The Advantages & Disadvantages of eBooks in 2025: Complete Guide
eBooks offer portability, affordability and accessibility, but also come with drawbacks like eye strain, DRM limits and device dependence. As it stands, print still outsells digital by 4x, but many are adopting a hybrid reading strategy to get the best out of both mediums.
Since 2020, digital reading has been on the rise in the form of remote learning, global connectivity and mobile access. Universally accepted e-book formats like EPUB and PDF are reshaping how we consume knowledge. But can eBooks be considered a replacement or are they a simply complementary to print?
The advantages and disadvantages of eBooks are essential for anyone weighing whether these digital formats can fully replace or complement traditional print. According to Statista, over 30% of U.S. adults read eBooks in 2024. In this guide, we shall dig into what makes eBooks so convenient—and where they fall short.
Pros and Cons of eBooks (Quick Overview)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Portable, carries thousands of titles | Screen fatigue and eye strain |
| Instant access, downloads and no shipping time | Battery dependence |
| Built-in dictionary and vocabulary builder | Lack of physical feel (tactile feel) |
| Searchable and quick navigation features | Distractions from notifications |
| Night mode and built-in light (depending on the device) | Digital Rights Management (DRM ) restrictions |
| Adjustable fonts, margins and line spacing | Format or device compatibility issues |
| Text-to-speech and screen readers | Gifting and sharing limitations |
| Notes, highlights and cloud sync | Longevity concerns |
| Environment-friendly | High device cost (initial investment) |
| Cheaper than print (sometimes with discounts) | Not ideal for art or reference books |
| Free public domain content | No “used goods market” or collectability |
| Auto updates for content | Privacy tracking |
| Discreet reading experience | Internet dependency |
| No clutter, no shelf space required | Hard to flip between pages quickly |
| Author-friendly self-publishing | Less emotional or sentimental value |
15 Advantages of eBooks
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Portability: Carry Your Library Anywhere
eBooks are ultralight—your entire library travels in a pocket-sized device. Imagine having up to 10,000 books—novels, textbooks, reference guides—without ever adding weight to your bag. When comparing eBooks vs. printed books, this portability is a major advantage. For students, it means substituting towering stacks of textbooks with one lightweight e-reader.
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Instant Access & No Shipping Time
Need a book right now? With eBooks, immediate download is standard—no waiting days for shipping. Late-night study sessions or spontaneous reading? Just tap and start.
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Built-in Dictionary & Vocabulary Builder
Most e-readers include integrated lookup tools. For instance, Kindle users report that 85% utilize the built-in dictionaries for unfamiliar words — boosting comprehension and vocabulary in real time.
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Searchability & Quick Navigation
You can search keywords, jump to chapters, and bookmark instantly. Quoting a key line or revisiting a theory? eBooks make it instantaneous—hugely beneficial for research-heavy tasks.
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Night Reading & Built-in Light
E-ink models (like Kindle Paperwhite) offer adjustable front lighting—great for reading in dark bedrooms without disturbing roommates.
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Adjustable Fonts, Margins & Line Spacing
Users can customize text display—ideal for readers with visual impairments or dyslexia. Bigger fonts, wider margins, double spacing? All are customizable for comfort.
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Text-to-Speech & Screen Readers
For accessibility, eBooks shine. Dyslexic users or those with visual impairments can use text-to-speech or screen readers on compatible devices.
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Notes, Highlights & Cloud Sync
Annotations are saved in the cloud and synced across devices (phone, tablet, desktop). It’s perfect for students citing sources or authors refining drafts.
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Environmentally Friendly
A recent assessment (February 23, 2024) by DW revisited the environmental impact of printing versus e-readers: it highlights that paperback books typically produce around 1 kg CO₂e per copy, while hardcovers are closer to 330 g CO₂e. Meanwhile, the production of an e-reader (like a Kindle) emits approximately 14 kg CO₂e over its roughly three-year lifespan.
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Lower Cost & Frequent Discounts
eBooks are generally priced 30–60% lower than their printed counterparts, making them a budget-friendly choice for avid readers. Older titles and independent publications often go on sale, with prices dropping below $5. Frequent digital discounts, seasonal deals, and subscription bundles further reduce costs.
