Just how much is Kindle Unlimited and is it actually worth the money? Find out now.
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In a world where digital content reigns supreme, Kindle Unlimited has carved out a special place for readers. This subscription service is a haven for book enthusiasts, offering access to millions of digital books, audiobooks, comics, and magazines. But with subscriptions stacking up in every corner of life, you're probably wondering — how much does Kindle Unlimited cost, and is it worth it?
Let's start with the basics. Kindle Unlimited costs $12/monthin the U.S. That's the price of a single paperback, but instead of owning just one book, you get an all-you-can-read buffet of literary goodness. And if you're on the fence, new subscribers can test the waters with a 30-day free trial. Don't forget to set a reminder, though — if you don't cancel before the trial ends, you'll be automatically charged.
What's Included in Kindle Unlimited?
Think of Kindle Unlimited as the ultimate library card, but without the overdue fines. Subscribers can explore a vast collection that includes:
- Digital Books: From bestsellers to indie gems, there's something for everyone.
- Audiobooks: Perfect for multitaskers or anyone who enjoys being read to (plus, awesome for long car rides).
- Comics and Magazines: A treasure trove for fans of visual storytelling and glossy reads.
You can borrow up to 20 books at a time, making it easy to switch between genres or explore multiple reads simultaneously. You sadly cannot keep books with Kindle Unlimited, so when we use the word "borrow", we truly mean it. Think of Kindle Unlimited as a digital library subscription — once you're no longer a member at the library, you can no longer check out books. Same goes for Kindle Unlimited. If you hit 20 books and want another, you will have to switch out a book in order to get access to the new one. When trying to take out a new book, your device will allow you to select a book to return.
This all being said, whether you're a mystery buff, a sci-fi enthusiast, or a magazine junkie, Kindle Unlimited has you covered with tons of titles available to borrow.
Where Can You Use Kindle Unlimited?
Kindle Unlimited isn't just limited to the U.S. Readers in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Japan, India, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Australia can also join the fun. All you need is a Kindle device or the Kindle app, which works on most smartphones, tablets, and computers.
Kindle Unlimited Free Trials and Deals
Who doesn't love a freebie? Kindle Unlimited offers several enticing free trial options:
- 30-Day Free Trial: Available to all new subscribers to let you decide whether or not Kindle Unlimited is right for you.
- 4-Month Free Trial: Included with the purchase of a new Kindle, making this a great addition if you're gifting a Kindle to someone.
- 2-Month Free Trial for Amazon Prime Student: All you need to do is verify that you're a student to get access to Amazon Prime Student, which is only $7.50/month or $69/year in comparison to $15/month and $139/year.
- 3-Month Free Trial with Kindle Scribe: For those diving into the world of digital note-taking — because notebooks are so last year.
Each option is designed to give you a taste of Kindle Unlimited's expansive library before committing, meaning you won't have to pay a dime in order to get access.
Can I Bundle Kindle Unlimited?
Sadly, no. Unlike some Amazon services, Kindle Unlimited isn't bundled with an Amazon Prime membership. It's a standalone subscription, but that's not a bad thing. With millions of titles and audiobooks (and awesome free trial options as mentioned above), it's a niche offering tailored specifically for readers.
Kindle Unlimited Price Comparison
Kindle Unlimited | Everand | Audible | Kobo Plus | |
Price | $12/mo. | $12/mo. | $8/mo. | $8/mo. |
Free trial length | Up to four months | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
How many titles? | 4 million+ | 1.5 million+ | 425,000+ | 2 million+ |
When it comes to reading subscriptions, Kindle Unlimited offers unbeatable versatility for $12/month. With millions of e-books, audiobooks, comics, and magazines, plus a free trial for new subscribers, it's a clear winner for anyone who loves variety. You can borrow up to 20 titles at a time, far outpacing competitors like Everand, which offers a smaller library of e-books and audiobooks for the same price but with only allowance for one to three title takeouts per month.
Other options, like Audible and Kobo Plus, cater to niche audiences but fall short on value. Audible, at $8/month, focuses exclusively on audiobooks, while Kobo Plus starts at $12/month and separates e-books and audiobooks into different plans unless you bundle. In comparison, Kindle Unlimited's diverse content and generous borrowing perks make it the best all-in-one choice for avid readers.
How to Sign Up for Kindle Unlimited
Getting started is simple. Head to the Kindle Unlimited page on Amazon, sign in to your account, and follow the prompts to activate your subscription. Managing or canceling your membership is equally straightforward — just visit the "Your Membership" page in your Amazon account settings.
Alternatively, click below to get started.
Our Final Take
Kindle Unlimited is a book lover's paradise, especially for voracious readers who breeze through multiple titles a month. At $12/month, it's a cost-effective way to access a virtually endless supply of digital content. Plus, with free trials and deals sweetening the pot, there's little reason not to give it a shot.
So, is Kindle Unlimited worth it? If you're someone who always has a book (or twenty) on the go, the answer is a resounding yes.
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