Kindle Unlimited vs Audible: How to Choose?

In the digital age, the way we consume books has transformed significantly, with the rise of eBooks and audiobooks. Gone are the days of carrying around heavy volumes or relying solely on printed copies. Now, readers have the convenience of accessing a vast library of digital titles with just a few taps or clicks.

Two major platforms that have emerged in this realm are Kindle Unlimited and Audible. These services have revolutionized the way we experience literature, offering extensive collections of eBooks and audiobooks.

In this article, we aim to help readers make an informed choice between Kindle Unlimited vs Audible, by providing insights into their features, pricing, and content.

Whether you prefer to immerse yourself in the written word or listen to captivating narrations, we’ll guide you in selecting the platform that best suits your individual preferences and reading/listening habits!

What is Kindle Unlimited?

Kindle Unlimited is a subscription service offered by Amazon that provides access to a vast library of over one million titles. It offers a wide variety of content, including e-books, audiobooks, and magazines, catering to the diverse preferences of readers.

With it, you can explore various genres such as fiction, non-fiction, romance, mystery, and more, ensuring there is something for everyone.

In terms of cost, the service operates on a monthly subscription model. For a set fee each month, you gain unlimited access to the entire library of titles available.

This allows you to read or listen to as many books as you like without any additional charges. Additionally, it offers a free trial period, typically lasting 30 days, which enables you to experience the benefits before committing to a subscription.

The subscription model of Kindle Unlimited allows you to borrow up to ten titles at a time, and you can keep them for as long as you want. You can read or listen to these titles on any device with the Kindle app, including smartphones, tablets, or Kindle e-readers.

It also supports features like Whispersync, which syncs your progress across devices, making it convenient to switch between reading and listening.

What is Audible?

Audible is an audio content provider and subscription service that offers a vast selection of audiobooks, podcasts, and spoken-word programs. It provides access to an even larger selection of audio content compared to Kindle Unlimited.

One of its key features is its membership plans, which allow users to choose from different options based on their preferences and needs.

Audible offers a monthly membership plan where members receive one credit per month, which can be used to purchase any audiobook regardless of its price. These credits can be accumulated and used at any time, even after the cancellation of the membership.

In addition to the monthly membership, the app also offers an annual membership plan, where users receive all their credits at once, allowing them to have a larger selection of audiobooks right from the start.

Overall, Audible provides flexibility in terms of membership plans, allowing users to tailor their experience and choose the option that best suits their reading preferences and budget.

Kindle Unlimited: Pros and Cons

Kindle Unlimited offers several advantages for book lovers.

One of the major pros is the ability to enjoy unlimited reading with access to a large library of titles. Whether you prefer fiction, non-fiction, or even magazines, it provides a wide range of options to choose from.

Another benefit is the convenience of reading on multiple devices such as smartphones, tablets, or Kindle e-readers through the Kindle app. Additionally, the Whispersync feature allows for seamless switching between reading and listening, making it easier to enjoy your favorite books on the go.

However, there are a few cons to consider.

Compared to its counterpart Audible, Kindle Unlimited has fewer audiobook options. Additionally, not all popular titles may be available in its library.

Lastly, it’s important to note that a subscription to Kindle Unlimited does not mean ownership of the books, as they are borrowed rather than owned.

Overall, this service provides a great opportunity to explore a vast collection of books, but it’s essential to weigh these pros and cons before making a decision.

Audible: Pros and Cons

Audible offers several advantages for audiobook enthusiasts.

One of the major pros is its excellent audiobook selection, providing access to a vast library of titles. Whether you enjoy fiction or non-fiction, it offers a wide range of options to choose from.

Another benefit is the high-quality audio experience, ensuring that you can fully immerse yourself in the narration. Additionally, Audible allows you to keep your books even after canceling your membership, giving you the freedom to revisit your favorite stories at any time.

But, there are a few cons to consider.

The higher cost of Audible compared to other services may be a limiting factor for some users. Furthermore, the restriction of receiving only one credit per month may not be sufficient for avid bookworms who consume content at a faster pace. It’s also important to note that unused credits can expire.

Despite these drawbacks, Audible remains a popular choice and a great one to consider!

