Amazon KDP vs Apple Books
Amazon KDP dominates the ebook market with a 67% share (83% counting Kindle Unlimited) and offers both ebook and print-on-demand services. Its royalty structure is 35% for low-priced ebooks and 70% for higher-priced ones, but Amazon requires exclusivity for the 70% tier. Apple Books provides a flat 70% royalty without exclusivity, but its market share is significantly smaller. Both platforms are free to use, but KDP gives access to more readers and additional formats like paperback.
Pick Amazon KDP
Pick Amazon KDP if you want the largest potential audience, especially through Kindle Unlimited, and need print-on-demand capabilities for paperback or hardcover editions.
Pick Apple Books
Pick Apple Books if you prefer a simple, no-exclusivity 70% royalty structure and are comfortable with a smaller but engaged reader base on Apple devices.
At a glance
| Amazon KDP | Apple Books | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free; 35%/70% royalty | Free; 70% |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Free option | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | Web | Web |
| Best for | Distribution & Publishing | Distribution & Publishing |
| AI features | No | No |
| Open source | No | No |
Amazon KDP
kdp.amazon.com
Dominant ebook/print self-publishing platform; ~67% of the U.S. ebook market (83% counting Kindle Unlimited), per WordsRated.
Visit Amazon KDP ↗See more options: Amazon KDP alternatives · Apple Books alternatives