An e-book is a book in text format that you read on an electronic reading device, smartphone, or computer, while an audiobook is a recording of a book, narrated by a narrator, that you listen to. The content is the same, but the experience is different: an e-book engages your eyes and allows you to return to the text at will, while an audiobook frees your eyes and hands, so you can listen on the go, while cleaning, or while exercising.
To sum it up
- Format: e-book – text (EPUB, MOBI, PDF), audiobook – audio (MP3, M4B).
- Reception: An e-book is read, an audiobook is listened to; the latter can be combined with other activities.
- Pace: When reading, you set the rhythm yourself and can easily return to a specific passage; in an audiobook, the narrator sets the pace (although it can be sped up).
- Equipment: E-books are best read on e-readers with e-ink screens, and audiobooks can be played on phones with headphones.
What is an e-book?
E-book An e-book is a digital version of a book, saved as a file. The most common formats are:
- EPUB – open standard; text adapts to the screen and the selected font size.
- MOBI/AZW – formats used in Kindle e-books; as of 2022, Amazon no longer accepts MOBI files in the Send to Kindle service, but does allow EPUB files.
- PDF — maintains a fixed page layout, which is good for manuals and documents, but is inconvenient on small screens.
E-books are read on e-readers With e-ink screens (they're glare-free, paper-like, and work well in sunlight), as well as on tablets, smartphones, and computers. Apps allow you to change the font, letter size, and background, highlight text fragments, take notes, search for text, and look up words in a dictionary.
What is an audiobook?
Audiobook (also known as an audio drama, although they are not the same thing) is a recording of the text of a book read by a narrator, an actor, or sometimes the author themselves. The files are usually in the format MP3 or M4B (The latter supports chapters and remembers playback position.) Audiobooks are increasingly not downloaded as files, but listened to through apps available by subscription or in app stores.
The quality of an audiobook depends largely on announcer's performance A good voice can create atmosphere, while a bad one can be off-putting. Some productions use multiple narrators, sound effects, or music; in these cases, they're closer to a radio play. Apps allow you to change playback speed, set a sleep timer, and add bookmarks.
Comparison table of e-books and audiobooks
| Characteristic | E-book | Audiobook |
|---|---|---|
| Content form | Text | Voice recording |
| Formats | EPUB, MOBI/AZW, PDF | MP3, M4B, in-app streaming |
| Device | E-book, tablet, smartphone, computer | Smartphone, player, speaker, car audio system |
| Multitasking | No, you need to look at the screen. | Yes, you can listen to music while driving, walking or doing household chores. |
| Bid | Decide for yourself, you can easily return to the fragment. | Superimposed voice-over, adjustable playback speed. |
| Notes and Search | Highlights, notes, word search, dictionary | Bookmarks, sometimes notes to a fragment. |
| For whom especially? | People who study and read professional literature. | Drivers, people with visual impairments, people with reading difficulties |
| Impact on reception | Your own imagination, your own "voice" of the character. | Narrator's interpretation |
Is listening to an audiobook the same as reading it?
When it comes to text comprehension, the differences may be smaller than they seem. A 2016 study by Beth Rogowski compared people who read a nonfiction passage on an e-device, listened to it in audio format, or both. No significant differences were found between the groups in comprehension test scores.
This doesn't mean the two methods are always interchangeable. When reading a complex, dense text, reading makes it easier to stop, return to a sentence, and take notes. Listening "in the background"—for example, while driving in heavy traffic—promotes distraction. Audiobooks are best suited for prose and reportage, while e-books are best for professional literature and science.
Where can I buy or rent e-books and audiobooks?
Both options can be purchased from online bookstores or ordered subscription , which provides a catalog of books to read or listen to for a monthly fee. Some public libraries also offer access to e-books and audiobooks. Prices and policies (restrictions, number of devices, book availability) vary depending on the service, so it's worth comparing before purchasing.
When purchasing files, please pay attention to security features DRM-protected e-books can only be opened in certain apps or on certain e-readers, while watermarked files can be transferred between devices. Not every book is available in both versions—sometimes a work is only available as an e-book or only as an audiobook.
E-book or audiobook – which to choose?
- Do you often get to work by car, running or walking? – an audiobook will help you make the most of this time.
- You study, take notes, read manuals and professional literature – choose an e-book, preferably on an e-reader.
- If your eyes are tired or you have difficulty reading , An audiobook may be more comfortable; an e-book will also help thanks to the larger font.
- You read in bed at night. – an e-book with a backlight is more convenient than a glowing phone screen.
- No need to choose — Many people combine both methods: they read in the evening and listen to the same or another book on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is an audiobook an e-book?
No. An e-book is a text book for reading on a screen, while an audiobook is an audio recording of a book for listening to. Both formats are digital, but the way they are accessed differs.
What topic should I read e-books on?
On an e-reader, tablet, smartphone, or computer. For extended reading, an e-reader with an e-ink screen is most convenient, as it resembles paper and is less tiring for the eyes than an LCD screen.
What format are audiobooks released in?
They are most often available in MP3 or M4B formats. The M4B format supports chapters and remembers playback positions. Subscription audiobooks usually play directly in the app.
Does listening to an audiobook count as reading?
In terms of content comprehension, yes, for the most part. A 2016 study found no significant differences in text comprehension between reading on an e-reader and listening. However, when working with complex texts, reading makes it easier to find information and take notes.
Does Kindle support the EPUB format?
EPUB files can be sent to your Kindle library via the Send to Kindle service—Amazon introduced this feature in 2022, at the same time it stopped accepting MOBI files this way.
See also
- What is the difference between MP3 and MP4?
- What is the difference between in-ear headphones and earbuds?
- What is the difference between progressive and corrective glasses?
- What is the difference between a mobile phone and a smartphone?