If you want to buy books online, Amazon is the biggest name in the industry.

But it is far from perfect.

Other online bookstores are often cheaper and have more expertise in niche genres.

Online-Bookstores-Better-than-Amazon-Featured

The website is easy to use and well-organized.

Powell’s also provides a way for you to sell your own books online and in-store.

Powell’s is especially notable for regularly offering unique editions of books signed by authors.

Screenshot of Powells Books website home page

However, be sure to keep an eye on shipping costs.

It can be more expensive to buy from them compared to some of its competitors.

2.Books-A-Million

Books-A-Million (BAM) started life way back in 1917 in Alabama.

Screenshot of BAM website home page

It has physical stores, and in recent years, has also become an online bookseller.

BAM offers a diverse inventory that includes new, used, and bargain booksoften with attractive price tags.

There are generous discounts on offer for bulk orders.

Screenshot of Alibris website home page

You’ll also find toys, games, and magazines listed on the website, as well as eBooks.

The biggest downside of BAM is the lack of support for selling your own books.

3.Alibris

This online bookstore operates only through third-party booksellers.

Screenshot of Peachpit website home page

That means that when you buy a book from Alibris, you’re buying it from an independent bookstore.

Alibris also offers free shipping on all items.

Unfortunately, you are once again faced with a complicated returns policy.

Screenshot of Barnes & Noble website home page

Because you are buying from different independent sellers, the policy differs on a seller-by-seller basis.

confirm you understand the policy for your seller before committing to a purchase.

This bookstore doesn’t just focus on printed books but offers online courses and digital materials for on-the-go learners.

Screenshot of Valore website home page

The drawback is the cost.

Some titles feel a little pricey.

It’s also one of the best online bookstores that isn’t Amazon.

Screenshot of Better World Books website home page

And if you’re not satisfied you have 14 days to return your books.

Barnes & Noble also has digital books covered and is one of severaleBook stores worth checking out.

6.ValoreBooks

ValoreBooks is an online bookstore that specializes in textbooks.

Screenshot of Thriftbooks website home page

It presents a great opportunity to save money on textbooks by purchasing used copies and/or older editions.

The website also offers book rentals at an even lower cost, as well as buybacks.

You won’t find any non-textbooks for sale.

Screenshot of bookshop.org website home page

If you want to read fiction, give this store a pass.

There’s plenty of choice in both new and used book categories, searchable by genre.

You’ll find many of the best new books to read as well as the classics.

Screenshot of Biblio website home page

Find further inspiration when youre choosing your next read by checking out thesecool new book recommendation apps and sites.

Indeed, the company is the world’s largest independent bookseller.

The selection of books on ThirftBooks is impressive.

In part, that’s down to the large number of users who donate books.

However, it is mostly due to the company’s relationship with libraries.

They send lots of ex-library books to ThirftBooks which it then passes onto the consumer at rock-bottom prices.

9.Bookshop.org

Bookshop.org is trying to take on Amazon by supporting local and independent booksellers.

Bookshop.org’s commitment to sustainable and ethical shopping has led to the bookseller attaining B Corp status.

10.Biblio

Our final recommendation for where to buy books besides Amazon is Biblio.

What Are the Best Online Bookstores?