Is Kindle Unlimited Worth It?
- Lo Hatt
- Jan 4
- 11 min read
Updated: Jan 28
Is Kindle Unlimited a Good Investment?
A Booklovers’ Review and Guide Of Kindle Unlimited
Calling all booklovers! Kindle Unlimited is your golden ticket to a world of endless reading. It's like Netflix for books but without the endless scrolling and agonizing over what to watch. Dive into a vast ocean of ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines, all for one low price. With Kindle Unlimited, your dream of having a portable library is finally a reality (no heavy lifting required!
(Skip down to my verdict, here)
What is KU (Kindle Unlimted)?
Kindle Unlimited: Your All-Access Pass to a World of Reading 📖✨
Kindle Unlimited is your golden ticket to a world of endless reading! It is a fantastic way to dive into countless stories with output breaking the bank, all while keeping your library in one easy-to-carry place. It is a monthly subscription service costing half of a new release hardcopy. Dive into a vast ocean of an ever-growing selection of digital books, audiobooks, magazines, and even comics without a due date. You can borrow titles and access them on your WiFi-enabled Kindle devices, or through the Kindle app. Just a heads-up: these titles can't be downloaded or transferred via USB, so you'll need an internet connection to access your literary treasures. But hey, that's a small price to pay for a universe of stories at your fingertips, right? KU is also a great way of gifting to your fellow booklovers. 😉
So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of Kindle Unlimited and let the reading adventures begin! 🎉
How does it work?
With Kindle Unlimited, you can borrow and read 📖 as many books as you like! Explore different genres, whether you're in the mood for a thrilling mystery, a heartwarming romance, or a thought-provoking novel. It's perfect for those who love discovering new authors and exciting stories!
You can borrow up to 20 titles at a time. This is similar to a library, but with Kindle Unlimited, there are no due dates! You can keep your books as long as you want. Any magazines you borrow don't count toward your borrowing limit. 🤩Enjoy your borrowed Kindle Unlimited books on any WiFi-enabled Kindle device or through the handy Kindle app. (See our post here on E-reader devices) This is super handy when you are traveling. Just keep in mind (according to the Amazon/Kindle site) that these titles can't be downloaded or transferred via USB.(*Note-To be clear you can still download those borrowed books for offline reading through the Kindle app. Perfect for those long flights or cozy cabin getaways where Wi-Fi is just a distant dream." ✈️📚)
Use your Amazon account to borrow books. Look for the Kindle Unlimited badge in the Kindle Store to easily find eligible titles. ✅
Do I need an Amazon account? Is it free?
While we all wish it were magically bundled with Prime, Kindle Unlimited is a separate beast. (And alas, it requires actual money.
A Kindle Unlimited subscription requires an Amazon account and costs $11.99/month. (As of 2025 any online source stating, $9.99 is outdated.) You must have an Amazon account with a current, valid payment method. Again, given the average book price, it's a good deal. However, not all books are free, especially new releases, and free titles can change. If you see a book you want, be sure to grab it while you can.
Do I need a Kindle device to read on?
You can read Kindle Unlimited books practically anywhere on many different digital devices. Just download the free Kindle app, or use the Cloud Reader, and you're good to go! And if your eyes need a break, many titles come with Audible narration - perfect for those times when you'd rather listen to a book than, you know, actually read.
Discover our blog to find the perfect e-reader that suits your needs and enhances your reading experience! HERE
With Kindle Unlimited, your reading options are kinda limitless. Enjoy books on your preferred device:
Kindle e-readers: Designed for optimal reading.
Tablets and iPads: For a larger screen experience.
Smartphones: Read on the go with the Kindle app.
Prefer to read on your computer? No problem! Kindle is compatible with Windows 8, 8.1, 10, and 11, as well as Mac OS X 10.14 or higher. And don't forget about the Kindle Cloud Reader! It works on any device with an internet connection and even lets you download books for offline reading. Want to listen to your books? Many Kindle Unlimited titles are available on Audible. Just look for the orange headphones next to the book.
How do I get KU?
So, Kindle Unlimited has caught your eye? Excellent choice! It's like a buffet for booklovers – all you can read for one low price. 😂📚
Here's the scoop on how to get your hands on this literary goldmine:
Head over to the Kindle Unlimited page on Amazon. (It's like a secret portal to a world of endless reading possibilities.)
Click that shiny "Start your free trial" button. (Don't worry, it won't bite... probably.)
Follow the instructions to sign up. (It's easier than remembering your password for that one website you haven't used in five years.)
Boom! You're in. Now go forth and conquer that towering TBR pile!
A few things to keep in mind:
Free Trial Fun: Most new users can snag a free trial to test the waters. It's like a sneak peek into the KU wonderland.
Amazon Prime Perk: If you're an Amazon Prime member, you might have access to an extended free trial or other exclusive offers. (Prime members get all the cool perks.)
