Amazon Prime Reading is just one of the many benefits available to Amazon Prime members. This feature gives you access to a selection of eBooks, magazines, audiobooks, and comics. While it has a smaller library compared to Kindle Unlimited, Amazon’s premier service for book lovers, Prime Reading is included with your Prime membership at no extra cost, offering free access to a variety of reading material.
This guide will explain all you need to know about Prime Reading: what it is, how it works, how it compares to Kindle Unlimited, its advantages and limitations, and how to make the most of it.
What is Amazon Prime Reading?
Amazon Prime Reading is part of your Amazon Prime membership. It gives subscribers access to a library of more than 3,000 titles across eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, and comics. The collection shifts regularly, keeping the content fresh for readers.
It operates like a digital library, where you can borrow up to 10 titles at a time. When you reach your limit, you must return an item before borrowing another. These books can be read on the Kindle app across various devices, including smartphones, tablets, desktops, and even Kindle e-readers.
Keep in mind that Prime Reading titles are not permanent purchases. Once you cancel your Prime subscription, access to the borrowed content is removed. However, as long as you maintain your membership, Prime Reading is a cost-free perk.
Prime Reading vs. Kindle Unlimited
Prime Reading and Kindle Unlimited are two Amazon services that offer access to books, but they differ in size, cost, and borrowing limits:
| Feature | Prime Reading | Kindle Unlimited |
|---|---|---|
| Library Size | 3,000 titles, refreshed regularly | 4+ million titles, including popular and niche books |
| Cost | Included with Prime ($14.99/month or $139/year) | $11.99/month (standalone from Prime) |
| Borrowing Limit | Up to 10 items | Up to 20 items |
| Audiobooks | Included with select titles | Included with select titles |
| Magazines | Yes | Yes |
| Device Access | Kindle app for iOS, Android, and Kindle devices | Kindle app for iOS, Android, desktops, and Kindle devices |
Prime Reading provides fewer titles compared to Kindle Unlimited but comes at no extra cost for Prime members. Kindle Unlimited, on the other hand, is ideal for frequent readers who want access to a vast collection of books.
How to Access and Use Prime Reading
Follow these steps to browse and borrow titles from Prime Reading:
1. Access Prime Reading through the Web or App
On the Web: Visit the Prime Reading page on Amazon’s website. You can browse categories such as popular eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, and comics. Make sure to sign in with your Amazon Prime account to view and borrow titles.
Using the Amazon App: Open the Amazon app and enter “Prime Reading” in the search bar. Click the Prime Reading logo at the top of the results to access the hub page where all current titles are listed.
2. Borrowing a Book
After selecting a title, tap “Read Now” or “Add to Library.” Tapping “Read Now” opens the book in the Kindle app, while “Add to Library” saves it for later. You can borrow up to 10 items, including books, audiobooks, or magazines, at once. If you hit the limit, you’ll need to return an item to borrow more.
3. Reading on Different Devices
To read your borrowed books, download the Kindle app on iOS, Android, Windows, or macOS devices. The app syncs your reading progress across devices, making it easy to switch between your phone, tablet, or Kindle e-reader.
Benefits of Prime Reading
- Cost-Effective: Prime Reading is included in your Amazon Prime membership, giving you free access to eBooks, magazines, and audiobooks.
- Diverse Content: The library features a wide variety of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, self-help, and children’s books. It also offers digital magazines and comics, providing something for every reader.
- Audiobooks: Select titles include audiobook versions, allowing you to listen via the Kindle app or Alexa devices without the need for a full Audible subscription.
- Exclusive First Reads: Prime members can pick one pre-release Kindle eBook each month for free, giving you early access to new books.
- Flexibility: Prime Reading titles can be accessed across multiple devices, so you can pick up where you left off anytime, anywhere.
Downsides of Prime Reading
- Limited Selection: With around 3,000 titles, Prime Reading offers fewer options compared to Kindle Unlimited or Audible. If you’re an avid reader looking for specific titles, the selection may feel restrictive.
- Rotating Availability: Since Prime Reading’s catalog changes regularly, titles might not be available for long periods. If you find a book you like, borrow it right away before it disappears.
- Borrowing Limit: You can only borrow up to 10 items at a time, which might be limiting for readers who want to have more titles available at once.
Is Prime Reading Worth It?
For casual readers who enjoy exploring different genres without having to purchase individual books, Prime Reading is a great, cost-effective feature included with an Amazon Prime membership. It offers a convenient way to enjoy books, audiobooks, and magazines without spending extra money.
However, if you’re a frequent reader who wants a larger selection, Kindle Unlimited may be a better option. For bookworms who already have Amazon Prime, Prime Reading is a valuable perk, providing access to a curated selection of reading material at no extra cost.
Overall, Prime Reading is an excellent addition to the Amazon Prime membership for anyone who loves to read, offering a library of titles that can suit a wide range of preferences, all without the need for an additional subscription.