What’s Better, Paper or Digital Books?

Why can’t we have both?

This post is presented in partnership with the Australian Publishers Association.

Every reader has a preference. Fiction or non fiction. Modern or classic. And now, paper or digital.

We surveyed 560 students, and at least when it comes to the last choice, their favourite is clear, with 80 per cent saying they prefer paper books over digital books. And 77 per cent also say they learn better from paper textbooks than digital ones.

But both sides have their passionate defenders, and you better believe they have opinions. Turns out paper fans love the smell of their physical books, while e-readers prefer the portability of having the entire history of literature at their fingertips. Also, other reasons!

No matter which you prefer, having the right content for your course on hand is the ultimate hassle-free way to study (and to increase your chances of passing). Thankfully, Student Edge members can save big on textbooks, as a number of publishers are providing huge discounts on texts for 2019. Check them all out here!

Here are our favourite arguments from our member responses:

Pro-Paper:

• Paper, because the feeling of turning the pages and that book smell helps you be immersed into the world of the story.
  Sarah B from WA
• PAPER! Nothing beats the smell of a new book or the feel of the worn pages of a much loved one.
  Sheridan A from VIC
• Paper books can be aligned on a shelf, spines different colours and sizes. Sparking pride as you look at your stunning plethora of reading material.
  Julia S from WA
• Undoubtedly paper. Physically holding an object full of characters and stories, feeling the pages, smelling an old book—there's nothing better.
  Eliza M from VIC
• Paper books because what's better than sitting down in bed holding your favourite book to read and fall asleep to?!
  Zane B from VIC
• Paper books are superior. You can interact with them, write in them and you can smell them. You cannot do that with digital books.
  Rachel B from SA
• Paper for sure. there's so much more satisfaction in progressing through and finishing a thick novel than mindlessly flicking a screen.
  Madison H from VIC
• Paper beats rock, just like paper beats a stone hard device. To flip those tangible pages brimming with words is what makes reading satisfying!
  Helen Q from VIC
• Paper! Having to flip a page for more enlightenment is something magical. Just physically flipping the page will unravel a plot twist. Paper is BETTER!!!
  William U from VIC
• Having that one physical copy of your favourite, tea-and-coffee stained book that's got that worn book smell and flipping the crisp pages can't be compared.
  Rosy C from NSW
• The fresh smell of a new book, what beats that? Slow internet trying to turn the page for your eBook? Reality is better.
  Issabelle C from WA
• Nothing can beat paper: the rustling of pages and the evocative smell of a new or old press gives an immersive experience indiscoverable in eBooks.
  Bianca H from NSW

Pro-Digital:

• Digital books are superior as they pay themselves off eventually due to the fact that each individual book is cheaper and they are travel efficient.
  Kyra P from WA
• Digital, because you can have a virtually unlimited amount of books on one device, making them easier to transport, saving space and helping the environment.
  Amanda T from VIC
• Digital books! I have hundreds of books without the weight, and can read in any light too. If only they smelt like real books...
  Emma C from QLD
• Digital books: I can read vintage without having allergic reactions to dust bound old pages; did I mention that 100 books never felt so light?!
  Mereki L from NSW
• Digital because you don’t need to turn pages, easier for lying down, lighter to carry and hold, and can read it in class.
  Nadine N from NSW
• Digital. They are so easy to access and much cheaper than paper books. It could possibly help the environment too!
  Jane K from WA
• Digital. I love that no matter where I am in the world, for some down time I can have my whole library in my palm.
  Jade O from VIC
• Digital books are better for learning because it's easier to highlight. Price is also a factor because paper textbooks tend to be more expensive.
  Tim T from NSW
• Digital is better for me! I have astigmatism and can't concentrate on paper because of shadows/blurriness; now I can zoom in on my Kobo!
  Ayesha K from WA
• Digital books; an environmental saviour, space-saving superhero, cost-cutting connoisseur, angel of accessibility and easily editable.
  Bec W from WA
• Digital books for sure because the paper is causing deforestation and you can have so much space.
  Samantha A from WA

It Depends:

• For uni, eBooks are more convenient has they're cheaper and easy to have on demand. But recreational reading is better with the physical copy.
  Awaz I from VIC
• For recreational purposes, paper is aesthetically superior, as nothing can replicate the experience. However, digital is better in terms of convenience, especially for studying.
  Hillary P from NSW

Share your own feelings below!

One more time: Student Edge members can save big on textbooks, as a number of publishers are providing huge discounts on texts for 2019. Check them all out here!

Header Image: iStock.com/Enis Aksoy