In the world of unlimited ebook and audiobook subscription services, Kobo Plus and Kindle Unlimited stand out as prominent options. Both offer avid readers access to a vast library of titles for a monthly fee. Each service has its own strengths, making them strong competitors in the subscription reading market. But which one is the best choice? Let’s compare Kobo Plus and Kindle Unlimited to help you decide which one best suits your reading needs.
1. Kobo Plus and Kindle Unlimited Overview
Both Kobo Plus and Kindle Unlimited offer valuable services for avid readers, but the choice between the two largely depends on individual preferences:
1. Services Overview
Kobo Plus, from Rakuten Kobo, offers a vast library of ebooks and audiobooks for a monthly fee, accessible on Kobo eReaders, the Kobo app, or the Kobo website.
Kindle Unlimited provides a similar service, offering ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines, available globally on Kindle devices, the Kindle app, and Amazon’s cloud reader.
2. Library Size
Kobo Plus: Offers access to over 1.5 million ebooks and 150,000 audiobooks across various genres, including bestsellers and independent titles. However, it lacks some major publishers, so certain popular books may be unavailable.
Kindle Unlimited: Boasts a library of over 4 million ebooks, including bestsellers and Amazon exclusives. It also offers audiobooks via Audible and magazines. Kindle Unlimited has a broader selection, especially for popular and trending titles.
3. Service Availability
Kobo Plus: Available in select countries like Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Australia, India, Switzerland, Spain, Taiwan, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Portugal, and more, with content varying by location.
Kindle Unlimited: Available globally, though the content library varies by country.
4. Trial Period
Kobo Plus: Offers a 30-day free trial, allowing users to explore the available content and service features before committing to a subscription.
Kindle Unlimited: Also offers a 30-day free trial, occasionally extending to 2 months during promotional periods.
5. Pricing and Subscription Options
Kobo Plus:
Offers three subscription plans:
Kobo Plus Read (eBooks only) for around $7.99 per month.
Kobo Plus Listen (audiobooks only) for around $7.99 per month.
Kobo Plus Read & Listen (both eBooks and audiobooks) for around $9.99 per month.
Kindle Unlimited: Has a flat monthly fee of $11.99. Occasionally offers a up to 3-month free tiral.
6. Device Compatibility
Kobo Plus: Compatible with Kobo eReaders, the Kobo app, and the Kobo website.
Kindle Unlimited: Integrates with Kindle devices, the Kindle app, Amazon's cloud reader, and supports audiobooks via Audible on Kindle devices and the Audible app.
7. Borrowing Limitations and Offline Access
Kobo Plus: Users can download unlimited ebooks and audiobooks for offline access, but lose access if the subscription is canceled.
Kindle Unlimited: Allows offline reading with a limit of 10 borrowed titles at a time. Titles can be kept as long as needed, but are not owned and must be returned to borrow new ones.
8. UI and User Experience
Kobo Plus: The Kobo interface is user-friendly, with features like customizable reading settings, a built-in dictionary, and reading stats. It syncs across devices for a seamless experience.
Kindle Unlimited: Amazon's Kindle ecosystem offers robust integration with features like X-Ray, WhisperSync, and Goodreads. The Kindle app provides a comprehensive reading experience with customizable settings.
9. Comparison Table: Kobo Plus vs. Kindle Unlimited
| Feature | Kobo Plus | Kindle Unlimited |
|---|---|---|
| Library Size | 1.5 million eBooks, over 150, 000 audiobooks | 4+ million eBooks, audiobooks via Audible, magazines |
| Pricing | $7.99 - $9.99/month depending on the plan | $11.99/month |
| Device Compatibility | Kobo eReaders, Kobo app, website, third-party apps | Kindle devices, Kindle app, cloud reader, Audible |
| Download Limits | Yes, with no specific download limit | Yes, but limited to 10 titles at a time |
| User Experience | User-friendly, syncs across Kobo devices and apps | Seamless integration with Amazon services |
| Geographic Availability | Select countries (Canada, EU countries, etc.) | Global, varies by region |
| Trial Period | 30 days | 30 days (sometimes extended) |
| Additional Features | Supports multiple formats, indie bookstore partnerships | Amazon exclusives, Alexa integration |
Summary: Kobo Plus and Kindle Unlimited are both compelling ebook subscription services, but the best choice depends on your preferences:
Kobo Plus offers a more affordable option with a strong selection of independent and self-published titles, making it ideal for Kobo eReader users or those preferring the Kobo ecosystem.
Kindle Unlimited features a larger library with more mainstream titles and benefits from seamless integration with Amazon's ecosystem and Whispersync audiobook support, making it better for readers seeking a broader range of content.
2. Bonus: How to Remove DRM from Kobo and Kindle Books
Epubor is a comprehensive solution for backing up ebooks and audiobooks, featuring tools such as Kobo Converter for removing DRM from Kobo ebooks and audiobooks, including those from Kobo Plus. It also offers Epubor Ultimate for cracking Kindle DRM and Audible Converter for removing Audible DRM, which supports splitting Audible files into chapters.
1. To learn more about backing up Kobo ebooks and audiobooks, you can watch this video tutorial on using Epubor Kobo Converter to efficiently remove Kobo DRM.
2. To remove Kindle DRM, you can refer to this video guide:
3. To convert DRM-protected Audible audiobooks, here is a video tutorial for you.
Besides the above DeDRM tools, Epubor also has many useful tools, such as Everand Converter, Hoopla Converter, Chirp Converter, Nook Converter, Wattpad Converter, Tidal Converter, and Deeser Converter, to help you remove DRM from library borrowed books, Chirp audiobooks, Nook ebooks and audiobooks, Tidal music, and Deeser music. You can find more on the Epubor product page.
Amy Lopez crafts informative articles on eBooks and eReaders, uncovering optimal methods to enhance your eBook reading experience, and eagerly shares her findings with you.
