Ever feel like there are too many books and too little time? You’re not alone. In this fast-paced world, staying on top of the latest non-fiction bestsellers can feel like trying to drink from a firehose. Enter book summary apps – your personal literary lifesavers in the sea of endless reading material.
Today, we’re pitting two heavyweight contenders against each other: Blinkist and the Headway app. These apps promise to deliver the juiciest insights from top non-fiction books in bite-sized portions. But which one deserves a spot on your smartphone’s home screen? Let’s dive into our Blinkist vs Headway comparison and find out the best book summary app and suits better for you!
Let’s dive into our Blinkist vs Headway comparison and find out the best book summary app in 2024.
Blinkist vs Headway: general info
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Library size | 7,500 | 2,000 |
User Base | 34 million | 30 million |
Pricing (Monthly) | $15.99 | $14.99 |
Pricing (Annual) | $99.99 | $89.99 |
Pricing with discount (Annual) | $64.99 | $47.99 |
Free Trial | 7-days | 7-days |
Free Version | One free daily pick | One free summary per day and daily insights |
Audio Summaries | Yes | Yes |
Shortcasts (Podcast Summaries) | Yes | Yes |
Gamification | No | Yes |
Visual Aids/Infographics | Limited | Extensive |
Account Sharing | 2-for-1 deal | No |
AI Assistant | Yes (Blinkist Pro) | No |
Personalized Learning Paths | Limited | Yes |
Offline Mode | Yes | Yes |
Languages | English, German, Spanish | English, Spanish |
Web Version | Full functionality | Limited functionality |
Mobile Apps | iOS, Android | iOS, Android |
Highlight & Notes Feature | Yes | Yes |
User Interface | Clean, minimalist | Colorful, interactive |
Reading Streaks/Challenges | No | Yes |
Content Focus | Wide range of non-fiction | Curated selection of popular non-fiction |
Spaced Repetition | No | Yes (with flashcards) |
Summary Length | ~15 minutes | ~15 minutes |
Categories | 27+ | 16+ |
Integration with Other Apps | Evernote, Kindle | No |
New Titles Added | ~40 per month | Regular updates (number unspecified) |
Community Features | Spaces for sharing and discussing | No |
Customer Support | Email, Help Center | Email, Help Center |
Cancel Anytime | Yes | Yes |
Refund | 14-day refund policy | No refund policy for the web purchases. |
App Store rating | 4.8 | 4.7 |
Google Play rating | 4.4 | 4.5 |
What are Book Summary Apps?
Think of a book summary service as the cliff notes for grown-ups – minus the guilt of cheating on your English lit exam. These digital marvels condense entire non-fiction books into 15-minute reads or listens, allowing users to access book summaries quickly and conveniently, serving up the core ideas and key insights faster than you can say “TL;DR”.
Why bother with book summary apps?
Time-saving superpowers: Consume a book’s main ideas in the time it takes to enjoy your morning coffee.
Knowledge buffet: Unlimited access to thousands of book summaries across diverse topics, from business strategies to zen meditation techniques.
Brain food on-the-go: Learn during your commute, workout, or while waiting for your date who’s “just running 5 minutes late”.
Discover your next read: Use summaries to preview books before committing to the full tome.
Impress at dinner parties: Drop insights from the latest bestsellers without the paper cuts.
While there are several players in the book summary app game, Blinkist and Headway have emerged as fan favorites. Both promise to turbocharge your learning, but each has its unique flavor. In this showdown, we’ll dissect their features, compare their libraries, and help you decide which app deserves your precious screen time.
Ready to find out if Blinkist or Headway will be your new reading BFF? Let’s turn the page and get this comparison started!
Overview of Blinkist app
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Imagine if a bookworm and a tech wizard had a baby – that's basically Blinkist. Born in 2012 in Berlin (because all cool tech needs a European origin story), Blinkist has been on a mission to make us all a little smarter, 15 minutes at a time.
Key Features of Blinkist:
A massive library of 7,500+ non-fiction book summaries (that’s more books than your high school library, minus the weird smells)
Shortcasts – because sometimes even podcasts are too long
Spaces - Create mini book clubs and share blinks with friends, even if they don't have Premium
Guides - Curated collections of blinks, shortcasts, exercises, and infographics to help achieve specific goals
2 for 1 - Gift a full Premium membership to anyone for free, because learning is better together
New Blinkist AI - Summarize the web: videos, podcasts, docs, articles, and more. It's like having a personal assistant that can digest any online content for you.
High quality summaries - Effective and in-depth book summaries that help users grasp key concepts swiftly.
