If you’ve been known to indulge in a book-shopping spree or two in your life, then you know the joy checking out and becoming the happy owner of some enticing new books. And because you’re here, I’m going to guess that scenario is all too familiar!
But in a time where it feels like prices for everything have gone up and poorly-produced, AI-generated works are popping up, I think it’s fair to say that a lot of people are wanting to be a bit more of a conscious consumer when it comes to what books they buy. And with a subscription service like Kindle+, they might even be wondering if it makes more sense to subscribe to that (formerly Kindle Unlimited) instead of buying physical books or ebooks.
With Kindle+, subscribers gain access to thousands of ebooks (and audiobooks) for a monthly fee—at the time I’m writing this, I pay about $12.00. It’s incredibly convenient having so many books at my fingertips, especially indie-published books from amazing indie authors I might not otherwise find in a bookstore like Barnes and Noble. If I add a book to my Kindle+ library, start reading it, and realize it’s just not for me, I can return it with no stress, and I don’t feel like I spent $15 or more on a new book that I didn’t enjoy or wanted to DNF.
But Kindle+ only allows users to rent the books, or essentially check them out like you might in the library. Kindle+ subscribers don’t own the books they check out and read; instead, they just borrow them.
So which is really better? Kindle+ or buying books? Let’s get into the pros and cons so that you can decide what “better” looks like for you.
If you love romance book recs, you’ll probably feel at home with my newsletter where I share regular romance recommendations. You also get a free book when you sign up!
What Factors Go Into this Choice?
There are a few things to consider when you’re deciding if you are going to lean more into Kindle+ or instead just buy the books (either ebook or physical book) that you want to read.
Cost - If you, like me, are not made of money, then cost is definitely something to consider. Kindle+ costs less than many new books from a bookstore, making it appealing to budget-conscious readers.
Book selection - Kindle Unlimited/Kindle+ has a wide selection of authors, some of which (especially of the indie variety) only publish on Kindle+. Of course, the selection on there can sometimes be overwhelming to the point where you don’t know where to start or how to sift through your options (which, if that’s the case, I have a post all about making the most of your KU/Kindle+ subscription!). I sometimes find that physical bookstores—especially niche ones by genre, like dedicated romance bookstores—have a nice curated selection of books, many of which are still new to me or lesser known. And knock Barnes & Noble all you want, but I do feel like they have a decent romance selection, including books I haven’t heard of before!
Your reading habits - If you tear through a book a day, you might like having Kindle+ to make sure you’ve always got a good book in your hands. If you’re a slower reader or tend to only pick up a couple books a year, you might prefer purchasing the books you want to read instead.
The ownership aspect - Some people really like owning their media rather than renting it. If this is you, then I think purchasing physical books will be your fave!
The shopping vibe - I love my Kindle, but nothing—and I mean nothing—beats going into a bookstore to pick up some freshie reads. Shopping in a bookstore fills up my cup in a way browsing on Kindle+ or even buying the ebook just doesn’t.
The reading vibe - I’m a mood reader in many ways, not just with tropes and premises, but also with the book format. Sometimes I just really want a physical book in my hand. Other times, I’m going through an ereader phase.
The overall value - With thousands of books in their catalogue, you can’t deny that Kindle+ is an unbeatable deal for book lovers. But a crafted library of physical books might appeal to you more, or perhaps you’d rather have the ebook on your Kindle permanently. The overall value for you is subjective, based on what matters most to you.
What Is Kindle+ and How Does It Work?
How Kindle+ Works in 2026
With a Kindle+ subscription, you can borrow from a large collection of digital books, audiobooks, comics, manga, and magazines. You’ll know what’s included when you see the Kindle+ subscription badge, and all you have to do is download and start reading.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t actually need a Kindle device to use Kindle+. You can actually download the Kindle app (which is free) to your smartphone, computer, or tablet and read that way. I personally like the Kindle device and prefer reading there, but to each their own!
With Kindle+ you can then borrow up to 20 titles at a time with no due dates. As long as the book remains included in Kindle+, it will remain on your device. If you hit the limit (I’ve definitely been guilty of this), you just have to return something to check another book out. It’s helpful to stay on top of your Kindle+ books and return your current selections once you’re done with them.
