If you love to read (or have kids who enjoy reading), you’ve likely encountered the Kindle Unlimited subscription and wondered, “What is Kindle Unlimited?” or “Is Kindle Unlimited worth it?”
Been there, done that.
I’ve subscribed to Kindle Unlimited at least twice for a combined period of at least six months. I’ve also used a Kindle for over 10 years, so I’m very familiar with the device and Amazon’s offerings in general.
I’ll walk you through what Kindle Unlimited is, why it’s worth considering (and why it may not be the best option for you), and answer all your questions about the service.
How does Kindle Unlimited work?
Kindle Unlimited is a digital book subscription service that gives Amazon Kindle readers access to millions of ebooks, magazines, and audiobooks for a fixed fee every month. You can only access Kindle Unlimited books on a Kindle device or the Amazon Kindle app.
What is the benefit of Kindle Unlimited?
The main benefit of Kindle Unlimited is that it allows readers to read multiple books and magazines digitally for a cheaper price. You also have access to a selection of audiobook narrations. So instead of buying several Kindle books in one month, you can pay $9.99 monthly and read to your heart’s content.
Using Kindle Unlimited
Here are answers to all your questions about using this service.
Can I share my Kindle Unlimited?
Yes, you can share your Kindle Unlimited titles with members of your Amazon Household. So when you borrow a book, you can select a family member to share it with. However, only one family member can be in charge of the borrowing process. They’ll then share the book with others.
Can I cancel Kindle Unlimited after the free trial?
Of course! Amazon is pretty generous with the Kindle Unlimited free trial. You can cancel just before it expires. You will lose all the Kindle Unlimited books on your Kindle when you cancel your subscription. Remember, they’re not yours — just on loan.
Often, Amazon will even offer you another month or three at a reduced price to entice you into staying. (That’s how I stayed for so long!) And you get a free trial offer every year or so – even after you’ve done one already.
Are all books available on Kindle Unlimited?
Nope! A selection of books is available. These are mostly classics (like Shakespeare, Jane Austen, etc.), super popular books (think Katherine Center’s older books), bestsellers, and series. They’re great for a reader whose interests match these and who isn’t too big on newer titles.
How much does it cost for Kindle Unlimited?
Kindle Unlimited costs $9.99 per month.
Is there a Kindle Unlimited app?
No, but there is a Kindle app (just search Kindle on your device’s app store), and you can read all your Kindle Unlimited books there.
Do books need to be returned to Kindle Unlimited?
It depends. You’ll need to return Kindle Unlimited books after reading if you’ve hit your borrow limit. Users can borrow a maximum of 20 Kindle Unlimited titles at a time. Once you hit this limit, you have to return one to borrow a new book.
Is there a way to see what books I’ve read on kindle unlimited?
Yes, you can go to your profile on Amazon.com and click on “Content & Devices.” You’ll see which books you currently have borrowed from Kindle Unlimited.
Kindle Unlimited and Prime Subscriptions
Here are some common questions about Kindle Unlimited and Prime.
What’s the difference between Kindle Unlimited and Prime Reading?
Prime Reading allows Amazon Prime subscribers access to a selection of books and magazines (and their Audible narrations) at no extra cost. The Prime Reading selection is typically different from the Kindle Unlimited selections – although they often overlap.
Kindle Unlimited is available to all Amazon users who subscribe to Kindle Unlimited (whether or not they have a Prime membership).
Basically, Prime Reading is for Prime subscribers, while Kindle Unlimited is for Kindle Unlimited subscribers. Both subscriptions include ebooks, magazines, and audiobooks – but different selections.
Is Kindle Unlimited free to Prime members?
No, Prime members will need to subscribe to Kindle Unlimited to gain access to books in this selection. Prime Reading is free for Prime members.
How much is Kindle Unlimited with Prime?
The same as it is for everyone – $9.99!
Kindles and Kindle Unlimited
Got questions about how Kindles work with Kindle Unlimited? Here you go.
What is the difference between Kindle and Kindle Unlimited?
The Kindle is a reading device created by Amazon. There’s also a Kindle app, which people can use on their mobile phones and tablets. Kindle Unlimited is a subscription that allows Kindle (app and device) users access to a library of specific books for a monthly or annual fee.
Kindle Unlimited and Audible
Here are answers to questions about using Audible vs Kindle Unlimited.
What is the difference between Kindle Unlimited and Audible?
Audible is an audiobook subscription service (there are several of these right now) that offers you one monthly credit and access to a free selection of audiobooks, Audible Originals, meditation programs, magazines, and podcasts for a fee of $7.95 or $14.95. Kindle Unlimited focuses on ebooks and digital magazines. To listen to audiobooks from Kindle Unlimited, you’ll need to download the Audible app.
What’s a better deal? Kindle Unlimited or Audible subscription?
Honestly? Neither. Both Kindle Unlimited and Audible have such limited offerings for the fee they charge. I prefer to use Scribd, which also gives you access to ebooks, magazines, and audiobooks for a lower charge.
With Scribd, you have UNLIMITED access to everything, not just “a selection.” So you can read new releases on their publication dates and listen to a wide range of audiobooks and podcasts.
If you want to try Scribd, you can use this link to get two months free (it’ll get me one free month – win-win!).
How to get Kindle Unlimited for free
You can check to see if you have a free trial on offer! On your Amazon dashboard, click on your profile.
Scroll down and click Kindle Unlimited
Since you don’t have a Kindle Unlimited subscription, you’ll see this message
Just click on “here,” and you’ll see on the next page if there’s a free trial offer for you. I currently have one!
Is Kindle Unlimited worth it?
It depends on your reading needs. Kindle Unlimited may be worth it for you if:
- You have voracious readers at home and read mostly on a Kindle. In that case, you might appreciate having access to a wide selection of books for a fixed price. Amazon also changes the selection every few months to keep things fresh. It’s also great that you can get access to audiobook narrations as well.
- You read from a handful of popular (mass market) or classic authors or don’t have picky reading needs and just want to have fun books to read regardless of who the author is.
However, you’ll rarely see new books on Kindle Unlimited, and most of the buzzy titles will likely be unavailable there. If that’s more your reading style, I recommend trying out Scribd. With my link, you’ll get two months free to give it a spin and see if you’d like to commit.
What do you think? Leave a comment