Want to Ditch Amazon? Here’s Where to Get Your eBooks Instead
For years, we’ve been buying digital books on Amazon under the assumption that they were ours. But with Amazon removing the option to download and store ebooks, it’s clearer than ever—we don’t actually own them. The shift raises serious concerns about digital rights, monopolies in the book industry, and what it really means to "buy" an ebook.
So what can readers do? If you’re serious about owning your digital books, or have other reason you’d like to not support Amazon, there are great alternatives for book lovers who want more control over their libraries.
Major eBook Retailers
If you’re looking for a broad selection of ebooks with a seamless reading experience, there are many major retail alternatives to Amazon. Do they care more about their consumers than Amazon does? Do they have better company values? Probably not. At the end of the day, big box retailers want to make a profit, but if you’re looking for a familiar feel to Amazon that still allows you to download your ebooks, most of these services will get the job done with dedicated apps, ereaders, and cloud syncing.
Barnes and Noble (Kobo) – A great alternative with ereaders and apps, plus an indie-friendly marketplace.
Barnes & Noble (Nook) – A solid option, especially for those with Nook devices.
Bookshop.org - New option allows readers to read in their interface, but is working with Kobo partnership as well. Supports YOUR local independent bookstore.
Apple Books – Integrated with Apple devices and offers a wide range of books.
Google Play Books – Works on Android devices and browsers, with an extensive selection.
DRM-Free Platforms
If you’re simply interested in DRM-free platforms, here are some great resources to check out. This list is certainly not exhaustive so let me know in the comments your favorite platform.
Smashwords – A hub for indie authors, often with DRM-free downloads.
Draft2Digital's Books2Read – A universal book linking service that lets you find books on various platforms.
Gumroad – Many indie authors sell direct PDFs or ePub versions here.
Payhip – Another direct-sales platform used by authors.
Itch.io – Primarily for games, but some authors sell books here too.
Leanpub – Great for tech and non-fiction books, often allowing readers to pay what they want.
Weightless Books – Specializes in speculative fiction from small presses.
DriveThruFiction – Focuses on RPG-related and indie fiction.
StoryBundle – Offers curated, limited-time bundles of indie books.
Buying Direct from Authors & Small Presses
Many authors and small publishers sell their books directly on their websites, cutting out the middleman and often providing exclusive content or special editions. If you have a favorite indie author or small press, check their website—you may find deals on digital and physical books, signed copies, or even early access to new releases.
Author Websites – Many authors sell directly through their own sites.
Small Press Websites – Indie publishers often offer direct e-book sales.
Substack & Patreon – Some authors release books or serialized fiction through these platforms.
Library Services
If you love to read but want to save money, consider borrowing ebooks from your local library or other free services.
Hoopla – A library-connected service with instant borrowing.
Project Gutenberg - Love the classics? Use this free online archive.
Internet Archive’s Open Library – A free online library with a massive collection of digitized books, including out-of-print titles.
Libby/OverDrive – Borrow e-books for free through your local library.
Your local library will, in most cases, offer a free library card, but there are many libraries that offer low cost or even free library cards to non-residents.
Brooklyn Public Library – Offers non-resident (means anyone can get it) library cards for $50 per year, providing access to a vast digital collection.
Queer Liberation Library – A free digital library with a focus on LGBTQ+ literature and resources.
New York Public Library – Offers free digital library cards to residents of New York state, with an extensive ebook collection.
Los Angeles Public Library – Free for California state residents, with a large selection of e-books and audiobooks.
Boston Public Library – Free for Massachusetts state residents, offering access to thousands of digital books.
Non-Amazon eReaders
I am not recommending that anyone get rid of a perfectly functioning kindle. Our global e-waste problem is big enough, BUT if you happen to be in the market for a new ereader, consider non-Amazon options. Kobo and BOOX make amazing ereaders in color which have WAY more customization than Amazon's Kindle. BOOX also makes fully fledged android run tablets which can hold all your reading apps.
Managing Your Own Digital Library with Calibre
If you’re serious about owning your ebooks, Calibre is a must-have tool. This free, open-source software allows you to manage your ebook collection independently. You can edit metadata, organize files, and even change book covers (You know you want that updated Pride and Prejudice cover on your ereader). You can also change the format of ebooks (ePub, PDF, etc) to suit your ereader or storage needs. It’s the ultimate tool for anyone looking to take full control of their digital reading experience.
Consuming Free Books Responsibly
While there are many ways to access free books legally—such as borrowing from libraries, reading public domain works, or taking advantage of limited-time promotions—it's important to avoid piracy. Book piracy harms authors, especially indie writers who rely on sales to continue creating. Supporting legal sources ensures that writers and publishers are fairly compensated for their work.
The way we buy and read books shapes the future of the book industry. By exploring alternatives we can support independent bookstores, take ownership of our digital libraries, and push back against monopolistic control over literature.
Where do you buy your books? Have you tried any of these alternatives? Let’s talk in the comments. Until then… Happy reading!
Thank you for putting this all together!