In a world where digital technology has seeped into every aspect of our lives, the realm of books and reading has not remained untouched. Whether it’s the convenience of shopping from home, the lure of discounted prices, or the joy of discovering a title you’ve been searching for, online bookstores have revolutionized the way we buy and read books. India, with its rich literary heritage and increasing internet penetration, has seen a surge in online bookstores that cater to diverse reading tastes and preferences.
This article takes you through the top 10 best online bookstores in India, each with its unique offerings and distinctive appeal. From homegrown platforms offering a wide range of Indian literature to global marketplaces connecting you to rare and out-of-print books, these online bookstores are redefining the reading landscape in India. Whether you’re a bibliophile on the hunt for your next read, a student looking for academic books, or someone exploring the joy of reading, our curated list will guide you to the right online bookstore. So, get ready to bookmark these sites and embark on an exciting literary journey.
Amazon India
Amazon India, a branch of the renowned global e-commerce powerhouse, has established itself as a leading online book store in India. With its vast collection of books spanning various genres, languages, and formats, Amazon India caters to the diverse reading preferences of the Indian audience. Whether you are seeking the latest bestseller, a timeless classic, a gripping mystery, or an enlightening non-fiction, Amazon India has something for every reader. In addition to print books, Amazon India also offers Kindle eBooks, a boon for digital readers who prefer reading on their devices. The platform’s straightforward navigation, customer-friendly policies, and prompt delivery services further enhance the shopping experience, making it a preferred choice for many. Additionally, use Amazon Coupons to save more on orders.
Unique Features:
- Offers both physical books and Kindle eBooks
- Advanced search filters for easy book selection
- Extensive collection covering a wide range of genres and languages
- Easy return and refund policies
- Regular discounts and offers on various titles
- User-friendly interface and secure payment options
- Delivery charges may apply for orders below a certain value
- Availability issues for some rare or older editions
Price Range: Amazon India offers books across various price ranges, starting from as low as ₹50 for certain pocketbooks and going up to several thousand rupees for collector’s editions or academic resources. Regular discounts and sales make it an affordable choice for many readers.
Flipkart
Flipkart, India’s homegrown e-commerce titan, has been a game-changer in the country’s online shopping landscape. Its online book store is no exception. With a comprehensive selection of books from Indian and international authors, Flipkart has quickly become a beloved platform for India’s reading community. The platform offers a plethora of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, biographies, business and economics, children’s books, and more, providing readers with a wealth of options to choose from. Flipkart’s seamless browsing experience, easy payment options, and efficient delivery services make it an ideal online destination for book lovers. Additionally, use Flipkart discounts to save on online orders.
Unique Features:
- A wide range of books across diverse genres
- Flipkart’s self-publishing platform, allowing budding authors to publish their works
- Various book formats, including audiobooks and e-books
- Efficient delivery services, including same-day delivery in select areas
- Frequent sales and offers, making book shopping affordable
- Easy replacement and return policy
- Delivery charges may apply based on the seller and location
- Some users have reported issues with packaging
Price Range: Flipkart offers books at various price points, with pocketbooks starting from around ₹100 and specialized or academic books priced at ₹5000 or more.
Bookchor
Bookchor is an innovative online book store that has garnered attention for its unique approach to making reading more accessible. It specializes in second-hand books, making it an economical choice for readers across India. Bookchor’s impressive collection ranges from bestselling novels to rare books, all available at discounted prices. It also provides a platform for readers to sell their used books, promoting a sustainable cycle of reading and sharing. With a user-friendly interface and a commitment to making books affordable, Bookchor has won the hearts of many book lovers in India. Also, you can use bookchor coupons to save on online orders.
Unique Features:
- Specializes in second-hand books
- Allows users to sell their used books
- ‘Chor’s Try’ option that offers books at a heavily discounted price
- Economical choice for book lovers
- Encourages sustainability by promoting the resale of used books
- Regular ‘lockdown sales’ offering additional discounts
- Delivery time may be longer than other online book stores
- Limited stock of certain titles due to the nature of the business
Price Range: Bookchor offers second-hand books starting from as low as ₹50, with most titles priced under ₹300. Rare and collectible books may be priced higher.
Sapna Online
One of the most recognized names in India’s book selling industry, Sapna Book House, has successfully transitioned into the digital world with Sapna Online. This online bookstore offers a diverse range of books, including educational books, novels, children’s books, and regional literature. Their longstanding reputation in the industry is reflected in their quality service and wide selection of books. If you’re looking for a platform that blends traditional bookstore charm with the convenience of online shopping, Sapna Online is worth exploring.
Unique Features:
- Offers a wide range of educational and academic books
- Provides an extensive collection of regional literature
- Has a dedicated section for office supplies and educational aids
Price Range: Sapna Online provides books starting from around ₹100, with specialized or academic books and collector’s editions priced at several thousand rupees.
Crossword
Crossword, a popular name in India’s retail book industry, has also made a successful foray into the online realm. Known for its curated selection of books and reader-friendly environment, Crossword’s online platform continues this tradition. It offers a broad spectrum of books ranging from bestsellers to academic books, children’s literature, and more. In addition, the platform is known for its regular author interactions, book launches, and reading sessions, making it a vibrant community for book lovers.
Unique Features:
- Hosts author interactions, book launches, and reading sessions
- Provides gift services, including gift cards and wrapping
- Offers a range of lifestyle products alongside books
Price Range: Books on Crossword start from around ₹150 for certain titles, with premium and collector’s editions going up to several thousand rupees.