Blinkist is like that friend who always knows a little bit about everything. From self-help gurus to business moguls, if it’s non-fiction, chances are Blinkist has it covered. They’re adding around 40 new titles every month, so your brain will never go hungry.
Overview of Headway app
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If Blinkist is the cool, collected intellectual at the party, Headway app is the energetic newcomer who brings board games and party tricks. Launched in 2019, Headway app is the young gun in the book summary world, but don't let its age fool you – it's packing some serious features.
Headway app transforms learning into an engaging, game-like experience. It's not just about reading summaries; it's about building habits, tracking progress, and applying knowledge through interactive elements. With its vibrant interface and gamification approach, Headway app aims to make personal growth not just informative, but genuinely fun.
Key Features of Headway app:
2,000 non-fiction book summaries (quality over quantity, they say)
Gamification elements to turn learning into a dopamine-fueled adventure
Reading streaks and challenges
Visual aids and infographics
Spaced repetition with flashcards (because remembering is half the battle)
Visual summaries for the "I'm more of a visual learner" crowd
Personalized learning paths to guide your intellectual journey
Headway app doesn’t just want you to read; it wants you to remember and apply what you’ve learned. Headway app short summaries provide quick and concise overviews of non-fiction books visually, allowing you to grasp essential ideas efficiently and with style.
Both Blinkist and Headway are serving up knowledge bombs, but as we dive deeper into their features, we'll see that choosing between them might be like deciding between chocolate and vanilla – it all comes down to your personal taste. Stay tuned as we break down the nitty-gritty details that could make or break your decision!
Blinkist vs Headway. Key Features Comparison
Now that we've met our contenders, it's time for the feature face-off. Let's see how Blinkist and Headway app stack up in the categories that matter most to your brain-boosting journey.
Blinkist Headway Library Size and Book Selection
Blinkist:
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With over 7,500 titles across 27+ categories, Blinkist’s entire library is like that overachieving kid in class who always has their hand up. You’ll find summaries on everything from productivity hacks to the secrets of the universe.
Headway:
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Sporting a more modest 2,000 + titles across 16+ categories, Headway’s library is the “quality over quantity” kid. They’re selective about their summaries, focusing on trending topics and bestsellers.
Winner:
Blinkist takes the cake here. More books mean more knowledge, right? But remember, it’s not the size that counts, it’s how you use it.
Summary Quality and Depth
When it comes to book summaries, quality is king. Let’s see how our contenders measure up.
Blinkist:
Consistent quality across its extensive library of 7,500+ summaries of nonfiction books
Well-structured format with key insights clearly highlighted
Summaries capture main ideas without oversimplification
Professional narration for audio versions
Headway:
Good quality across its curated selection of 2,000+ summaries
Interactive elements and visuals enhance understanding
Focuses on actionable takeaways
Gamification elements to reinforce learning
Both Blinkist and Headway book summary apps want to deliver great summaries but they do it in slightly different ways. Blinkist goes for a more standardized format so everything looks the same across their huge library. This makes it easy to get the main points of any book in a snap.
Headway has more interactive elements and visuals. While this can be great for some users, it means they have fewer summaries overall.
User feedback loves both apps for summarizing complex books into bite sized summaries. But some users note that some nuances or examples from the original book get lost in the summarization process. This is a inherent limitation of book summaries and not unique to either app.
Both apps are non-fiction books only.
Draw
Audio Summaries
Blinkist:
Got audio for all their summaries, read by real humans. The narrators actually match their tone to the book's vibe - nice touch! Speed control feature is pretty handy.
Headway:
Audio for most summaries, now with human narrators (they ditched the robots). You can speed things up or slow 'em down too.
Both apps nail the natural sound - no robot voices here. Having actual people read means you catch all those little nuances in the content.
Winner:
It's a tie, folks. Both Blinkist and Headway are bringing their A-game with human-narrated audio for most of their stuff. Headway's speed control is cool, but honestly, the listening experience is pretty similar.
Bottom line: Pick based on whose voice you like better or which app has the books you're itching to hear. Your ears win either way!
Draw
User Interface and Experience
When it comes to learning, the experience is just as important as the content. Let’s see how Blinkist and Headway stack up.
Blinkist:
Clean, minimalist design
Intuitive navigation
Easy-to-read text format
Straightforward categorization of books
Personalized recommendations based on reading history
Headway:
Colorful, engaging interface
Gamified elements throughout the app
Visual learning aids and infographics
Progress tracking and goal-setting features
Daily motivational quotes and challenges
Blinkist has a no-nonsense approach to the interface. The design is simple and distraction free, so you can find and read summaries easily. The minimalism might appeal to users who want a focused reading experience.
