Honest Blinkist Review [Nov 2023] – Is It Value For Money?

I’ve been using Blinkist since 2021 as a paying customer. I saw an ad on Facebook a few years ago that read something like “read 7 books a week”. My instant reaction was “this is a scam”, “no way is that possible”. Long story short – Covid hit, I started reading more only to realize I cannot read every book there is – enter book summary apps!

I started with getAbstract, tried almost every app in the market and now can tell you – Blinkist is the best book summary app in the market. Blinkist offers the best value for money and easily beats the competition on multiple factors.

BLINKIST REVIEW: 1 Minute Version

If you are short on time, here is a short summary of the Blinkist review. This review is based on my reading/listening to over 130+ books via Blinkist.

Pros

• High quality summaries: Most Blinkist summaries nail it. A 10-12 minute summary is enough to get key insights of the book and make a decision if the book is worth your time & money.
• Massive title collection: Over 5500+ titles across a range of non fiction topics
• Competitive pricing: The annual pricing is super competitive ($7/month). In addition, Blinkist also offers a 2 for 1 option, you can buy one premium subscription and share it with a friend or family member.
• Free Trail: A 7 day FREE trial is available on annual plan – enough to assess if Blinkist is right for you

Cons

• Competition: The main competitor (getAbstract)has over 25000+ titles available (but priced higher). However I don’t know anyone who might need 25000+ titles. The other competitor (Headway App) is cheaper but the title collection is much smaller (1500+ titles)
• Too concise: Some summaries might feel too short & miss some details, but this is also true all book summary apps

Here’s my video review of Blinkist

Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can help me buy a coffee or two if you decide to purchase a paid plan. These are products I’ve personally used and stand behind.

More about Book Summary Apps

• Honest Headway app review (gets over 7K clicks/month)
• The best book summary apps
• Shortform vs Blinkist
• getAbstract vs Blinkist
• Blinkist vs Headway App
• Honest Blinkist Review
• Complete Instaread review

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Blinkist worth the money?

Blinkist is absolutely worth the money! It’s the ultimate value book summary subscription service out there. With over 5500+ titles to choose from, incredible narrators, and top-notch summaries, Blinkist offers everything you need to absorb essential knowledge quickly.

Not to mention, they have an amazing 2 for 1 offer and competitive pricing. When it comes to price and app quality, Blinkist is a clear winner.

How much does Blinkist cost? /What is the cost of a Blinkist subscription?

You have multiple options

• Free account: You get one book summary a day (randomly selected by Blinkist) for free
• Premium plan (paid annually): 7 USD/month (approx. $88 USD paid annually)*
• Premium plan (paid monthly): $14/month, paid monthly*

*The prices may vary slightly based on geography and currency. Check on Blinkist directly for prices in your country/currency.

What is the downside of Blinkist?

While every book summary app has its drawbacks, Blinkist is no exception. One downside is that reading multiple summaries consecutively can become monotonous and uninteresting due to the absence of a narrative.

However, I would still highly recommend Blinkist as a valuable investment, as long as you limit yourself to reading around 5-7 summaries per week. It’s worth noting that a few summaries may fall short in terms of representing the entire book. But this is also true for every book summary app out there.

What is Blinkist? (or) What does Blinkist do?

Blinkist, a professional book summary service, provides a convenient way to access the valuable insights from the world’s best non-fiction books. In just 15 minutes or less, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of these books, empowering you to make the most of your time and knowledge.

Is Blinkist free? (or) How to get Blinkist for free?

Blinkist offers a free plan that allows you to explore a selection of daily picks randomly selected by their team. Although you can’t choose the specific books to read or check, you can enjoy a random exciting title every day.

However, if you’re looking for more flexibility, you can opt for a paid subscription and unlock even more benefits. With the 2 for 1 offer, you can share your premium subscription with a friend or family member at no additional cost.

So, if you want to experience Blinkist for free, simply ask your friend or family member to purchase a premium subscription and share it with you. Blinkist is kinder then Netflix when you share accounts!

