Inksky
Ebook subscriptions are the Netflix for books. Here’s how the major services compare.
Quick Comparison
| Service | Price | Library Size | Free Trial | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kindle Unlimited | $11.99/mo | ~4M titles | 30 days | Genre fiction, heavy readers |
| Kobo Plus | $9.99/mo | ~1.5M titles | 30 days | Kobo users, international |
| Scribd | $11.99/mo | ~1M titles + audiobooks | 30 days | Diverse readers, audiobooks |
| Everand | $9.99/mo | ~1M titles | 30 days | Budget-conscious readers |
| Amazon Prime Reading | Free w/ Prime | ~1K titles | N/A | Casual Prime members |
Kindle Unlimited
Best for: Heavy genre fiction readers
- Largest selection (~4 million)
- Includes Audible narration on select titles
- Works on Kindle devices and apps
- 20 books at a time
Cons: Mostly indie authors, few new bestsellers
Kobo Plus
Best for: Kobo users, international readers
- Good selection (~1.5 million)
- Works natively on all Kobo devices
- Better international availability than KU
- Read-to-earn program for authors
Cons: Smaller selection, Kobo-only
Scribd
Best for: Diverse readers, audiobook listeners
- Includes audiobooks in the subscription
- Magazines, sheet music, and documents
- Works on any device via app
- Good for non-fiction readers
Cons: Some titles have wait limits, fewer e-reader features
Libby is Still Free
Don’t forget: your local library card gives you free access to thousands of ebooks and audiobooks. It’s the best value of all.
Which Should You Choose?
| Reader Type | Best Subscription |
|---|---|
| Reads 3+ novels/month | Kindle Unlimited |
| Kobo user, library reader | Kobo Plus |
| Wants audiobooks too | Scribd |
| Reads occasionally | Libby (free) |
| Already has Prime | Prime Reading (free) |
Pro Tip
Rotate subscriptions. Read Kindle Unlimited for 3 months, switch to Scribd for 3 months. You’ll get different selections and can take advantage of new subscriber offers.