Are you a keen reader and an avid listener? You might be wondering if your Kindle Unlimited subscription includes access to Audible audiobooks. After all, having both eBooks and audiobooks in one subscription would be a literary dream come true. However, the answer to this question isn't as straightforward as you might hope. Let's delve into the details to clear up this confusion.
First, it's crucial to understand that Kindle Unlimited and Audible are two separate services offered by Amazon. While they both provide content in a different form (eBooks and audiobooks, respectively), they cater to different preferences in reader experience.
Kindle Unlimited: What's Included?
Kindle Unlimited is Amazon's eBook subscription service that offers unlimited access to over 1 million books, including bestsellers, exclusives, and even some magazines. It's a fantastic value for readers who like to indulge in multiple books each month. However, it does not include access to Audible audiobooks.
Kindle + Audible Together: Is It Possible?
While Kindle Unlimited doesn't include Audible audiobooks, it's possible to combine both services for a richer reading experience. You can purchase an Audible book to narrate a Kindle Unlimited book you're reading, using the aforementioned Whispersync for Voice feature. This allows you to switch between reading and listening seamlessly. However, this comes at an additional cost for each book.
Alternatively, if you're an Amazon Prime member, you gain access to a selection of free audiobooks each month with your Audible membership. This can help offset the cost of combining both services. But again, it's not a direct inclusion with your Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Similarities and Differences: Kindle Unlimited vs Audible
Kindle Unlimited offers unlimited access to a vast library of eBooks for a monthly fee, perfect for bookworms who love to read multiple books each month. On the other hand, Audible is an audiobook subscription service that provides one credit per month for a book of your choice, making it fantastic for listeners with slower-paced reading or who commute frequently.
While both services have their unique appeals, they cater to different reading/listening preferences. Kindle Unlimited doesn't include Audible audiobooks as part of its subscription, but there are ways to combine the two for an enhanced reading experience.
Accessing Audiobooks with a Kindle Unlimited Subscription
As mentioned earlier, Kindle Unlimited doesn't directly include Audible audiobooks. However, if you're really keen on having both eBooks and audiobooks in one subscription, you might want to consider Audible Escape and Kindle Unlimited bundled together under Amazon Plus. This bundle offers access to both services at a discounted rate compared to subscribing to them separately.
However, at the time of writing, this bundle is only available in the US. Additionally, even with this bundle, you're not getting free access to the entire Audible library. You still only get one credit per month, equivalent to one free audiobook (which may not be enough if you're a voracious listener).
In conclusion, while Kindle Unlimited doesn't include Audible audiobooks, there are workarounds to enjoy both services together. If you're heavily invested in both reading and listening, the best option might be to combine the services with the Amazon Plus bundle (if available in your region). However, always remember to check for updates and changes in Amazon's offerings to see if there are new ways to enjoy both services for less.
