For many digital book lovers, the convenience of having an entire library at their fingertips has revolutionized how they consume literature. One popular choice among avid readers is Kindle Unlimited, a subscription service offered by Amazon that gives members access to a vast selection of eBooks. But as audiobooks continue to grow in popularity, many users are asking: Does Kindle Unlimited include audiobooks? The simple answer is—yes, it does, but there’s much more to know. This article breaks down how audiobooks fit into Kindle Unlimited, how to access them, and what limitations you might encounter.
What is Kindle Unlimited?
Kindle Unlimited is a monthly subscription service offered by Amazon that gives readers access to a rotating library of more than four million digital titles. For a fixed monthly fee—at the time of writing, $11.99 in the U.S.—subscribers can borrow up to 20 books at a time from a vast collection of novels, nonfiction books, comics, and more.
Importantly, you do not need a Kindle eReader to use Kindle Unlimited. You can access the collection on virtually any device using the Amazon Kindle app, including smartphones, tablets, and computers.
Does Kindle Unlimited Offer Audiobooks?
Yes, Kindle Unlimited does include audiobooks, but it’s important to understand that not all books in the Kindle Unlimited catalog come with audio versions. Only select books are offered with a companion audiobook, and even then, the format and compatibility depend on a few key factors.
How It Works
When browsing through Kindle Unlimited, you may notice a note in the book details that says “Read and Listen for Free” or “Includes narration”. This indicates that the book comes with an Audible narration, making it eligible for audiobook listening within your Kindle Unlimited subscription.
These audiobooks are powered by Audible narration and can be enjoyed using the Kindle app or Kindle hardware devices that support audio playback. You do not need a separate Audible membership to listen to these audiobooks; they are included as part of your Kindle Unlimited subscription, if the title qualifies.
Whispersync for Voice
Many Kindle Unlimited audiobooks use a feature called Whispersync for Voice. This technology allows you to seamlessly switch between reading and listening. For instance, you can start reading a book on your Kindle or mobile app and then continue where you left off by listening to the narration through your headphones while driving or working.
This synchronization makes Kindle Unlimited a particularly powerful platform for users who like to switch between visual and audio formats.
Limitations to Know
While the addition of audiobooks to Kindle Unlimited is an excellent benefit, it does come with a few limitations that subscribers should be aware of.
- Not All Books Include Audiobooks: Only a portion of Kindle Unlimited’s catalog includes free audio narration. You’ll need to look specifically for books marked with “Read and Listen for Free.”
- No Access to Full Audible Library: Kindle Unlimited does not provide access to the full Audible library, which is much larger and typically requires a separate Audible subscription.
- Device Compatibility: While the Kindle app supports audiobook playback, not all Kindle devices do. For instance, entry-level Kindle e-readers do not support audio features.
Popular Genres for Audiobooks
Certain genres tend to be more widely available in audio format within Kindle Unlimited. These typically include:
- Thrillers and Mysteries
- Romance
- Science Fiction and Fantasy
- Nonfiction (Biographies, Self-help)
- Children’s books with narration
Authors and publishers in these genres often use audiobooks as an added value feature to attract and retain readers.
How to Find Audiobooks in Kindle Unlimited
Finding Kindle Unlimited books that also include audiobooks is relatively simple. Here are a few tips:
- Go to the Kindle Store on Amazon.
- Click on Kindle Unlimited to filter results.
- Look for books that have the “Read and Listen for Free” indicator.
- On product pages, check for the “Add Audible narration” option if not already included.
Alternatively, you can also browse the Kindle Unlimited Audiobook catalog via Amazon’s dedicated landing pages, which filter only those titles that come with audio narration.
Tips for Enjoying Kindle Unlimited Audiobooks
- Use Bluetooth Devices: Pair your Kindle or tablet with wireless headphones or outdoor speakers for hands-free listening.
- Download for Offline Listening: Just like eBooks, you can download Kindle Unlimited audiobooks for offline playback, which is perfect for travel.
- Create a Wishlist: Save books that include audio so you can rotate choices when you’re in different settings—reading some, and listening to others.
Who Will Benefit the Most?
If you’re someone who enjoys both reading and listening to books, Kindle Unlimited provides a substantial amount of value, particularly since you won’t need separate subscriptions for reading and listening—at least for compatible titles. It’s perfect for:
- Commuters who want to listen to books during their drive or transit time.
- Busy parents looking to squeeze in literary time between tasks.
- Language learners who benefit from hearing native pronunciation while reading.
- Multitaskers who prefer to listen to books while doing other activities such as cooking or exercising.
Conclusion
Kindle Unlimited is more than just a digital library—it’s a hybrid reading and listening platform for modern readers. While the audiobook selection is limited compared to dedicated audio platforms like Audible, the inclusion of free audiobooks in select Kindle Unlimited titles provides tremendous value for those who enjoy versatile book consumption options.
Understanding the features like Whispersync and how to find books with narration will help users get the most out of their Kindle Unlimited subscription. Whether you’re a die-hard audiobook user or just venturing into the world of audio literature, Kindle Unlimited offers an excellent and cost-effective entry point.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 1. Do I need an Audible subscription to listen to Kindle Unlimited audiobooks?
- No. Audiobooks that are included with your Kindle Unlimited subscription do not require a separate Audible account.
- 2. How can I tell if a Kindle Unlimited book includes narration?
- Look for phrases like “Read and Listen for Free” or check the book’s product description for audio narration details.
- 3. Can I listen to Kindle Unlimited audiobooks offline?
- Yes. You can download audiobooks on the Kindle app for offline listening, just like you can download eBooks for offline reading.
- 4. Are all Kindle Unlimited audiobooks professionally narrated?
- Most are, particularly those offered via Audible. However, quality can vary depending on the publisher and narrator.
- 5. Can kids’ books in Kindle Unlimited have audio features?
- Yes. Many children’s books include read-along narration to help new readers follow along.
