The Ultimate Guide to Kindle & Audible Memberships: Which One Is Right For You?
Feeling overwhelmed by all the reading subscription options? You’re not alone. As avid readers, we’ve tested them all, and Amazon’s Kindle and Audible memberships are among the most powerful for building your digital library. But which one saves you money and fits your reading habits?
This simple guide breaks down the best membership plans for every type of reader, including how you can try them for FREE.
What is Kindle Unlimited Membership?
A Kindle Unlimited membership is a monthly subscription service that unlocks a vast digital library. For one flat fee, you get instant access to a collection of over 5 million digital books, plus thousands of audiobooks, comics, manga, and popular magazines.
The moment you sign up, you can immediately start browsing and downloading titles from the entire Kindle Unlimited catalog. There are no waitlists or holds—every single title is available to read right away.
You can enjoy your books on any device using the free Kindle app, whether it’s your phone, tablet, computer, or a dedicated Kindle e-reader. With Kindle Unlimited, you can borrow up to 20 titles at once and keep them for as long as you like, returning them at your convenience with no due dates.
What books are included with Kindle Unlimited?
Kindle Unlimited features a wide range of titles spanning beloved authors and genres—from bingeworthy series and popular best sellers to modern classics and thought-provoking nonfiction works. You can search genres like mystery, thriller, romance, science fiction, and fantasy to find your next read. In all, Amazon offers access to more than 5 million digital books with Kindle Unlimited.
Look for the Kindle Unlimited badge throughout the Kindle Store, and click on the “Read for Free” button on Kindle book pages to sign up and start reading. Browse Kindle Unlimited books .
What audiobooks are included with Kindle Unlimited?
Audio narration is available for thousands of Kindle Unlimited titles. Just look for the headphone icon next to the Kindle Unlimited logo on each book. Browse Kindle Unlimited audiobooks.
What magazines are included with Kindle Unlimited?
Kindle Unlimited offers a selection of popular magazines, including USA Today, Reader’s Digest, Men’s Health, People, and Bloomberg Businessweek, among others. Browse Kindle Unlimited magazines.
Do I need to have a Kindle device to use Kindle Unlimited?
Nope! You can download and read books available in Kindle Unlimited on any Kindle device, smartphone, computer, or tablet using the free Kindle app. The Kindle app is available on iOS, Android, Mac, PC, and the web, and it’s included on all Amazon Fire tablets. Of course, you can always read on your Kindle device, including Kindle Paperwhite, Kindle Colorsoft, and Kindle Scribe.
How many Kindle Unlimited books can you borrow at a time?
You can borrow up to 20 digital books, audiobooks, or comics at a time; return them at your convenience; and borrow new titles instantly. Magazine subscriptions do not count toward your limit.
Is Kindle Unlimited free with Prime?
No. Kindle Unlimited is a distinct membership that offers members access to more than 5 million digital books, audiobooks, comics, and magazines. Prime members get a free book every month through Amazon First Reads, and can explore Kindle Unlimited with access to a curated selection of the catalog.
How much does Kindle Unlimited cost?
In the U.S., a Kindle Unlimited membership costs $11.99 a month plus taxes.
Where is Kindle Unlimited available?
Kindle Unlimited membership is available in Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Spain, the U.S., and the UK.
How do I cancel my Kindle Unlimited membership?
You can cancel your Kindle Unlimited membership at any time. Just go to Manage your Kindle Unlimited Membership and select “Cancel Kindle Unlimited Subscription.”
Your membership will remain active until your next billing date, after which you’ll lose access to your Kindle Unlimited titles. If you cancel your membership, you will not receive a refund of any membership fees already paid.
👉 Ready to dive into a world of unlimited books? Start your 30-Day FREE Trial of Kindle Unlimited here!
Looking for a reader gift idea this Christmas? You can gift a Kindle Unlimited membership for the voracious reader in your life. 🎄🎅 📚
2. Audible Plus: The Curated Audiobook Library
Best for: Audiobook fans who listen regularly and are happy with a rotating selection of titles.
How it Works:
The entry-level Audible membership gives you access to the Audible Plus Catalog. This is a huge, curated collection of thousands of audiobooks, podcasts, and originals that you can stream or download as long as you’re a member.
What You’ll Love:
- All-You-Can-Listen: No limits on how much you listen from the Plus Catalog.
- Exclusive Content: Access to Audible Originals you can’t get anywhere else.
- No Commitments: Explore new genres and narrators without using credits.
The Catch:
The Plus Catalog changes as titles rotate in and out, and it doesn’t include every audiobook you might want.