In-Depth Comparison: kindle Unlimited vs audible

Feature	Kindle Unlimited	Audible
Cost	$11.99	$7.95 to $14.95
Content type	eBooks, select audiobooks, magazines	Audiobooks, podcasts
Content count	over three million titles and 5000 free audiobooks	10,000
Device compatibility	Smartphones, tablets, and Kindle e-readers.	iOS and Android devices, and Fire Tablets
Ownership of content	No, only access	Yes, for audiobooks
Free trial	30 days	30 days

When comparing the prices of Kindle vs Audible, the latter offers two membership options.

The Audible Premium Plus membership costs $14.95 per month, while the new Audible Plus membership is available at a lower price of $7.95 per month. With it, users have the choice to select the plan that best suits their needs and budget.

In contrast, the Kindle Unlimited Price is a fixed rate of $11.99 per month. It’s also important to consider aspects beyond this one:

Kindle Unlimited offers a diverse range of content, including eBooks, select audiobooks, and magazines, with over three million titles and 5000 free audiobooks. While Audible primarily focuses on audiobooks and podcasts, with a content count of 10,000 titles.

Device compatibility is another factor to consider, as Kindle Unlimited works on smartphones, tablets, and Kindle e-readers, while Audible is accessible on iOS and Android devices as well as Fire Tablets.

Additionally, ownership of content differs between the two services, with Kindle Unlimited providing access to content but no ownership, while Audible allows users to keep their purchased audiobooks even after canceling the subscription.

Both premium services offer a 30-day free trial, allowing users to explore their offerings before committing.

Kindle Unlimited vs Audible: How to Choose?

When faced with the decision between Kindle Unlimited and Audible, it’s important to consider various factors to make the right choice.

Firstly, think about your reading habits and preferences. If you are a voracious reader who enjoys diving into a wide range of genres from fiction to business and finance, Kindle Unlimited might be the ideal option. 

With its extensive collection of over three million titles, including eBooks and select audiobooks, it caters to text-based readers who prefer to immerse themselves in the written word.

On the other hand, if you find yourself constantly on the go or enjoy the convenience of listening to books during commutes, workouts, or daily tasks, Audible would be a strong recommendation.

With its focus on audiobooks and podcasts, Audible offers a vast library of titles, making it a great choice for those who prefer the auditory experience.

Additionally, budget considerations play a role in the decision-making process. Kindle Unlimited is priced at a fixed rate of $11.99 per month, while Audible offers different membership plans ranging from $7.95 to $14.95 per month.

By taking into account your reading preferences, lifestyle, and budget, you can determine whether Kindle Unlimited or Audible suits your needs best.

Audible vs Kindle Unlimited FAQs

Here are answers to your Audible vs Kindle Unlimited most burning questions:

Do you get free audiobooks with Kindle Unlimited?

Yes, Kindle Unlimited does offer free audiobooks. However, it’s important to note that not all titles on the platform are included.

Kindle Unlimited provides access to select audiobooks, alongside its vast collection of eBooks and magazines.

How many free audiobooks are included with Kindle Unlimited?

Kindle Unlimited offers approximately 5000 free audiobooks as part of its subscription package. While the exact number may vary over time, users can enjoy a substantial collection of audiobooks without any additional cost.

How many free audiobooks are included with Audible Plus?

Audible Plus, a membership plan offered by Audible, provides access to a curated catalog of thousands of audiobooks. While it doesn’t offer a specific number, subscribers of Audible Plus can enjoy an extensive range of free audiobooks included in their membership.

Does Kindle Unlimited include Audible?

While Kindle Unlimited and Audible are separate services, there is a connection between them.

Some Kindle Unlimited books may have an accompanying audiobook version available for purchase on Audible. This means that Kindle Unlimited subscribers have the option to purchase and listen to the corresponding audiobook from Audible if it is available.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the decision between Kindle Unlimited and Audible ultimately comes down to personal preferences and reading/listening habits.

Kindle Unlimited offers a diverse range of eBooks and select audiobooks, making it a great choice for voracious readers who prefer text-based experiences. On the other hand, Audible provides an extensive collection of audiobooks and podcasts, catering to those who enjoy the convenience of listening on the go.

Consider factors like content type, device compatibility, ownership of content, and pricing when making your decision. Additionally, take advantage of the free trial periods offered by both services to explore their offerings firsthand.

Whichever platform you choose, the digital age has opened up a world of possibilities for book lovers, allowing us to indulge in literature in new and exciting ways.