The biggest catch with Kindle+ is that not all books are included in the subscription. Many are, but there will still be plenty of books that do not have that Kindle+ badge. It’s truly dependent on the book and what exclusivity rules apply to it, but you might notice that major bestsellers are less likely to be included in Kindle+. There are still many indie authors who don’t want to be limited to the Amazon/Kindle+ ecosystem, so their books aren’t included. Kindle+ does have a lot in their library, but depending on your tastes, what appeals to you may be hit or miss.
How Much Does Kindle+ Cost?
You get a free trial with Kindle+, after which point you will pay $11.99 plus any applicable taxes and fees. When you consider the cost for a new paperback to be typically in the $15-$20 range, that’s definitely cost-effective. You can also sometimes find special promotions or deals, so it’s always worth keeping your eyes peeled for those.
If you decide to cancel your Kindle+ subscription, the books you’ve borrowed will be removed from your device. If you eventually re-join Kindle+, they won’t automatically be added back to your ereader library.
Buying Books: Ebooks and Physical Books
Purchasing Ebooks Individually
A lot of digital versions of books are priced lower than their paperback/hardback counterparts since production costs are less. You can buy many traditionally published books in ebook form for $9.99-12.99 on average. Indie books are often priced even lower, around $3.99-6.99 for a full-length novel, and even cheaper for novellas. Plus, if you happen to find Kindle deals, you can snag books for as low as $.99—or sometimes even free, if it’s a special promotion!
Unlike with Kindle+, these aren’t books you borrow from a hypothetical library. You don’t own them, per se…more on that in a minute. But you have a license that allows you to read the content, and as long as there are no publisher copyright issues later on down the line, then you’ll be able to access it. You can even remove the download from your device to free up space, and then redownload it anytime.
It’s important to note that not all books have a Kindle or digital version. I’d say it’s not the norm, but it’s certainly possible. In fact, I bought a book at the bookstore the other day because the only way I could get a copy of it was to buy the physical book! No digital version exists.
Do You Really Own a Kindle Book if You Buy It?
This is where things get a little weird. Yes, you might buy a digital copy of a book, but you don’t technically own it…I know, it’s kind of wacky. You essentially don’t purchase the book; instead, you purchase a limited license that allows you to read the book. But in the event a publisher loses the rights to a book or requests it to be removed from the Kindle store, then that book can actually still be removed against your will from your device. I don’t think it’s terribly common, but it is something that can happen.
In today’s day and age, digital copies of media are so convenient, but this caveat of not really “owning” the book sometimes trips people up and makes them more interested in the physical versions.
Purchasing Physical Books Individually
Ah, the old-fashioned way of book buying—buying the book! If all the talk about copyright issues with digital copies of books that you’ve purchased spooked you, and you want to ensure, without a shadow of a doubt, that you will always have access to a book you buy, then the only way to do that is to buy the physical book.
There are tons of other reasons to want to get a physical book, too. You might want to support the author, or maybe even one day get it signed from them. Obviously, with special editions, it’s really cool to get your own copy. There are so many books that are getting special covers or sprayed edges, and they’re a gorgeous addition to a physical library. It’s also really nice to have books that you like that you can then gift or lend to friends and family members.
Physical books typically cost the most new because of the overhead to produce them. A lot of new romance books cost anywhere from $16.99 to $20 or more. If you play it smart, you can find books in great condition for much lower secondhand (my personal platform to use is Vinted, but you can also check your local thrift stores, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or used book sites).
And, of course, you can also sell books after you’ve read them, recouping some of your costs if you like. If you decide to keep them, you can always lend them to family or friends, or just pick them up for a reread whenever you like.
Kindle+ vs. Buying Books: Side-by-Side Comparison
Wanting to do a little compare and contrast? Here is a basic breakdown of what to expect between Kindle+, buying ebooks, or buying physical books.
COST
Kindle+ - Monthly subscription
Buying ebooks - Pay per book
Buying Physical Books - Pay per Book
With a monthly cost at only $11.99 that gives you access to thousands of books, Kindle+ is extremely cost-effective.
BOOK ACCESS
Kindle+ - The Kindle+ catalog only
Buying ebooks - Any ebook is fair game
Buying Physical Books - Any physical book is fair game
Kindle+ means you’re limited to whatever is included in their catalog. Ebooks and physical books are going to give you the widest choice for book access and availability.
LONG-TERM ACCESS
Kindle+ - Ends when the subscription ends or when the book is removed from Kindle+
Buying ebooks - Generally retained under the purchasing license
Buying Physical Books - You have it as long as you want to have it
No contest here—if you want the longest access to a book without worry of it being removed from your library, physical books win, with buying ebooks shortly behind.
