For avid readers racing to meet their annual targets, a compelling new offer from e-reader company Kobo could provide the final push. The firm is currently promoting a subscription service that includes a 30-day free trial, granting access to a vast library of eBooks and audiobooks right through to 2026.
A Cost-Effective Alternative to Amazon's Ecosystem
Journalist and self-confessed bookworm Jada Jones, who has devoured 138 books this year with a goal of 150, highlights the potential savings. While she previously invested in Amazon's ecosystem, her switch to a Kobo Clara Colour (£149.99) opened new doors. The key offering is Kobo Plus Read and Listen, a combined subscription for £11.99 per month. When separated, the eBook-only (Kobo Plus Read) and audiobook-only (Kobo Plus Listen) services each cost £8.99 monthly.
This presents a stark contrast to Amazon's model. Kindle Unlimited allows 20 books at a time for £9.49 per month, while an Audible subscription starts at £8.99 for one credit and access to the Plus Catalogue. For consumers who regularly use both formats, sticking with Amazon could mean a combined monthly outlay of around £18.48—significantly more than Kobo's bundled price.
Surprising Depth in the Kobo Plus Catalogue
The service's appeal isn't just in its pricing. An exploration of the Kobo Plus library reveals an impressive and current selection. It includes popular titles like V.E. Schwab's The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, often with full series available. Notably, recent releases such as Callie Hart's Brimstone (out for just over two weeks) and Crowntide—the fourth book in the Lightlark series released merely three days ago—are already part of the catalogue.
This immediacy solves a common pain point for library app users, where wait times for new digital releases can be lengthy. The audiobook selection is similarly robust, encompassing complete series like Becka Mack's Playing For Keeps, which would otherwise require multiple monthly credits on other platforms.
User Feedback and Final Verdict
On TrustPilot, Kobo maintains a 'Great' rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars. Subscribers praise the service for being 'easy to use' with a 'wide variety of books'. Some criticism points to a desire for an even broader selection of included titles, indicating room for growth.
For Jones, the value proposition is clear. She has already paused her Kindle Unlimited subscription and is considering doing the same with Audible. "I'd be saving money if I managed just two audiobooks a month," she notes, with the eBook access being a considerable bonus. The offer, available until the end of 2025, might just be the tool dedicated readers need to not only meet but exceed their literary ambitions for the year.