Headway goes for a more colorful and interactive approach. The app feels like a learning game with progress bars, achievements and daily challenges. This might be motivating for some users, especially those who struggle to stay consistent with their reading.
Both apps offer personalized recommendations but they approach it differently. Blinkist’s are based on your reading history, Headway’s are based on your goals and interests.
When it comes to reading the actual summaries, Blinkist presents the content in a simple format. Key points are highlighted so you can skim or go back to important parts. Headway includes visual elements like infographics or interactive quizzes in the summaries which can help visual learners.
Navigation is easy in both apps but Blinkist’s larger library means it needs (and has) a more robust search and categorization system. Headway’s smaller, curated selection makes browsing more manageable especially for new users.
One unique feature of Headway is the focus on habit formation. The app encourages daily use through challenges and streaks which can be helpful for users who want to build a consistent learning habit.
Winner:
Blinkist. While Headway’s gamification is fun, Blinkist’s simple, no nonsense interface is unbeatable. It’s all about efficiency and ease of use. The clean design means you spend less time figuring out the app and more time learning.
Blinkist vs Headway. Unique Features
Blinkist:
Shortcasts: Bite-sized podcast summaries for the audio aficionados.
2-for-1 Account: Buy one subscription, add a friend for free. It's like a BOGO deal for your brain!
Spaces: Mini book clubs where you can share and discuss summaries with friends.
Guides: Curated collections of summaries, shortcasts, and exercises to achieve specific goals.
New Blinkist AI: Summarize web content like videos, podcasts, docs, and articles.
Headway:
Gamification: Turn learning into a game with challenges and rewards.
Spaced Repetition: Flashcards to make sure the knowledge sticks.
Visual Explainers: Infographics and visual summaries to enhance understanding.
Personalized Learning Paths: Tailored recommendations based on your goals and interests.
Winner:
Blinkist takes a decisive lead here! The combination of the 2-for-1 account and Blinkist AI sets it apart. While Headway's gamification is engaging, Blinkist offers more tangible value with account sharing and personalized AI coaching. It's not just about consuming content anymore; it's about applying it to your life with smart, tailored guidance.
As we can see, both apps bring their A-game to the table. Blinkist shines with its extensive library, no-nonsense approach, and innovative features like Blinkist Pro and account sharing. Headway jazzes things up with interactive elements and learning reinforcement. In the next section, we'll dig deeper into the quality and depth of their content. Stay tuned to see which app might be your perfect learning companion!
Pricing and Plans
Book summary apps offer a valuable alternative to reading an entire book, allowing you to grasp key concepts quickly without the time commitment. Let’s break down the costs and what you get with each app.
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Pricing (Monthly) | $15.99 | $14.99 |
Pricing (Annual) | $99.99 | $89.99 |
Price per month | $8.34 | $7.41 |
Free version | One free daily pick | One free summary per day and daily insights |
Free trial: | 7-days | 7-days |
Key offerings: |
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At first glance Headway looks cheaper but let’s not forget about Blinkist’s 2 for 1 account sharing. If you share with a friend or family member Blinkist becomes the cheaper option.
Both apps have a 7 day free trial so you can try before you buy. They both have free versions but these are very limited, only one summary per day.
Blinkist’s higher price comes with a much larger library. Headway has fewer summaries but makes up for it with gamification and personalized learning paths. If you need extra motivation to keep a learning habit these features might be worth the cost.
Both apps run promotions frequently especially for annual subscriptions. Keep an eye out for these deals as they can save you a lot.
When it comes to value for money think about how you’ll use the app. If you’ll be reading or listening to summaries daily even the monthly subscription plans can be good value compared to buying full books. But if you think you’ll use the app less often the annual subscription plans are better value in the long run.
It’s not just about the cheapest option – it’s about which app will make you use it and improve your learning. Try both free trials and see which one you’ll stick with.
Pros and Cons
Every app has its strong suits and its quirks. Let's break down the good, the bad, and the "meh" for both Blinkist and Headway.
Blinkist Pros:
Extensive library with 7,500+ book summaries
Consistent quality across summaries
Clean, distraction-free interface
2-for-1 account sharing feature
Blinkist AI assistant for personalized growth
Shortcasts feature for podcast summaries
Blinkist Cons:
Higher price point compared to some competitors
Less interactive learning experience
No built-in gamification features
Might be overwhelming for new users due to large library
Headway Pros:
Engaging, gamified learning experience
Interactive elements and visual aids in summaries
Personalized learning paths
Daily challenges and progress tracking
Slightly lower price point for individual users
Curated selection of popular and trending books
Headway Cons:
Smaller library with 2,000+ summaries
Quality can vary between summaries
Gamification might not appeal to all users
No account sharing feature
Who Should Choose Blinkist?
