Kindle Unlimited

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What is Kindle Unlimited?

Kindle Unlimited is a subscription-based service from Amazon allowing members to “borrow” a selection of e-books, audiobooks, magazines, and comics from the Kindle Store. Rather than purchasing e-books, Kindle Unlimited works like a read-on-demand service, or library, allowing up to 20 titles at a time. Unlike traditional libraries, there is no due date. Members keep the titles as long as needed.

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The name is somewhat misleading, as a Kindle Unlimited membership is limited to a large selection of titles – not unlimited access to all titles. An Amazon Kindle e-reader device is not required as it also functions on smartphones, computers, or tablets via a web browser or the free Kindle app.

Keep in mind that Prime Reading is not the same as Kindle Unlimited. Kindle Unlimited is a stand-alone service, whereas Prime Reading is included with Amazon Prime. Among other differences, Prime Reading offers only a small, rotating selection of titles that changes periodically, compared to millions of titles in the Kindle Unlimited catalog.

What is Kindle Unlimited

Key Takeaways

  • Kindle Unlimited is a subscription service from Amazon to borrow books.
  • 2024 marks 10 years since Kindle Unlimited was first released.
  • Subscribers can borrow up to 20 titles at a time and return them when finished.
  • It supports syncing across multiple devices (phones, tablets, desktops, e-readers).
  • Authors earn royalties based on the number of pages read per individual borrower, capped at 3,000 pages per book.

The History of Kindle Unlimited

Kindle Unlimited was launched in 2014, making 2024 its 10-year milestone.

Here is how the service has changed since its launch.

Feature Kindle Unlimited in 2014 Kindle Unlimited in 2024
Borrowing limit 10 books 20 books
Subscription cost $9.99 $11.99
Content 600,000 Kindle book titles 4 million e-books, audiobooks, magazines, and comics
Devices Primarily accessed via Kindle devices and the Kindle app More supported devices and improved syncing across devices (phones, tablets, desktops)
Author royalties Based on a flat rate for each borrow Based on the number of pages read, capped at 3,000 pages per book?
Kindle Unlimited members can click to borrow from the purchase screen
Kindle Unlimited members can click to borrow from the purchase screen. Source: Amazon

How Does Kindle Unlimited Work?

Here are the answers to commonly asked questions about how Kindle Unlimited works:

  1. How does Kindle Unlimited work? To subscribe, individuals need an Amazon account with a valid payment method. From the Kindle Unlimited page, click the join button, and follow the prompts to activate.
  2. How do I find Kindle Unlimited titles? After subscribing, browse Amazon’s website or search for “Kindle Unlimited.” Eligible titles will display a “$0.00 Kindle Unlimited” icon in the purchase options.
  3. What time do books release on Kindle Unlimited? Typically there is no special time or day when new content is added – titles in the catalog can change at any time.
  4. What happens if I cancel my Kindle Unlimited? If you cancel, borrowed books will be returned, and only purchased titles will remain yours.

What Devices Does Kindle Unlimited Work With?

Kindle Unlimited works with:

Additionally, members can use Kindle for Web – a browser-based reader, which provides an option for devices that do not support the dedicated Kindle app.

How to Get Kindle Unlimited?

6 Steps to Get Kindle Unlimited

Here is how to sign up for Kindle Unlimited:

  1. Sign in to your Amazon account.
  2. Search for “Kindle Unlimited” or use the left-hand site navigation.
  3. Click “Start Your Free Trial” or “Subscribe.”
  4. Enter payment information if needed.
  5. Confirm your subscription to activate Kindle Unlimited.
  6. Start borrowing available e-books, audiobooks, magazines, and comics.

To cancel, go to “Manage Your Kindle Unlimited Membership” under your Amazon account settings.

What Books Are Included With Kindle Unlimited?

Kindle Unlimited boasts a library size of over 4 million e-books and thousands of audiobooks, comics, and magazines.

To see what books are included:

  1. Navigate to Amazon’s Kindle webpage.
  2. Select the “Kindle Unlimited Eligible” filter.
  3. Sort results by customer reviews, publication date, or best sellers.

How Much Does Kindle Unlimited Cost?

It costs $11.99 USD per month and requires an active Amazon account. New members typically receive a free trial, ranging from one to three months before the subscription fee is charged.

Primarily what you get with Kindle Unlimited is access to a large catalog of titles and the option to “read for free” up to 20 at a time instead of purchasing each title separately.

Kindle Unlimited Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Members can get 20 books at a time on Kindle Unlimited
  • Magazine subscriptions do not count toward the borrowing limit
  • Supports syncing across multiple devices
  • Offers over 4 million titles
  • There is no due date – return them when done
Cons
  • The cost of Kindle Unlimited is not included with Prime
  • If you cancel Kindle Unlimited, anything borrowed will be returned
  • Not as cost-effective for infrequent readers
  • Smaller selection of titles from major publishers
  • The quality of books can be inconsistent

Is Kindle Unlimited Worth It?

A Kindle Unlimited membership is generally worth it for frequent readers who spend more than $11.99 a month on e-books, as it gives access to millions of titles.

However, finding specific titles or favorite authors can be a challenge, and the selection of audiobooks is much smaller. Casual readers might find more savings by purchasing one or two books individually each month, or Amazon Prime members can use Prime Reading.

The Bottom Line

The Kindle Unlimited definition refers to Amazon’s subscription service that allows borrowing a selection of e-books and other content for $11.99 per month. It is a cost-effective option for frequent readers and can be synced on various devices, including Kindles, phones, tablets, desktops, and e-readers.

However, it faces challenges in securing new releases from major publishers. Also, Prime members may find Prime Reading a better option, offering a smaller selection at no additional cost for the occasional read.

FAQs

What is Kindle Unlimited in simple terms?

Is Kindle Unlimited free for Prime members?

Do you still have to pay for books if you have Kindle Unlimited?

Are all books free on Kindle Unlimited?

Do I need to have a Kindle to use Kindle Unlimited?

Is Kindle Unlimited included in Amazon Prime?

What is Kindle Unlimited, and how does it work?

How many books can you borrow on Kindle Unlimited?

Does Kindle Unlimited have audiobooks?

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Vangie Beal
Technology Expert
Vangie Beal
Technology Expert

Vangie Beal is a digital literacy coach based in Nova Scotia, Canada, and recently joined Techopedia. She is an award-winning business and technology writer with 20 years of experience in the technology and web publishing industry. Since the late 1990s, his byline has appeared in dozens of publications, including CIO, Webopedia, Computerworld, InternetNews, Small Business Computing, and many other technology and business publications. She is an avid gamer with deep roots in the female gaming community and a former Internet TV gaming host and gaming journalist.

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