Last Updated on: Jan 14, 2025
Buying second-hand books hits the sweet spot between saving money and saving trees. But which online shops give you the lowest prices, the best perks, and a feel-good eco halo? This guide to the Top 5 Places to Score Cheap (and Mostly Green) Reads in 2025 compares the giants of the used-book world so you can fill your TBR pile—without emptying your wallet or the planet’s resources.
The Top Sites in Depth
What We'll Cover
- The Top Sites in Depth
- 1. ThriftBooks — The Giant With Everyday Deals
- 2. Better World Books — Buy a Book, Give a Book
- 3. AbeBooks — Treasure Trove for Collectors
- 4. World of Books — New name, same bargain ethos
- 5. Half Price Books (HPB.com) — Online Meets Brick-and-Mortar
- Quick-Glance Comparison
- Why Used Books Are the Greenest Bargain
- People Also Ask
- Which site has the absolute cheapest used books?
- Can I sell my own books?
- Which site has the cheapest single paperback?
- Are these sites legit and safe?
- How to Pick the Right Seller
- Final Thoughts
1. ThriftBooks — The Giant With Everyday Deals
- Inventory: 13 million titles, from mass-market paperbacks to out-of-print gems.
- Deals: Frequent “ThriftDeals” (buy 2 get 1) and ReadingRewards loyalty points that turn into a free book.
- Shipping: Free standard shipping on U.S. orders $15+. Expect 7–10 days via USPS Media Mail, or upgrade to expedited.
Best for: Huge selection and steady coupons.
Watch out for: Broad condition grades; pay the small premium for “Very Good” if you’re picky.
2. Better World Books — Buy a Book, Give a Book
- Mission: Certified B-Corp that has donated 38 million books and $35 million to literacy nonprofits since 2003.
- Shipping: Free worldwide on most orders, making it the budget hero for international readers.
- Extras: Carbon-neutral shipments partnered with logistics firms. Clearance Aisle slashes prices up to 80 %.
Best for: Readers outside the U.S. or anyone who wants their purchase to fund literacy.
Watch out for: Stock moves quickly; use wish-lists for hot academic titles.
3. AbeBooks — Treasure Trove for Collectors
- Marketplace Model: Connects you to 50,000+ independent booksellers in over 50 countries.
- Strengths: First stops for first editions, signed copies, and foreign-language hardbacks.
- Ownership: Acquired by Amazon in 2008, so you can check out with your Amazon credentials if you prefer.
Best for: Rare, collectible, or academic titles.
Watch out for: Shipping costs vary—filter for sellers that offer flat-rate or free shipping to keep totals low.
4. World of Books — New name, same bargain ethos
SecondSale is now World of Books (rebrand early 2025)
- Pricing: Millions of titles under $10; Buy 3 Get 1 Free promo on selected preloved stock.
- Shipping: Free U.S. delivery over $15; ships to 190 countries.
- Planet-first: Proud B Corp; 100 % recyclable packaging and AuthorSHARE program that pays royalties on used sales.
Best for: Readers who missed SecondSale’s rock-bottom prices but want a company with documented social standards.
Watch-out: The $10 free-ship threshold is gone; plan carts at $15+ to dodge postage.
5. Half Price Books (HPB.com) — Online Meets Brick-and-Mortar
- Hybrid Model: Order online and return or exchange at any of the chain’s 120+ U.S. stores.
- Shipping: Flat $3.99 per book standard shipping; expedited options start at $7.99.
- Community: Regular in-store events and donation drives keep books circulating locally.
Best for: Shoppers who like the safety net of an in-person return counter.
Watch out for: Shipping adds up fast on multi-book orders—compare totals with SecondSale or ThriftBooks if you’re buying more than three.
Quick-Glance Comparison
(All policies verified April 29 2025.)
Why Used Books Are the Greenest Bargain
A new paperback emits roughly 2.7 kg of CO₂ from paper, printing and shipping. Choosing a pre-loved copy avoids nearly all of that footprint while costing 60-90 % less—true circular economy in action. Plus, most sellers now ship in paper mailers that are easy to recycle. Your budget wins, your bookshelf wins, and the planet wins.
People Also Ask
Which site has the absolute cheapest used books?
ThriftBooks usually wins. Their cheap paperbacks are often around $4-ish, and if your order is small (under $15 total), they charge about $2 per book for shipping. So, you're probably looking at around $6 or $7 total for one book.
Can I sell my own books?
ThriftBooks BuyBack and SecondSale’s SellBackYourBook program both pay cash (or credit) for eligible ISBNs.
Which site has the cheapest single paperback?
Usually World of Books edges out at $4–$6 thanks to frequent “Buy 3 Get 1 Free” deals. ThriftBooks comes close when a red-tag “Deals” copy is in stock.
Are these sites legit and safe?
Yes. All five offer secure checkout, money-back guarantees, and customer-service teams. HPB even lets you walk into a store to solve issues instantly.
How to Pick the Right Seller
| If you care most about… | Choose… |
|---|---|
| Lowest total price on small orders | SecondSale |
| Free global delivery | Better World Books |
| Rare & signed editions | AbeBooks |
| Easy returns in person | Half Price Books |
| Loyalty points & constant coupons | ThriftBooks |
Pro tip: Add items to multiple carts, then compare all-in totals—shipping + tax—to verify the real bargain before you click “buy.”
Final Thoughts
The Top 5 Places to Score Cheap (and Mostly Green) Reads in 2025 each bring something unique to the table—whether it’s ThriftBooks’ tidal wave of inventory, Better World Books’ social mission, AbeBooks’ collector cachet, SecondSale’s ultra-low free-ship threshold, or Half Price Books’ brick-and-mortar safety net. Pick the site that matches your priorities, grab that out-of-print gem or beach read, and relish the fact that your purchase keeps a book in circulation instead of a landfill.
Next step: Bookmark this guide, then start a wish-list on at least two of the sites above. Price-drop alerts will ensure you never pay more than you have to for your next cheap—and eco-friendly—read. Happy hunting!
The responses below are not provided, commissioned, reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any financial entity or advertiser. It is not the advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
