The Kindle and books are two very different methods of reading. The best way to do a Kindle vs. Books comparison is to go through both instruments and find out for yourself which one meets your needs and preferences better.
One of the main differences between reading on a Kindle and reading a physical book is that one is electronic and the other is analog. The Kindle is an electronic device, which means it has all kinds of high-tech capabilities that you wouldn’t find in any physical books.
For example, you can download an entire library onto your Kindle with just one click of a button. You can also use it to listen to audiobooks and podcasts when you’re traveling or commuting (and there are plenty of titles available for free).
In many ways, reading on a Kindle can be more convenient than reading physical books since it doesn’t require carrying around weighty volumes. However, there are some disadvantages as well. For example, if the power goes out at home and your Kindle isn’t charged then you are out of luck.
In this article, we will look at which is best for reading and also what scenarios you should consider for each.
Kindle vs. Books: A Side-by-Side Comparison
The following table compares the Kindle and the book, side by side.
strongKindle/strong | Books | |
Type of Print | Digital | Hard copy |
Available Where? | Kindle Device and any device that has the Kindle app | At most shops around the world, on any major shopping website, at libraries, and more |
Titles Available | 1.5 million titles | 129,864,880+ |
Prices | $0.99 per ebook (for the most affordable option), $119.99 for a Kindle Device (for the most affordable option) | Typically ranges from $1 to a few hundred dollars, depending on the book and its availability and/or rarity, but some books can be more expensive |
Kindle vs. Books: 11 Must-Know Facts
- Did you know that the first Amazon Kindle was released 15 years ago?
- On November 19th, 2007, it sold out within five and a half hours.
- The company sold out until it finally came back into stock five months later.
- According to Guinness World Records, “The largest collection of books belongs to Michael Hartl [who] collected 2 million volumes.”
- The world’s oldest bookshop is 290 years old and located in Lisbon, Portugal.
- The word library is derived from the Latin word “liber.”
- The Kindle is the first ever e-reader.
- Someone that always carries a book with them is called “book-bosomed.”
- Kindles allow you to search words or phrases in the dictionary or on Wikipedia.
- The longest novel ever written contains 9,609,000 characters and was written in 1912 by Marcel Proust.
- Bill Gates owns the world’s most expensive book valued at $54.4 million in 2021.
Kindle: the Next Step in a Reading Experience
You might think that reading a book on an e-reader would be different than reading it in print, but that’s not always the case. The experience of reading on either platform can actually be pretty similar.
You can even buy Kindle books using your Amazon account so they will appear on all your devices automatically without having to go through the process of downloading each one individually onto each device you own.
It’s also easier than ever before because there are no more physical copies involved (just digital ones). This means less clutter around your home as well as less hassle when it comes time for storage or moving out (or even just moving around).
Kindle has changed the way we read books forever by providing readers with an easy way to access millions of titles that can be accessed on many devices like smartphones and tablets.
While both books and the Kindle have their respective advantages, there is a clear winner when you compare them side by side.
Benefits of Reading on a Kindle Compared to a Book
- A Kindle can be more portable than a book.
- A Kindle has a backlight, so you can read in the dark.
- The screen on a Kindle can be easier to read than paper, which makes it great for people with vision problems or those who are tired from work and need to rest before reading long-form content.
- The Kindle has dictionaries built into the device that let you look up words as you go along.
- The Kindle is waterproof (up to a certain point, though, so don’t go trying to read underwater).
- This also means that if there are any errors in spelling or word choice, they won’t be missed by readers or editors who could then make changes; this may improve overall quality over time as well as offer better access options for those who prefer digital formats over print copies.
- Books aren’t made of batteries; they’re made from trees.
- E-books are cheaper than physical copies by about 50%. You can buy an e-book for as little as $2.99 or even free if it’s a bargain sale! If you’re on a budget, this is an important factor when deciding which device is right for you.
- You can access the most popular books from both Amazon and Kobo libraries without having to leave home or wait for them at the library. As long as there’s a decent internet connection available where you live, that’s pretty convenient.