ESPECIALLY GOOD FOR
Kindle+ - Frequent readers, readers who consume a lot of romance, fantasy, or sci-fi, indie book lovers
Buying ebooks - Selective readers who love their ereader, people who want to support indie authors with a higher payrate than Kindle+
Buying Physical Books - Selective readers, people who love the tactile experience, annotation lovers, slower readers
This will be dependent on each person; each option has their benefits.
POPULAR BESTSELLERS
Kindle+ - Limited availability
Buying ebooks - Often available
Buying Physical Books - Widely available
If you want to read the most popular books that everyone is talking about, your best bet will be buying the physical books, followed by the ebook version.
READING FLEXIBILITY
Kindle+ - Read and return
Buying ebooks - Read purchased books anytime
Buying Physical Books - Read purchased books anytime
Buying physical books (and ebooks) gives you the maximum flexibility for when you want to read.
SHARING OR RESALE
Kindle+ - Not possible
Buying ebooks - Not possible
Buying Physical Books - Possible
Buying physical books wins out big time if you are interested in passing books along to friends or family, or if you want to sell your books.
LIBRARY LIMIT
Kindle+ - 20 books maximum
Buying ebooks - As many as your ereader can hold!
Buying Physical Books - As many as your shelves can hold!
If you don’t like being limited, then buying physical or ebooks will give you the biggest TBR possible.
BUDGET PREDICTABILITY
Kindle+ - Easy with a monthly subscription
Buying ebooks - More complicated since ebooks vary in price
Buying Physical Books - More complicated since physical books vary in price
If you like consistency in your budget, Kindle+ makes it easy to know how much your book budget will be each month.
Is Kindle+ Cheaper Than Buying Books in 2026?
For many readers, the cost comparison is one of the most important aspects of planning their book buying. Aside from your personal reading habits and preferences, how many books you typically read per month can help you determine whether you’ll save money with Kindle+ or not. For example, if you typically only read one book per month and you like to read on an ereader, then you might just be better off buying ebooks—they’re often less than the $11.99 monthly cost of Kindle+. But if you read 10 books in a month, you can see how that cost would add up quickly.
Example: Kindle+ or Buying Books In One Year
Let’s do a little experiment. Kindle+ typically costs ~$12 per month. Let’s say that an average ebook price is $6, and the average physical book (new) is $15. We’re just guesstimating here, but this can help put things in perspective…
1 Book Read Per Month in a Year
Kindle+ - $144
Buying ebooks - $72
Buying Physical Books - $180
2 Books Read Per Month in a Year
Kindle+ - $144
Buying ebooks - $144
Buying Physical Books - $360
3 Books Read Per Month in a Year
Kindle+ - $144
Buying ebooks - $216
Buying Physical Books - $540
4 Books Read Per Month in a Year
Kindle+ - $144
Buying ebooks - $288
Buying Physical Books - $720
8 Books Read Per Month in a Year
Kindle+ - $144
Buying ebooks - $576
Buying Physical Books - $1440
10 Books Read Per Month in a Year
Kindle+ - $144
Buying ebooks - $720
Buying Physical Books - $1800
Pros and Cons of Kindle+
If you take a look at the projected costs above, Kindle+ can make a lot of sense. But if it were that easy, then everyone would have it, right? There are some catches to Kindle+ that might make it worth the extra cost to buy ebooks or physical books instead.
