Verithiathe honest score on any app
Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

Audible vs Amazon Kindle

Audible 4.9★ · Free + IAP 75
Winner Tie
Amazon Kindle 4.9★ · Free + IAP 70

For dedicated audio content, Audible is the clear choice, while Amazon Kindle is better for those who prefer reading ebooks and want a more integrated reading experience.

Full reviews: Audible · Amazon Kindle

Audible excels in audiobook narration and content, despite user complaints about app performance and subscription value. Amazon Kindle is praised for its vast ebook library and Kindle Unlimited, but recent updates have introduced significant navigation and feature issues.

Head to head

Content & Library tieR2R5R8R9
Audible Audible users appreciate the vast selection of audiobooks and the quality of narration, with many finding specific titles inspiring and well-produced R2R5R8. However, some are annoyed by AI-generated voices and offensive books being promoted R9.
Amazon Kindle Kindle users love the vast selection of ebooks, the convenience of Kindle Unlimited for borrowing many books, and the ability to read on multiple devices R74. Some users are frustrated by the inability to organize ebooks their way and the removal of features like 'Top Reads' or 'Coming Soon' lists R66R73.
App Performance & Reliability tieR7R15R18R21
Audible Audible users frequently report issues with app speed, especially in the library R15, and problems with playback, including disconnections, random exits, and delays R7R18R21. Some also mention bugs with features like timers, landscape mode, and chapter navigation after updates .
Amazon Kindle Kindle users have experienced frequent app crashes, especially on macOS R64. Recent updates have introduced major bugs, such as inability to view book details, missing 'add to list' options, and issues with series viewing R67. There are also complaints about books not syncing to devices .
User Interface & Navigation tieR12R13R22R25
Audible Audible's interface is criticized for being clunky, unintuitive, and chaotic, with difficulty finding podcasts or purchased titles R12R13R22R25. Users also dislike the constant ads and hard selling within the app R25.
Amazon Kindle Kindle's navigation is described as terrible and confusing, making it hard to move around the library or within a book . Recent updates have worsened the UI, removing useful features like the 'back' arrow and making it difficult to find similar books or series R67R73.
Price & Value edge: AudibleR1R19R31R74
Audible Audible is considered expensive by many, with $15 for one book a month seen as poor value R1. A major point of contention is that purchased titles disappear or become inaccessible if a subscription is canceled R19R31.
Amazon Kindle Kindle users appreciate the value of Kindle Unlimited at $15/month for access to many books R74. However, some are frustrated by limitations on copying text, the inability to lend books, and the fact that they don't truly 'own' the digital books . There are also complaints about being charged for books advertised as free .
Customer Support & Account Management edge: Amazon KindleR4R10R12R13
Audible Audible users report non-existent customer support within the app, with the app rebooting when trying to access it R12. There are serious complaints about unauthorized charges and difficulty logging in or connecting accounts R4R10R13.
Amazon Kindle Kindle users report issues with syncing books to other devices . There are also complaints about the Kindle Store being poor at providing basic book information like translator or publisher .
Pick Audible if

you prioritize a dedicated audiobook experience with high-quality narration and a vast selection of audio titles, and are willing to overlook occasional app performance issues R35.

Pick Amazon Kindle if

you primarily read ebooks, value the extensive library and subscription model of Kindle Unlimited, and read across multiple devices R74.

Evidence note: Both apps have a high lifetime rating, but recent reviews for both show significant frustration with app updates, performance, and feature changes. The evidence for app performance and UI issues is strong for both, making it difficult to declare a clear winner in those areas.