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Free Public Domain Content
Resources like Project Gutenberg and the Internet Archive offer thousands of public domain classics for free—perfect for students seeking literature or historical texts.
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Auto Updates to Content
eBooks can be updated effortlessly—authors can correct typos, update editions, or add chapters. Readers always access the latest version.
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Discreet Reading Experience
Embarrassed by your current read? eBooks keep your reading private—no one sees the title on your nightstand or bag.
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No Clutter, No Shelf Space
eBooks eliminate the need for physical storage, perfect for small apartments and student dorms. Say goodbye to overflowing shelves and the hassle of moving heavy book boxes.
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Author-Friendly Self-Publishing
Platforms like Amazon KDP empower authors to publish directly, access a global audience, and earn royalty rates of up to 70%. It’s a game-changer for self-publishing.
15 Disadvantages of eBooks
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Screen Fatigue & Eye Strain
Extended reading, especially on backlit tablets, can cause eye fatigue from blue light. For marathon study sessions, the print may be kinder on the eyes.
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Battery Dependence
No battery? No reading. A dead device interrupts your session, and power outages render even your downloaded books inaccessible once charged
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Lack of Physical Feel
eBooks lack tactile qualities: the smell of paper, turning pages, or the weight of a hardcover. Many readers miss this sensory experience and the physical connection with a book.
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Notification Distractions
Reading on a phone or tablet opens the door to social media alerts, emails, and messages—harder to focus compared to turning off a physical book.
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Digital Rights Management (DRM ) Restrictions
DRM in ebooks often restricts lending, sharing, and reselling. Once purchased, your access depends on the vendor—ending your perceived ownership.
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Format/Device Compatibility Issues
Navigate EPUB, MOBI, PDF—and device ecosystems like Kindle vs Kobo—and you may face formatting issues or conversion headaches.
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Gifting & Sharing Limitations
You can’t gift-wrap a file easily. Lending eBooks is tricky; some platforms limit you to a set number of loans, and recipients need compatible hardware and accounts.
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Longevity Concerns
Electronic formats risk corruption, and devices may become obsolete. Future compatibility remains uncertain. Physical books can be read centuries later.
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Initial Device Cost
Purchasing a Kindle, Nook, or tablet requires upfront investment—often $100–$300—creating a barrier for budget-conscious readers.
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Not Ideal for Art or Reference Books
Highly visual content (e.g. art books, design, textbooks with charts) doesn’t translate well to small screens or e-ink displays.
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No Used Market or Collectibility
No ability to resell, trade, or collect first editions. Print books carry a cultural and collectible value that digital copies lack.
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Privacy Tracking
Platforms track what you read, how long, and even highlight selections. That data can be stored and monetized without clear oversight
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Internet Dependency
Downloading, syncing, and updating eBooks require a stable internet connection. This poses challenges for users in areas with poor or limited connectivity.
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Hard to Flip Between Pages Quickly
Flipping through pages in a print book is fast and instinctive. In eBooks, navigating back and forth can feel slower, less fluid, and disrupt reading flow.
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Less Emotional/Sentimental Value
eBooks lack the tangible charm of physical books—no worn pages, personal notes, or cherished signatures. They often miss the nostalgia and legacy value passed down through generations
eBooks vs. Physical Books: Feature Comparison
| Feature | eBooks | Print Books |
|---|---|---|
| Portability (for travel and storage) | Thousands of titles on one device | Bulky and heavy |
| Accessibility (for inclusivity) | Have features like adjustable font size, text-to-speech, built-in dictionary | The text size is fixed, no built-in reading aids |
| Cost and Availability | Usually 30-60% cheaper, and can be downloaded instantly | Cost more and can have lengthy delivery times (if purchased online) |
| Connectivity | You need power (battery) or the internet to buy/download/read eBooks | Available at any time; no need for a device or internet connection |
| Longevity | Controlled by DRM (access can vanish if platform closes), formats can become obsolete | Durable, collectible and ownership is indefinite |
| Environmental Impact | They are eco-friendly (lower CO2) if you read more than 10 books a year | Each copy requires paper, ink, power, shipping etc., increasing the footprint |
Compromise: Hybrid Reading Strategy (With Checklist)
If you are still struggling to choose eBooks or printed books and you want to enjoy both, why not try the hybrid approach?