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Blinkist is for you if:
You’re a knowledge omnivore: With 7,500+ titles, Blinkist is perfect for those who want to eat from a wide buffet of topics.
You’re a podcast enthusiast: Blinkist’s Shortcasts feature gives you quick bites from popular podcasts.
You want to share the knowledge: The 2-for-1 account sharing feature is great for couples, friends or colleagues who want to learn together.
A web content consumer: Blinkist's AI can summarize online content (videos, podcasts, docs, articles) - perfect if you want quick insights from various digital sources.
You like straightforward learning: If you prefer a no-frills, text-only approach without gamification distractions, Blinkist’s clean interface is for you.
Who Should Choose Headway?
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Headway is for you if:
You’re motivated by gamification: If you love achievements, progress bars and daily streaks, Headway’s gamified approach will keep you hooked.
You’re a visual learner: Headway’s infographics and interactive elements will help you remember key concepts.
You want a more guided experience: Headway’s personalized learning paths will help you structure your learning journey.
You struggle to build a reading habit: The app’s daily challenges and motivational features will keep you on track.
You prefer quality over quantity: With 2,000+ summaries, Headway focuses on popular and trending titles.
You’re on a slightly tighter budget: If you’re not sharing the cost, Headway’s individual plans are a bit cheaper than Blinkist’s.
Blinkist and Headway Alternatives
While Blinkist and Headway are the big dogs in the book summary app space, they’re not the only ones in the pack. Here are a few others to consider:
getAbstract: Has a massive library of 20,000+ concise summaries including academic papers and reports. It’s more expensive but worth it for professionals and academics.
Shortform: More in-depth summaries and actionable exercises to apply what you’ve learned. Check our Shortform review.
Instaread: Book and article summaries with a focus on bestsellers and trending topics. Check our Instaread review.
Sumizeit: Newer player with a growing library and competitive pricing.
12min: Summaries in text, audio and video formats to cater to different learning styles.
Some alternatives use AI to write book summaries efficiently, transforming the industry dynamics.
FAQ
Blinkist: English, German, Spanish. Headway: English and Spanish.
Both work on iOS and Android. Blinkist has a fully functional web version, while Headway's web version has limited features.
Blinkist adds around 40 new titles monthly. Headway regularly updates their library with new and trending books.
Yes, both apps allow premium users to download summaries for offline access and use.
Blinkist offers a 14-day money-back guarantee on annual subscriptions purchased through their website. For Headway, refunds are only possible through Apple or Google if you purchased via app stores.
Yes, both allow cancellation anytime. Just cancel before the next billing cycle to avoid charges.
Both apps offer 15/20-minute summaries in text and audio formats.
Blinkist offers a 2-for-1 deal where you can share your premium account with someone. Headway doesn't have account sharing.
Conclusion: Blinkist vs Headway - The Final Showdown
We've put Blinkist and Headway through their paces, and while both are solid contenders, Blinkist comes out as our top pick. Here's why:
Blinkist is the clear winner if you want:
A massive library of 7,500+ titles (Headway's 2,000 looks cute in comparison)
A clean, no-nonsense interface that lets you focus on the content
The sweet 2-for-1 deal to share with your book-loving buddy
Shortcasts for when you want to switch from books to podcasts
New Blinkist AI to summarize web content (videos, podcasts, docs, articles)
That said, Headway isn't without its charms. It might be your speed if:
You need that gamification kick to keep you motivated
You prefer a more curated selection of popular titles
You're into pretty infographics and interactive elements
Price-wise, they're practically twins, with Headway being a tad cheaper for solo users. But Blinkist's 2-for-1 deal can make it the more economical choice if you're willing to share.
While both apps serve up quality summaries, Blinkist's consistency across its larger library gives it the edge. Headway tries to make up for its smaller selection with flashy visuals and interactivity, but in our book (pun intended), content is king.
At the end of the day, Blinkist's combination of quantity, quality, and innovative features like Shortcasts and Blinkist AI feature make it our go-to choice for efficient learning. It's like having a library, a podcast studio, and a personal coach all in your pocket.
But hey, reading preferences are as personal as coffee orders. While we're team Blinkist all the way, the best app is the one you'll actually use. So if Headway's gamified approach speaks to you, go for it. Either way, you're on the path to a smarter you. Happy summarizing!
