The important difference is what happens later
Standard provides a monthly selection that depends on continued membership. Premium uses credits to purchase titles. Those purchases remain accessible after cancellation; access to subscription-only catalog titles is different.
Compare normal prices, not introductory months
The US plan page lists Standard at $8.99 per month and Premium at $14.95 per month. That is a $5.96 monthly difference, or $71.52 over twelve full-price months, before tax.
Think through your next year
If you revisit favorite books or expect to cancel, retained purchases may be valuable. If you rarely revisit a book, paying extra only for retained access may not be worthwhile.
One selection or credit is not an unlimited allowance for any number of new releases. Extra purchases and included-catalog listening must be considered separately.
Annual commitment
Our annual comparisons show both the full upfront bill and its monthly equivalent. They do not assume a prorated refund or that you can pay the equivalent each month.
Sources & verification
Checked September 25, 2026. Provider checkout and current terms take precedence.