Differences Between Audible vs Kindle Unlimited

While both Audible and Kindle Unlimited are Amazon subscriptions, there are differences between these two programs. Kindle Unlimited is primarily an e-book service with audiobooks as a bonus. At the same time, Audible is strictly an audiobook service. Read on to learn more about the differences between Audible vs Kindle Unlimited.

What is Kindle Unlimited?

Kindle Unlimited is a subscription-based service offered by Amazon that allows readers to access over one million ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines for a monthly fee. With Kindle Unlimited, subscribers can borrow and read as many books as they want from the available selection, with no due dates. The service is available on any device with the Kindle app, including smartphones, tablets, and computers, making it easy to read on the go. Kindle Unlimited also offers exclusive content and popular titles from bestselling authors, and borrowed books count as sales for authors enrolled in the service. However, not all books are available on Kindle Unlimited, and the quality of the books can vary.

What is Kindle Audible?

Kindle Audible is a feature of Amazon’s Kindle e-reader that allows users to listen to audiobooks alongside reading the ebook version of the same book. It is a combination of the Kindle ebook reader and Audible, Amazon’s audiobook subscription service. With Kindle Audible, users can switch seamlessly between reading and listening to an audiobook, with the device keeping track of their progress in both formats. Kindle Audible can be used on any device with the Kindle app, including smartphones, tablets, and computers, making it easy to listen on the go. However, using Kindle Audible requires a subscription to Audible and an internet connection to download audiobooks.

What’s the Difference Between Audible vs Kindle Unlimited?

Audible and Kindle Unlimited are both services offered by Amazon for reading and listening to books, respectively. However, there are some key differences between the two:

1. Content: Kindle Unlimited offers access to a library of over one million eBooks and audiobooks, while Audible offers access to over 500,000 audiobooks.
2. Medium: Kindle Unlimited is a subscription service that allows you to read eBooks and listen to audiobooks on your Kindle device or the Kindle app, while Audible is an audiobook subscription service that allows you to listen to audiobooks on the Audible app or on compatible devices.
3. Pricing: Kindle Unlimited is priced at $9.99 per month, while Audible is priced at $14.95 per month. However, Audible also offers a credit system, where you can purchase audiobooks at a discounted price using credits.
4. Availability: Kindle Unlimited is available in select countries, while Audible is available in more than 170 countries.

Kindle Audible PROs

Here are some pros of using Kindle Audible:

1. Convenient: Kindle Audible allows you to listen to audiobooks on your Kindle device or mobile device, making it convenient to access your books while on the go.
2. Multitasking: With Kindle Audible, you can listen to audiobooks while doing other tasks, such as exercising, cooking, or commuting.
3. Syncing: Kindle Audible syncs your progress between devices, so you can seamlessly switch between reading and listening without losing your place.
4. Whispersync for Voice: This feature enables you to switch between reading and listening without losing your place, as the audiobook and ebook versions are synced.
5. Immersive experience: Listening to an audiobook can be a more immersive experience than reading, as you can hear the narration, sound effects, and character voices.
6. Variety of titles: Kindle Audible offers a vast selection of audiobooks, including bestsellers, classics, and new releases.
7. Cost-effective: Subscribing to Kindle Audible can be more cost-effective than purchasing individual audiobooks, especially if you listen to a lot of books.
8. Free trial: Amazon offers a free trial of Kindle Audible, allowing you to try the service before committing to a subscription.

Kindle Audible CONs

Here are some cons of using Kindle Audible:

1. Cost: While Kindle Audible can be cost-effective if you listen to a lot of books, it can be expensive if you only listen to a few books a year.
2. Internet Connection: You need an internet connection to download audiobooks, which can be an issue if you don’t have a reliable internet connection.
3. Battery life: Listening to audiobooks can drain your device’s battery faster than reading an ebook, which means you may need to charge your device more frequently.
4. Audio Quality: The audio quality of some audiobooks may not be as good as others, which can be distracting and make it difficult to listen to.
5. Limited accessibility features: Kindle Audible has limited accessibility features for users with visual or hearing impairments, which can be a barrier for some users.
6. Regional Restrictions: Some audiobooks may not be available in certain regions due to licensing restrictions, limiting the selection for some users.
7. Audio compatibility: Some older Kindle devices may not be compatible with Audible audiobooks, requiring you to upgrade to a newer device to listen to audiobooks.

