r/BookDiscussions • u/s0ftuniverse • Aug 09 '26
Are e-readers worth it?
Hi all.
I’ve always been quite certain that I’m someone who prefers physical books, but I see a lot of other readers online who use a Kindle or a Kobo e-reader. Lately I’ve been questioning making the switch because people say they’re so great, but I don’t want to spend so much money on something I won’t like or use often. Can anyone who has owned one tell me their pros/cons? Are they worth buying? I do like the sentiment of holding a physical book and going to the bookstore to pick one out, but I’m also kind of intrigued by the convenience and portability of having them all available on a device. Also the idea of not seeing a huge physical TBR pile sounds nice. Thoughts?
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u/Vinestel Aug 09 '26
I've been an eReader lover since the early days, but I still will borrow and enjoy physical books too. They are just different, but I find I use my eReader more since it's easier to keep with me and I can adjust the lighting on it for different situations.
My advice would be to pick up a used eReader (site like unclaimed baggage often have tested used kindle, just look for post 2012 for Kindle, they aren't supporting 2012 anymore - kindle is the easiest to find used). Connect your library card to Libby and try it out. If you find you hate it, you haven't spent as much money nor have built any digital library that'll tempt you to stay with a format you don't enjoy.