n the world of eBooks,
Legimi has made a name for itself as a comprehensive reading platform that offers access to thousands of eBooks and audiobooks on a subscription basis. With its huge library, cross-platform support, and flexible pricing plans, Legimi has become a go-to choice for book lovers who prefer digital reading. But how does it stack up against other services like Kindle Unlimited or Scribd? In this in-depth review, we’ll explore Legimi’s key features, benefits, pros, and cons, and compare it to other reading platforms to help you decide if it’s worth signing up for.
What is Legimi?
Legimi is a Poland-based digital reading platform that offers eBooks and audiobooks through a subscription model. Its goal is to make reading more accessible and flexible, allowing users to enjoy thousands of titles on various devices like smartphones, tablets, e-readers, and computers. The service is available in multiple languages, and its extensive library spans genres from fiction and non-fiction to professional literature and more.
Legimi at a Glance:
- Library of 140,000+ eBooks and audiobooks
- Multiple subscription plans for flexibility
- Accessible on various devices, including Kindle and Android
- Offline reading available
- Audiobooks integrated with eBooks for a seamless experience
Key Benefits of Legimi
Massive eBook and Audiobook Library
One of
Legimi’s biggest draws is the sheer number of eBooks and audiobooks available on the platform. With over 140,000 titles in various categories and languages, there's something for everyone. Whether you're into crime thrillers, romance, science fiction, or biographies, Legimi’s library is comprehensive and diverse.
Flexible Subscription Plans
Legimi offers various subscription plans to cater to different types of readers. You can choose from a plan with limited monthly reading hours or opt for an unlimited reading option. This flexibility makes Legimi more attractive to casual readers who might not need an all-you-can-read subscription, unlike competitors that only offer one flat fee for unlimited access.
Device Compatibility
Legimi works across a wide range of devices, which is a huge plus if you like to switch between reading on your phone, tablet, or e-reader. Their app is available for iOS, Android, and Windows, and it even works with Kindle devices. If you’re someone who uses different gadgets for different purposes, this seamless integration across platforms is a game-changer.
Offline Access
For those times when you're on a long flight or stuck somewhere without Wi-Fi, Legimi allows offline reading. This is a convenient feature, as you can download your eBooks or audiobooks beforehand and enjoy uninterrupted reading or listening anywhere you go.
Combining eBooks and Audiobooks
Legimi provides an interesting perk that sets it apart from some competitors: the option to switch between eBook and audiobook formats for select titles. This feature is incredibly useful for those who like to listen while commuting but prefer reading at home. You can seamlessly switch between the two formats and pick up where you left off, making it an immersive experience.
What Could Be Better?
User Interface Could Use a Facelift
While
Legimi’s app is functional, it doesn’t boast the most modern or intuitive design. Navigating the app can feel a bit clunky at times, especially when compared to the sleek and polished interfaces of competitors like Kindle or Scribd. While this doesn’t take away from the reading experience, it’s something that could be improved to make the platform more user-friendly.
Limited Availability Outside of Poland
Legimi is primarily geared toward Polish readers, though it does offer some content in other languages. If you're outside Poland, you might find the platform’s offerings more limited. This could be a downside for international users looking for content in languages other than Polish, though it still has a decent range of English and German titles.
No Kindle Store Integration
Although
Legimi can be used on Kindle devices, it doesn’t integrate with Amazon’s Kindle store. This means you won’t be able to buy books directly from Amazon and import them into your Legimi library. For heavy Kindle users, this could be a bit of an inconvenience, especially since the Kindle ecosystem offers such deep integration with Amazon’s eBook store.
Legimi vs. Competitors
Let's see how Legimi stacks up against other popular eBook and audiobook services like Kindle Unlimited and Scribd.
| Cecha |
Legimi |
Kindle Unlimited |
Scribd |
| Price Range |
$5 - $14/month |
$9.99/month |
$11.99/month |
| Number of Titles |
140,000+ |
2 million+ |
1 million+ |
| eBooks and Audiobooks |
Both, integrated |
Mostly eBooks, few audiobooks |
Both |
| Offline Reading |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Device Compatibility |
Cross-platform, Kindle |
Mostly Kindle |
Cross-platform |
| Multi-language Support |
Primarily Polish, some English |
Mostly English |
Mostly English |
| Plan Flexibility |
Flexible pricing options |
One plan |
One plan |
Legimi vs. Kindle Unlimited
Kindle Unlimited undoubtedly offers more titles and deeper integration with Amazon’s massive bookstore, but it’s heavily skewed toward English readers. Legimi, on the other hand, offers flexible pricing plans that make it more accessible to casual readers. Plus, the ability to use
Legimi across more device types adds to its versatility, especially for users who don’t want to be locked into the Kindle ecosystem.
Legimi vs. Scribd
Scribd is often seen as one of the best "all-in-one" reading platforms, offering access to not just eBooks and audiobooks but also magazines, documents, and sheet music. While Legimi doesn’t offer as wide a range of content types, it holds its own with a solid library and a more flexible subscription model. If you're primarily interested in reading and listening to books,
Legimi may offer just enough without the extras Scribd provides.
Pros and Cons of Legimi
Plusy:
- Flexible subscription plans: Options to suit different reading habits.
- Device compatibility: Works on iOS, Android, Windows, and even Kindle devices.
- Offline reading: Great for when you’re on the move or without internet access.
- Large library: Access to 140,000+ eBooks and audiobooks.
- Switch between formats: Ability to seamlessly switch between eBook and audiobook for select titles.
Wady:
- User interface: Could be more polished and intuitive.
- Limited international content: Focuses more on Polish titles, with fewer options for other languages.
- No Amazon Kindle integration: Lack of Kindle Store integration can be a drawback for heavy Amazon users.
Best Features of Legimi
Cross-Device Synchronization
One of the most useful features of
Legimi is its cross-device syncing, which ensures you can switch between reading on your phone, tablet, and computer without losing your place. This is a key benefit for anyone who reads in multiple settings or likes to switch between devices based on convenience.
Custom Reading Settings
For the bookworms who like to fine-tune their reading experience, Legimi offers customizable text settings. You can adjust font size, type, and even background color to suit your preferences, which enhances the reading comfort, especially for long sessions.
Audiobook Integration
The ability to switch between eBook and audiobook formats for selected titles is a feature that adds extra flexibility for users. Whether you're relaxing at home with a book or commuting with an audiobook, you can seamlessly switch between formats without skipping a beat.
Is Legimi Worth It?
If you’re a book lover, especially if you read or listen in Polish, Legimi is definitely worth considering. The combination of eBooks and audiobooks in one platform, coupled with flexible subscription options, makes it an appealing choice for both casual and avid readers. It may not have the sprawling selection of Kindle Unlimited or Scribd’s extra content types, but what it does, it does well.
Legimi excels at giving you access to thousands of titles in a straightforward, easy-to-use format. For readers looking for a flexible and comprehensive reading experience, it’s a strong contender.