- Kindle books also tend to be easier on the eyes than many printed ones because they’re formatted with larger font sizes, which means less strain on your eyes while reading them.

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When Can You Use A Kindle?
The Kindle is best used when you want to read in the dark, or in bright sunlight. It’s also a good choice if you are traveling and want to pack light, or if you like reading in bed but don’t want to be bothered by a lamp shining on your face.
If you’re an avid reader who buys several books per month, then a Kindle can save you some money on book purchases each year.
If those aren’t reasons enough for buying a Kindle, then consider this: paperbacks often cost more than 50% each at local stores.
The Kindle is a great innovation that will change the way people read books. It’s the perfect gift for anyone who loves to read, and it’s an even better idea if you want to save money on your book purchases each year.
- 6.8-inch 300 PPI glare-free display
- Up to 10 weeks of battery life
- Available in three different colors
- Now includes 20% faster page turns
Books: the True Classic
Books are the true classics when it comes to reading. They’ve been around for hundreds of years, and they have a better feel than any other modern device.
The smell of a book is priceless, and there is nothing like cracking open the spine of an old favorite or picking up a new one for the first time. You can always count on books to be there whenever you need them, whether it’s at home or on the go.
There’s also something about paperbacks that just feels right in your hands. They’re easier to read than tablets or phones with small screens (but not the Kindle). You can prop them up anywhere without worrying about damaging them, and they’re more durable than e-readers too.
Benefits of Reading Books Compared to A Kindle?
We will look at some of the benefits of reading books compared to the Kindle:
- You don’t have to worry about losing your books or pausing your reading. Unlike the Kindle, it will not break.
- The experience of a real book is much different than a Kindle. Kindles are close to the experience, but nothing will ever beat the real feeling. It’s like comparing electric guitars to classic acoustic guitars.
- There’s no need to charge your books. No matter the connection, the battery life, or the environment, you can read your book.
- Sharing books in real life is easy. Sharing books on a Kindle is actually quite difficult.
When Can You Use A Book?
There are many reasons why you might still want to use a book to read:
- If you have a lot of time, like when traveling on an airplane or train
- If you are in the mood to read and want to get lost in another world
- Learn something new
- If feeling like part of the story is important enough for you that it’s worth sacrificing some convenience and money savings because books give you a more immersive experience
- Less screen-time
Kindle vs. Books: What the Verdict?
If you want to read many books on the go, then get a Kindle.
However, if you’re more of an old-fashioned book type who likes the feeling of paper between your fingers, then go with traditional books.
You might have kids and want them to learn how to read without being distracted by modern technology. In this case, tangible books are best. They might learn something by taking care of the books, too.
E-books are cheaper than physical copies by about 50%. You can buy an e-book for as little as $2.99, and sometimes you can even get them for free during sales. If you’re on a budget, this is an important factor when deciding which device is right for you. Plus, getting an e-book for your Kindle can be a lot easier and more accessible than needing to buy a book in person.

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Kindle books also tend to be easier on the eyes than many printed ones because they’re formatted with larger font sizes than their counterparts–which means less strain on your eyes while reading them. Conversely, the blue light from screens can cause major eye strain, so e-reading isn’t entirely better for you. This is especially true if you have to use screens for work, so sometimes it’s good to give your eyes a break.
But, if you’re looking for something that can hold a lot of books and read them all to you, then get an iPad. You can read more about that in our article, Kindle vs iPad: Which is Best for You?
The Wrap-Up
There is no doubt that a Kindle can be an amazing tool for reading, especially if you want to read on the go. The cost savings of the books is great, but keep in mind you’ll have to hash out money for the device itself, which isn’t very cheap. However, if you want something more than a screen and some buttons, books are still your best bet.
Books have a smell and feel that will never go away, and they provide the reader with something tangible in their hands—some people absolutely love this feeling. The only thing holding them back from being completely perfect is that they cause environmental impacts that could be avoided.
Ultimately there are benefits to both forms, so the choice is entirely subjective to your personal preferences.