Thanks to modern technology, there are numerous solutions that allow people to access books and read them on the go. One company aiming to provide a solution is Blinkist, a business that claims its product provides “more knowledge in less time.” But is Blinkist really all that? Today we will give you a full Blinkist review so you know if you want to use the app.
In today's fast-paced world, where everyone is busy with their work and commitments, it can be challenging to find time to read books. Everyone is likely to be familiar with receiving a book as a gift, downloading an eBook, or buying a physical copy only for it to sit gathering dust at home or await to be picked up again with a bookmark sat inside around chapter one or two.
Reading is also not just a pleasurable pastime but a crucial aspect of personal development, and not being able to read regularly can have adverse effects on one's mental and intellectual growth.
Blinkist can help.
In this Blinkist review, we will take a look at exactly what Blinkist is and whether or not it is a genuinely beneficial service for busy people in a modern world. Before we dive into the pros and cons of the app in our Blinkist review, let's first make sure you understand what the app is and a little bit about the Blinkist pricing options.
This Blinkist Review Covers:
What is Blinkist?
Blinkist is a mobile application that offers users access to over 4,500 books that have been summarized into bite-sized content that can be read in just 15 minutes. The app offers users the ability to learn from nonfiction books quickly and efficiently, making it an excellent tool for individuals who are constantly on the go or have limited time to read.
The app offers summaries of books across various genres, including personal development, science, business, and biographies. The content is divided into various categories such as “bestsellers,” “trending,” and “most recommended,” making it easy for users to find content that aligns with their interests.
Aside from the features related to actually consuming books, there are various things users can also do outside of this. These include having book lists curated by experts and receiving personalized recommendations as well as “Shortcasts,” a service that provides the same service for podcasts as it does for books.
How Much Does Blinkist Cost?
When it comes to Blinkist pricing, the app offers a free 7-day Blinkist free trial to familiarize yourself with the platform and try to decide if it is going to be worthwhile to use long term. From there, users can then sign up for the “premium yearly” subscription option which costs $89.99 annually.
The second option is to pay $14.99 a month, however this does not come with a Blinkist free trial and is naturally more expensive over the course of a whole year.
Users may be best placed to use the Blinkist free trial option to have a first-hand look at the platform and then make a selection on either the monthly or the yearly subscription based on both needs and personal budget etc.
But now we need to get to the important part of this Blinkist review. Is the Blinkist cost actually worth it?
Blinkist Review: Pros & Cons
No Blinkist review would be complete without a full list of the pros and cons of using the app. Here are the benefits and drawbacks to using Blinkist:
Pros of Using Blinkist
Time-saving: Blinkist condenses books into bite-sized summaries, allowing users to absorb the key points of a book in a fraction of the time it would take to read the entire book.
Variety of titles: Blinkist offers a wide range of non-fiction books across various genres, including self-help, business, psychology, and more, providing users with access to diverse content.
Convenience: The app is easily accessible on mobile devices, making it convenient for users to consume book summaries on the go, during commutes, or in spare moments.
Cost-effectiveness: Blinkist offers a subscription-based model with a relatively affordable price compared to purchasing individual books, making it cost-effective for users who want to access multiple book summaries.
Exploration: Blinkist allows users to discover new books and authors they might not have encountered otherwise, enabling them to explore different topics and perspectives.
Cons of Using Blinkist
Lack of depth: Blinkist summaries provide only a condensed version of the book, so users may miss out on the nuances, examples, and depth of understanding that comes with reading the entire book.
Limited interaction: Unlike reading a full book, Blinkist does not offer the same level of engagement or interaction with the material, as it focuses solely on delivering key points rather than facilitating a deeper understanding or discussion.
Subjectivity: The summaries provided by Blinkist are subjective interpretations of the original content, so users may not always agree with the interpretations or find them to accurately represent the book's message.
Dependency: Some users may become dependent on Blinkist for quick summaries rather than engaging in full-length reading, potentially hindering their ability to develop critical thinking skills or delve deeply into topics.
Exclusively non-fiction: Blinkist primarily focuses on non-fiction titles, so users looking for fiction or other genres may not find the content they're seeking on the platform.
Who Would Benefit From Using Blinkist?
Blinkist could be a beneficial tool for individuals who want to learn but have limited time to read. It is perfect for busy professionals who want to stay up-to-date with the latest business trends or individuals who want to learn about personal development but cannot commit to reading a full book.
Blinkist is also a good tool for individuals who are looking to get into the habit of reading regularly. The bite-sized content makes it easy for users to get into the habit of reading every day, without feeling overwhelmed or intimidated by a lengthy book.
Additionally, Blinkist may be of use to students who are looking to supplement their learning. The app offers summaries of books across various academic disciplines, including history, science, and social sciences.
Other Blinkist Reviews
Here are some other Blinkist reviews to help you determine if the app is right for you.
First, let's start with a good Blinkist review:
As you can see from that Blinkist review, some people find the app to be super beneficial for education.
Of course, not all Blinkist reviews are so glowing.
And here is another mixed Blinkist review:
As you can see, Blinkist reviews are all across the board, so think carefully before you decide to purchase the app.
What are Some Blinkist Alternatives?
It will be unsurprising to learn that Blinkist is not the only tool for individuals who are looking to learn but have limited time to read, there are several alternatives available in the market that offer similar services.
One alternative to Blinkist is Book Summary Club. Book Summary Club offers users access to summaries of nonfiction books across various genres, including business, personal development, and psychology. The app offers a free trial, after which users can opt for a monthly subscription.
Another alternative to Blinkist is Instaread. Instaread offers users access to summaries of nonfiction books across various genres, including self-help, business, and biographies. The app offers a free trial, after which users can opt for a monthly or annual subscription.
Lastly, a final alternative to Blinkist is GetAbstract. GetAbstract offers users access to summaries of nonfiction books across various genres, including business, personal development, and science. The app offers a free trial, after which users can opt for a monthly or annual subscription.
It is clear then that Blinkist is not the only service like this available, which will come as no surprise. Ultimately it will be down to each individual user and their specific needs to ascertain which product, if any, is the right one for them.
Blinkist Review – Final Thoughts
It's time to wrap up our Blinkist review. Overall, we would give the app a rating of 2.5 stars out of 5.
Blinkist has the potential to be a great tool for individuals who are looking to learn but have limited time to read. The app offers summaries of nonfiction books across various genres, making it easy for users to find content that aligns with their interests.
Additionally, the bite-sized content makes it easy for users to get into the habit of reading every day, without feeling overwhelmed or intimidated by a lengthy book.
With that being said, Blinkist is not the only book summary tool, or potentially even a necessary one. It stands to reason that many potential users will be put off by the notion of condensing down an entire book into bite-size chunks, potentially undermining the writer's work as well as diminishing the reading experience.
It is also possible that by consuming books in this way, you may miss out on an insightful or valuable piece of information that Blinkist as an app has decided to skip over, with a huge amount of trust, therefore, being placed in a product to make the right decision about what to include and what to miss out.
Like our Blinkist Review?
Read our reviews of other reading and writing apps:
- HelloBooks Review
- ProWritingAid Review
- Ulysses Review
- Freedom App Review
- Google Docs Review
- Microsoft Word Review
- Antidote Review
- Hemingway Review
- Book Brush Review
- Speechify Review
Want help writing your own book? Schedule a free strategy call with the team at selfpublishing.com today.