Pustak Mandi
Pustak Mandi, a unique online bookstore in India, is winning hearts with its dedication to promoting vernacular literature. While they offer a wide range of English books, their impressive collection of books in various Indian languages sets them apart. They provide a platform for lesser-known authors and regional literature, making it an excellent destination for readers seeking diverse and unique reading material. Pustak Mandi’s user-friendly website, affordable prices, and excellent customer service make it a standout in the online bookstore market in India.
Unique Features:
- An extensive collection of books in various Indian languages
- Offers a platform for lesser-known authors and independent publishers
- Provides used books at discounted prices
Price Range: Pustak Mandi offers books starting from ₹50, with the average price range falling between ₹100 to ₹500.
Bookish Santa
Bookish Santa, an emerging online bookstore in India, is making its mark with its unique business model. It specializes in pre-loved books, making high-quality reading accessible and affordable. In addition to a wide range of genres, Bookish Santa also offers collector’s editions and rare books at discounted prices. Their ‘Santa’s Box’ subscription service, where readers receive a box of handpicked books every month, adds an element of surprise and delight to the reading experience.
Unique Features:
- Specializes in pre-loved books and collector’s editions
- ‘Santa’s Box’ subscription service for a curated reading experience
- Offers a platform for readers to sell their used books
Price Range: Bookish Santa offers pre-loved books starting from as low as ₹99, with rare and collector’s editions priced higher. Their ‘Santa’s Box’ subscription starts from ₹499 per month.
Infibeam
Infibeam, an India-based e-commerce company, has carved a niche in the online book selling market with its extensive collection and competitive prices. Their book collection spans various genres, including fiction, non-fiction, academic books, and more, ensuring that they cater to a wide range of readers. In addition to regular books, Infibeam also offers eBooks and audiobooks, making it a comprehensive platform for all reading needs. Infibeam’s user-friendly interface, secure payment options, and prompt delivery services make it a reliable choice for online book shopping in India.
Unique Features:
- Provides eBooks and audiobooks in addition to physical books
- Offers a variety of filters for easy book search and selection
- Regular deals and discounts on various titles
Price Range: Infibeam offers books starting from around ₹100, with specialized or academic books and collector’s editions priced at several thousand rupees.
AbeBooks
AbeBooks, an online marketplace owned by Amazon, is a treasure trove for book lovers worldwide, including India. Known for its vast collection of new, used, rare, and out-of-print books, AbeBooks connects you to thousands of professional booksellers around the world. This platform is an ideal destination for those seeking rare editions, collector’s items, or those hard-to-find books. With a commitment to helping readers find the books they love, AbeBooks offers a unique and extensive selection that caters to diverse reading tastes. Additionally, use Abebooks coupons to save on online orders.
Unique Features:
- Offers a vast collection of new, used, rare, and out-of-print books
- Connects readers to thousands of professional booksellers worldwide
- Provides a platform for selling used books
- Wide range of books across diverse genres and languages
- Excellent for finding rare and out-of-print books
- Secure payment options
- Shipping charges and delivery times may vary based on the seller’s location
- Return policies may depend on individual sellers
Price Range: AbeBooks offers books across various price ranges, starting from less than ₹100 for used books and going up to several lakhs for rare and collectible books.
eBooks.com
eBooks.com is a leading global eBooks retailer, offering a vast catalogue of digital books across diverse genres. Catering to the growing number of digital readers in India, eBooks.com provides an easy and accessible way to purchase and read books online. Whether you’re into popular fiction, academic texts, classic literature, or professional and technical books, eBooks.com has it all in digital format. With its user-friendly interface and seamless eBook management system, it has become a go-to platform for eBook lovers. Also, you can use eBooks coupons to save on online orders.
Unique Features:
- Offers an extensive range of eBooks across diverse genres
- Provides an easy-to-use eBook reader app for reading and managing purchased books
- Allows books to be read on multiple devices
- Instant access to purchased eBooks
- No delivery or shipping charges
- Regular discounts and sales on various titles
- Does not offer physical books
- Some users may prefer reading physical books over eBooks
Price Range: eBooks.com offers eBooks starting from ₹50, with specialized academic, professional, and technical eBooks priced higher.
Conclusion: In the digital age, the ritual of reading has taken on a new dimension with online bookstores. As we’ve explored in this article, India’s top 10 online bookstores each offer unique experiences and resources, catering to a wide array of reading interests and needs. Whether you’re seeking a rare edition, hunting for a bargain on a used book, or exploring new authors in digital format, these online bookstores provide the convenience and diversity that today’s readers demand. These platforms not only make book shopping easier but also open up a world of literature that might not be available in your local bookstore.
So, dive into the virtual world of these top online bookstores in India and discover a new universe of reading. From the comfort of your home, you can now explore global literature, support emerging authors, and even find those cherished childhood books you thought were lost forever. The joy of holding a new book, the thrill of discovering new authors, and the convenience of shopping anytime, anywhere – these online bookstores bring all this and more to your doorstep. Happy reading!
Rajat Singh
Rajat Singh is a visionary entrepreneur and the driving force behind Couponzania.com. Recognizing the power of smart savings, Rajat sought to revolutionize the coupon industry, and thus, Couponzania was born. His keen business acumen and deep understanding of the digital space propels the platform's growth and success. A staunch advocate for value-driven shopping, Rajat's initiative empowers consumers by making savings accessible and efficient. His leadership style reflects his customer-centric ethos, ensuring a seamless and rewarding experience for every Couponzania user. Rajat Singh – transforming the way the world shops, one coupon at a time.
