Kindle Unlimited or Audible?
If you’re an avid reader or audiobook lover, you’ve likely come across Kindle Unlimited and Audible—two of Amazon’s most popular subscription services for book lovers. But which one is right for you? Can you use both? How do they work? This complete guide answers all your questions and helps you choose the best option for your reading habits in 2025.
What Is Kindle Unlimited?
Kindle Unlimited is a subscription service offered by Amazon that gives you access to over 4 million eBooks, thousands of audiobooks, and magazines for a monthly fee. With Kindle Unlimited, you can borrow up to 20 titles at a time with no due dates.
- 📚 Access millions of books, including bestsellers, indie authors, and Amazon Originals.
- 🎧 Thousands of books come with Audible narration at no extra cost.
- 📱 Read on any device using the Kindle app or a Kindle e-reader.
👉 Try Kindle Unlimited Free for 30 Days
What Is Audible?
Audible, also owned by Amazon, is an audiobook subscription service with over 700,000 audio titles, including audiobooks, podcasts, audio originals, and guided wellness programs.
Audible Membership Tiers (2025)
- Audible Plus: Unlimited access to the Audible Plus Catalog for $7.95/month.
- Audible Premium Plus (1 Credit): Includes Plus Catalog and 1 audiobook credit/month – $14.95/month.
- Audible Premium Plus (2 Credits): Includes 2 credits/month – $22.95/month.
Audible titles are yours to keep, even if you cancel.
👉 Get Your First Audiobook Free
Kindle Unlimited vs Audible: Key Differences
| Feature | Kindle Unlimited | Audible |
|---|---|---|
| Format | eBooks, some audiobooks | Audiobooks, podcasts, originals |
| Ownership | Borrow only | You own what you buy |
| Offline Access | Yes | Yes |
| Free Trial | 30 Days | 30 Days |
| Monthly Price | $11.99 (USD) | Starts at $7.95 (USD) |
Can You Use Kindle Unlimited and Audible Together?
Yes, and in fact, many Kindle Unlimited titles come with free Audible narration. Look for the “Read and Listen for Free” tag. This is a great way to get the best of both worlds without paying for both subscriptions.
📘 Example: Many novels by Colleen Hoover and Michael Connelly include audio companions via Audible through Kindle Unlimited.
👉 Explore eBooks with Audible narration
Who Should Use Kindle Unlimited?
Choose Kindle Unlimited if you:
- Read more than 2–3 books per month.
- Prefer reading eBooks over listening.
- Love discovering indie authors and Amazon Originals.
- Want access to magazines and comics?
Popular Kindle Unlimited categories:
- Romance
- Mystery & Thrillers
- Science Fiction & Fantasy
- Nonfiction
- Biographies & Memoirs
Who Should Use Audible?
Choose Audible if you:
- Prefer listening to books (commuting, exercising, multitasking).
- Enjoy exclusive audio content and podcasts.
- Want to own your audiobooks forever?
- Appreciate professional narration and dramatized storytelling.
Popular Audible categories:
- True Crime
- Business & Self-Help
- Fantasy & Sci-Fi Epics
- Celebrity Memoirs
- Guided Meditations & Wellness
How to Get the Most Value from Both
If you want to read and listen interchangeably, consider this setup:
- Start with a free trial of both Kindle Unlimited and Audible.
- Use the “Whispersync for Voice” feature to switch between reading and listening.
- Search for Kindle Unlimited books with free Audible companions.
- Consider rotating subscriptions—subscribe to Kindle Unlimited one month, Audible the next—to optimize value.
Common FAQs
Can I share Kindle Unlimited or Audible with family?
- Kindle Unlimited: No official sharing, but you can use Amazon Household to share access.
- Audible: Yes, you can share books with members in your Amazon Household using the Family Library.
Do Kindle Unlimited books disappear when I cancel?
Yes, when you cancel Kindle Unlimited, all borrowed books are removed from your library.
What devices work with Audible and Kindle Unlimited?
- Audible: Works on iOS, Android, Alexa-enabled devices, and even some smartwatches.
- Kindle Unlimited: Accessible via the Kindle app on any smartphone, tablet, or PC—and Kindle e-readers.
Final Verdict: Kindle Unlimited vs Audible in 2025
Choose Kindle Unlimited if you love reading, discover new books often, and want an affordable way to devour content. Opt for Audible if you’re an audiobook fanatic who values premium narration and offline listening on the go. And if you’re both? Take advantage of free trials and blended book options.
I have tried both Audible and Kindle Unlimited, and my experience is that each service offers unique benefits. Audible allows me to enjoy audiobooks on the go, which is perfect for when I want to listen while multitasking, while Kindle Unlimited provides a vast selection of eBooks that I can read at my own pace. Each service complements my reading habits in different ways, and I appreciate the variety they offer. Ultimately, fellow readers, what works best for you depends on your personal preferences and reading habits.
It’s all about finding the right fit for your own journey in the world of books!