If you’re like most people when it comes to reading, you prefer a cozy night curled up with a good book. And not an e-reader or book on tape — a good old fashioned paper book. In fact, a 2022 StoraEnso survey found that 65% of readers favor print books while a small but growing number of readers choose digital and audio formats.
Whether you prefer flipping through paper pages or listening to an audiobook during a commute, book lovers today have multiple ways to experience their favorite titles. But which is better for time, effort and retention — reading vs. listening? While both have their benefits, understanding the effects of each can help you decide. So, hard cover vs. soft cover? Let’s discuss!
It doesn’t have to be one or the other
Recent studies comparing reading vs. listening set out to measure how well we retain information from each. In one study, groups of participants either read or listened to the same sections of a nonfiction book. The result? Both groups showed similar levels of comprehension.
However, e-readers instead of printed books were used in the study. If printed books had been compared, traditional reading might have fared better. That’s because printed books offer something that digital formats can’t: spatial orientation.
When you hold a physical book you can easily track your progress and understand where you are in a story. You can quickly flip to review earlier passages, underline important quotes or re-read complex paragraphs. These spatial cues and physical interactions help us understand difficult passages and anchor information in our memory. Audiobooks remove these spatial cues which can make it harder to navigate text in your mind.
But the biggest challenge is how we use audiobooks. For convenience, many people listen while driving, exercising or doing household chores in real life. This multitasking can reduce comprehension as our brains must split attention while doing both at the same time. Reading usually happens in a dedicated time and space where we can concentrate fully.
There are some distinct advantages to audiobooks, however. One major benefit is the ability to hear a narrator’s tone, inflection and emotional delivery. For example, rhythms and literary nuances like sarcasm or humor — particularly in works like Shakespeare — become clearer when heard aloud. Audiobooks also tap into our brain’s evolutionary roots. Humans have been sharing stories orally for millennia and listening engages different cognitive processes than reading. Plus, for those who struggle with visual or eye-related issues, audiobooks can provide a better experience.
It’s all about preference
Ultimately, the advantages and disadvantages of reading or listening to a book depend on your goals and preferences. If you’re looking for deep comprehension or learning, traditional reading may be better. However, if you’re reading a novel or listening to an audiobook for pleasure the differences are minimal. The most important thing is you’re actively engaging with books in a way that works for you.
Looking to get more out of your reading? No matter how you enjoy your stories, books are a powerful way to connect with humanity. Learn how reading fiction fosters empathy and resilience with our latest blog.