Blinkist vs. Instaread: A Comprehensive Comparison for Smart Reading

In today’s whirlwind lifestyle, who’s got time to sink into a good book? Here’s where book summary apps like Blinkist and Instaread swoop in, saving the day. Both of these platforms offer condensed versions of fiction and non-fiction books, but which one should you choose? Join us on a detailed exploration of Blinkist and Instaread, comparing their features, content, cost, and user experience, all designed to guide you to your perfect choice.
Blinkist vs. Instaread and What They Have in Common
First, let’s get to know Blinkist and Instaread a little better. Blinkist shrinks mostly non-fiction books into mini-summaries, fondly known as “blinks.” These power-packed blinks take just about 15 minutes to read or listen to. Instaread, on the flip side, offers summaries and insights of both non-fiction and fiction books, taking you through a 15- to 20-minute literary journey.
Blinkist | Instaread | |
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Content Library |
6,500+ pieces of content Including books (fiction and non-fiction), Guides, collections and Shortcasts |
5,500+ non-fiction books |
Subscription mode | Basic and Premium | Basic and Premium |
Trial | Free 7-day trial | Free 7-day trial |
Free Plan | One free daily pick and access to selected collections | N/A |
Premium Subscription |
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Unique Features |
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Availability |
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Pricing |
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Refund Policy |
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Language |
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Ratings |
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The Content Variety: Blinkist’s Impressive Collection of 6,500+ Titles
If we’re talking about the sheer volume of content, a key distinction between Blinkist and Instaread is the greatness of their respective libraries. Blinkist steals the spotlight in this arena with a formidable array of more than 6,500 condensed book summaries. This impressive collection covers an expansive spectrum of topics, giving you a windstorm tour of everything from sharp business acumen to transformative self-help, the fascinating intricacies of psychology, and even a sprinkle of fiction for good measure. Picture it as an endless literary feast, ready to satiate the most curious of minds at any moment.
In contrast, Instaread might appear to have a smaller library, with around 5,500 book summaries and originals. Instaread also focuses on self-development but mainly offers fiction books, so you can relax and read your fantasy stories.
The Quality Showdown – Blinkist vs Instaread

Experience speaks volumes, and with 11 years of it under their belt, Blinkist serves up top-tier book summaries. Their content isn’t just cooked up overnight. A precise team of expert curators is behind each of these summaries, ensuring you get nothing short of the best.
Moreover, Blinkist believes that the best content deserves the best delivery. So, they put extra effort into choosing the voices for their audio versions. Not just anyone makes the cut; only the most engaging and eloquent speakers get to breathe life into the content. Blinkist’s process puts a keen emphasis on unearthing and delivering the key insights and takeaways from each book.
Instaread, on the other hand, brings longer summaries but also tries to break down the key takeaways of each fiction and non-fiction book in up to 20 minutes.
The User-friendliness – Blinkist’s Seamless User Experience
As we turn to user-friendliness, Blinkist truly shines. The app sports a clean, user-friendly interface that makes navigation a breeze. Whether you’re an audio learner or a reader, Blinkist has you covered with both audio and text summaries. No worries if you’re heading to a place with sketchy internet; the offline reading mode ensures your learning isn’t interrupted. The app also allows you to save your favorite ‘blinks’, thereby personalizing the learning experience to suit individual preferences.
But it doesn’t stop there. Blinkist adds a personal touch with customized recommendations based on your reading habits. It’s like having a personal librarian who knows your taste!
On the other hand, Instaread offers a simplistic design with intuitive navigation, making it user-friendly in its own right. The mobile version is also very similar to the web version, where you can go and search for your favorite books.
The Quality of the Blinkist Top-Notch Summaries Is Unmatched
A crucial comparison point in the Blinkist vs. Instaread match lies in the summaries’ quality. After all, that’s what these apps are all about—delivering meaningful insights from entire books in a compact, digestible format.
Blinkist triumphs in this area with its well-crafted summaries. Backed by over a decade of experience, the app employs a team of expert curators who painstakingly condense each book. The goal is not just brevity but also clarity and substance. Every summary on Blinkist retains the essential lessons, insights, and takeaways from the full-length book. Whether you’re exploring a new genre or trying to gain knowledge about a particular topic, Blinkist’s summaries ensure you get the essence without missing out on the meat of the matter.
While Instaread also offers insightful summaries and includes thoughtful analysis and critical insights, Blinkist’s emphasis on delivering high-quality, comprehensive, and accurate summaries sets it a notch above, providing an enriched learning experience to its users. And that’s the main goal, no? To work on yourself, learn new things every day, and become the best version of yourself possible!
Blinkist vs Instaread: What Are the Key Differences?
Blinkist’s unique features

