Audiobooks provide an excellent way to enjoy literature during workouts, travel, or leisure time at home.
With so many platforms available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming.
Today, the top three audiobook platforms are Kindle Unlimited, Spotify Audiobooks, and Audible. In this blog, we’ll compare all three.
Let’s dive into the comparison.
Kindle Unlimited vs Audible
Kindle, offered by Amazon, provides e-books, while Audible, also an Amazon service, specializes in audiobooks.
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Despite both being Amazon products, they serve distinct purposes.
| Parameters | Kindle Unlimited | Audible |
| Content | It offers about one million ebooks and audiobooks. | Offers about one million ebooks and audiobooks. |
| Availability | People who prefer reading ebooks and listening to audiobooks sometimes | Can be accessed in more than 170 countries |
| Medium | Kindle Device or the Kindle App to read ebooks or listen to audiobooks | Audible app on any device that is compatible with |
| Cost | You can subscribe to Kindle for $9.99 per month | You can subscribe to Audible for $7.95 per month |
| Suitable For | People who prefer reading ebooks and also listen to audiobooks sometimes | People who mostly prefer audiobooks only |
Audible vs Spotify Audiobooks
Audible faces intense competition. Spotify, a leading music service provider, now offers audiobooks to its listeners.
| Parameters | Audible | Spotify AudioBooks |
| Content | Wider variety of audiobooks as compared to Spotify audiobooks | Spotify audiobooks at the moment have a smaller catalog |
| Medium | It can be played on iOS as well as Android devices and you can also play audiobooks via Spotify on the web | It can be played on iOS as well as Android devices, and you can also play audiobooks via Spotify on the web |
| Availability | Accessible in more than 170 countries | Presently, it is accessible only in the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand |
| Cost | Starts at $7.95 per month | Spotify Audiobook subscription starts at $10.99 per month |
| Suitable For | Suitable for avid listeners who keep listening to one audiobook after another | Suitable for people who tune in to an audiobook less frequently |
Audible vs Libby
Unlike Audible, Libby is a free platform that allows users to listen to audiobooks or read books online. However, access requires a library card.
| Parameters | Audible | Libby |
| Content | Has a vast library of millions of audiobooks | It can only be used on iOS, Android, Fire OS, and websites |
| Medium | Compatible with iOS and Android Alexa-enabled devices and on its website | The monthly subscription for accessing audiobooks on Audible is $7.95. |
| Availability | Available to use in more than 170 countries across the globe | Accepts library card credentials issued in the US only |
| Cost | Monthly subscription for accessing audiobooks on Audible is $7.95. | No fee for accessing the audiobooks on Libby |
| Suitable For | Highly suitable if you read a lot and do not mind spending money to get new books instantly | Suitable if you are okay with waiting periods that can go as long as 10 weeks |
Audible vs Scribd
Scribd is another platform that lets you listen to audiobooks on demand. In addition to audiobooks, Scribd offers e-books, magazines, music, and podcasts. Both Scribd and Audible allow you to own the audiobook.
| Parameters | Audible | Scribd |
| Content | Offers more than a million audiobooks | Scribd’s content library is decent at best |
| Medium | It can be accessed on iOS, Android, and web browsers | It can be accessed in over 100 countries across the globe |
| Availability | Listen to audiobooks in more than 170 countries | Can be accessed in over 100 countries across the globe |
| Cost | Monthly subscription to Audible at only $7.95 | If you want to subscribe to Scribd, you will have to pay $11.99 |
| Suitable For | Best if you like to read a lot of genres and titles | If you are okay with fewer titles and don’t mind average-quality audio |
Which is the Best Option for Listening to Audiobooks?
After comparing various audiobook services, Audible is clearly the top choice over Kindle Unlimited and Spotify Audiobooks.
Audible is a great option if you’re looking for a platform with rare titles, excellent audio quality, and a reasonable subscription fee.
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Ultimately, the decision between Kindle Unlimited and Audible depends on your preferences. We hope this comparison helps you make an informed choice.
Feel free to share your questions or suggestions in the comments, and stay tuned to TechCult for more insightful content!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which platform offers the most extensive audiobook library?
Audible offers the most extensive and diverse audiobook library, with millions of titles across various genres. Spotify Audiobooks has a more limited selection, while Kindle Unlimited has a smaller audiobook collection compared to Audible.
Can I keep the audiobooks on Audible, Spotify, or Kindle Unlimited?
Audible allows you to keep the audiobooks you purchase, even if you cancel your subscription.
Spotify offers audiobooks as part of its subscription but does not let you permanently keep them.
Kindle Unlimited allows you to borrow audiobooks, but they need to be returned if you cancel your subscription.
Which service has the best audio quality?
Audible is known for its superior audio quality, offering high-definition sound and features like narration by professional voice actors. Spotify Audiobooks and Kindle Unlimited offer good quality, but Audible is typically considered the best for audiobook listening.
Do I need a library card for Kindle Unlimited or Spotify Audiobooks?
No, you do not need a library card for Kindle Unlimited or Spotify Audiobooks. However, Libby (not listed here but relevant for audiobooks) requires a library card for access.
Which platform is best for rare or exclusive audiobook titles?
Audible offers the edge in exclusive and rare titles, offering a wide variety of genres and many titles you won’t find on other platforms.
Which platform is ideal for music lovers who want audiobooks?
Spotify Audiobooks is the best option for music lovers, as it combines both music and audiobooks in one subscription, making it a versatile choice for users who enjoy both.
Conclusion
Each audiobook platform—Audible, Spotify Audiobooks, and Kindle Unlimited—has its unique strengths and caters to different user preferences. Audible is the top choice for audiobook enthusiasts, offering an extensive library, high-quality audio, and exclusive content.
Spotify Audiobooks is ideal for music lovers who want a mix of music and audiobooks, though its selection is more limited. Kindle Unlimited is an excellent option for e-book readers who also enjoy audiobooks, though its audiobook collection is more minor than that of Audible.
Ultimately, the best platform depends on your preferences, budget, and whether you’re looking for audiobooks exclusively or a multi-functional service. We hope this comparison helps you make an informed decision about which platform fits your needs.