How does Blinkist work?

Blinkist provides key insights and ideas from popular non-fiction books in a summarized form, allowing readers to access the core concepts of an entire book in just 15 minutes. The audiobook summaries are an equivalent of 15 mins audible version.

Does Apple really recommend Blinkist?

While Blinkist makes the claim in their post, it’s important to note that Tim Cook’s visit to Blinkist’s office doesn’t necessarily constitute an official endorsement.

However, the fact that 109K users have given it a stellar rating of 4.8/5 speaks volumes! Not only that, Blinkist has also received support from reputable sources like Forbes and The New York Times.

What is the 5 second rule Blinkist

The 5 Second Rule by Blinkist is a powerful technique that can transform your mornings and boost your productivity. Instead of hitting the snooze button when the alarm goes off, try counting down from five. This simple yet effective method will shift your focus to your responsibilities and remind you of your true priorities. Embrace the power of the 5 Second Rule and start your day off right!

What is the 10X rule Blinkist

While the 10X rule seems to be have been made popular by Blinkist, it is based on a old concept!

This rule is rooted in the empowering notion that success in any endeavor always demands more effort than we initially anticipate. Take a moment to reflect on your own journey and you’ll likely discover that your past achievements have consistently required ten times the effort you initially envisioned. The 10X rule is a powerful reminder that greatness awaits those who are willing to go the extra mile.

Who competes with Blinkist? (or) Top blinkist competitors (or) Is Blinkist actually good?

I must admit that when it comes to overall value, there is no one that truly competes with Blinkist.

There are some worthy competitors, such as getAbstract with a larger collection 25000+ titles and better summaries costing $25/month, or cheaper options like Headway App (much smaller collection – 1500+ titles) at $7/month. However all factors considered (quality, title collection & cost), Blinkist is the stand out!

Can you listen to full books on Blinkist?

Sure! With Blinkist, you can enjoy complete books in audio format. As a Blinkist Premium member, you have access to full-length audiobooks at a special price. No need to juggle between different apps for your learning needs; everything is conveniently available in one place!

What is the difference between audible and Blinkist? (or) Is Blinkist better than Audible?

Audible and Blinkist are both popular subscription-based audiobook services, but they differ in one crucial aspect. Audible provides access to a vast library of full books, while Blinkist takes a unique approach as a book summary app. With Blinkist, you get concise all the summaries of books, allowing you to quickly grasp the key ideas and concepts.

However, if you find a summary particularly captivating, Blinkist also gives you the option to purchase and listen to the full book.

Can Blinkist be read on Kindle?

Certainly! You can enjoy Blinkist on various devices like your iPad, iPhone, or Android. As a Blinkist Premium subscriber, you also have the option to send Blinks straight to your Kindle. Simply set up your Kindle email in the Blinkist app and add Blinkist’s address to your approved email list in your Kindle settings. This way, you can access Blinkist’s vast library wherever you prefer to read, empowering you to expand your knowledge on the go!

Is Blinkist legitimate? (or) Do authors make money from Blinkist?

While I’m no legal expert like Harvey Specter, I’m certain that a company as widely recognized and renowned as Blinkist is anything but illegitimate. With over 5500+ titles in their collection, they’re undoubtedly a trusted and reputable source for knowledge and learning.

This is what Blinkist say about the topic (& yes, authors do make money from Blinkist).

Are audiobooks free on Blinkist?

No, audiobooks are available, but not for free on Blinkist! On the free plan, you have the option to purchase any title from the extensive audiobook library. Please note that the retail price of the title will apply. However, you can always upgrade to Premium and enjoy a special member price on Blinkist’s constantly expanding collection.

Are book summaries worth it?

Book summaries offer a wealth of benefits and considerations to ponder. They provide a streamlined reading experience by eliminating repetition, saving valuable time and money, and enabling exploration of numerous titles in a short span.

