A friend recently asked me a crucial question: Is subscribing to Kindle Unlimited (KU) worth it, especially with the recent price hike from $9.99 to $11.99 (+ taxes) as of May 11? My answer is simple: it depends on how many books you actually read each month. Let's break it down.
Key Takeaways
Kindle Unlimited (KU) gives you access to over three million titles, including audiobooks, comics, and magazines.
You can borrow up to 20 books at a time with no due dates, accessible on your Kindle device or the Kindle app.
KU includes a wide range of genres, but the quality and popularity of the books can vary.
The $12 monthly fee can save you money if you read at least two books per month from KU's library.
How Does Amazon Kindle Unlimited Work?
Signing up for Kindle Unlimited makes sense if you're a book lover aiming to read as much as possible without spending too much, assuming you don't already use your local library. KU gives you access to a huge catalog of over three million titles, including audiobooks, comics, and magazines. (It's different from Prime Reading, which comes with an Amazon Prime subscription.)
Think of KU like a library: you can borrow up to 20 books at a time and read them at your own pace — no due dates. Plus, you can use KU on your Kindle device or the Kindle app on your laptop and phone. This feature is handy if you forget your Kindle at home; you can still read on your commute using the app.
When you sign up, you get unlimited access to this extensive library. The titles you choose to read are yours to keep as long as you have an active subscription. You can download books to your device, allowing you to read offline, which is great for travel or places where internet access is limited.
This convenience makes Kindle Unlimited appealing to avid readers like me who don't want to be tied down by physical books or library due dates.
What Books Can You Read on Amazon Kindle Unlimited?
Almost anything! With over three million titles, you'll never run out of reading material. But here's the catch: Are the books in KU's library actually good? Would you read them if you didn't have KU? That's the big question.
For example, I read Every Last Fear by Alex Finlay on KU which was a great thriller. There are also excellent nonfiction books like Carmen Maria Machado's In the Dream House, Danielle Prescod's Token Black Girl, and Michelle McNamara's I'll Be Gone in the Dark.
You'll find popular fiction like The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo, Of Women and Salt by Gabriela Garcia, and The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris. If you're into thrillers, check out Jeneva Rose's The Perfect Marriage and Freida McFadden's The Housemaid.
I use KU mainly for my romance novel obsession. If you love romance and read 3-5 books a month, KU is worth it. There's a wide range, from spicy to historical romances and contemporary titles by Casey McQuiston (One Last Stop), Alexis Hall (Boyfriend Material), and Kate Canterbary (In a Jam).
In addition to these, KU also offers a good selection of children's books, cookbooks, and self-help books. Whether you're looking for educational content, hobbies, or entertainment, KU has something to offer. However, the quality and popularity of the books can vary, so it's worth browsing the catalog to see if it matches your interests before committing.
Kindle Unlimited Vs Prime Reading
If you're an Amazon Prime member, you might be familiar with Prime Reading. Prime Reading is a free benefit for Prime members, offering a selection of around 2,500 titles. In comparison, Kindle Unlimited offers over three million titles. Prime Reading includes some audiobooks, but the selection is limited to a few hundred titles, whereas KU provides access to thousands.
Prime Reading is a nice perk if you already have a Prime membership, giving you access to a modest library of books without any extra cost. However, it can't compete with Kindle Unlimited when it comes to the variety and number of available titles. Prime Reading is more of a bonus feature, while KU is designed for serious readers who want a vast array of choices.
Does Amazon Kindle Unlimited Have New Book Releases?
Not usually. If you love reading brand-new bestsellers as soon as they're released, KU might not be for you. Think of it like an old Blockbuster store — they had the movies, but not the ones still in theaters. However, KU does get some bestsellers after they've been out for a while.
The lack of brand-new releases is a downside for readers who want the latest books as soon as they're available. If you're someone who likes to read the newest titles right when they hit the shelves, you'll probably find KU's offerings a bit lacking. However, for those who are okay with waiting a bit, KU's selection can still be very satisfying.
On the bright side, KU does feature many indie authors and lesser-known titles that can be hidden gems. This platform gives you the chance to discover new authors and books you might not come across otherwise.
Is Amazon Kindle Unlimited Actually Worth It?
For me, yes. I read about 10 books a month, so paying a flat rate for KU is cheaper than buying each book individually. E-books can be pricey, often around $10 each. If you read two or more books a month and don't mind sticking to KU's library, the $12 monthly fee can save you money.
However, finding high-quality novels on KU can be hit or miss. There are gems, but you'll need to search for them. The romance genre, for example, has plenty of options, but many titles might feel like B- and C-list books. If you're willing to sift through the catalog, you'll find worthwhile reads, but it requires some effort.
Overall, I'd recommend trying Amazon's free KU trial first. This way, you can see if you use the service enough to justify the cost. The trial period allows you to explore the catalog and get a feel for the type of books available. If you find yourself enjoying and using the service regularly, then it makes financial sense to continue with the subscription.
Additionally, consider your reading habits and preferences. If you prefer physical books or have a strong attachment to your local library, KU might not be the best fit. However, if you enjoy the convenience of digital reading and want access to a wide range of genres and titles, KU can be a great investment.