Below are all the places where I buy books online with some tips and deals for you.
Note: All prices and deals are valid at the time of posting. However, I do my best to quickly update any changes.
Amazon
Stating the obvious! A few Amazon book programs I especially like are:
- First Reads – by which Amazon Prime members can choose one or more free ebooks from a curated selection each month
- Kindle Unlimited – by which subscribers can read an unlimited selection of ebooks and audiobooks in the Kindle Unlimited library
- Prime Reading – by which Amazon Prime members can borrow ebooks for free
And if you aren’t a Prime member, click here to get your first 30 days for free.
Audible
Audible is the audiobook giant owned by Amazon. I have used the service for years and love it. One thing I especially love is how easy it is to return books in just a few clicks if you don’t like them.
For $14.95 a month, you get a credit for 1 audiobook and unlimited access to Audible’s Premium Plus catalog. (Cancel anytime.)
For $7.95, you get unlimited access to Audible‘s Premium Plus catalog only, with no credit for any book of your choice.
Audible also occasionally runs great, $5 and under sales, for selected audiobooks.
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble remains the top book-based retailer where to buy books online cheap, with a book club, rotating book deals and a sale page.
Book of the Month Club
Book of the Month (BOTM) Club is a fun, affordable and helpful book subscription service. Each month, they pick out five books, which are hot new releases and not yet publicly released books, in a variety of categories and you get to pick one hardcover title for $14.99. You can add on additional books for just $10. (Cancel anytime.)
Book Outlet
Book Outlet offers a wide variety of books for adults and children, including many best sellers and new releases, at rock bottom prices (usually around $5-8 each). It takes a while to search through their site, but it’s worth taking an hour and stocking up a few times a year, as shipping is free over $35.
Bookshop.org
Bookshop.org is an online bookstore that supports independent bookstores, and it has been growing in popularity. You can purchase books and audiobooks and either choose a specific independent bookstore to support or support all independent bookstores collectively. While they aren’t generally the cheapest option available, you can often find deals better or equally comparable to the bigger box options.
Ebay
I have found good deals on books on Ebay, which I have read, and then re-sold on Ebay myself! I recommend Ebay for buying highly coveted and/or rare books online for less money.
Libro.fm
Libro.fm is another excellent audiobook provider, which supports independent bookstores. For $14.99 per month, you get a credit for any audiobook of your choice, to which you can listen on the Libro.fm app. This is another amazing audiobook service I regularly use and love. (Cancel anytime.)
Scribd
Scribd is a subscription service by which members can listen to an “unlimited” number of digital products, including popular, newly released ebooks and audiobooks for $9.99 per month via desktop or on the Scribd app. I say “unlimited” in quotes because the service generally only allows you to access about 4 or 5 newer releases a month, then it restricts your use to older releases until the next month begins. Still, it’s a great value, and I am a very happy subscriber. (Cancel anytime.)
Thriftbooks
Thriftbooks is a great place where to buy books online cheap, as they sell used books at very steep discounts and purchases over $10 ship for free (usually, I can order 2-3 used books and get free shipping).
BONUS TIP: Get Cash Back on Books and More
Rakuten
My Top Pick
Rakuten (formerly known as Ebates) is a free cash rebate program where you get cashback when making online purchases, with a simple click in their Google Chrome extension or their app for mobile.
For example, in Google Chrome, when you are shopping, a popup will offer you cashback from that store (which is usually 1% to 10%+). Just click it!
The mobile app functions like a search bar, where you simply search for a store, click it and shop.
I have made over $2,300.00+ cash back since 2014! There are no costs or hidden catches. Rakuten makes money from stores, and Rakuten then distributes some of its own earnings with users. It’s a win-win for everyone!
