I love the idea of reading more books. Actually finding the time to sit down and read them? That’s another story.
There’s always something going on — driving somewhere, cleaning the house, going for a walk, cooking dinner… and suddenly the day is over.
That’s why audiobooks caught my attention. You don’t really have to find extra time for them. You can listen while doing things you’re already doing anyway.
And honestly, there are two times when Audible sounds especially handy to me: long drives and those nights when sleep just isn’t happening.
So if you’re new to Audible Canada, here are the features I think are actually worth knowing about.
Table of Contents
What Is Audible Canada?
Audible is Amazon’s audiobook and audio entertainment service. You can listen through the Audible app on your phone or tablet, and you can also stream from a computer.
At the time of writing, Audible Canada offers these two main monthly plans:
| Plan | Price | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Audible Standard | $8.99/month | Choose 1 audiobook each month |
| Audible Premium Plus | $14.95/month | 1 credit each month + Plus Catalogue + member benefits |
Here’s the important difference.
With Standard, you can listen to your monthly selections for as long as your membership stays active. With Premium Plus, the audiobook you buy with your monthly credit is yours to keep even if you cancel later. Premium Plus also includes the Plus Catalogue and member-only sales and discounts.
Eligible new members can currently try Audible free for 30 days. Just remember that the membership automatically becomes paid after the trial unless you cancel.
Check current Audible Canada plans and offers
1. Long Drive? Put on a Book
Music is great, but after a couple of hours in the car, even a favourite playlist can start getting repetitive.
That’s where an audiobook sounds pretty perfect.
A good mystery, funny memoir or interesting nonfiction book can turn a boring drive into a few chapters of something you actually want to hear.
Audible has Car Mode, which simplifies the player to just a few large controls. It also works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and you can connect through Bluetooth, USB or AUX depending on your vehicle.
There’s even an Automatic Car Mode option that can launch Car Mode when your phone connects to your car via Bluetooth.
Quick tip: Choose your audiobook and get everything ready before you start driving. Audible itself warns users not to interact with the app while driving.
2. Download at Home and Listen Offline
This is one of those simple features that can be really useful.
Download your audiobook while you’re on Wi-Fi, and you can listen later without an internet connection. Audible specifically supports downloaded titles for offline listening.
That means no streaming your whole book on mobile data during a long drive. It’s also handy on flights, road trips or anywhere reception is unreliable.
Just remember that audiobooks take up storage space, especially if you start downloading several at once.
3. Can’t Sleep? Try the Sleep Timer
This might be my favourite idea.
You know those nights when you’re tired…but somehow not sleepy?
Picking up your phone usually doesn’t help. One quick scroll can easily become another half hour staring at a screen.
With an audiobook, you can put your phone down, close your eyes and just listen.
Audible has a built-in Timer. Open the player, tap the Timer icon, then choose a preset time or create your own. When the time is up, the audiobook stops automatically.
No waking up hours later wondering how you somehow missed ten chapters!
4. Too Slow? Speed It Up
Not every narrator speaks at the pace you like.
Audible lets you slow down the narration or speed it up using the player controls.
A light novel might feel great a little faster, while a detailed nonfiction book may be easier to follow at a slower pace.
There’s really no “best” speed. Pick whatever feels comfortable.
5. Audiobooks Fit Into More of the Day Than You Think
Driving and bedtime were the first things that came to mind, but audiobooks can fit into all those little parts of the day when your hands are busy.
Cleaning the kitchen? Keep listening.
Going for a walk? Take your book with you.
Laundry? Another chapter.
Audible itself promotes listening during commuting, exercise, errands and relaxing at home, which is really the whole appeal — you don’t have to make extra time for a book.
Is Audible Canada Worth Trying?
If you like books but never seem to have enough time to sit down with one, Audible could be worth a try.
I especially like the idea for people who spend a lot of time driving, walking, doing chores or travelling. And the Sleep Timer makes it an interesting option for those nights when you want something to listen to without staring at another screen.
Since eligible new members currently get a 30-day free trial, you can see whether audiobooks actually fit into your routine before deciding whether you want to keep the membership. Just remember that it automatically renews unless cancelled.
You might be surprised how much “reading time” was hiding in your day all along.
FAQ
How much is Audible in Canada?
At the time of writing, Audible Standard is $8.99/month and Premium Plus is $14.95/month, plus applicable taxes.
Does Audible Canada have a free trial?
Yes. Eligible new members currently get a 30-day free trial. Audible says Standard trial eligibility generally requires that you haven’t been an Audible member or taken a free trial within the previous 12 months.
Can I listen without internet?
Yes. Download the audiobook beforehand and you can listen offline.
Can I listen to Audible in my car?
Yes. Audible supports Car Mode, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and several other connection methods.
Does Audible have a Sleep Timer?
Yes. You can select a preset time or create a custom timer, and playback stops when the timer ends.