Launched all the way back in 2014 by Amazon, Kindle Unlimited is pretty much the Netflix of books. Subscribe, pick a book from the whopping great library, download it, and it’ll be there to read on your device in seconds. Oh, and you don’t even need an actual Kindle to get involved either. But more on that later.
So, what books are available? How much will it cost? And is it actually worth your hard-earned cash? We’ll answer that – plus loads more – right here…
How much does Kindle Unlimited cost in the UK?
A Kindle Unlimited subscription won’t set you back too much here in the UK. At the time of writing, it costs £9.49 a month to sign up. But, if you’re completely new to the service, you should be able to get yourself a 30-day free trial. We’d recommend doing this first, as you can test the waters and see if it’s right for you without any commitment. Once the trial’s over, you’ll be charged a monthly fee unless you cancel.
What content is available with Kindle Unlimited?
The clue’s in the name really. Kindle Unlimited comes with an absolute stack of content to get your eyes on. And because it’s entirely digital, you won’t be clogging up your shelves with tome after tome. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
Ebooks
The library packs in over a million eBooks, spanning everything from cult classics and bestsellers to hidden gems. Romance, mystery, sci-fi, horror – it’s all here, plus non-fiction reads by the boatload.
It’s important to say though that not every book in Amazon’s catalogue is available. But the collection is still seriously impressive and is constantly being updated. So, it’s not like you’ll be struggling to find something to read.
Audiobooks
As well as the regular eBooks, there’s thousands of audiobooks to choose from too. Pop one on during your commute or while you’re doing the housework, and the time will fly by. They’re narrated by professional actors and voiceover artists, which really brings the characters and stories to life.
Magazines
Flick through the latest issues (and back issues) of your favourite mags. From fashion and football to tech and travel titles, you can leave the physical version on the shelf in Smiths. And with every new issue delivered straight to your Kindle library, you won’t miss a thing.
Other content
Big superhero fan? The service offers a bunch of cool comics and graphic novels from all the biggest names. And if you need to keep the kids entertained – or want to read to them at bedtime - there’s plenty of children’s books as well.
How does Kindle Unlimited work across devices?
One of the best things about Kindle Unlimited is how flexible it is. You can start a book on one device, then finish it off on another. Here’s where you’ll be able to get stuck into your favourite reads…
Amazon Kindle e-readers – If you own a Kindle e-reader, you’ll download and read books straight from it. Sign in with your Amazon account, and you’ll have the whole library right there at your fingertips.
Kindle app – Download the Kindle app for iOS, Android and Windows gadgets and read on your smartphone, tablet or computer. The app syncs your reading progress across all devices too – letting you pick up where you left off, no matter what you’re reading on.
Web browser – Log into your Amazon account on any web browser and fire up Kindle Unlimited. It’s a handy option if you don’t have your Kindle or the app to hand.
Is Kindle Unlimited included with Amazon Prime?
Kindle Unlimited isn’t included with Amazon Prime at the moment. But there are a few reading related overlaps. Prime Members get a selection of free eBooks through the Kindle Owners’ Lending Library and Prime Reading. These libraries aren’t as big as Kindle Unlimited though. So, if you want the full range of content, you’ll have to subscribe to Kindle Unlimited separately.
Current Kindle Unlimited deals and offers
Amazon usually run special offers for new Kindle Unlimited subscribers. Here are a few you’ll want to keep an eye out for:
Free trial – As we mentioned earlier, new users get access to a 30-day free trial. It’s a great, no-risk way to see if the service is right for you. If it isn’t, just remember to cancel before it runs out.
Student discount – If you’re a student, you might be able to grab a discount. Special student deals pop up every so often, so it’s worth seeing if you qualify when they do. It’ll save you from lugging loads of physical textbooks around with you!
Annual subscription – Instead of paying monthly, you can opt for an annual subscription. This can save you a bit of money in the long run, as the yearly price is usually lower than twelve lots of the monthly rate.
Family plan – Amazon occasionally offer family plans, letting people in the same house share the subscription. If you’re all big readers, it’s a no-brainer. And it’ll save you money too.
Is Kindle Unlimited worth it for UK readers?
That all depends on how much you love reading. Here’s why we think it’s great:
Avid readers
If you’re tearing through titles like they’re going out of fashion, Kindle Unlimited can be a cost-effective way to read a lot, without shelling out tons of cash. After all, the latest hardbacks nowadays aren’t cheap. Instead of buying each book individually, you get to read as many as you want for a fixed monthly fee.
Audiobook fans
The cost of buying audiobooks can add up pretty quickly. Here though, you can listen to as many as you like without breaking the bank. Put on your noise cancelling headphones, sit back and get immersed.
Diverse interests
Sometimes it’s nice to dip in and out of different styles and genres. You’ll be able to explore new authors, settings and more, all without actually having to commit to buying them. Hey, you never know, you might find a new fave. Or realise romantasy novels are definitely, definitely not your cup of tea.
On the flip side…
Only read a few books a year, or prefer to own proper physical copies? Unlimited might not be for you. At the end of the day, you’ve just got to weigh up the costs and benefits based on your reading habits. It’ll be different for everyone.
How to cancel or manage your Kindle Unlimited subscription
Making changes to your Kindle Unlimited subscription – or cancelling it entirely - is nice and easy. Here’s how to do both:
Cancelling your subscription:
Sign in to your Amazon account – Go to the Amazon website and log in with your details.
Go to your account – Click on the ‘Account & Lists’ dropdown menu and select ‘Your Account’.
Manage your Kindle Unlimited subscription – Scroll down to the ‘Digital Content & Devices’ section and press on ‘Manage Your Kindle Unlimited Subscription’.
Cancel subscription – Click on the ‘Cancel Subscription’ button. You’ll be asked to confirm your decision.
Confirm – Follow the instructions to confirm the cancellation. Your subscription will finish at the end of the current billing cycle, and you won’t be charged again.
Managing your subscription:
Repeat the above – Follow steps 1 to 3 in the list up above.
Update payment method – If you need to change your payment method – like adding in a new debit/credit card – you can do that here.
Pause subscription – If you want to take a break from Unlimited, you can pause your subscription for up to three months without losing your access to the library.
Need more advice?
If you’re not sure what kind of Kindle to buy, we’ve done the hard work for you. Check out our piece which Kindle e-reader should I buy? for a quick rundown on the full range. And if your reader’s causing all sorts of drama, here’s how to reset your Kindle.