Kindle Unlimited PROs

Here are some pros of using Kindle Unlimited:

1. Wide Selection: Kindle Unlimited offers access to over one million ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines, providing a vast selection of content.
2. Cost-effective: For a flat monthly fee, you can read as many books as you want, making it a cost-effective option for avid readers.
3. Convenient: Kindle Unlimited allows you to access your books from any device with the Kindle app, including smartphones, tablets, and computers, making it easy to read on the go.
4. Free Trial: Amazon offers a 30-day free trial of Kindle Unlimited, allowing you to try the service before committing to a subscription.
5. Popular titles: Kindle Unlimited includes popular titles from bestselling authors, as well as books from up-and-coming authors, giving readers access to a wide variety of content.
6. No due dates: Unlike borrowing books from a library, there are no due dates with Kindle Unlimited. You can keep the books as long as you want and read them at your own pace.
7. Whispersync for Voice: This feature enables you to switch between reading and listening without losing your place, as the audiobook and ebook versions are synced.
8. Exclusive content: Kindle Unlimited offers exclusive content that is only available to subscribers, including books from Amazon’s own publishing imprints.
9. Borrowed books count as sales: Authors whose books are enrolled in Kindle Unlimited receive royalties based on the number of pages read, making it a way for authors to earn income and for readers to support their favorite authors.

Kindle Unlimited CONs

Here are some cons of using Kindle Unlimited:

1. Limited selection: While Kindle Unlimited offers access to over one million ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines, the selection may not include all the titles you are interested in, especially if you are looking for newer or more obscure titles.
2. Quality: The quality of the books available on Kindle Unlimited can vary, and some titles may not be as well-edited or well-written as traditionally published books.
3. Device limitations: Kindle Unlimited is only available on devices with the Kindle app, which may not be compatible with all devices, such as e-readers that are not manufactured by Amazon.
4. Licensing restrictions: Some books may not be available on Kindle Unlimited due to licensing restrictions or publisher agreements, limiting the selection for some users.
5. Subscription-based: Kindle Unlimited is a subscription-based service, which means that you need to pay a monthly fee to access the books. If you don’t read enough books to make the subscription cost-effective, it may not be worth it for you.
6. Limited access: If you cancel your Kindle Unlimited subscription, you lose access to all the books you borrowed through the service, which can be frustrating if you haven’t finished reading them.
7. Audible compatibility: While Kindle Unlimited includes access to some audiobooks, not all titles are available in audio format, which may be a downside for some users.

Summary: Differences Between Audible vs Kindle Unlimited

Kindle Unlimited offers access to a larger library of eBooks and audiobooks at a lower price, while Audible offers a smaller library of audiobooks at a higher price with additional benefits like discounted purchases using credits.

---

Interested in Learning More About Self-Publishing on Amazon KDP?

Are you a dietitian that has self-publishing on your bucket list for 2023? Join the Click to Publish course today and make your dream a reality.

---

Looking for Additional Reading?

• IngramSpark Vs KDP: What Are The Key Differences?
• 21+ Amazon KDP Low-Content Book Ideas
• BISAC Codes And Amazon KDP
• 11 Reasons Why RDNs Need To Self-Publish On Amazon KDP
• All About Low Content Books [Amazon KDP]
• How To Create Amazon A+ Content For Books
• Understanding KDP Book Printing Costs
• KDP Book Sizes: How To Select The Right One
• ISBNs For eBooks: Do You Need One?
• All About Barcodes For Books
• How To Gift An eBook On Amazon
• What Is Amazon KDP Expanded Distribution?
• How To Get Your Book Noticed On Amazon