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVpCm6EnwRQ
Blinkist Spaces
This feature is a dream come true for book enthusiasts who love to share their reading journey. Blinkist Premium users can create group spaces within the app. Think of it as a virtual book club where you can invite friends, family, or colleagues, and members can add, share, and recommend their favorite titles. The essence of a cozy book club is now made possible digitally.
Blinkist Guides
A recent addition to the Blinkist family, Guides provide practical insights and actionable tips on specific topics. Each Guide is helmed by experts and thought leaders in their respective fields. They consist of a mix of original audio content, Blinks, and Shortcasts, along with additional resources like exercises, infographics, or quizzes. You can start at the beginning or jump to a chapter that piques your interest. Each chapter concludes with a recap of the key idea, while a summary at the end wraps up the entire Guide. It’s a comprehensive, engaging way to learn, focusing on both application and retention of knowledge.
Instareads unique features

Insights and Analysis
One unique aspect of Instaread is its emphasis on analysis. Each book summary is not just a condensed version of the book’s content but includes insights and analyses.
Annotation and Highlighting Features
Instaread offers users the ability to annotate and highlight sections within the book summaries. It also facilitates active learning and engagement with the content, making the reading experience personalized and effective.
Pricing – Which One is More Pocket-friendly?
When it comes to pricing, both Blinkist and Instaread offer free versions, but for those seeking unlimited access to content, a premium plan is the way to go. Both apps offer a 7-day free trial for those who want to dip their toes in before fully diving into the immense online (and offline) knowledge.
Blinkist’s annual plan is priced at $99.99 per year, a significant saving compared to the monthly plan which costs $15.99. It may seem like a bit of an investment upfront, but considering the huge collection of titles and the high-quality summaries, it’s a worthy one.
On the other hand, Instaread’s annual plan stands at $89.99 per year, and the monthly plan is priced at $8.99. While the cost is somewhat lower than Blinkist, remember that its library is also smaller.
In terms of what you get for your money, Blinkist Premium grants you the key to its comprehensive library, packed with exclusive guides, collections, and Shortcasts. Premium users can also download titles for offline reading and send reads to Kindle – for readers on the go.
Blinkist sweetens the deal further by allowing premium users to invite one more person to share their plan at no extra cost. It’s like getting two for the price of one! In the grand scheme of things, considering the largeness of content and the additional perks, Blinkist offers better value for money in the Blinkist vs Instaread debate.
The Conclusion and Ultimate Verdict in the Battle Blinkist vs Instaread
When it comes to deciding between Blinkist and Instaread, it ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and requirements. If you’re yearning for a wider array of topics and additional features, Blinkist checks all the boxes. Its expansive library, wide-ranging topics, exclusive features like Shortcasts and guides, and the benefit to share a Premium plan with another person make it a compelling choice for a variety of users.
Alternatively, if you favor a mix of fiction and non-fiction with more insightful summaries at a lower price, Instaread could be your top choice. Regardless of your pick, you’re unlocking the potent capability of smart reading, expanding your horizons in mere minutes.
For those who are now intrigued and ready to explore Blinkist, we invite you to visit our website and sign up. Why? You get a 7-day free trial, enabling you to sample the countless benefits of Blinkist before committing to a full subscription.