Subscription Shenanigans: Once your free trial ends, you'll automatically roll into a paid monthly subscription. (But hey, it's cheaper than a coffee addiction.)
Cancellation Conundrum: You can cancel anytime. (No guilt trips, we promise.)
So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of Kindle Unlimited and unleash your inner booklover! 📖🤓
How can I listen to books from Kindle Unlimited?
(check out our blog on the audible app)
Ah, so you're diving into the world of Kindle Unlimited audiobooks! 🎧️ Excellent choice. It's like having a personal storyteller at your beck and call (without the awkward social interactions).
Here's a breakdown of how to get your listen on:
The Kindle App: Your one-stop shop for both reading AND listening. Who needs two apps when you can have it all?
Find your bookish soulmate (aka the book you want to devour... with your ears).
Snag the Audible version. (Keep an eye out for those orange headphones - they're like a treasure map to audio gold.)
Tap that play button and let the sonic journey begin!
Fire Tablet or Amazon Echo: "Alexa, play my book!" It's the ultimate lazy-person hack (and we're not here to judge).
Text-to-Speech: Want to hear your book narrated by a robot? Now you can! (Disclaimer: May cause an existential crisis about the future of humanity.)
Whispersync for Voice: This magical feature syncs your reading and listening progress. Start reading on your phone, then seamlessly switch to listening on your Echo while you do the dishes. Multitasking has never been so literary!
Need more audiobooks to fuel your addiction?
Amazon Website: Embrace the chaos and navigate the wilds of Amazon. Just follow the orange headphones – they'll lead you to your audio destiny.
"Books with Narration in Kindle Unlimited" Page: This page is a treasure trove of listening delights. Happy ear-reading! 🎧
*Psst... wanna know a little secret? Sometimes, Audible gives you a sweet discount on audiobooks if you've already got the ebook in your Kindle Unlimited library! 🤫
So, let's say you hear about a book with an amazing narrator (you know, the kind that makes you feel like you're right there in the story). Before you rush off to buy the audiobook, pop over to your Kindle Unlimited app and add the ebook to your library. Then, check the audiobook price on Audible – you might be pleasantly surprised with a discount of up to 50%! It's like a little reward for being a booklover and a savvy shopper.
How do I check out a library book using KU? (from the amazon/kindle site)
Just like physical library books, borrowed Kindle books have a lending period, a fellow library enthusiast! Interested in borrowing digital books from your local library with Kindle Unlimited? That's a fantastic way to expand your reading horizons without breaking the bank (or exceeding your weight limit at the library). 😉
Here's the step-by-step guide to borrowing library ebooks with KU:
Library Card and PIN: Make sure you have a valid library card and PIN. (If not, it's time for a field trip to your local library!)
OverDrive Detective: Check if your library uses OverDrive, a digital service that partners with libraries to lend ebooks. (Most libraries do, but it's always good to double-check.)
Kindle Book Quest: Visit your library's website and search for "Kindle books" or "ebooks." (It's like a treasure hunt, but with less digging and more clicking.)
Amazon Account Connection: At checkout, sign in to your Amazon account and choose the device where you want to send the book. (Make sure it's registered to your Amazon account.)
Download and Enjoy: Connect your device to Wi-Fi and download the book from the "Archived Items" or "Cloud" section.
How does Kindle Unlimited Rewards work?
Okay, booklovers, listen up! Kindle Unlimited has a secret weapon to keep you hooked (besides, you know, the endless supply of books): the Kindle Rewards program. It's like a frequent flyer program for your reading addiction.
Here's the deal:
Free for All: This program is free to join for all US customers. No hidden fees, no secret handshakes, just pure bookish rewards.
Points Galore: Earn points every time you buy a Kindle book (3 points per dollar!) or a print book (1 point per dollar). It's like getting paid to read... kind of.
Redeem and Rejoice: Cash in your points for Kindle book credits. It's like finding money in your couch cushions, but way more exciting.
No KU Required: You don't even need a Kindle Unlimited subscription to join the fun. It's like a bonus party just for being a book lover.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind:
Expiration Dates: Points expire after 3 months, so don't hoard them like they're going out of style.
Redemption Threshold: You need at least 300 points to redeem for a credit. (Think of it as a mini-challenge to fuel your book-buying habit.)
Digital Only: Credits can only be used for eligible digital books. (Sorry, print book lovers, you'll have to stick to real money for now.)
Ready to rack up those points? Head over to the Kindle Rewards page to learn more and check your balance. Happy reading (and rewarding)! 📚🎉
Can you share KU books?
Sharing is Caring (Especially When it Comes to us Booklovers!)
Got a booklover buddy who's always eyeing your Kindle? Or is your partner also an advid reader? Good news! You can share your borrowed Kindle Unlimited titles with other members of your Amazon Household. It's like a book club for introverts – all the books, none of the forced small talk.
Here's the how-to:
Household Formation: First, you'll need to create an Amazon Household. (Don't worry, it's less complicated than building an actual house.) Head over to the "Create Your Amazon Household" page and follow the instructions.