The hybrid reading style is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a reading style where you consume both eBooks and printed book. That way you can enjoy your cherished printed books while also enjoying the convenience of the digital copies.
We suggest using the following checklist for your hybrid reading style:
- Use eBooks for study/travel and use printed books for deep, immersive reading
- Customize fonts, margins and backgrounds on your e-reader for comfortable reading
- Charge your e-reader or preferred device in advance and keep the printed copy as backup
- Annotate digitally and print key chapters for more research
- Buy favorite titles in print for archival and emotional value (private collections)
- Use Project Gutenberg and Internet Archive for free classics
User Reviews & Expert Opinions
- On Reddit, users seem to love e-book customization:
“Changing font size and background color on my Kindle has made re-reading classic texts a joy without straining my eyes.” -
Others value privacy:
“I love reading romance novels without having people judge the cover behind me on the train.” -
However, DRM is a frequent concern for critics. Lifewire noted:
“DRM can lock your book to one device or account, severely limiting lending or resale.” Wired highlighted similar issues after a 2023 platform shift caused file loss for thousands of readers. - Librarians and educators around the world increasingly advocate hybrid reading approaches. Many institutions encourage using eBooks for quick research, accessibility, portability, and multimedia integration, while reserving print for immersive reading, focus, long-term study and reduced eye strain.
Conclusion
eBooks offer remarkable benefits—portability, affordability, instant access, accessibility options, and eco-friendliness—making them a smart choice for students, travelers, and digital publishers. At the same time, digital reading brings challenges like screen fatigue, battery reliance, reduced sensory engagement, DRM restrictions, and dependence on devices and internet connectivity, which can limit their usefulness for certain readers and situations.
By understanding the advantages and disadvantages of eBooks, readers can adopt a hybrid approach: using eBooks for convenience and quick reference, while enjoying print for deep, focused, and emotionally engaging reading. This balance allows for a richer, more flexible reading experience.
If you are looking for professional eBook conversion services, our expert team at MAP Systems can help. With over 30 years of experience in digital publishing, we have assisted global authors, publishers, and businesses in creating eBooks that are fully compatible with all major platforms including Kindle, Apple Books, Kobo, and Google Play Books.Get in touch with us today to ensure your manuscript is converted into a high-quality, market-ready eBook.
Frequently Asked Questions
eBooks offer portability, instant access, and customization, while paper books provide a tactile experience and less eye strain. Each has unique benefits. eBooks suit digital lifestyles, but paper books remain ideal for offline reading and collectors. The better choice depends on personal reading habits and needs.
Yes, prolonged eBook reading on backlit screens can cause eye strain. Symptoms include dryness, fatigue, and blurred vision. Using e-ink devices, enabling night mode, or taking regular breaks can help reduce eye strain and improve reading comfort during extended digital reading sessions. Adjustable fonts and brightness also improve comfort during long sessions.
eBooks help students with cost savings, portability, and quick access to resources. However, drawbacks include screen fatigue, internet dependency, and less note-taking flexibility. Despite these, eBooks support flexible learning—especially for remote education and on-the-go study.
You purchase a license to access eBooks—not full ownership. Lending depends on publisher rights and platform rules. Some eBooks allow temporary sharing, while others restrict it through DRM. Always check lending policies before sharing or transferring digital copies.
Yes. In 2024, U.S. print sales were 4 times more than eBooks, which is about 90% of trade sales.
Worldwide, about 20-30% of adults read eBooks. Although print still dominates the market, e-book purchases are steadily growing, especially for education and remote learning.
Unfortunately, you can’t. Most eBooks are DRM-protected and tied to vendor accounts so you can't freely resell or gift them, unlike in the case of print.
Yes. On average, eBooks are 30-60% cheaper than print. Discounts and bundles also make them budget-friendly.
