, and chapter navigation.
- Bottom navigation: Four tabs make it easy to move around: "Home," "Library," "Discover," and "Profile."
- Your library can be filtered by listening status (finished, in progress, unstarted). You can also create custom collections or "shelves" to organize your purchased titles.
- A simplified view for driving shows only essential controls for safety.
Device Compatibility:
Audible works almost everywhere.
- Mobile & Web: Apps are available for iOS and Android, and on any computer via the web player.
- Home integration: Works with Amazon Echo and other Alexa devices.
- Wearables & Auto: Listen hands-free on Apple Watch, Wear OS devices, CarPlay, and Android Auto.
- Desktop: AudibleSync helps manage downloads and transfer books to MP3 players or accessibility devices.
Storytel:
Storytel's user interface is designed with user-friendliness in mind. The app and web player provide straightforward navigation, allowing users to explore the vast library effortlessly. The platform's interface is known for its simplicity, making it suitable for audiobook enthusiasts of all levels of tech-savviness.
User Interface Breakdown:
- Audiobook player: The player has simple, clear controls. You can play, pause, adjust speed, and set a sleep timer.
- Simple navigation: The app uses a bottom menu and a hamburger menu for settings and other options.
- Personalized shelf: Your bookshelf stores books you have started. You can also add favorites by tapping the heart icon.
- Discovery: The "Book Tips" section gives personalized recommendations. Other sections are organized by series and categories.
- Kids Mode: A safe mode shows only age-appropriate stories.
Unlike Audible, Storytel is mainly a mobile service. It has no dedicated desktop app. On a Mac, you can only listen through the iPad app or a web browser.
Also, in terms of functionality, you might have the issues to download titles in the Storytel app to your mobile devices. For example, even you have downloaded a title, it can delete itself and prevent from some features like adding bookmarks or taking notes, which can be frustrating.
Winnder for User Interface: Audible
4. Audible vs. Storytel: User Experience
While both Audible and Storytel provide user-friendly interfaces, both Audible and Storytel provides great user experience with their unique features and advantages for different user preferences.
Audible:
1. Whispersync for Voice:
Audible's Whispersync for Voice feature allows users to switch seamlessly between audiobooks and eBooks, picking up where they left off. This is particularly useful for readers who enjoy both formats.
2. Audible Originals:
Audible offers exclusive content through Audible Originals, including podcasts, audio dramas, and more. These original productions enhance the listening experience with unique storytelling.
3. AI-powered search (Maven):
A special search tool called "Maven" lets you use your own words to find books. For example, you can ask for "a funny mystery story" instead of typing a title or author name.
Storytel:
1. Multi-Language Support:
Storytel's extensive collection in multiple languages, including English and local languages, caters to a diverse audience, offering a rich listening experience.
2. Synced Listening:
Listen to the audiobook and read the e-book at the same time. Words are highlighted as they are spoken. This helps with focus and learning new languages.
3. Story Scan:
See a book you like? Take a picture of the cover. Storytel will find the e-book or audiobook version instantly.
4. Set a Listening Goal:
Set a goal for how many books you want to finish in a month or a year. The app tracks your progress and keeps you motivated.
5. Immersive Audio:
Storytel uses Dolby Atmos sound. The audio is richer and deeper, making you feel like you are inside the story.
Winner for User Experience: Both Audible and Storytel are good.
4. Audible vs. Storytel: Children Mode
For families and parents looking for kid-friendly content, both Audible and Storytel have options to cater to younger listeners.
Audible:
1. Audible for Kids:
Audible for Kids provides a curated selection of audiobooks suitable for children and teenagers. These titles are carefully selected to be age-appropriate and enjoyable for young listeners. You'll find a wide range of children's stories, from classic fairy tales to contemporary favorites.
2. Parental Controls:
Audible lets parents create a separate Kids Profile. Instead of blocking certain content, this feature is built on a curated, "allow-list" approach, where parents actively add content to their child's library.
3. Amazon Household Sharing and Amazon Kids+
You can share purchased titles with a Child profile through the Amazon Kids app on compatible Fire Tablets and Amazon Household Sharing.
Storytel:
1. Children's Audiobooks:
Storytel includes a variety of children's audiobooks in its library, covering different age groups and genres. This provides a wealth of engaging and educational content for children.
2. Family Plans:
You can share your subscription with family members, including kids with Storytel's Family or Family Plus plan. Under a single subscription, the whole family can enjoy their favorite audiobooks.
3. Kids Mode:
Storytel's "Kids Mode" is a feature designed for parents who want to provide a safe listening environment for their children. Once Kids Mode is activated, the device your child uses will have access only to titles in the Children's category.
Winner for Children Mode and Parental Controls: Both Audible and Storytel are good.
6. Audible vs. Storytel: Global Focus
The biggest difference between Audible and Storytel is their approach to the global market and different languages.
Audible:
Audible, an Amazon company, has a large global presence. But it works through separate regional marketplaces. Your account is tied to one country. This affects the books you see, prices, and currency.
- If you live in an English-speaking country like the U.S., you are in luck. Most titles on Audible are in English, from classics to bestsellers.
- If you live in a non-English-speaking region, many titles may not be available. Even Audible Originals can be restricted by regional licensing.
Storytel:
Storytel, a Swedish company, grows mainly through smart expansion and acquisitions. It focuses on local-language content.
Storytel operates its service in more than 25 countries, tailoring its content and experience to the local language and culture in each region (such as Spanish, Hindi, Swedish, etc.). It's the better choice if you want to listen to books in a language other than English.
