What’s the difference between Audible vs Kindle Unlimited? They’re almost entirely different digital subscription services. Audible membership is for a person who likes to listen to books. Whereas, the Kindle Unlimited program is primarily for reading Kindle ebooks.
Yet, Audible is connected with Kindle Unlimited in a way. And also, Kindle Unlimited comes with some 40 thousand audiobook library. Of course, it’s not much compared to Audible’s around 200,000 audiobook supply, but it’s still something.
So, is there a benefit of one over the other? Keep reading to learn how they differ and to find out which subscription service — Kindle Unlimited or Audible — is better for you.
Main differences between Audible and Kindle Unlimited
How do the plans work? Let’s discuss the main differences between Kindle Unlimited and Amazon Audible.
How Does Amazon Audible Work?
When you sign up for your 30-day free trial, you will receive one free audiobook and if you have Amazon Prime membership you get one more, a total of two free audiobook titles. Even if you decide to cancel the Audible subscription before the trial ends, you can keep them. That’s awesome!
Every paid month after the trial period, you’ll be awarded one credit. You can use it to buy one audiobook or rollover credit for up to 5 months if you don’t want to use it right away. Just remember to use your unused credits before you cancel your subscription. Of course, you can buy additional books each month as well.
You have access to over 200,000 audiobooks. Secure exchange if you don’t like your audiobook, swap it for free.
Release your hands for something more useful than holding a book. Listen anytime, anywhere, using apps on your phone, computer, or even with Alexa device. Make use of your time in the gym or walk. Why not listen to an audiobook while cooking.
With Audible, you don’t borrow the titles, you buy them and keep them, even after your cancellation.
How Does Kindle Unlimited Work?
Kindle Unlimited subscription allows you to access nearly 2 million titles. You can read Kindle ebooks, magazines, as well as listen to Audible narrated audiobooks (library contains over 40,000 audiobooks). The first 30 days are free, so you can try out if you like it or not.
You can borrow up to 10 Kindle Unlimited titles at once and read them on any Kindle application. It doesn’t need to be on an Amazon device. You can get Kindle for iPhone, Android, PC, and so on.
It’s good to know that even Kindle store grants access for almost two million Kindle Unlimited titles. You won’t find the most popular books from there.
All books will be gone after you cancel the Kindle Unlimited subscription. So, unlike with Audible, you don’t buy anything, you have access to a vast digital library.
Still, all your notes, highlights, and bookmarks will stay available if you access the book in the future after renewing the subscription or buying the particular book
Amazon Audible vs Kindle Unlimited — Pricing
How much is the cost of membership? Compare prices of both subscription services.
Audible Pricing
After your free 30-day trial period (cancel anytime) expires, each month will cost you $14.95. That will give you one credit to purchase any audiobook you desire, plus you’ll have unlimited access to Audible Plus catalog of over 11 000 pieces of content. This is called Audible Premium Plus membership on Amazon.
You can buy more credits if you wish. Alternatively, you may purchase individual books that cost around $10 to $25. Members get 30% off the price of additional audiobook purchases.
Since November 2020 people have had chance to subscribe for Audible Plus membership. It don’t include monthly credit but you can listen as much as you want from thousands of audiobooks, podcasts and originals.
This costs only $7.95 per month after free trial period. Remember, many of the most popular audiobooks aren’t featured in the Audible Plus collection. Still, you may want to give your eyes a deserved break, and try free Audible Plus trial.
Kindle Unlimited Pricing
You can try Kindle Unlimited free for 30 days, but you may cancel your subscription at any time. The subscription plan costs $9.99/month after the trial period.
Remember that most Kindle Unlimited books cost from $0.99 to $4.99 in the store. So you’ll have to read a few titles each month to get the benefits of this plan. If you read/listen to just one or two titles per month, it’s most likely better to buy books individually than subscribe to the monthly service.
Get instant access to near 2 million titles via Kindle Unlimited on Amazon.
So, Which Program is Better for Whom?
First thoughts. The best thing is that both come with a free 30-day trial. Also, with Audible, you get one free audiobook that is yours to keep even if you decide to cancel your subscription during the trial period.
We suggest you try both subscription-based services and cancel the one(s) you don’t like. Feel free to keep both if you want them.
If you consistently listen to several audiobooks each month or mainly want to focus on reading — not listening to books, Kindle Unlimited looks more attractive. But only if you’re not after the latest best-sellers.
On the other hand, if you listen to audiobooks just one or two per month or prefer the newest and most popular titles, go with Audible.
Remember, both free trial periods are promotions for a limited time. So please, start your free trials of Amazon Audible and Kindle Unlimited now, because the offer may be gone at any given time.