PROS OF KINDLE+
Access to a large selection of books
Cost-effective, especially for frequent readers
Easy to discover new authors or explore new-to-you genres with no financial risk
Access to audiobooks, magazines, and other titles
Less clutter in the home
CONS OF KINDLE+
Not all books that you may want are included, especially if they’re bestsellers or super popular
Books are technically borrowed, so you may not have permanent access to them
The monthly cost doesn’t make sense if you don’t actually use it
Availability varies over time
It can sometimes be difficult to find titles or search what’s available
Kindle+ is part of the Amazon ecosystem, so if you have strong (read: negative) feelings about supporting Amazon, you may not like this
Pros and Cons of Buying ebooks
As tempting as Kindle+ might be, it’s not right for every reader. Buying ebooks might be the way to go, but that path comes with its own pros and cons, too, of course…
PROS OF BUYING EBOOKS
Freedom to select whatever book you want that comes in ebook format
Options to buy books outside of Amazon using other brands of ereaders
More guaranteed longer-term access to your books
Easy to revisit a favorite book
Supports authors by typically giving them more royalties per book read vs. what they would earn if you read the book in Kindle+
Ebooks often cost less than their physical book counterparts
You can often find incredible deals for ebooks listed at $3 or less, or even free
Less clutter in the home
CONS OF BUYING EBOOKS
The cost can add up if you read a lot
You may be less inclined to explore new authors or genres and instead stick to what you know
Digital purchases still have licensing limits, so there is a small chance you could lose access
If you own a non-Kindle device and want to buy the ebook for a book that is listed on Kindle+, you won’t be able to; books listed on Kindle+ can only be available in the Amazon ecosystem
Pros and Cons of Buying Physical Books
Maybe you prefer the reading experience when you have something in your hand, or perhaps you just don’t have any desire to own an ereader. Whatever the reason, there are certainly some upsides and downsides to physical book buying, too.
PROS OF BUYING PHYSICAL BOOKS
You can get the bookstore experience!
You can share books from your personal library or resell them
You can find books used for cheaper if you want
You own the book and no one can take the copy away from you
You can revisit the book anytime you want
You can get special editions or collector’s editions with unique covers or sprayed edges
It’s a really nice way to support the author—seriously, seeing photos of my book in readers’ hands is so cool!
CONS OF BUYING PHYSICAL BOOKS
Typically this is the most expensive option
Uses up physical resources (like paper) to create
Bookstores often won’t be packed with indie books and lean more toward bestsellers, so you may branch out less
Takes up physical space
Buying books and reading books are technically two different hobbies (I say this as someone who has been guilty of this!)
Book Selection: How Does Kindle+ Book Availability Compare to Buying Books?
Kindle+ does have quite an impressive selection of books, I’ll admit. It’s especially good if you read in certain genres, like romance, fantasy, sci-fi, thrillers, and non-fiction. As a self-published author, I know that I reach new readers because of Kindle+—they see my book and decide to take a chance on it, knowing they don’t have to buy the book outright. So you know you’re going to find all kinds of amazing authors on there that you just won’t find at a typical bookstore.
As of right now, I do have a Kindle+ subscription. For me, it’s worth the amount I pay to get to experiment with new-to-me authors. I’m not above buying physical books or ebooks, though. I love having options, I guess! And because Kindle+ doesn’t include every book ever, having to buy a book is sometimes just what I have to do. This is often the case with new releases or bestsellers, specific nonfiction, or really any author or publisher who does not have their book listed in Kindle+.
Hot tip: I try to keep costs down by scouring ebook deals or shopping for books secondhand. I share some tips about how to stuff your Kindle or ereader any day of the year here.
Kindle+ vs. Buying Books: Which is Better for Which Type of Reader?
Casual Readers - For people who go through 1 or 2 books a month, you might find it easier to just buy the books you want to read. You might even get your monthly cost to be lower if you use your local library or buy books secondhand. If, however, you really like reading indie books and the popular genres on Kindle+, a subscription to that could still be worth your while instead.
Avid Readers - If you go through 4+ books per month, the per-book cost using Kindle+ gets quite low (just $3 per book, or less). If you’re not attached to owning the books and like the selection available on Kindle+, that might be the best option for you.
Romance or Fantasy Readers - These are incredibly popular genres on Kindle+, and you’ll have a wide variety of books to read at a predictable monthly cost. Kindle+ is also the place to find lots of indie authors in these genres, so you can find authors you might not know about otherwise. If, however, you tend to stick to the bestsellers of romance or fantasy, Kindle+ may not have you covered.
Bestseller & New Release Readers - It’s not quite as common for bestsellers or new releases to be included in Kindle+. The limitations of the catalog mean you’re probably better off buying the book.
Re-Readers - If you like to revisit some of your fave stories again and again, nothing beats actually buying the book. A subscription like Kindle+ is certainly nice, but it doesn’t allow you to create a personal library in the same way buying does.
Can You Use Kindle+ and Still Buy Books?
Well, I sure hope so! I do, and I like the flexibility of having Kindle+ but still branching out to buy a book when it’s right. I typically check if a book is available in Kindle+ first, and if it’s not, I will buy it. Or, if I’m looking to add a favorite to my collection, then a physical book wins, hands down. And remember, the library, ebook deals, and secondhand buying are always options—so there are ways to reduce costs here.
