The originalAmazon Kindleplayed a key role in making it possible to purchase books without stepping inside a physical store. ButKindle Unlimitedtakes that idea even further, creating a sort ofNetflixfor books where readers can choose from millions of titles by paying a monthly subscription cost. But, last year, the subscription jumped by about $2 up to $11.99 a month, leaving many readers wondering how to find Kindle Unlimited deals.
How to get free books on your Kindle and Fire tablet without buying from Amazon
If you have a book addiction like I do, reading can get expensive. But now I snag most of ebooks for free – and still get to read them on my Kindle.
If you are considering adding the reading subscription to your monthly budget, here’s how to find Kindle Unlimited deals and even a free month (or three).
How much is Kindle Unlimited?
Kindle Unlimited requires a $11.99 monthly subscription. The subscription gives readers access to millions of books within the Kindle Unlimited library. While that doesn’t include every single book for sale on Amazon, the subscription is known for including many popular bestselling authors. Unlike loaning an eBook from a library, there’s no wait time or return dates with Kindle Unlimited, with readers allowed to borrow up to 20 titles at a time.
While the service is most popular for eBooks, Kindle Unlimited also includes audiobooks and even some magazines. The subscription includes fiction and nonfiction for both adults and kids.
Amazon Kindle Unlimited
How to get Kindle Unlimited for Free
Amazon currently offers a free 30-day trial to Kindle Unlimited. Similar to a free trial of Amazon Prime, signing up for the trial allows readers 30 days to see if the service is the right fit for them. After those 30 days, the $11.99 monthly cost comes into play, with automatic renewals if the trial isn’t canceled.
Finding the reading service for free after those 30 days is a difficult task – but it’s not impossible. Some new and refurbishedKindle eReaders include three months of Kindle Unlimited for free. This introductory offer for new Kindle owners is designed to introduce readers to the benefits of the subscription.
Finally, there’s a lesser-known way of getting Kindle Unlimited for free: Amazon sellsgift subscriptionsof Kindle Unlimited. If someone asks what’s on your wish list or perhaps your love language is giving not-so-subtle-gift-hints to your spouse, you’re able to ask for a Kindle Unlimited subscription. Gift subscriptions are available in six months, one-year, or two-year options.
How to find Kindle Unlimited deals and discounts
Amazon does not advertise any student or military discounts for the reading service, thoughPrime Studentincludes two free months of Kindle Unlimited.
Deal hunters will likely have more success in finding a discounted subscription around key shopping days, including Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday. This past Prime Day, for example, Prime members could getthree months freeif they signed up for Kindle Unlimited. Amazon offereda similar deal around Black Friday.
Is Kindle Unlimited worth it?
The free 30-day trial, with no penalties for cancelation, is designed so readers can determine if Kindle Unlimited is the right fit. Readers should also ask themselves a few questions before determining if Kindle Unlimited is the best approach:
How to cancel a Kindle Unlimited free trial
Amazon says that a Kindle Unlimited subscription can be canceled at any time. The company also notes that, once you cancel the membership, you will still have access to the service until the end of the billing cycle.
To cancel a Kindle Unlimited subscription, log in to Amazon and navigate to theManage Kindle Unlimited Membership page.
How to find other free eBook deals
While the free trial of Kindle Unlimited is a great way to read a few eBooks for free, it’s not the only way to read free books on your Kindle.
If you already have a Prime membership for the free shipping, you have free access toPrime Reading. While this service has free titles that number in the thousands rather than the millions inside Kindle Unlimited, Prime Reading doesn’t have an additional fees outside of the cost of a Prime membership. While Prime Reading has fewer titles available, the available books rotate, so you won’t be stuck rereading the same titles over again.
Many local libraries offer free ebook loansthrough an app called Libby. Like checking out an actual physical book, you’ll need a library card, you can’t keep the book forever, and you may have to place a hold on the most popular titles. But, unlike a physical library book, you can check out a book in your pajamas at 2am without leaving your house.
Finally, Amazon’s Kindle store often has a list of free titles available. These books are often classics with expired copyrights or series starters where the publisher is hoping you’ll love it enough to buy the second book.
