Amazon shows a running tally of how many items it has available for purchase in each category. On the day we checked its selection, Amazon had over 22 million new books, over 24 million used books and over 1 million collectible books - numbers that far surpass any other online bookstore we reviewed. As part of our review process, we also compared ten New York Times bestselling-books in print, ebook, and audio formats, and Amazon was the only site to carry each book in every format (Barnes & Noble and Books-a-Million tied for a very close second in this category). To really top it off, Amazon's prices were consistently the lowest, just barely beating out Barnes & Noble for bragging rights once again. Besides the low prices, purchasing a $99.00 Amazon Prime membership can also save you money. It's most cost-effective for families, because up to four family members in the same household can share the membership for no additional fees. Amongst other benefits, the membership offers free two-day shipping, monthly borrowing from the Kindle Owners Lending Library and free monthly ebook downloads through Kindle First. Amazon offers all the features you would expect from an online bookstore, including basic search, advanced search, browse by category, both editorial and user reviews and the option to save wishlist items for later reference. In addition, Amazon offers more support options than any of the other online bookstores we reviewed: you can browse frequently-asked questions, chat with a support representative online, email a query or submit your phone number and wait for a call back. We were pleased to learn that Amazon invests in both sustainable and community-based charitable causes. For example, Amazon has donated Kindle devices and ebooks to elementary schools, funded several disaster relief campaigns and supported children's organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs, Little League, Toys for Tots, Girls Inc. and Make-a-Wish Foundation. Amazon also ships most of its orders in environmentally-friendly packaging, implements energy-efficient distribution and shipping practices, and operates out of a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold-certified headquarters in Seattle. LEED certifications are awarded by the US Green Building Council in recognition of buildings that "save money and resources and have a positive impact on the health of occupants, while promoting renewable, clean energy."

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The Bad

Converting files
No PayPal option
Legal issues

If you opt to become a loyal ebook buyer on Amazon, you'll want to use one of Amazon's Kindle ereader devices. You can read KF8, MOBI and AZW ebook file formats on a Kindle, but if you want to read other formats, like an ePub, you'll need to either convert the file or download a different reader app onto your Kindle. This means you'll spend extra time converting files or end up with separate libraries to toggle between, either of which will make your reading experience a little less efficient and convenient. We did notice that Amazon doesn't accept PayPal as a form of purchase. PayPal is one of the most common forms of online payment these days and Amazon's failure to offer it as an option seems like a silly oversight - except that PayPal happens to be owned by eBay, which is a major competitor of Amazon's (well played, Amazon). However, Amazon does accept all major credit cards, and even some of the less-popular credit cards, so you'll still have plenty of ways to pay. Amazon has also gotten into some legal trouble over its business practices. In 2013, Amazon paid a penalty of $455,000 to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for an injunction that was filed alleging that Amazon violated the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act. Specifically, the FTC cited Amazon for advertising products as "100% organic bamboo," "100% bamboo knit" or other similar claims while simultaneously advertising that the products did in fact contain other fiber content. In July 2014, the FTC filed another injunction against Amazon, this time alleging that millions of dollars in unauthorized charges incurred by children were billed to account holders anyway. This is in violation of an FTC Act stating that a "business' practices are unfair if they cause substantial injury to consumers that consumers themselves cannot reasonably avoid." The main issue in question is Amazon's games and apps, which often encourage the purchasing of virtual items by billing a user's account - however, there are no password requirements or other protections in place to keep users' children from approving charges without parental consent. If Amazon is found guilty, it will have to refund several million dollars obtained from in-game and in-app purchases, as well as put protections in place to prevent billing to any user's account without consent.

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The Bottom Line

Amazon is a wise choice for any bookworm. Whether you're looking for new, used, ebooks, audio or even collectible, Amazon's selection and prices are attractive. Furthermore, Amazon's Kindle devices continue to remain a favorite among ebook readers. Amazon's commitment to improving communities and the environment also helped its rating. Socially- and environmentally-conscious consumers can feel good about shopping with Amazon. One final note: we will keep tabs on the current FTC investigation regarding Amazon's unauthorized in-game and in-app purchases, and will update our review to reflect the outcome once the case has been settled.

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User Reviews

Star Rating

4.7

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76 Reviews

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78%

4 grade

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Eddie Rios Ogden, UT

Amazon Bookstore is quite possible the largest and best selection of books online. It's massive inventory and body of sellers has this as the ultimate destination to find the common or the absolutely rarest of titles. Nothing compares to the gargantuan marketplace that is Amazon Bookstore. The web portal organized in a great way that allows for browsing as well as targeted searches. What a value!

6 years ago

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Hannah Giles Pleasant Grove, UT

I have been a loyal customer of Amazon for many years. I purchase from Amazon at least four times per month. Using the app on my phone is the easiest way. It takes me only 2 minutes to find what I want and purchase it. Amazon is very good to work with with returns as well. I can always find the books that I want. I have even searched for books that have been out of print for many years and have been able to find what I am looking for.

