If you’re going to pick up a habit, there are definitely worse possibilities than reading. However, that habit isn’t necessarily cheap, and unless you know where to look, you could end up shelling out quite a bit of cash each month to restock your library.
One great solution is to purchase secondhand or used books. After all, just because it’s already been read doesn’t mean a good book isn’t deserving of a new home.
Below are 10 sites that offer cheap used books so you can stock up and save on textbooks, novels, memoirs, and more without breaking the bank.
The Best Sites for Cheap Used Books
Below are 10 sites that offer cheap used books and other great deals on fiction, nonfiction, textbooks, and more.
1. Chegg
Chegg is the go-to choice for many college students looking to save big on textbooks (though they also offer many literary classics). Save up to 90% on used books, or rent textbooks for even bigger savings (you can even highlight in rentals!)
Returning your rentals is free and easy—all you need to do is send your books back in any box with Chegg’s prepaid shipping label. If you’re the owner of a book, you can even sell your book on Chegg to make a little extra cash or cover the costs of next semester’s books.
In addition to textbooks, Chegg also offers a paid tutoring service that allows 24/7 access to their Q&A experts.
2. Powell’s Books
Even if you can’t make it to Portland to visit this beloved institution in person, Powell’s Books still has your back with a wide range of discounted new and used books that you can order directly from their website.
Titles range from classics to new and independent publishers. Their site even features cool events, such as “Banned Books Week,” which includes special blog features, staff recommendations, and more.
3. Better World Books
Better World Books offers a wide selection of both fiction and nonfiction books, from textbooks to thrillers, and even graphic novels.
Browse their clearance section and “Bargain Bin” for some of the best deals, and save big with used books. You can also select “eDelivery” at check-out, and your choice of any physical book will be scanned and sent to you within hours.
In addition, Better World Books likes to live up to its name through its literacy advocacy programs, and they even pay for carbon offsets while still delivering for free to anywhere in the world.
4. ValoreBooks
Valore is another great option for cheap textbooks. Shoppers can save up to 90% on millions of titles, and also choose to rent their textbooks.
With their low price guarantee, customers have 7 days from their rental start date to find a lower price, and Valore will refund the difference.
If you’ve purchased a book but decide you don’t want to keep it, you can request an instant online quote and sell it back to Valore with free shipping.
5. ThriftBooks
ThriftBooks is dedicated to helping used books find new homes. Their library includes a little of everything, from children’s books, to sci-fi and fantasy, non-fiction bestsellers, textbooks, and more.
Thousands of great titles are available for less than $5, and if you buy sets of three books or more from a bestselling author, you can even earn extra savings. Shipping is free to all orders in the U.S.
Be sure to check out their Collectibles section for vintage books, first editions, and even signed copies.
6. Alibris
By renting or purchasing books from Alibris, you can help support independent sellers from around the world while browsing one of the largest selections of new and used books, music, and movies.
The site sells and rents books from a wide range of genres, as well as textbooks and audiobooks, all for bargain prices.
Whether you order ships directly from Alibris or from one of their independent sellers, you’ll pay a flat shipping rate for each item you purchase. And if you decide you want to return a rental within 21 days, to send it back and get a full refund.
7. Abe Books
AbeBooks also features millions of books from a number of independent sellers, from classics to comics and textbooks.
Browse their collections of rare and antique books, along with fine art, vintage sheet music, and other collectibles. Many items also ship for free.
8. Biblio
Biblio boasts extensive collections of rare and antique books from independent sellers, many of whom focus on specific niche interests.
Shop children’s books, law books, cooking books, signed manuscripts, records, and much more.
The site is also eco-friendly, with all shipping offset with carbon credits. Their nonprofit, BiblioWorks, also works to build libraries in rural areas of South America.
9. Books A Million
Books A Million’s website offers deep discounts on both new and bestselling titles, along with a wide selection of eBooks.
Check out their “Bargain Books” to browse great deals by subject or genre. Both new and used books are available at BAM.
While you’re there, pick up a fun Funko collectible figure from your favorite book, movie, or TV show!
10. Textbooks.com
Textbooks.com allows students to buy, rent, and sell their textbooks and eBooks.
Rent or purchase textbooks and receive free shipping on orders over $25, and browse books that will save you up to 90% on the retail price. With over 10 million books in stock, most university-required reading can be found here.
And if you drop a class, you can easily return the textbook within 30 days at no extra charge.
More Great Deals on Books
Reading is an activity should be accessible to all, so don’t let the price tag on a bestseller stand between you and the many benefits of reading.
If you want to be notified about more deals on free and low-priced books, sign up for our free book deal service and you’ll be emailed with special deals on books you’ll love.
How do you save money on books? Share your ideas with us in the comments below!
