Table of Contents
- Introduction
- 1. Amazon Books
- 2. Barnes & Noble
- 3. ThriftBooks
- 4. Books-A-Million (BAM!)
- 5. Waterstones
- 6. Kobo
- 7. Powell’s Books
- 8. Alibris
- Conclusion
Introduction
Books have always been magical, transporting us to new worlds, teaching us new things, and letting us escape the daily grind. Today, thanks to the internet, we have access to millions of books from online bookstores, all at the click of a button. Whether you’re an avid reader or just someone looking for the latest bestseller, these stores make getting your hands on a great book easier.
While some online bookstores are massive, serving readers worldwide, others focus on niche markets and specific interests. Let’s look at the 8 largest online bookstores in the world.
1. Amazon Books
Amazon, the colossal e-commerce giant, unsurprisingly tops the list as the largest online bookstore in the world. Founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994 as an online book retailer, Amazon has grown into a global powerhouse selling almost anything you can imagine. However, books remain central to its identity, offering one of the most extensive selections available anywhere. You can find millions of books in various formats, including hardcovers, paperbacks, ebooks, audiobooks, and even textbooks, all on Amazon.
Amazon’s massive global reach and fast shipping times are key reasons for its dominance. The company’s logistical prowess ensures that readers can get their hands on their next read quickly, no matter where they are. Amazon’s Kindle ecosystem is particularly noteworthy, offering readers easy access to an enormous library of digital books. Additionally, Amazon owns Audible, the leading audiobook platform, making it the go-to site for audiobooks. Amazon’s scale, vast inventory, and unmatched convenience make it the leading online bookstore globally.
2. Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble is one of the most iconic names in American bookselling, with both a strong physical and online presence. While it’s known for its large chain of brick-and-mortar stores, its online bookstore is equally impressive. Barnes & Noble caters to a wide range of readers, offering a comprehensive selection of books that spans every genre, from bestselling novels to children’s books and textbooks.
What sets Barnes & Noble apart is its commitment to both physical and digital reading. The company has its e-reader, the Nook, a popular alternative to Amazon’s Kindle. Through its Nook platform, readers can access a wide variety of eBooks and audiobooks. Barnes & Noble also offers exclusive editions of popular titles, often with bonus content or unique covers. Add to this a robust loyalty program, and it’s clear why Barnes & Noble remains a major player in the online book market.
3. ThriftBooks
ThriftBooks stands out as one of the largest online retailers of used books, offering millions of second-hand titles at heavily discounted prices. Based in the United States, ThriftBooks appeals to bargain hunters and environmentally conscious readers alike, as buying second-hand helps reduce waste while saving money. Whether you’re looking for a novel, a textbook, or a rare, out-of-print edition, ThriftBooks is likely to have it in its vast inventory.
One of ThriftBooks’ key features is its “ReadingRewards” program, which allows frequent shoppers to earn points that can be redeemed for free books. In addition to its affordable pricing, ThriftBooks is strongly committed to sustainability, saving over 900 million books from ending up in landfills by reselling them to new readers. This combination of environmental responsibility and unbeatable prices has made ThriftBooks a favorite among budget-conscious book lovers.
4. Books-A-Million (BAM!)
Books-A-Million, often shortened to BAM!, started as a humble newsstand in Alabama but has since grown into one of the largest book retailers in the United States. With over 260 physical stores, BAM! has a vast online presence, offering a massive selection of books across all genres. Whether you’re looking for fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, or children’s books, BAM! has it all.
One of the things that makes Books-A-Million stand out is the breadth of its product offerings. In addition to books, the retailer sells toys, games, puzzles, and collectibles, making it a one-stop shop for families and fans of pop culture. The company’s loyalty program is another highlight, offering regular shoppers discounts and exclusive perks. BAM! also provides exclusive editions of popular books, particularly in the young adult and fantasy genres, adding another layer of appeal to its offerings.
5. Waterstones
Waterstones is a household name in the UK, known for being one of the country’s leading booksellers. While its chain of physical stores is widely recognized, Waterstones has also developed a robust online presence, offering readers a vast selection of books both in the UK and worldwide. The company has stayed true to its roots, focusing on curating an impressive array of books while embracing the advantages of the online shopping experience.
Waterstones’ website makes it easy for readers to browse and discover new titles, with carefully curated recommendations and lists tailored to specific genres and interests. One of the company’s strengths is its commitment to the literary culture, hosting author events, and promoting UK-based writers. Additionally, Waterstones offers beautiful, exclusive editions of books that often come with unique cover designs or special features, making it a favorite for collectors and book lovers who appreciate the finer details.
6. Kobo
Kobo is a major player in digital reading, offering a platform that focuses on eBooks and audiobooks. Originally launched in Canada, Kobo has become a global digital bookstore that rivals Amazon’s Kindle ecosystem. With over 5 million titles available in its library, Kobo provides readers with access to a vast selection of books in digital format, making it easy to find and download new reads instantly.
One of Kobo’s standout features is its range of e-readers, known for their excellent design and performance. Kobo e-readers provide a top-notch reading experience and are considered one of the best alternatives to the Kindle. What makes Kobo even more appealing to many readers is its partnership with independent bookstores worldwide. Through this partnership, readers can buy ebooks while supporting their local bookstore, combining the convenience of online shopping with the satisfaction of helping small businesses.
7. Powell’s Books
Powell’s Books is a dream come true for book lovers, particularly those who enjoy browsing through shelves filled with new and used books. Based in Portland, Oregon, Powell’s is the largest independent bookstore in the world. Its online store extends its sprawling physical locations, offering readers access to a diverse range of titles, from bestsellers to hard-to-find indie books.
Powell’s offers a mix of new and used books, making it a great place for readers looking for rare editions or those who want to save money by buying second-hand. The store is also known for its strong support of independent and small press publishers, giving readers access to titles that might not be available through mainstream retailers. Powell’s also runs a subscription box service called “Indiespensable,” which delivers curated selections of books to readers every few months, making it a hit among bibliophiles who love discovering unique reads.
8. Alibris
Alibris is a vast marketplace that connects readers with independent bookstores, libraries, and individual sellers worldwide. Specializing in new, used, and rare books, Alibris is known for its extensive inventory, which includes millions of titles ranging from popular bestsellers to obscure academic works. The platform’s strong focus on educational materials makes it a popular destination for students and scholars.
The beauty of Alibris lies in its marketplace structure. By aggregating inventory from thousands of independent sellers, the platform offers readers access to a wealth of books that might otherwise be hard to find. Alibris is particularly useful for finding rare or out-of-print books and textbooks for academic studies. Beyond books, Alibris also sells movies, music, and other media, adding even more variety to its impressive catalog.
Conclusion
Whether you’re on the hunt for a rare collectible, looking for a bargain on used books, or prefer to download your next read instantly to an e-reader, these 8 largest online bookstores in the world offer something for everyone. From Amazon’s global dominance to the eco-friendly mission of ThriftBooks, each platform brings something unique to the table. So no matter what you’re in the mood to read next, you’re bound to find it on one of these incredible online bookstores. Happy reading!