Shortform Reviews 939

I found Shortform to be poor value for money, especially considering how expensive the subscription is. While the app promises in-depth summaries, the content doesn’t feel as comprehensive or well-structured as competitors like Blinkist. Many books are only partially covered, and key ideas often feel stretched rather than truly insightful.

For the price point, I expected far more depth, breadth, and polish. Unfortunately, the library is limited and the overall experience doesn’t justify the cost. Compared to Blinkist, which offers clearer, more concise, and more complete summaries at a better price, Shortform falls short.

I wouldn’t recommend Shortform unless the pricing improves significantly or the content becomes more comprehensive

Très utile pour apprendre : un concept original et efficace pour un apprentissage rapide et ludique. Le seul point à améliorer serait le temps de chargement, notamment lors de la gestion des listes et des favoris.

Probably the best app of the sort. Much more in-depth summaries than some of the competitors. The summaries do start with an ultra-condensed "1-page" summary which is great. The biggest problem is that sometimes Shortform summarizers feel the need to debate excessively with the author throughout the book by "adding context". One book I was listening to was like 1/3 "adding context" but they were really just arguing against the author.

Amazing customer experience in resolving the issue. Likely saved a churned user.

I really enjoy the content provided in shortform. Also, had a recent issue with logging-in with the Brave browser, but the support team was very helpful and quick in resolving the issue. Good work!

I like the shortform summaries. They provide the most bang for buck when learning a foundational concept or learning more information about a certain topic. The summaries get right to the point. No fluff, no irrelevant commentary.

Great summaries which include ShortForm commentary (great stuff) and the injection of comparable topical data from other books. Love the fact that this service includes articles and podcasts - not just books.

Amazing! I like to read book but consume knowledge fast and know the main points and Shortform does that exactly whilst breaking up the points

The summaries are good, I like that they cross-reference what’s said in one book with what’s said about the same topic in other similar books, to contrast and give some perspective. But the app is sluggish on mobile and on the web, and the price is very expensive, especially given that most voice narrations are now AI-generated (maybe even the summaries themselves, who knows?). AI use should be disclosed more transparently, the app should be more responsive and robust, and prices lower.

Great tool for learning and building good habits!

It really helps me absorb what is being said in books in a deep way. I really appreciate the condesatin of the content.

I work with neurodivergent individuals (dyslexia, ADHD, autism) who are typically very bright and curious, yet often struggle to access literature that matches their intellect due to reading challenges or auditory processing disorders. I have been exploring Shortform as a potential resource for them. The book choices are broad, and well formatted; plus, the support team has been very helpful and accommadating. I will be recommending Shortform to my clients as a format that will enable them to access literature in a form not usually available to them.

I like the variety of books that I can choose from

AVOID THESE SCAMMERS!
I cancelled my subscription over a year ago, within the free trial period, but was still charged for the yearly subscription amount. I emailed ShortForm at the time but received no reply. Back then, rather than go through more disputing, I opted to wear the charge for a year, despite the poor selection of books available. I have never used their service.
Now, more than 12 months after unsubscribing, I have been charged for ANOTHER yearly subscription! Their help email goes to an error message, so I am having to raise a dispute with my financial institution.

Nice summary of books and great audio functionallity, which faciliates the process quite a lot. You can both read or listen to the audio-book summary or both!

The range of selection is great. The content and construction of reports is excellent - the service lives up to its promises;
however there are two relatively minor obstacles - firstly it's a challenge and cunbersome to build a convenient library of preferred titles for future access,
- secondly, only three personal print-outs per week are allowed, and this complicates in-depth research projects. Why this restriction?

I need the commentaries and PDF downloads.