Winner for Global Focus: Storytel
Part 2. Audible vs. Storytel: Pros & Cons
1. Audible: Pros & Cons
Audible, a service from Amazon.com Inc., offers a vast library of audiobooks. Whether you choose Audible or Storytel, you'll need to pay for the books, and Audible's subscription fee is from $7.95 to $14.95 per month, which comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Pros of Audible:
- Keep Forever: Even if you cancel your subscription, the free audiobook you receive each month is yours to keep. It remains in your library indefinitely.
- Easy Exchanges: Audible allows you to exchange audiobooks for free if you're not satisfied with your choice. You have up to 365 days to return a purchased book, offering flexibility in your selections.
- High-Quality Sound: Audible ensures top-notch audio quality, delivering clear pronunciations and excellent sound for an enjoyable listening experience.
- Plus Catalog: With an Audible subscription, you gain access to the Plus catalog—an ever-expanding collection of audiobooks. Audible continuously adds new titles to the Plus catalog, giving you fresh listening options.
- Whispersync for Voice: Whispersync for Voice lets you sync your audiobook with the corresponding ebooks. This feature allows you to seamlessly switch between listening and reading, enhancing your overall experience.
- Free Titles: Audible's subscription provides you with one or two free audiobook(s) per month, depending on your subscription plan. If you finish your audiobook before the month ends, you'll need to purchase additional titles at a 30% discount.
Cons of Audible:
- Limited Device Compatibility: Audible books are restricted to specific players and devices. Some users may encounter challenges when trying to play Audible books on certain devices like MP3 players, smart TVs, or smartwatches. Additionally, Audible books can only be played through the Audible app, which may occasionally experience issues like crashing.
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2. Storytel: Pros & Cons
Storytel offers a user-friendly audiobook experience with a subscription cost that may vary by region. The simplicity of its service sets it apart, making it a viable choice for audiobook enthusiasts.
Pros of Storytel:
- Unlimited Access: With Storytel, you can enjoy an unlimited number of audiobooks and eBooks each month within your subscription plan. You have the freedom to choose between reading an eBook or listening to an audiobook, giving you a versatile reading experience.
- Cost-Efficient: Storytel is budget-friendly, especially if you consume more than one book per month. What's great is that you don't need to pay extra to access both eBooks and audiobooks, making it a cost-effective option.
- Seamless Sync: Storytel's service automatically synchronizes your progress between eBooks and audiobooks. This feature simplifies your reading experience, allowing you to seamlessly switch between the two formats. For instance, if you're on chapter 5 of an audiobook, opening the same book in eBook format takes you to the same point.
- Caters to Different Audiences: Storytel caters to various audiences, including the Indian audience, by providing access to works by Indian authors and regional writers. This diverse selection enhances the cultural and linguistic experience for readers.
- Varied Content: Storytel offers more than just full-length novels. You can explore short stories, poems, serialized content, and a wide range of literary forms to suit your preferences.
- User-Friendly Features: The Storytel player includes a sleep timer and speed adjustment for personalized listening. You can control the playback speed to match your pace and set a sleep timer for added convenience. Additionally, you can easily navigate chapters, bookmark pages, and customize the background and text size when reading eBooks.
Cons of Storytel:
- Limited Collection: In comparison to some other audiobook platforms, Storytel's collection may be considered somewhat limited. If you're looking for an extensive library, you might find it more limited on Storytel.
- Active Subscription: To continue enjoying any audiobook on Storytel, you need to maintain an active subscription package. This means that you'll need to keep your subscription up to access the audiobooks.
Part 3. Audible vs Storytel: Comparison Table
| Aspect | Audible | Storytel |
|---|---|---|
| Library Size | Over 1 million titles, including bestsellers and exclusive content | Over 1.5 million titles with a focus on regional content |
| User Interface | User-friendly apps for smartphone and computer | Simple and straightforward apps and web interface |
| Children Mode | Audible for Kids, Parental Controls, Amazon Kids | Kids Mode, Family Plans, Parental Controls |
| Subscription Plans | Audible Plus and Audible Premium Plus, 1–2 free audiobooks/month | Various plans: Unlimited, Family, and more (varies by region) |
| Price | $7.95/mo (Plus), $14.95/mo (Premium Plus) | Varies by region, starting from $12.98/mo in U.S. |
| Offline Listening | Download audiobooks for offline use | Download audiobooks and ebooks for offline use |
| Global Focus | Primarily English content | Focus on local/regional content in multiple countries |
| Device Compatibility | Compatible with select players and devices | Supported on smartphones, tablets, and web browsers |
Choose Audible or Storytel?
Choose Audible if you:
- Like the feeling of "buying and owning" books, keeping them even if you stop paying.
- Listen to only one or two books per month.
- Want to listen on your computer as well.
- Mostly enjoy English books and popular new releases.
Choose Storytel if you:
- Like "all-you-can-listen," like watching Netflix.
- Listen to many books each month or switch between audiobooks and e-books.
- Are interested in books in specific regional languages (like Nordic or Indian languages).
- Only use a phone or tablet to listen.
Final Thoughts
Is Storytel better than Audible? By now, you've probably made your choice. If not, no worries, you can try Audible with its 30-day free trial or Storytel with a 7-day trial. Both platforms continue to grow and improve, and we'll keep updating this comparison as they evolve.
If you decide to purchase books from Audible, don't forget to use ViWizard Audible Converter to unlock your audiobooks and create a true backup for offline listening.
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Adam Gorden, the digital media specialist at ViWizard, is dedicated to providing the best solutions for digital media management, including audio and video conversion, file optimization, and media workflow enhancements.
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