However, it is important to acknowledge their limitations as well. While summaries are a convenient way to grasp the essence of a book in just 15 minutes, they can never fully replicate the immersive experience of reading the entire work.

It ultimately comes down to finding the right balance between investing weeks in a book that may or may not be the perfect fit, or relying on a selection of summaries to help you identify and enjoy a book that aligns with your interests and needs. Remember, the choice is yours to make!

Is Blinkist better than reading?

When it comes to Blinkist versus reading, it depends on your needs and preferences.

Reading the entire book allows you to delve deep into the author’s thoughts and ideas. On the other hand, Blinkist summaries are extremely helpful when you’re studying a particular topic. They provide a range of opinions in a concise format, saving you time and effort.

It’s important to note that Blinkist is not designed to replace reading. Instead, it’s a valuable tool that complements your reading experience. So whether you choose to read or use Blinkist, both options can empower you to expand your knowledge and make the most of your time.

What is included in a Blinkist book summary subscription service?

A Blinkist subscription gives you unlimited access to their library of book summaries, available in both text and audio format. You also get access to the podcasts/shortcases, infographics, guides and more.

Can you download Blinkist titles?

Yes, you can download Blinkist titles for offline reading. I frequently download book summaries (to use during flight mode)!

Are Blinkist reviews honest?

Blinkist is not big on book reviews, but does promote some authors via thematic podcasts/shortcasts. I find that Blinkist strives to provide an honest and accurate summary of each book, and never felt any bias.

Can I cancel my Blinkist subscription anytime?

Yes, you can cancel your Blinkist subscription at any time. If you cancel before the end of your billing period, you will not be charged for the next period. However, you will lose access to Blinkist premium features at the end of your current billing period.

Are Blinkist book summaries only available in English?

Currently, Blinkist book summaries are only available in English, German & Spanish (beta). However, the platform offers summaries of books from various categories and genres, including business, self-help, history, and more.

Seen enough? Try Blinkist for free!

What is Blinkist App?

Blinkist is a service that takes non-fiction books and condenses them into 15-minute reads or listens.

It’s a great way to get through a lot of content quickly – perfect for busy people who want to make the most of their time.

How does Blinkist work?

The way Blinkist works is simple. First, you choose the book you want to read from their vast library of titles.

Once you’ve chosen a book, Blinkist will provide you with a summary of the key points, as well as some excerpts from the book itself.

You can choose to read the summary, listen to the audio version, or both. Once you’re finished, you can then move on to the next book!

What are the benefits of Blinkist?

There are many benefits to using Blinkist. First of all, it’s a great way to save time.

If you’re a busy person who doesn’t have a lot of time to read, Blinkist is perfect for you.

You can quickly get through a lot of content without sacrificing quality. In addition, Blinkist is also a great way to broadens your horizons and learn about new topics.

If you’re someone who loves to learn, Blinkist is a great resource for you. But more importantly, using a book summary services like Blinkist allows you to explore more titles across many topics.

How does Blinkist review on App Store/Google Play

Blinkist app is popular on both Apple & Android ecosystem.

Will Blinkist work for me?

As with anything in life, the answer to whether Blinkist is – it depends! With over 5000+ titles and at decent price, Blinkist could be a good fit for you if:

1- You’re a busy individual who values your time and wants to make the most of your learning. Blinkist provides a quick and efficient overview of a book’s key points and themes, allowing you to get a preview of the actual book before making a purchase.

2- You enjoy the flexibility to switch between reading and listening modes. Blinkist offers both options, so if you prefer to switch between reading and listening, this app may be right for you.

3- You’re someone who loves to learn about new topics and add new powerful habits to your life. Blinkist provides access to a wide range of non-fiction books, allowing you to expand your knowledge, explore new ideas, and pick up new habits that can help you achieve your goals.

How much does Blinkist cost? – Pricing & Plans

Blinkist is available in both a free version and a paid version. You can create a free account almost instantly & sign up to Blinkist Premium subscription.

