While signing up for an ebook sounds ideal, it’s worth taking some time to consider the pros and cons of each. These digital reading services often charge the same as Netflix or Spotify for books and have similarities, but ebook subscriptions also have some unwanted limitations.
Content: All e-book subscription services offer limited e-book libraries. (This is where the Netflix comparison comes in handy.) They may boast over a million titles, but that total doesn’t necessarily include any of your favorite authors; For example, none of the services we tested had a single title by Cormac McCarthy, although some had books about his works.
Five major publishers (Penguin Random House, Hachette, Macmillan, HarperCollins and Simon & Schuster) dominate the US bestseller charts but have so far had limited deals with ebook subscription services . The current bestsellers list is not well presented, and the modest list of popular songs appears to consist mainly of older titles. Whatever service you’re considering, we recommend browsing the library of eBooks and audiobooks available before you commit.
Reading habits: If you only read one or two books a month, you’re better off buying popular titles, recommendations from trusted friends, or works by your favorite authors. That way, you can pick the best ebooks and keep them. With an e-book subscription, you lose access the moment you stop the subscription, and the existing library of books is subject to change at any time without notice.
Vulnerable readers who are willing to try their hand at new and unfamiliar authors will likely get the most value from an ebook subscription. But while these services are often described as unlimited, they often have hidden limitations. This is where they differ from services like Spotify and Netflix. For example, with Scribd, the available library is reduced when you reach an ambiguous limit.
Donate: Make sure that the devices you want to read are supported. Most ebook subscription services offer a minimum of apps for Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac. Languages, accessibility, and extras like search vary, so do your research to make sure the app supports your needs. Sadly, many e-readers, like Kindles, are not compatible with e-book subscription services other than those offered by the manufacturer.
Audiobook: Unlike e-book subscription services, some audiobook services offer a monthly credit system that allows you to purchase audiobooks that you can keep, even if you stop subscribing. Others seem to offer unlimited access to the streaming library, but there are often hidden limitations that narrow your choices for that month after you’ve listened to an audiobook or two. Also consider the maximum bitrate for audio streams, as this varies between services and can affect the quality of your audiobooks.
