Kobo Plus and Kindle Umlimited: Which is better?
In the world of digital reading, two subscription services stand out: Kobo Plus and Kindle Unlimited (KU). If you're an avid reader looking for unlimited access to eBooks (and audiobooks), choosing between these two can be tricky. Here's a comprehensive review compares the two platforms across key categories to help you decide which service best suits your reading habits.
1. Overview
Kobo Plus, launched by Rakuten Kobo, offers access to a growing catalog of eBooks across various genres and languages. It's available in multiple countries and works on a range of devices.
Kindle Unlimited, from Amazon, gives subscribers access to a vast selection of eBooks and audiobooks. It's tightly integrated with the Kindle ecosystem but also works on other devices via the Kindle app.
2. Device Compatibility & Platform Availability
Kobo Plus works on Kobo eReaders, as well as on smartphones, tablets, and desktops via the Kobo app. It's ideal for readers who don’t want to be locked into a single brand of device.
Kindle Unlimited is designed with Kindle devices in mind but is also compatible with iOS and Android devices through the Kindle app. Amazon’s ecosystem allows for seamless reading across devices.
3. Content Library
Kobo Plus offers access to over 1.5 million eBooks. The service stands out for its multilingual content, making it a solid choice for non-English readers. The selection includes fiction, nonfiction, and magazines, though English bestsellers may be limited.
Kindle Unlimited boasts a library of over 4 million titles, mainly in English. You'll find a wide range of genres, from romance and thrillers to self-help and biographies. However, many popular mainstream titles and bestsellers still need to be purchased separately.
4. Pricing & Subscription Options
Kobo Plus typically comes at a lower monthly cost ($9.99 per month), making it attractive for frequent readers on a budget. Some regions also offer subscription tiers (e.g., Kobo Plus Read, Kobo Plus Listen, or a combined plan).
Kindle Unlimited is priced slightly higher ($11.99 per month), but Amazon often offers free trials and promotional discounts, especially for Prime members. It's worth checking for seasonal deals.
5. Key Features
Kobo Plus supports offline reading, syncs your reading progress across devices, and allows you to borrow multiple titles at once without additional charges. The experience is clean and focused on reading.
Kindle Unlimited supports Whispersync, which keeps your place across eBook and audiobook formats. Many titles include audiobook narration, allowing users to switch between reading and listening effortlessly.
6. Availability by Region
Kobo Plus is available in selected countries, with strong support in Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and parts of Europe. Kobo continues to expand its international reach gradually.
Kindle Unlimited is technically available globally, but content availability can vary depending on regional licensing agreements. Some books or features may not be accessible in every country.
7. Pros & Cons Summarized from Users' Feedback
Kobo Plus:
🙂Great for multilingual readers; affordable; available in more regions.
☹️Smaller English-language selection; not as many bestsellers.
Kindle Unlimited:
🙂Massive catalog; strong integration with Kindle devices; includes many audiobooks.
☹️Slightly more expensive; some titles require separate purchase.
8. Final Thoughts
Choosing between Kobo Plus and Kindle Unlimited ultimately comes down to your personal reading preferences. If you primarily read in English, want access to a massive library, and already use Amazon or Kindle devices, Kindle Unlimited is likely the better fit. On the other hand, if you enjoy books in multiple languages, are budget-conscious, or live in a region where Kobo has strong coverage, Kobo Plus might be the smarter option. Both services offer generous trial periods, so if you're still unsure, consider testing them out before committing.