7 years ago

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Jonny Hancock Draper, UT

I used to buy all of my textbooks used through Amazon's Bookstore when I was in college and it was awesome! I never had any issues with the quality of the used books that I purchased. I saved a lot of money by doing this rather than purchasing new books from the bookstore at my university, and it was much easier to resell my books through Amazon Bookstore after I finished the class.

9 years ago

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Wendy Shaw New Haven, CT

If there's one thing I love its reading! Amazon bookstore has everything you can find book related. New releases, Kindle eBooks , audiobooks, best sellers and so much more... Also I enjoyed fast & free deliever as a prime member.. I find something exciting and new every time!

4 years ago

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Angie L Hanzel Saratoga Springs, UT

I have found Amazon is usually the cheapest place to find a book. I also love their prime shipping so I don't have to wait more than a few days to get the books I want. I have also found they have the best selection. I can always find what I'm looking for. Their website is very user friendly and I love their no hassle return policy

7 years ago

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Cassidy Gundersen Orem, UT

My husband bought me a Kindle Fire for my birthday, and I read ebooks on it all the time. Buying books from Amazon and reading them on a tablet is pretty great. I used to not like it, but once I had a baby, it was so much easier to read an ebook on my phone or tablet than a physical book.

8 years ago

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Patrick Orem, UT

This place is great. It is a very easy purchase. Not difficult. There is a reason the guy who owns this is worth 100 billion dollars. My grandma lives right downtown Seattle and hates Jeff Bezos because he is buying all the property down there. I still think that's fine because the amazon site is amazon. Worth it.

8 years ago

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Hyrum Sandy, UT

I enjoy the seamless system Amazon has set up to purchase ebooks. I love my Kindle, and it's easy to get books on there or on a computer or phone. They have a great selection and sometimes I find books for free (like the entire Harry Potter series).

8 years ago

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Kenneth Okerlund

I love amazon bookstore, I mainly use it for my textbooks I need for college. They usually have the best price that I can find and in the best quality as well. As long as you read the description of their products you will know what you are getting.

9 years ago

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Landon Robison Layton, UT

Only ever buy my books on Amazon. They have the best prices and a lot of used book options that are like they are brand new but for a fraction of the price. I would definitely recommend. Amazon's customer service is also the best I have ever come in contact with. I never worry about having a bad buying experience with them because they always take care of their customers.

8 years ago

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Anoushka Ahuja Orlando, FL

I was looking for a chemistry textbook because a secondhand one was not available and Amazon bookstore had it at a very good price I got it in two days I was in great condition

4 years ago

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Nashali Vescovacci Fort White, FL

The Amazon Bookstore is amazing because they have a wide variety of options. I have bought personal reading books and school textbooks from this company. Their books were in good quality and their customer service was great.

4 years ago

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Luke Swierczynski Troy, MI

Love books on my kindle- makes reading enjoyable without the trip the library or store. They often have exclusive content, or first releases of certain books and they have a massive selection.

4 years ago

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Heather Milke Olney, MD

I love using Amazon for books and for Kindle purchases. I like to purchase both printed and digital material from Amazon. Shipping is instant for digital and fast for physical books.

5 years ago

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Leonard Leo Potomac, MD

From textbooks to causal reading, Amazon really has it all. Paired with Prime, you can get your book delivered for free as fast as the same day. Or combine with other non-book items with a minimum cart value and you'll have free shipping as well. However, this doesn't meet it's the cheapest price.

5 years ago

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Emily Crawfordville, FL

Amazon has become the only place where I order books online. Other retailers cannot compete with their prices, and they don't price match. Plus, with 2 day shipping I can't say no!

6 years ago

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Jamie Neider Kaysville, UT

Love, love, love buying my books from Amazon. I regularly buy my coffee table books from them and they have such good prices! I also love getting my books so quickly. Makes book club much easier to stay on top of!

6 years ago

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Beverly Schacher Long Beach, MS

I love buying books (new and used) on Amazon! Selection is fantastic, reviews are interesting to read and prices are very competitive. Shipping is usually fast. I definitely recommend using Amazon for books!

6 years ago

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Tanner Cook Gilbert, AZ

I love the Amazon bookstore and I love how easy it is to download books on my Kindle. They have every title that I’ve wanted, and if you read a lot of books this price is great.

7 years ago

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Isabelle Hong Pleasant Grove, UT

Amazon makes it very easy to order and buy books. They have a vast collection and a ton of different kinds of books.

7 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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Hunter Kasprzyk Gilbert, AZ

I have used amazon whenever I need a book for person use or a book for school. If i need a book by monday I can order it on Friday and not worry about it not getting here in time. Never had any problems.

8 years ago

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Natasha Salt Lake City, UT

I love the choices that i have available to me instantly. if it wasn't for the unlimited i would of have insane long ago. only thing i would change is being able to change date that i pay them without going though i long complicated process.

8 years ago

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Mark

We've purchased a lot of books through Amazon, many of them textbooks for college-aged students. Prices are generally the lowest available for the quality we seek. Prime shipping and free returns for textbook rentals are a plus. We've only had one problem with delivery, and I would have to give them a low score for customer service for that particular interaction, but customer service has generally been good.

