Rakuten Kobo has introduced its all-you-can-read book subscription service, Kobo Plus, in Singapore. This new service gives you unlimited access to over two million eBooks and more than 300,000 audiobooks, all for a monthly fee starting at S$9.99. To help you decide if it’s right for you, there’s a 14-day free trial—enough time to finish at least one or two books.
The launch comes as the global eBook market expands, with projections estimating a growth of US$22.76 billion by 2030. With a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.78%, Asia is expected to be a major driver of this growth. Rakuten Kobo hopes to attract a new generation of readers who value affordability, accessibility, and convenience.
Digital reading is on the rise in Singapore
In Singapore, digital reading is gaining momentum. According to Rakuten Kobo’s internal data, the number of active Kobo users in the country has increased by 31%. This trend is partly due to the convenience offered by Kobo devices, which support OverDrive and Libby. These features allow you to borrow and access National Library Board (NLB) books directly on your e-reader.
With the addition of Kobo Plus, Rakuten Kobo is further expanding its offering by partnering with local publishing houses such as Lingzi Media and Focus Publishing. This means you can now access a broader range of local literary works alongside international bestsellers.
Michael Tamblyn, President & CEO of Rakuten Kobo, highlighted the benefits of the new service, stating:
“With Kobo Plus, we’re making reading more accessible and flexible than ever, allowing book lovers to explore a vast and diverse catalogue without limits. Whether discovering new authors, diving into different genres, or reading across multiple devices, Kobo Plus is designed to fit seamlessly into how Singaporeans read today—and how they’ll read tomorrow.”
Subscription plans and what’s included
Although Kobo’s total catalogue exceeds five million titles, not all are available through Kobo Plus. The company clarified that publishers decide whether to include their books in the subscription service, aiming to balance content offerings.
To cater to different reading habits, Kobo Plus offers three subscription tiers:
- Kobo Plus Read: Unlimited eBooks for S$9.99 per month
- Kobo Plus Listen: Unlimited audiobooks for S$9.99 per month
- Kobo Plus Read and Listen: Unlimited eBooks and audiobooks for S$12.99 per month
Subscribers can access their chosen content through the Kobo app, available on the Play Store and App Store, or using Kobo’s e-readers. If you prefer to own your books, you still have the option to purchase individual eBooks or audiobooks directly from Kobo.
With new titles added each month, Kobo Plus offers an affordable way to explore a vast library of books without limits. Whether you enjoy reading, listening, or both, this new service is set to make digital reading more accessible in Singapore.
