According to a 2025 Statista report, over 1.2 billion people globally now own ebooks, and digital platforms account for 32% of global book sales. Meanwhile, printed book sales continue to thrive among readers who value tradition, tactile experience, and sensory stimulation.
Have you ever wondered why some readers appreciate the scent of newly printed books while others prefer carrying an entire library in their pocket? In 2025, however, the debate between ebooks and printed books remains active due to changing reader habits and growing digital trends.
But why does someone choose one product over another? Could it be price, feel, or convenience? Let us examine these key drivers of consumer choice today in digital society.
What Is an eBook (Electronic Book)
An electronic book, also known as an eBook (which stands for Electronic Book), is an electronic copy of a printed book that can be read digitally on devices such as e-readers, tablets, smartphones, or computers. It can also be bought or rented through various platforms like Amazon, Apple Books, or Google Play.
eBooks differ from print books in that they do not rely on physical pages to display text, images, and interactive features; rather, they use screens instead. However book writing services often choose ebooks over print books because they have adjusted settings like text size and background color to improve reading experiences, as well as built-in dictionaries that enrich them further.
What Is a Print Book?
A traditional printed book refers to its physical version; these books usually consist of paper pages bound into an enclosure made of cardboard or other durable materials and attached by staples or glue binding since print books have been around for centuries and hold nostalgic value with readers who prefer holding books in their hands instead of reading electronic formats.
Print books can be found everywhere, from bookstores and libraries to online shops and even the pocket. Available formats range from hardcover, paperback, and pocket versions—each providing its own reading experience—yet they have lasting appeal due to their aesthetic value, collectability, and immersive reading experience.
A Comparison of Print Book and eBook
Here is a simple comparison table which helps make things clear:
| Feature | eBook | Printed Book |
| Format | Digital file | Physical paper |
| Portability | Easy to carry in a device | Can be heavy or bulky |
| Storage | Thousands in one device | Needs shelf space |
| Battery Needed | Yes (for devices) | No |
| Cost | Often cheaper | Usually more expensive |
| Eco-Friendly | Saves paper | Uses paper and ink |
| Reading Comfort | Adjustable fonts and lights | Natural reading feel |
| Smell & Feel | No physical touch or smell | Real book smell and touch |
| Accessibility | Instant download and search feature | Must buy or borrow physically |
How to Choose the Right Book Format?
Selecting an optimal book format depends on several considerations, including your reading habits, preferences, and desired level of convenience. When making this choice, here are a few factors you may wish to take into account:
Portability
Whether you prefer reading books digitally on the go or prefer having physical copies in hand, eBooks may be your go-to choice as they allow you to carry hundreds or even thousands of books easily in just one device. But for those who enjoy visiting bookstores and being immersed in physical books themselves, print books may provide a better option.
Reading Experience
Print books offer more tactile and sensory experiences for readers, from the feel of the pages to the smell of paper. eBooks allow more flexible options in terms of text size, background color, and brightness settings—ideal for readers with visual impairments and those preferring customized reading experiences.
Budget
eBooks are much less costly than printed books, with many free titles at reduced costs. If you want an extensive library without breaking the bank, ebook writing may be economical compared to hardcover editions that cost more.
Store Storage
eBooks can provide an ideal way of conserving physical space if you live in an apartment with limited room for bookshelves; their size does not take up any real estate compared to print books that need storage. Managing extensive collections may become problematic over time, with physical books requiring separate shelving space for their collection.
Why Are eBooks Growing in Popularity?
eBooks have multiplied over recent years, and their popularity is expected to increase further. Here are several reasons readers are turning toward digital books:
Convenience and Instant Access
One of the hallmarks of eBooks is instantaneous book access—readers can instantly download their desired titles with just a few clicks, no matter their location; print books require physical storage space or a waiting period before being delivered directly.
Customization
eBooks enable readers to customize text size, font style, and background color based on personal reading preferences – an advantage especially beneficial to those with visual impairments or special reading requirements. This customization enhances reading experiences for all.
Space Saving
eBooks take up no physical space, making them ideal for readers with limited storage needs. From traveling abroad to living in small apartments, an eBook allows readers to take their entire library without cluttering living areas or luggage spaces.
Multimedia Features
Many eBooks include multimedia features like embedded videos and audio clips, as well as interactive elements, to enrich and extend the reading experience and bring books alive in exciting new ways. When combined with traditional storytelling methods.
Affordable
eBooks are often cheaper than print books, making them an appealing option for budget-minded readers. Their digital format eliminates printing, shipping, and storage expenses for reduced consumer prices.
To Sum Up
As we progress further into 2025, it becomes evident that the debate between ebooks and printed books remains heated. While eBooks provide some readers superior convenience, affordability, portability, and tactile experience, physical books remain beloved by many who appreciate physical books’ tactile feel and tactile experience of holding one in their hands.
The choice between ebooks and print books ultimately boils down to personal preference. Whether digital reading suits you better than analog reading, what matters is that you enjoy both forms of literature in whatever capacity best suits you.
