Print vs. eBooks — Which Fits Your Reading Life in 2025? It’s the age-old question for modern readers: do you prefer print or digital?
Or are you team eBook all the way? Today, we’re breaking down…
I used to be a physical-only reader… and now my Kindle Paperwhite is never more than five feet away. Let’s explore the pros, cons, and why most of us happily live somewhere in the middle.
November Sunday Series: The Reader
Whether you’re shopping for the book lovers in your life—or treating yourself—this month’s collection celebrates everything about the joy of reading. From creating the perfect reading nook to finding thoughtful gifts, each post in this Sunday Series brings cozy inspiration for book lovers.
📌 Previously posted (Sept): How to Read More in Less Time (Without Losing the Joy)
📌 Previously posted (Oct): Discover 9 Practical Tips to Avoid a Reading Slump
So, whether you’re planning ahead for the holidays, a birthday, or a simple just-because surprise, I hope this series sparks ideas that make reading feel even more special.
Featured Posts:
• Creating the Perfect Reading Experience
• Which Kindle Should I Buy in 2025?
• Print vs eBooks: Which Fits Your Reading Life This Post
• The Best Apps to Read Books for Free
• Kindle Colorsoft Review
• Beyond the Shelf: The Ultimate Guide to Gifts for Readers Coming in December
Quick Comparison
| Factor | eBooks | |
|---|---|---|
| Experience | Tactile, screen-free, collectible | Customizable fonts, night mode |
| Portability | One (heavy) book at a time | Hundreds on one device |
| Price | Higher; giftable | Often cheaper; many free options |
| Access | Bookstores, libraries | Instant download; library apps |
| Annotating | Sticky tabs, margins (fun!) | Highlights, search, exportable notes |
Why Print Books Still Win
- The smell of fresh pages (yes, it’s real!)
- Collectible—beautiful covers, sprayed edges, signed editions
- No batteries, no chargers—just open and read
- Perfect for gifts, swaps, and passing down
- Screen-free relaxation that feels grounding
Why eBooks Are Game-Changers
- Lightweight and portable—hundreds of books in one device
- Instant downloads—no waiting for shipping
- Adjustable fonts, sizes, line spacing, and warm light for night reading
- Sync across Kindle, phone, tablet, or desktop app
- Often cheaper—plus tons of free books via library and freebie apps
Curious beyond Kindle? The Kobo Libra Colour brings color e-ink—great for comics, cookbooks, and illustrated editions.
When Each Format Wins
Pick Print If: you love collecting, annotate with sticky tabs, gift physical books, or want true screen-free time.
Pick eBooks If: you travel, read at night, need larger fonts, want instant access, or prefer lightweight + budget-friendly.
Featured Book: Book Lovers by Emily Henry
A smart, witty romance perfect for print or eBook fans.
Comfort, Accessibility & Eye-Strain Tips
- Night reading: Use warm light on e-readers; avoid bright blue light before bed.
- Font sizing & spacing: Increase font size/line spacing on eBooks for long sessions.
- Glare: Matte e-ink screens reduce glare outdoors; paperbacks are still beach-day MVPs.
- Note-taking: Try e-ink devices with stylus support if you love margin notes.
Budget & Gifting Picks
- Kindle Paperwhite (waterproof, travel-friendly)
- Kobo Libra Colour (color e-ink, EPUB-friendly)
- Clip-on Book Light (for print + e-readers)
- MoKo Case for 7"/6.8" Kindle Paperwhite (protects your device)
- Gift Card to a Local Indie (Bookshop.org) (always a win)
A Simple Hybrid Reading Plan
- Weeknights: eBook in bed with warm light + larger font.
- Weekends: a physical paperback for screen-free relaxation.
- On the go: keep one audiobook queued for errands/commutes.
Don’t Forget Audiobooks
Apps like Audible, Libro.fm, and Chirp make it easy to “read” while commuting, walking, or cleaning. For many, audiobooks are the secret to finishing more books in a busy season.
My Take
For me, I use both. eBooks win for convenience—I can toss my Kindle in my bag and always have options. But nothing beats cracking open a new paperback at the beach or curling up with a hardcover on a rainy day. Balance is my happy place.
Ready to start filling up your TBR pile—or loading up your e-reader? Take a peek at Six Books I Enjoyed in the Last Six Months for reading ideas, then browse my reading categories and recommendations to keep the list growing.
FAQ
Do eBooks cause more eye strain? Not necessarily—e-ink is gentle, and warm light + larger fonts help. Backlit LCD screens can be harsher at night.
Are eBooks cheaper than print? Often, yes. Plus, you can borrow free eBooks via library apps. Stay tuned — next week I’m sharing my guide to the best free reading apps, perfect for cozy budget-friendly reading.
Which is better for travel? eBooks. Lighter, more choices, and no packing stress. Waterproof e-readers are beach-day gold.
📖 Join the Conversation: Are you team print, team digital, or happily both? What do you love (or miss) about each? Share your thoughts below—or vote in my @foreverbklover poll!
📌 Save this post or share it with a reading bestie who swears by one format!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links (Amazon and Bookshop.org). If you purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Forever Book Lover!
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