Shortform Review: Features, Cost, Is It Worth It? [in 2024]

Shortform is a book summary app that allows users to read summaries of books that they are interested in.

The app provides a brief overview of the book, as well as information about the author and some of the best ideas from the book. It also includes a list of related books for further reading.

In this article, we are going to review the Shortform app. Read on to find out more whether it is worth the monthly subscription cost.

What Is Shortform and How Does It Work?

Like every other application designed for eBook reading, audiobooks, and summary reading, Shortform is one of them. Shortform functions the same way over a subscription model.

Shortform review

Shortform believes that there is too much information in this world, no one can know it all, and when you gather information in bits and pieces, you understand and remember better. So, they take vital insights from books and convert them into precisely written summaries for you to read and listen to anywhere, anytime you want.

This application is of great help to those who love to read but cannot give enough to read due to their tight and packed schedule. But, no worries, having Shortform by your side, you can always stay updated.

If you are eager to learn what is critical about this world, Shortform helps you understand it through their crystal-clear briefing, analysis, and insights compared to any other application. Shortform helps you connect your ideas to a spectrum of ideas so that you develop a nuanced and more sophisticated understanding.

Read on to know more about why Shortform is better than any other sources.

Features and Benefits of Shortform

When it comes to features of Shortform, here is what you need to know –

#1 Always Prefer Quality Over Superficial

Shortform believes in quality and not superficial teachings. For instance, you will develop a better understanding of reading 50 quality books than just reading 5000 average books.

If the content matters to you, this is your place. Shortform produces quality content and the best guides.

#2 Principles Come First.

If you read a book and feel confused later, I want you to ask yourself what the point of reading was. Sometimes, sentences are difficult to understand, but this does not happen when you choose Shortform.

Shortform prepares their excerpts precisely based on critical insights. Also, Shortform’s crystal clear form of writing helps you better understand.

There is a fine line between reading a book all by yourself and reading excerpts on Shortform. Learning through Shortform gives you a better understanding.

#3 Community Learning

One of the things that I found impressive about Shortform is Community learning.

Shortform uses this feature because they firmly believe that when you learn with others. You all get to share your experiences, and everyone here has valuable experiences. This is why Shortform designed a feature for community learning, where users can learn and interact together.

Also, getting tips from people on the subject you are interested in can help you solve your issues.

#4 Stay Action-Oriented

Shortform believes in action. For instance, any day, it is better to spend time on planning and implementing measures to improve your life than spending your time reading a title that you are going to pay no heed to the next day.

Shortform also helps you properly implement the ideas through their actionable exercises.

#5 App and New Books

When you engage with Shortform financially, not only do you get access to quality book summaries, you also get to take full advantage of its designated mobile app. The mobile app lets you access the contents anywhere you like.

Again, you also get five new books guides, with one bestseller, together with twenty or more articles and news guides every week.

#6 Compatibility

When it comes to compatibility, you can find numerous applications that ask for a specific device for running the application, but Shortform is not like those applications.

You can download it for free on smartphones, iPhones, or Android and run it without an issue. And using the app helps you access its contents anywhere you wish.

How Much Does Shortform Cost?

When you head to the official site of Shortform, you get to see two different plans for subscription. Like most eReading and audiobook platforms, Shortform uses a subscription model.

It is also a fact that you get the same features and accessibility no matter which plans you select. But the critical difference is in its price.

If you are thinking of signing up with Shortform on a monthly plan, it will be costing you $24 per month, while signing an annual plan would cost you only $16 per month.

But, before you come up and invest in anything, you need to know what kind of terms and conditions the application follows, how it all works if its user interface is clean enough to use, and other factors.

So, if you are up for something testing, head off to its leading site, sign up for its free trial. Do as they direct. You will get a 5-day trial period, enough time to determine if it’s worth your time and money.

Shortform Alternatives

#1 getAbstract

getAbstract is a perfect alternative to Shortform, which functions more or less the very same way. It is a US-based company with the primary function of summarizing books, videos, articles, and other content to read it easily without reading the whole title or event.

It has a more extensive collection than Shortform and is often considered the best for summary reading platforms. There is no such genre that is missing in this application. It is way much superior to Shortform and its services.

Its monthly and yearly subscription is billed at $99 per month, and $299 per year, respectively. But, what makes it even more appealing is that it contains two different subscriptions for the youth. The standard plan is free, and the pro plan is available at $59 per year.

Honestly, I would prefer getAbstract to Shortform, any day.

#2 Blinkist

Another tough competitor when it comes to book-summary reading is Blinkist. Blinkist gives a tough competition to many applications, such as getAbstract, and Shortform.

Whether you are a student or a professional who just loves to read and gather information as much as possible, no wonder this place will be the best for you.

The only limitation of Blinkist is that it is only designed for summarizing non-fictional titles. If you are fond of reading fictional titles, I doubt you will like this app.

Also, Shortform is way cheaper than Blinkist.

So, choose wisely. The choice is ultimately yours.

Is Shortform Worth It?

When you come across this application, it is often an important decision whether to invest in it or not. This decision entirely depends on you, whether you want it or not.

I would say that before you invest, do take the chance of its free trial and see if it works for you. Shortform provides you with a 5-day free trial and asks you to confirm you are ready to take the next step.

Using a free trial will clear your doubts regarding its features, terms, conditions, user interface, and much more.

After subscribing, if you need to cancel your membership, you are free to do it. Yes, you can do it anytime.

So, before you make a decision, sign up for its free trial today.

Marilyn Nissen
Written by Marilyn Nissen

Marilyn Nissen is the founder of BestSellerSummary.com, a highly reputable book summary and reviews website. With over a decade of experience in summarizing and reviewing books, Marilyn is a trusted authority in the book industry.