BOOKS VS E-READERS: WHICH ONE IS BETTER?
Which one do you like better? I’ve decided to go through each one and find the pros and cons. I personally LOVE reading on an e-reader but having books to collect afterwards feels so rewarding. Here’s a rundown of the pros and cons that I’ve found:
PROS
PHYSICAL BOOKS 📚
- collect books like a trophy 🏆
There’s nothing better than putting a book up on a shelf after you’ve read it! I love seeing everyone’s videos of their bookshelves and all the books on display - there’s nothing more rewarding than showing off all the books you’ve read, it’s such a great accomplishment to have ✨
- physical covers bring me joy
The cover, the spine, the smell, everything about a physical book is so wonderful. You can’t get that with an e-book
- easy to take with you
Granted it’s not the BEST thing to take with you, HOWEVER, if I have a quick under 300 page read, taking that in the car, or on a train or bus is a great way to get off electronics.
- helps me slow down
Sometimes when reading on my kindle, I swipe and swipe and swipe until it’s 3am. When I’m reading a physical book, I have to keep the lights on, have to stay upright, and it really helps me wind down
- easier to skim / look through books
When searching through a library or bookstore, it’s a lot easier to find a book interesting enough and be able to read the first few pages. On digital, I feel you usually have to buy the book blind (you can get a free sample, but that’s always an extra step that is so much effort)
E-BOOKS 📱
- able to lay down!!!!
One thing about me is I LOVE to lay down. Before I got a kindle, I was so used to reading on the Books app on my phone. Laying down on my side and reading comes so natural to me, I do it all the time
- ability to adjust brightness
Not needing a lamp or natural lighting around you is a game changer 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
- unlimited amount of space
Yes you have GB storage, but digital storage can sometimes be a lot better especially if you don’t have a lot of space
- e-books can be cheaper
I usually find the best sales with e-books! I tried out kindle unlimited once before, but I didn’t personally like how I didn’t own the books. Still a good option overall!
CONS:
PHYSICAL BOOKS 📚
- books can get ruined
accidental spills can affect your books, which then feels like a waste of money
- harder to read at night
I don’t know about you, but I can’t see in the dark. Needing a light at all times can be tricky when you want to read!
- can’t lay down
As I’ve said before, I LOVE READING WHILE LAYING DOWN. It’s just so comfortable to me. With physical books my neck starts hurting because I’m looking down, and then my head starts hurting. I really just prefer laying down.
- books take up a lot of space
If you don’t have the space for an enormous bookshelf, then having physical books isn’t the best bet. However You can always trade with friends or go to your local library and borrow books!
- expensive
Books can be expensive! As said before, there are always other options to reduce waste and spending, but say someone gets a gift card to the bookstore, it’s always hard to get more than one book with just a $15 gift card. If you have a $15 gift card for e-books you could get AT LEAST 2 or maybe 3 for that same price!
E-BOOKS 📱
- have to be charged
Always making sure it’s charged can be a huge pain!
- most support big corporations
Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-a-million, all are big corporations. Yet that’s where we all shop from most of the time because it’s inexpensive, and that’s where we are able to get our books for e-readers.
- can have technical issues
You could have so many books, highlights, and quotes saved, yet one wrong move so destroy all that. I personally haven’t experienced that and I hope I never have too :(
- risk of screen damage
Water damage or dropping it can really ruin it!
- harder to skim or browse through pages
I don’t know about you, but my kindle always takes 10-15 seconds to load something. It could be user error or device error, but sometimes I feel it would be easier to just flip through a book
From my personal experience as an avid reader, choosing between physical books and e-readers always comes down to lifestyle and mood. Physical books bring a unique sensory pleasure: the smell of pages, the weight in your hands, and the joy of displaying your collection on a bookshelf. In particular, collecting physical books feels like a trophy, symbolizing my reading journey and achievements. There's something undeniably calming about holding a book and slowing down without constant screen exposure, which helps me wind down before sleep. On the other hand, I find e-readers incredibly convenient for travel and day-to-day reading. The ability to adjust brightness means I can dive into books anytime, whether it’s late at night or in a dim room, without bothering others. Storing hundreds of titles in one lightweight device saves precious space, which is ideal for small living areas. Plus, e-books tend to be more affordable, especially during sales or with subscription services, making them budget-friendly. However, e-readers do require charging and can be prone to technical glitches or accidental damage. I once experienced frustration when my device froze just as I was bookmarking an important passage, which felt like a loss. Meanwhile, physical books can suffer from wear and tear, like accidental spills or bending pages, which can be disheartening. One tip I’ve found useful is combining both mediums: I often read e-books during commutes or vacations for convenience and switch to physical books when I’m at home relaxing, to slow down and savor the reading experience. It's also great to visit local libraries or swap books with friends to enjoy physical copies without extra expense and save space. Ultimately, whether you love the collectible nature and tactile joy of physical books or the portability and versatility of e-readers, understanding your reading habits and preferences is key. Both have unique pros and cons, and mixing them offers the best of both worlds.
Physical Books