Ebooks and where to buy them

Updated 03-Aug-2025

Ebook formats

Ebooks are ubiquitous, though generally the are in the form of pdfs, .epubs, .cbr (for manga), and a few other exotic / non-standard formats. It is best to keep things in these formats (.cbr can be transformed into .epub), and possibly .azw3 if using a Kindle.

Ebook stores

The choice (for me) of an appropriate ebook store is one of pragmatics. I need a working way to de-DRM any purchased (or free) ebooks so that I may keep them in a non-encrypted file format (epub, and PDF if epub can't handle a PDF -> epub conversion process). That actually makes things fairly easy. Most stores have a single price, enforced across all platforms, for new ebooks.

Barnes & Noble (??? DRM)
- Avoid -- appears to be unable to download files (of any kind) from the website and cloud reader -- though the DRM license specifically states that one can do this -- maybe works with apps or a Nook device.
Kobo (ADE DRM)
- Website allows for downloads and the ACSM file can be De-DRMed using Calibre plugins.
- Also there is a standalone Kobo downloader (which may even decrypt audiobooks).
- A new ebook 15.99 USD was 13.49 USD (a 16% discount) when viewing from a Thailand account, a location-based discount.
- Ok, and even better without going through Google.
Google Play Books (ADE DRM)
- Website allows for downloads and the ACSM file can be De-DRMed using Calibre plugins. Also most convenient as it allows for either epub and/or pdf file downloads (a choice).
- A new ebook 15.99 USD was 458.54 THB ($13.55, a 22% discount) when viewing from a Thailand account, a nice location-based discount.
- Possibly a good option for purchase (compare with Kobo), though privacy issues with Google.
Bookshop.org (can only use web or Bookshop.org app)
- Avoid -- though at some point they may interoperate with Kobo for downloading.
Amazon Kindle (AZW DRM)
- Avoid, who wants to support Nazi-Friendly monopolies?
Apple Books (Fairplay DRM)
- Avoid, currently unknown how to decrypt, and privacy issues.

Audiobook stores

Note that the above does not necessarily apply to audiobook encryption. This is a matter I have not looked into yet, as I don't really read audiobooks.

Manga and DRM

This is also an area I haven't looked into, but should at some point.