E-Book Reader Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Screen Type (E Ink Screen and LCD Screen), By Connectivity (3G, Wi-Fi, and Wi-Fi Plus 3G), By Sales Channel (Online and Offline), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

E-book reader, also known as an e-book device or e-reader, is an electronic device designed for reading digital e-books. It offers various beneficial options such as storage capacity and portability. The growing adoption of e-books paired with the rising popularity of online learning is favoring industry expansion.

E-book readers offer various features such as a translation system, adjustable text size, sharing support, long battery life, and adjustable brightness. They are also travel-friendly, given their small size and lightweight features. Significant digital advancements in E-learning within the educational space are favoring product adoption. Additionally, increasing consumer purchasing power and growth in e-commerce platforms fuel the demand for e-book readers worldwide.

Printed books harm the environment as a large number of trees are cut down every year to produce such books. Individuals across the globe are focusing on substituting traditionally printed books with E-book readers to protect the environment. E-book readers do not release a large amount of carbon footprint to the environment, unlike traditional printed books. Furthermore, campaigns organized by various governments worldwide to reduce paper consumption and to protect the environment are favoring industry expansion. For Instance, in February 2020, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education in Qatar launched 'printing rationalization’, a campaign aimed at decreasing paper consumption in the country.

However, lack of awareness regarding E-book readers and the high prevalence of printed books are the major factors hampering the product demand. Additionally, e-book devices require a battery to operate. The reader fails to access the device if the battery is uncharged, which can create major inconveniences from a consumption standpoint. Such factors are likely to impede market progress in the foreseeable future.

Impact of COVID-19 on the E-Book Reader Market

The COVID-19 crisis increased the demand for E-book readers, most notably in 2020. Various countries across the globe imposed lockdown in 2020, which resulted in the closure of libraries and bookstores. As a result, a sizable number of individuals across countries were able to spend time indoors reading books. These factors created a significant demand for E-book readers in 2020.

Key Insights

The report will cover the following key insights:

• Overview of the global E-book reader market


• Supply chain analysis


• SWOT analysis


• Key industry developments (product launches, mergers & acquisitions, and partnerships)


• Impact of COVID-19 on the E-book reader market

Analysis by Screen Type

Based on screen type, the E ink screen segment accounts for the largest market share. E ink screens feature a bright white background and are known to be less strenuous to the eyes than Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). They also consume less power and are known to offer a better reading experience compared to LCD screens. These factors are likely to contribute to the growth of the E ink screen segment in the foreseeable future.  

Analysis by Connectivity

Based on connectivity, the global market is segmented into 3G, Wi-Fi, and Wi-Fi plus 3G. The Wi-Fi plus 3G segment is likely to hold a major market share over the forecast period. E-book readers with both Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity are designed to offer better services. Readers without a Wi-Fi setup can benefit from 3G connectivity to download e-books at any time.   

Analysis by Sales Channel

Based on sales channel, the global market is segmented into online and offline. The offline segment held a major market share in 2021. The majority of individuals across countries prefer online channel as they can use and check the product in physical stores before making the purchasing decision. However, the online channel segment is expected to witness significant growth throughout the forecast timeframe backed by the rising availability of e-books online. For instance, in January 2018, Walmart, a U.S.-based multinational retail company, collaborated with Rakuten, a Japanese online retailer, to launch their audiobook and e-book catalog on Walmart.com.

Regional Analysis

By geography, the global e-book reader market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa.

North America accounts for the largest e-book reader market share. The increasing digitalization of books paired with their easy availability on the internet fuels the growth of the North America market. For instance, in January 2022, the American Association of Publishers reported that e-book sales accounted for 11.3% of its total sales revenue. In addition, rising consumer awareness regarding environmental protection enhances the demand for e-book readers across the region.

Asia Pacific is likely to witness significant growth in the forthcoming years. The Asia Pacific market's growth is attributable to the growing influence of technology coupled with increasing consumer inclination toward digitalization. According to Channel News Asia (CNA), more individuals had to stay at home in Singapore in 2020 to contain the spread of COVID-19. As a result, an increase in borrowing of e-books online was observed in the country in 2020. National Library Board (NLB) told Channel News Asia (CNA) that more number of children’s e-books, such as the Dog Man series and Harry Potter, were loaned in Singapore during pandemic in 2020.

Key Players Covered

The report includes the profiles of key players such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Onyx International Inc., Aluratek Inc., ECTACO Inc., Arta Tech, Wexler Flex, Bookeen, PocketBook International SA, and Hanvon Technology Co. Ltd.

Segmentation

Key Industry Developments

• In July 2020, Xiaomi, a China-based consumer electronics company, announced its plan to launch its new e-book reader, designed to support various languages in the global market. The company had previously launched E-book readers, MiReader and iReader T6 in China.


• In June 2019, Amazon, an U.S.-based international e-commerce company, announced the launch of Kindle Oasis eReader, its new e-book reader. This new device features audible built-in 7 inch display and an adjustable front light.


• In September 2021, Amazon, a U.S.-based retail company, announced the launch of the next-generation Kindle Paperwhite with new models, the Kindle Paperwhite, the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, and the Kindle Paperwhite Kids.