Sharing is Caring: Open the Kindle app and tap "Share Your Kindle Content." Choose the lucky recipient from your household and select the books you want to share. Hit that "Share Items" button, and voilà! You're practically a literary philanthropist.
Automation Nation: Want to share all your future borrows and purchases automatically? Just turn on the "Share Future Purchases and Kindle Unlimited titles by Default" option. It's like setting your sharing on autopilot.
Important Note: Only the primary Kindle Unlimited account holder can borrow books. (Sorry, you can't deputize your goldfish.)
So go forth and spread the bookish love! Sharing is caring, especially when it comes to escaping into a good story. 📖❤️
How can I give a Kindle Unlimited book as a gift?
Yes, Become a Book Fairy Amazon lets you buy Kindle books in bulk and send them to all the booklovers in your life. Here's how to unleash your inner book fairy:
Pick Your Potion: Head to the Kindle eBook's product detail page on Amazon. Choose wisely – you don't want to accidentally send a steamy romance novel to your grandma.
Quantity Conundrums: In the "Buy for others" box, select how many copies you want to purchase. The more, the merrier (and the more brownie points you'll earn).
Recipient Roll Call: Enter the details for your lucky recipients. Make sure you have the correct email addresses, unless you want your gift to end up in the digital abyss.
Delivery Magic: You can send each recipient an email with a link to redeem their ebook. It's like a virtual treasure hunt, but with less digging and more clicking.
Gift Management Guru: If you didn't provide email addresses, you'll receive instructions on how to manage your book gifts. Don't worry, it's easier than assembling furniture from IKEA.
Important Note: You can only buy books for people in the same country. So, what are you waiting for? Go forth and spread some bookish joy! It's the perfect way to show your loved ones you care (and that you have excellent taste in books). 🎁📚
Can You Send Kindle Books to a Group? (Spoiler Alert: Yes!)
Once you've purchased your books, Amazon provides a spreadsheet containing individual redemption links. This spreadsheet can be easily used with mail merge tools to quickly send personalized emails to each recipient.
Go to Your Digital Orders.
Locate your order and select Manage eBooks.
Select Download spreadsheet. The spreadsheet is a comma-separated value (CSV) file containing redemption links that have not been redeemed.
Open the file and fill in your recipients' names and email addresses.
Download an email template and open it.
Customize the message and fill in the highlighted portion.
Use a tool like mail merge to combine the template and spreadsheet and send out emails.
Note: If you don't live in the same country as your recipient, the book won't be available for your recipient. The recipient is unable to redeem the book and you may distribute that copy to another recipient or request a refund on the unredeemed copy.
Kindle Unlimited offers a streamlined solution, allowing you to quickly and easily share the chosen book with your entire group. (Book club organizers, this one is for you! This is your secret weapon to ensure everyone arrives prepared and ready for a lively discussion.)
Enhance Your Book Club Experience:
Imagine a book club where everyone can easily share their thoughts and insights, no matter where they are. Online annotation tools make this possible, fostering deeper discussions and a stronger sense of community. And with Kindle Unlimited, accessing the book is a breeze, so you can focus on what really matters: connecting with fellow readers. (Stay tuned for information on our future online booklovers bookclub. Sign up below for updates.)
Is KU worth it? (IMO, of course!)
Yes, IMO Kindle Unlimited is worth it as I am a big and have had it for many years. t's helped me discover so many new authors and genres I wouldn't have tried otherwise. Plus, it's saved me a ton of money! I especially love how it often gives me a discount on the audiobook version if I've already borrowed the ebook. I think Kindle Unlimited is perfect for those of us who love to experiment with different books. It takes the pressure off when you're hesitant to spend full price on a book you might not end up liking. And let's be honest, sometimes you just want to start reading a book right now! Kindle Unlimited makes that possible. Okay, confession time: I'm an airport bookstore sucker. 🙈 So, of course, I bought a few extra books on my recent trip. Thank goodness I did, because my trip got extended! Those impulse buys kept me entertained, but eventually, even those ran out. That's when my Kindle/Kindle Unlimited saved the day! ✨Booklovers, take note: Always leave room in your carry-on for airport book hauls. You never know when you'll need those literary lifesavers! 😉But of course, everyone's different! Whether Kindle Unlimited is worth it for you depends on your reading habits. If you're an avid reader, especially one that likes to have books at their side at all times, it's a fantastic deal. But if you prefer owning physical copies or mostly reading new releases, it might not be the best fit. To help you decide, maybe think about how many books you read, the types of books you enjoy, and whether you prefer owning or borrowing. And don't forget, you can always try it out with a free trial!
You can always visit Amazon to find more answers. Visit our related blogs on :
Read Anywhere, Anytime: Perfect Devices for Digital Booklovers
Is listening to books the same as reading?
What do you think? Are you a Kindle Unlimited enthusiast? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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