Ultimately, a hybrid approach means I can balance savings but still have long-term access for the books I really want to have forever. That might be what works for you.
Also, Kindle+ doesn’t prevent you ever from buying the ebook. If you read a book in Kindle+ and really love it, nothing tells the author that more than also purchasing it. You get the benefit of the subscription service and can buy ebooks when your heart really desires.
How to Save Money on Kindle Books and Budget Book-Buying in 2026
I get it—monthly costs add up, and you might be looking to keep your book expenses as low as possible this year. Here are some of my tips to save money on books:
Use your library! It’s free and you will have access to tons of books
Take advantage of Kindle+ trial periods and deals
Watch for ebook promotions (every day, tons of ebooks go on sale for mere dollars, if you prefer to purchase)
Create an Amazon book wishlist so you can easily keep an eye on the prices of the books you’d like to buy
Track your monthly reading habits so you have an idea of how much use you’re getting out of a subscription service or how much use you’d theoretically get out of it, if you haven’t subscribed yet
Cancel or pause a subscription to Kindle+ if you’re not using it—you can always rejoin!
Kindle+ vs. Buying Books: An FAQ
Is Kindle+ worth it if I only read two books a month?
It depends on how you define “worth it.” If you’re typically reading indie romance books, you might actually find the ebook costs to be a couple bucks cheaper each month. But Kindle+ offers a wide variety that can’t be beat. But in general, the more books you read on Kindle+, the more cost-effective it is per book read. So for 2 books a month, it could go either way and depends a lot on your personal reading habits.
Do I lose my books if I cancel Kindle+?
Yes, any books checked out with Kindle+ will be removed from your device and you will no longer have access.
Is Kindle+ free with Amazon Prime?
No, Amazon Prime and Prime Reading are different from Kindle+. Confusing, I know!
Can I keep Kindle+ books forever?
Not technically. But as long as the book is included in Kindle+ and you are still a subscriber, then it will remain on your device until you remove it.
Are all Kindle books included in Kindle+?
No. Kindle+ has thousands of books available, but you’ll still encounter some books not included. These books you’ll need to either buy an ebook or physical book version of.
Is Kindle+ better than buying physical books?
This is subjective, honestly! I personally like having physical books of my all-time favorite reads, but I like using Kindle+ to explore new-to-me authors in romance. Think about what your reading goals are and review the pros/cons lists above to see what matches your desires best.
Can I read Kindle+ books without a Kindle device?
Yup! You can download the Kindle app (which is free) to your phone, computer, or tablet and read on there. I know quite a lot of people who love reading on their phones!
Is Kindle+ worth it for romance readers?
In my opinion, yes. Romance is the most popular genre on Kindle+, with a wide variety of books available. It’s also a great way to discover indie authors!
Final Verdict: Kindle+ or Buying Books…Which Should You Choose in 2026?
The moment we’ve all been waiting for! And, unfortunately, I’m sorry to say that I can’t give you a definitive answer here. It’s very much dependent on your personal preferences and your reading habits.
I think Kindle+ is fun for its catalog. Readers who pick up many books a month, like to experiment with genres, or are romance or fantasy lovers will probably enjoy Kindle+ a lot.
Buying ebooks is great if you like to have access to the book anytime or are keen on specific titles not included in Kindle+. Ebooks can sometimes be quite inexpensive, too—we’re talking $0.99 or even free—so if you keep your eyes peeled for deals, you may end up paying less than Kindle+ even if you buy 4 or 5 books in a month.
Buying physical books is perfect for the collector or the person who likes the tactile experience of reading. True, it can cost more if you buy books new, but nothing beats a bookstore trip and some fresh books in your personal library.
The library is free. I said it once, and I’ll say it again—buying books and reading books are different hobbies! So if you just want to read for the lowest amount of money possible, your local library is a great solution. If you have a few bucks to spend each month, you can consider ebook deals or secondhand physical books.
You could also opt for a hybrid experience. This is what I do. I read books on Kindle+, I buy ebooks if I find great deals, and I buy physical books when I really love something that I want on my shelves. But there are plenty of months in which I just stick to my Kindle+ subscription and library card, and that works out just fine.
There isn’t a right or wrong way to enjoy reading—seriously, if you’re reading, you’re doing it right—so what works for one book lover might not work for you. No matter what you decide, the right choice will always be the one that fits your budget, suits your reading style, and, most importantly, brings you joy!