When it comes to the realm of music streaming, Spotify has long reigned supreme. However, a year ago, it took a significant step by adding 15 hours of audiobooks to its Premium plans. This move forced its competitors to up their game. Amazon Music Unlimited, Amazon's music streaming platform, now offers a unique perk - you can borrow an audiobook from Audible every month with your Amazon Music Unlimited subscription, and it comes at no extra cost. The audiobooks are sourced directly from Audible, Amazon's audiobook platform. But there is a notable difference between listening to an audiobook on Amazon Music Unlimited and Audible. Audible provides one audiobook credit per month, allowing you to keep the audiobook forever, even if you cancel your subscription. On the other hand, Amazon Music Unlimited allows you to borrow an audiobook for a month, and it will disappear once the month is over. Of course, you can always borrow the same book again if you desire. This business strategy makes sense as it doesn't render Audible redundant and can entice music subscribers to explore the Audible platform. If you are a Prime member, Amazon Music Unlimited costs $10 per month or $99. If you are not a Prime member, it is $11 per month. Subscribers from the United States, the U.K., and Canada will have access to this new benefit. If you are on a family plan, it will only be available to the primary account holder. Remember, you can always sign up for a three-month trial of Amazon Music Unlimited if you want to experience the free monthly audiobooks. If you are curious about the Audible catalog, you can check it out here. Personally, I have found Spotify's audiobook selection to be rather lackluster. Many of the books I am interested in are locked away. If you are looking for a music and audiobook subscription with a more extensive catalog of audio books, Amazon Music Unlimited might be a better choice than Spotify.Business Strategy and Subscription Details
The approach adopted by Amazon Music Unlimited showcases a shrewd business strategy. By offering the ability to borrow audiobooks from Audible without adding an extra cost, it creates a unique value proposition. This not only attracts music subscribers but also ensures that Audible remains a relevant platform. In terms of subscription details, Prime members enjoy a slightly lower monthly rate of $10 or $99 for the year. Non-Prime members pay $11 per month. The availability of this new perk is limited to subscribers from the United States, the U.K., and Canada. For those on a family plan, only the primary account holder can access it. This targeted approach helps Amazon manage its resources and offer a personalized experience to its users.Comparison of Audiobook Features
One of the key differences between Spotify and Amazon Music Unlimited when it comes to audiobooks is the ownership aspect. Audible's credit system allows users to keep the audiobook forever, providing a sense of permanence. On the contrary, Amazon Music Unlimited's borrowing model gives users access for a limited time. This difference can be significant for avid audiobook listeners who prefer to own their collection. Additionally, the catalog sizes also vary. Spotify's audiobook selection has been found to be underwhelming by many users, with many desired books locked behind a paywall. In contrast, Amazon Music Unlimited offers a more extensive catalog, making it a more attractive option for those with a wide range of audiobook interests.User Experience and Subscription Value
From a user experience perspective, the borrowing model of Amazon Music Unlimited can be both convenient and limiting. On one hand, it allows users to explore a wide range of audiobooks without committing to a purchase. On the other hand, they need to remember to return the borrowed books within a month. This can be a hassle for some users. However, the overall subscription value of Amazon Music Unlimited is hard to ignore. With the added benefit of free monthly audiobooks, it offers a unique combination of music and audiobook content. Compared to Spotify, where the audiobook selection is limited, Amazon Music Unlimited provides a more comprehensive offering. This can be especially appealing to users who enjoy both music and audiobooks.Final Thoughts and Recommendations
In conclusion, both Spotify and Amazon Music Unlimited have their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to audiobooks. Spotify's dominance in the music streaming market is well-known, but its audiobook selection leaves much to be desired. Amazon Music Unlimited, on the other hand, offers a more extensive catalog and the ability to borrow audiobooks from Audible. This makes it a more attractive option for those looking for a comprehensive music and audiobook subscription. However, the choice ultimately depends on individual preferences and needs. If you are a die-hard Spotify user and don't mind the limited audiobook selection, it may still be the right choice for you. But if you are looking for a wider range of audiobooks and the convenience of borrowing from Audible, Amazon Music Unlimited is definitely worth considering.
