Whether you love the feel of a physical book, prefer the convenience of an ebook, or enjoy listening to audiobooks, there are plenty of great places to shop. Here’s a breakdown of the best online and offline retailers for book lovers—including options for secondhand books, ethical shopping, and supporting independent bookshops.
Best for Print Books (New & Secondhand)
1. AwesomeBooks
A great online store for affordable secondhand and new books, with a focus on sustainability.
2. Better World Books
Ethically minded, this retailer sells secondhand books and donates to literacy programs with every purchase.
3. Biblio
A marketplace for rare, out-of-print, and secondhand books from independent sellers worldwide.
4. Guardian Bookshop
The Guardian’s official bookshop, selling new books, often with exclusive discounts for subscribers.
5. Oxfam Books
Oxfam’s online shop and physical bookshops offer a fantastic selection of secondhand books, with proceeds supporting charity work.
6. World of Books
A massive online retailer for secondhand books, with a strong commitment to reducing waste.
Best for Ebooks
Ebooks.com
A reliable platform for purchasing DRM-free ebooks across a wide range of genres.
Best for Audiobooks
xigxag
A UK-based audiobook service offering a pay-as-you-go model (no subscription needed).
Recommended Ethical Buys (Supporting Independent Bookshops)
If you want to support independent bookshops while shopping online, these are great choices:
- Bookshop.org – Partners with local bookshops, giving them a cut of sales.
- Hive – Allows you to choose an independent bookshop to support with each purchase.
- Litalist – A Black-owned online bookstore promoting diverse authors and indie shops.
- eBay (for preloved books) – A great way to buy secondhand books while supporting small sellers.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a rare secondhand find, a new bestseller, or an eco-friendly way to read, these retailers offer something for every book lover. Happy reading! 📚
Do you have a favorite bookshop not listed here? Share it in the comments!