Frequently asked

Is Audible worth the money?
Audible's value is debatable among users; some find it expensive at $15 for one title a month and are frustrated that purchased books become inaccessible if the subscription is canceled R1R19R31. Others find it worthwhile for the quality of narration and the ability to listen to books R35.
What are the common issues with the Amazon Kindle app?
Common issues with the Amazon Kindle app include frequent crashes, poor navigation, and recent updates removing key features like 'Top Reads' lists, 'Coming Soon' lists, and the ability to easily view all books in a series R64R66R67R73.
Can I listen to podcasts on Audible?
Yes, you can listen to podcasts on Audible, but users report difficulties finding them, issues with episodes not being up to date, and problems with autoplay order R3R40.
Does Amazon Kindle integrate with Audible?
While both are Amazon products, users report issues with Audible audio not syncing correctly with Kindle text, being several words ahead R103, and difficulty downloading Audible within the Kindle app R67. Some wish for better integration R65.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R2] Audible 5/5 · US By the Cover: The book delivers. If you’re looking for clarity, start here. Over use of the word Ziklag towards the end, otherwise great!
  2. [R5] Audible 5/5 · US Wow!: This book was beyond inspiring! To be young and thrown into a system full of wolves, people willing to prey on you for profit and come out on top was a testament to the power of God and how faith and works go hand in hand. Highly recommend
  3. [R8] Audible 5/5 · US A book for everybody: Everybody should read this book the younger, the better. I’m 62 years old and one of my regrets is that I did not read this book when I was 25 or even 15. This book describes how millionaires live and use their money, and if everybody followed these principles, more people would have more wealth and fewer people would have many problems
  4. [R9] Audible 3/5 · US Mostly good: I don’t like ai and offensive books being thrown in my face, however I do like listening to books.
  5. [R7] Audible 1/5 · US SO. SO. ANNOYING!: i’m finally deleting this stupid, stupid app . I have tried every possible solution, but nothing works. Audible simply MUST play immediately upon connecting to my car’s Bluetooth. No restrictions set on my phone matter. It blows past every one of them and starts playing immediately. The only solution is to delete it. It’s just not worth it.
  6. [R15] Audible 3/5 · GB Recent updates have made this app painfully slow: I have over 300 titles and going into my library takes over 20 seconds. However the ads still manage to load instantly.
  7. [R18] Audible 3/5 · GB App needs work: The sync function is terrible and can take 5 seconds before it lets you resume play. I only use this on one device… it’s completely pointless and can’t be turned off. The app store is not easy to navigate. E.g. Audible regularly sends emails advertising sales, however the links take you to the website in a browser rather than the app. The app has no tab for the ‘members only’ sale,
  8. [R21] Audible 3/5 · GB Bug??: Love it but since last update it disconnects every few minutes which then needs a switch on again.
  9. [R12] Audible 3/5 · US Audible: It’s ok if you listen a lot but the titles disappear on the app and you have to goto the internet version and log in to find an audio book that you purchased and didn’t delete from the app. Customer support on the app doesn’t exist. If you click on it the entire app gets rebooted. You actually have to goto the internet version click on an d book you want to listen too and redownload it. I
  10. [R13] Audible 1/5 · US 😩: Made it to difficult to connect accounts or to even log in
  11. [R22] Audible 1/5 · US to geared towards selling more books: need it to show me my library and play my books. an audiobook player only!
  12. [R25] Audible 1/5 · US Garbage: The team that develops this app must not listen to audiobooks. Chaotic layout, hides useful features and show ads for books I wouldn’t want in a thousand years. Also, you can’t pause your account while you have credits or Jeff takes them to pay for his yachts. Team Orca!
  13. [R1] Audible 2/5 · US Money: It’s stupid expensive to only get 1 free title a month. $15 for 1 book
  14. [R19] Audible 1/5 · US Don’t waste money here: Your credits only grant access to books while you maintain a subscription. Highly recommend using the many free audiobook resources & apps public libraries provide.
  15. [R31] Audible 1/5 · US Over 40 titles with audible and I’ll never purchase again.: Amazon’s new “Standard” plan doesn’t allow to you listen to the books you purchase when you cancel your membership. What a greedy scam, unbelievable.
  16. [R74] Amazon Kindle 5/5 · US Best Amazon product: I don’t know why Amazon is not pushing for kindle to be in every household. It’s so easy to use and I have read so many books from kindle unlimited ($15/month) instead of spending $15/ book. The convenience is awesome too, I use kindle from my phone and I don’t have to worry about carrying my book everywhere. It’s so easy to replace browsing with reading. Absolutely love this
  17. [R4] Audible 1/5 · US Disgusting: I want to know why money was taken off my debit card without my permission I don't even have this app any more and yet money was taken off my debit card without my permission that is not right once again you all are taking money off my card without permission and if it doesn't stop I will be seeing a lawyer I don't have this app so stop taking money from my card or you will be hearing
  18. [R10] Audible 1/5 · US You get stuck in a payment loop: Not a great policy
  19. [R35] Audible 5/5 · US Listening: I only listen to books as I listen while walking, knitting, cooking, and working. It’s the best.
  20. [R64] Amazon Kindle 1/5 · US It crashes: Latest version on macOS (Tahoe) crashes as soon as it starts, can’t read…
  21. [R66] Amazon Kindle 3/5 · US BRING BACK THE TOP READS LIST!: I don’t know whose dumb idea it was to get rid of the rankings of books in the top read list will bring it back. That’s where I used to find all my new books. Now you just go to a book and all it has is the series of that book. I want to look at one book and be able to find 100 other books just like it.
  22. [R67] Amazon Kindle 1/5 · US new update has major issues: the newest update has major issues. you click see more book details and it just keeps opening same short detail page. “add to a list” option is gone. can’t view all books in a series it just keeps showing you the same 1 book in the series you are currently viewing. and audible will not download within the book keep getting an error within the book
  23. [R73] Amazon Kindle 1/5 · US Update sucks: Removed similar books feature
  24. [R3] Audible 3/5 · US Fix Podcasts: If you are going to buy all my favorite podcasts and put them ad free on this app, then the app should be up to date. I see new episodes that I wanna listen to in my Apple podcast app, but they are not available on the audible app for days.
  25. [R40] Audible 1/5 · US Podcast are Difficult to Find and Don’t Play in Order: Moving over from the Wondery app and trying to find the podcast and follow them is clunky and unintuitive. It is a complete downgrade in the experience I was use to with Wondery. Update: Dropping to 1-Star. Trying auto-play podcast in order is a nightmare. For example, you find a new podcast you like and want listen to oldest to newest…it wi
  26. [R65] Amazon Kindle 5/5 · US Great app!: Links to library and so much better to read with the larger screens and in the apple ecosystem. Great library and customer experience. Wish it linked better to Audible.
  27. [R103] Amazon Kindle 1/5 · US Audible sync bug: The audible audio is not synced with the text, it’s like 5 words ahead for some reason

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store