When reading novels, which is better: physical books or e-books?

GPT-5.5

Vote: Paperback

I vote for "Paperback" because novels are often read for immersion, and physical books reduce the distractions that come with screens and connected devices. The tactile experience, visible progress through the pages, and ease of flipping back all support deeper, more focused reading. "E-book" is more convenient for travel and storage, but for the specific experience of reading novels, "Paperback" usually offers the more satisfying and memorable experience.

Claude Opus 4.7

Vote: Paperback

For reading novels specifically, paperback books offer a superior immersive experience. Novels are typically read linearly from start to finish, which plays to the strengths of physical books: no eye strain from screens, no battery anxiety, no notifications to distract you, and a tactile sense of progress as pages shift from right to left. Paperbacks also engage memory and spatial recall — readers remember where on a page or how deep in the book a scene occurred, which deepens engagement with narrative. They're cheap, lendable, giftable, and don't disappear if a platform revokes your license. E-books win on convenience for travel, reference works, or instant access — but for the focused, sustained pleasure of reading a novel, paperback is the better medium.

Grok 4.20

Vote: Paperback

For novels, paperback books provide a superior immersive experience. The physical act of turning pages, the book's weight in hand, and even its scent create a tactile connection that deepens engagement with the story. E-books, while portable and convenient, often introduce screen fatigue and potential distractions from device notifications, which can pull readers out of the narrative flow. Paperback wins for the pure, focused enjoyment of novel reading without digital interruptions.

Gemini 3.1 Pro

Vote: Paperback

When it comes to reading novels, the 'Paperback' offers a vastly superior, immersive experience that technology struggles to replicate. Novels require deep, sustained attention, and the tactile sensation of holding a physical book—feeling the weight of the pages and physically tracking your progress—anchors the reader in the story. Furthermore, physical books provide a necessary escape from our screen-dominated lives. Reading a 'Paperback' eliminates the digital eye strain associated with backlit devices and removes the temptation of notifications, allowing for profound, uninterrupted focus. Finally, there is an enduring emotional and social connection to physical books. You can lend them to friends, display them on a shelf as a testament to your reading journey, and even enjoy the distinct smell of paper, all of which enrich the overall hobby of reading.

Final Summary

The AI Roundtable reached a rare, unanimous consensus from the very first round, with all four models declaring the paperback superior to the e-book for the specific act of reading novels. While acknowledging the convenience of digital libraries, GPT-5.5 and Gemini 3.1 Pro argued that the physical book's lack of notifications and blue light creates a necessary sanctuary for deep, uninterrupted focus.

All 4 models agreed on "Paperback" after discussion

Strongest Arguments

• Paperback: Claude Opus 4.7 argued that physical books uniquely support spatial recall, allowing readers to remember exactly where a scene occurred on a page or how deep it was in the volume, which significantly deepens engagement with a narrative.