Looking for a reader gift idea this Christmas? You can gift an audible membership from one month to a whole year.
3. Audible Premium Plus: The Complete Audiobook Experience
Best for: The serious audiobook lover who wants permanent ownership of specific titles.
How it Works:
This is Audible’s flagship plan. It includes everything in Audible Plus, plus one or more monthly credits.
This is the key feature: Each credit can be redeemed for any audiobook in the massive Audible library, regardless of its price. This book is yours to keep, even if you cancel your membership.
What You’ll Love:
- Own Your Favorites: Use credits on expensive new releases and bestsellers, making the per-book cost incredibly low.
- Member Discounts: Get up to 80% off additional audiobooks beyond your credit.
- The Best of Both Worlds: Unlimited listening from the Plus Catalog and a credit to own a premium title.
👉 For the ultimate audiobook experience, start your 30-Day FREE Trial of Audible Premium Plus (includes 1 free credit)!
Kindle Unlimited vs. Audible: Which Membership Should You Choose?
Still unsure? Ask yourself these questions:
- “Do I primarily read, or primarily listen?”
- If you read more, start with Kindle Unlimited.
- If you listen more, start with Audible Premium Plus.
- “Do I want to own my books or just have access to them?”
- To build a permanent library, choose Audible Premium Plus.
- For maximum variety and discovery, choose Kindle Unlimited.
Pro-Tip: Heavy readers can absolutely benefit from having both. You can use Kindle Unlimited for your daily reading and Audible for the specific bestsellers you want to own. The free trials are the perfect way to test this combo!
Start your reading adventure today and claim your FREE trial!
Kindle & Audible Membership Price Chart
How much does Kindle Unlimited and Audible cost? Let’s break down the latest prices in the following charts from monthly to yearly memberships.
Kindle Unlimited Cost
| Plan / Type | Price | Notes / Features |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly subscription | US $11.99 / month | You get unlimited access to the Kindle Unlimited catalog; you can borrow up to 20 titles at a time. |
| Free trial | Usually 30 days | For new users, a 30-day trial is often offered. |
| (Promotional offers) | e.g. 3 months free | Occasionally Amazon runs promos (e.g. free months) for Kindle Unlimited for Prime members. |
Notes / caveats
- The “unlimited” is limited by the fact you can only have 20 active “loans” at a time; you must return a book to borrow a new one.
- If you cancel, your borrowed books become inaccessible (you don’t own them).
- Some Kindle Unlimited titles have Audible narration (i.e., “Whispersync for Voice”) but not all.
Audible Cost
How much does Audible cost? Subscriptions have several tiers, mixing “streaming-only” (no credits) with “premium + credits” models. Here’s a breakdown:
| Plan / Tier | Price | Credits / What You Get | Notes / Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audible Plus | US $7.95 / month | 0 credits | Full access to the “Plus Catalog” (streaming titles, originals, etc.) but you cannot redeem credits for premium titles. |
| Audible Premium Plus — 1 Credit (monthly) | US $14.95 / month | 1 credit / month | You get the Plus Catalog + 1 credit to redeem a “premium selection” title (which you keep permanently). |
| Audible Premium Plus — 2 Credits (monthly) | US $22.95 / month | 2 credits / month | Same as above, but with 2 credits. |
| Annual — 12 Credits | US $149.50 / year | 12 credits total | Billed annually; includes all Premium Plus benefits. |
| Annual — 24 Credits | US $229.50 / year | 24 credits total | Higher annual plan with more credits. |
| Promotional / discount offers | e.g. US $0.99 / mo for first 3 months | — | Amazon sometimes offers steep discounts for initial months. After the promo period, it reverts to the standard rate (e.g. $14.95/mo) |
Additional notes / trade-offs
- The credits you earn (for Premium Plus tiers) can be used to “buy” premium titles; you keep them even if you cancel.
- All plans include access to the Plus Catalog (streaming library) — that’s the “base” content.
- Credits typically expire after one year (i.e., you must use them).
Comparative Snapshot & Cost per Credit
Here’s a comparative look (in USD) of some plans and how much you effectively pay per “full book” (credit), when relevant:
- Kindle Unlimited — $11.99 / month, no credits, unlimited reading from its catalog
- Audible Plus — $7.95 / month, no credits, streaming-only
- Audible Premium Plus (1-credit) — $14.95 / mo → 1 credit, plus streaming
- Audible Premium Plus (2-credit) — $22.95 / mo → 2 credits ⇒ ~$11.48 per credit
- Audible Annual 12 credits — $149.50 / yr → effective $12.46 per credit (if fully used)
Start your reading adventure today and claim your FREE trial!
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