The free plan gives you access to one book per day, while the Blinkist premium version (called Blinkist Premium) gives you unlimited access to the entire library of books. Premium members also get access to exclusive features, such as audio versions of the books and quizzes to test your knowledge.

Monthly plan: $15 per month

Annual plan: $99 per year.

The Annual plan is significantly cheaper (over 40%) than the monthly plan. Prices may vary slightly based on your location.

Blinkist offers a 7-day free trial so you can try it out before you commit to a membership.

Audible vs Blinkist

Blinkist provides book summaries. There may be some key ideas that you potentially might miss by only reading the book summary. The difference between Audible vs Blinkist is the same as reading full books vs just the summary.

What is available on Blinkist

There are over 5500+ titles available in the Blinkist library. With the premium subscription, you’ll get access to all the books. The Blinkist library has a wide collection including business books, self-development, psychology, money and other key non-fiction topics.

Additional benefits

• New titles are constantly added giving you instant access to trending books
• All the book summaries come in both text and audio version
• Blinkist also provides personalized recommendations based on your listen / reading history.

Can You Buy The Actual Book?

When you find one that sounds interesting, simply click “read” and you’ll be taken to a page where you can either listen to or read the summary.

It’s that easy! And if you decide that you want to read the full book after all, Blinkist even provides links to purchase it through Amazon or iTunes. In addition to being quick and easy to use, another great thing about Blinkist is that it’s constantly adding new book summaries to its library.

No matter what your interests are, chances are good that you’ll find something on Blinkist that piques your curiosity.

And if not, just keep checking back – there’s sure to be something new added soon!

Can you use Blinkist App offline?

Yes, you can download the audio or the text versions of book summaries and read or listen to them offline via the Blinkist app. The free version has some limitations on the download limits.

Alternatives to Blinkist

If you’re interested in other ways to consume book content, there are a few alternatives to Blinkist that you might want to check out.

Blinkist vs getAbstract

getAbstract is a popular book summary app similar to Blinkist. The app is one of the most popular book summary apps in the market. getAbstract boasts a huge title collection of over 25000+ titles and also offers a free version for students.

Here is a full review of getAbstract. You can also get a free trial with getAbstract and compare getAbstract vs Blinkist.

StoryShots

With over 3,000 book summaries available in audio and text format, you can easily listen on the go. The pricing is friendly as well.

Is Blinkist worth the investment?

I highly recommend Blinkist if you want to get a gist of a book without reading the entire thing. It can be really helpful in making decisions about whether a book is worth your time and money.

Plus, it’s a great way to learn new things and expand your knowledge!

I highly recommend the annual subscription over the monthly subscription. The key difference between them is the overall price you pay is significantly lesser on annual plan per month vs the monthly payment.

How do book summaries help?

Saves Time

Book summaries provide an efficient and quick overview of the key points and themes in a book, making it a great option for those who are short on time. Rather than having to spend hours reading the entire book, you get a condensed version of the most important information, allowing you to grasp the core concepts in a fraction of the time.

Improves Understanding

A well-written book summary not only saves you time but also improves your understanding of the book’s content. The summary highlights the most significant information, allowing you to grasp the main ideas without getting bogged down in details. This can be especially helpful for complex books that require a lot of focus and attention to understand.

Enhances Memory Retention

Summaries provide a condensed version of the key points, which can help improve your memory retention. When you read a book summary, you’re presented with a concise overview of the most important information, making it easier to remember what you’ve read. This is in contrast to reading the entire book, where the information may become overwhelming and difficult to retain.

Improves Decision Making

Book summaries can help you make informed decisions about whether or not a book is worth reading in full. By providing a comprehensive overview of the contents and themes, book summaries can help you determine if the book aligns with your interests and goals. This can save you time and money by avoiding books that may not be of interest to you.

Saves Money

In addition to saving time, reading book summaries instead of purchasing and reading the entire book can also save you money. Book summaries are often available for free or at a low cost, making them an affordable option for those who want to learn about a book without having to invest in the full version.

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