Paperback v.s. Hardcover v.s. Digital

The age-old question that book lovers everywhere argue about: which is better—paperback, hardcover, or digital? While the answer to that is purely opinion, there are pros and cons of all three types of books. Hopefully, this post will help you decide which type you should reach for when picking up your next read.

Paperback

First off are paperback novels. This kind of book is often made out of paperboard for the cover and the pages are glued to the cover. These pages are often a lower quality than hardcover, and the text quality is often not as good either. The soft cover may rip more easily, but are often a smaller size than hardcover and lighter to carry.

This style is middle-of-the-range price wise, as they are less expensive than hardcovers, but still cost more than digital copies. Because of their size, you can often carry multiple paperbacks with you in a bag or suitcase when you travel.

However, you will need to have a bookmark, unlike the other two options, and they rarely contain extra/bonus scenes in the back of the book. Paperbacks also do not have collectible editions, although they can have mass-market options which are cheaper.

If you are ordering from an online retailer, paperbacks can take time to arrive. However, shipping costs may be less than hardcover prices due to their weight. Finally, paperback versions have that book smell that just can't be explained—but it definitely influences my opinion on books.

Hardcover

Next in the running are hardcover books. These books often have a cardboard backing with a dust jacket (which provides another layer of protection and is also a design element). The pages are sewn into the binding, and the paper and text are of a better quality. All of these elements makes a hardcover book last longer than a paperback book.

These types of books are the most expensive, and can often cost over twice of what a paperback version can cost. Hardcover books are also heavier and larger, so you can usually only carry one in a bag or suitcase when you travel.

The dust jacket can act as a built-in bookmark, so there is no need to carry one. Hardcovers often have extra/bonus scenes in the back, and can have collectible editions with alternative covers or more content.

Again, an online retailer can take time and extra shipping costs can apply when buying hardcovers. Both types of physical copies can show their age, however, and you can't search for terms like you can in a digital version. But hardcovers also have that book smell that I love.

Digital

Finally, we have the digital version of books. These books are online copies that can come in the form of eBooks and audio-books. These types of books do not show their age, and you can also search for terms in eBooks.

These types of books can either be the cheapest or the most expensive. While an eBook can be less than even the paperback version of a book, audio-books are often just as expensive or more costly than a hardcover version.

Audio-books keep track of how much you have listened to, and eBooks have a built-in bookmark feature so you won't lose your place. You will, however, need headphones for audio-books. They do not typically have collectible editions or extra/bonus content, though eBooks may have links to find the next books easily.

Online reading can strain your eyes more than physical copies can, and if your battery runs out, you're out of luck. But you can fit as many books as you have online storage for in a bag or in your suitcase when you travel, and digital books arrive almost immediately when you order them online.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it: all the pros and cons I could think of relating to paperback, hardcover, and digital books. So which version do you like best? Personally, I prefer hardcover books. The combination of extra/bonus content and the book smell is too much for me to resist. I hope you have enjoyed this v.s. post and that now you have a better understanding of the pros and cons of each book format!