9 years ago

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L. Fowler Pleasant Grove, UT

I have purchased several books from the Amazon Bookstore and have never been disappointed. Some of them have been used and the description is exactly what is described in the profile. They are delivered in packaging that is secure and come in a timely manner.

8 years ago

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Kaylee Gay Columbia, MO

I love how easy and fast the Amazon bookstore is. Amazon has so many book options and they can ship it to your house quickly. I love that I can get any book that I can dream of for very affordable costs.

4 years ago

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Abigail Land Tallahassee, FL

Great options for both new and used books. You can also buy a cheaper option to use on a Kindle or the kindle app. Helpful reviews on the books as well as reccommendations.

4 years ago

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Elisabeth Kinghorn Bangkok, 10

I always shop for books online with Amazon. It's so easy to use and they have just about any book you would ever want. I'm always happy with my purchases with Amazon

5 years ago

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Fred Frontino Mesa, AZ

I've bought hundreds of books from Amazon. I love the price, selection, and service. I now use mostly free kindle books and go through several per week.

5 years ago

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Bergen Billings Cerritos, CA

I love reading and now I can have any bold and it is great especially during quarantine I can be entertained. They have such a good variety they deliver the book quickly.

5 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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Theodore Niemann Boulder, CO

Amazon has made it way easier for me to buy books for classes instead of paying full price at my university. I love that I can save money with Amazon.

6 years ago

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Molly Keogh Ogden, UT

Amazon Bookstore is way to convenient. I can get pretty much any book within minutes and deciding I want it. The selection and ease of use of the website is fantastic.

6 years ago

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Heidy Mejia

the first place I check whenever I'm looking for a book it's Amazon, I usually find what I want. The only thing is that sometimes the books are a bit pricey that they usually are. There is a lot of diversity in their store.

7 years ago

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Šarūnas Karbauskas

I have recently bought a Kindle and it has made reading a very pleasurable experience. Combining that with the Amazon Bookstore and its wide array of selections has helped me to get into reading again.

8 years ago

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Lindsey American Fork, UT

I've used Amazon for buying so many books and textbooks. They ALWAYS have the lowest prices. They have lots of options if you want to rent, buy, used, new, etc.

8 years ago

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Alexa

Amazon isn't like B&N or other big box bookstores. It's like eBay or Etsy. Therefore, there is no guarantee on anything you are getting. Returns are OK, shipping is usually eh, but you could be dealing with pretty sneaky people. Just don't trust it 100%.

9 years ago

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Erin Rhoton Pleasant Grove, UT

I love getting books from Amazon! It is so easy to buy a book on my Kindle and it automatically downloads. I also have a Prime Membership so I can buy a hard copy of a book and get it in two days.

8 years ago

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Anne Marie Milne Layton, UT

Only way to shop for books. Amazon Bookstore almost always has the cheapest prices and they are high quality. You can also get them used if you want them at an even cheaper price. Look here before you buy somewhere else.

8 years ago

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Lynette Jorgensen Herriman, UT

If I need or want a book, Amazon Bookstore is my first and only stop. I have always found what I needed at competitive prices.

4 years ago

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Jadon Barre ,

I bought the entire Harry Potter series with Amazon. The site is easy to use and the prices are reasonable. No problems. No complaints.

6 years ago

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Nicholas Genes Los Angeles, CA

I’m not a big fan of the book store because of the lack of user friendliness but you can get some cheap books and they download straight to the kindle app.

6 years ago

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Shari Evers Lehi, UT

When I am in need of a book I check out amazon first. New and used selections are amazing. And even the most random book they seem to have it!

8 years ago

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Suzanna Wootton Springville, UT

Ever since I found out that I could buy my textbooks for school on amazon, I've always done it. It is so easy and the prices are amazing!

8 years ago

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Linda Hill

Can't say enough good things about Amazon's selection of books and the value you get on shipping. Most always it is absolutely free!

8 years ago

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Denise H. Mona, UT

I can almost always find the book I'm looking for on Amazon and their prices are almost always better than stores. I also find the book reviews helpful.

9 years ago

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Nathan Layton, UT

Whenever I need to buy a book the first place I go is Amazon. Just make sure if you rent from them not to be late, I think they need to change their late fee policy.

8 years ago

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Emily D Herriman, UT

I love buying books through Amazon. They always have the books i want at great prices. Beats a bookstore!

4 years ago

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Brielle Spencer Pleasant Grove, UT

Love buying and reading off of the app! Easy to navigate and so many options! Has something for everyone!

4 years ago

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Robyn Brady Kent, OH

Well, I have read 5 books in the last month and they have been free from the Kindle/Amazon Store. Selection is amazing!

5 years ago

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Mirna Hanna Tallahassee, FL

I have always rented or bought books from amazon, and their service is great, they ensure fast delivery especially for students

6 years ago

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Darbles32 Managua, MN

I get almost every book I have from amazon it is so easy to use and they always have the book I’m looking for

6 years ago