EPUB vs PDF vs MOBI: Which Ebook Format is Best in 2025?

TL;DR: In 2025, EPUB is the best format for ebooks and digital reading—it's reflowable, universally supported, and future-proof. PDF is best for print-ready documents and fixed layouts. MOBI is deprecated by Amazon; avoid using it for new projects. For Kindle publishing, always use EPUB.

Choosing the right ebook format can make or break your reading experience. Whether you're publishing on Amazon KDP, reading on a Kindle, or building a digital library, understanding EPUB vs PDF vs MOBI is crucial.

This comprehensive guide breaks down each format, their strengths, weaknesses, and exactly when to use each one in 2025.

Quick Format Comparison Table

What is EPUB?

EPUB (Electronic Publication) is the universal standard for digital books and ebooks.

Key Features:

• Reflowable text: Adapts to any screen size automatically
• Open standard: Supported by virtually all e-readers
• Interactive: Working table of contents, hyperlinks, footnotes
• Responsive: Changes layout for portrait/landscape modes
• Accessible: Supports screen readers and text-to-speech
• Lightweight: 10x smaller than equivalent PDF files

EPUB Versions:

• EPUB 2: Legacy format (2007)
• EPUB 3: Current standard with multimedia support
• EPUB 3.2: Latest (2019), adds better accessibility

When to Use EPUB:

✅ Publishing ebooks on Amazon KDP, Apple Books, Google Play ✅ Reading on Kindle, iPad, smartphone, or e-reader ✅ Distributing fiction, non-fiction, or text-heavy content ✅ When accessibility is important ✅ Building a cross-platform digital library

What is PDF?

PDF (Portable Document Format) is a fixed-layout format created by Adobe.

Key Features:

• Fixed layout: Exact appearance on all devices
• Print-ready: WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get)
• Universal: Readable on any device with PDF reader
• Precise: Maintains exact fonts, spacing, colors
• Large files: Embeds all fonts and images
• Non-reflowable: Requires zooming on small screens

When to Use PDF:

✅ Print books and paperback manuscripts ✅ Magazines, catalogs, and visual-heavy content ✅ Workbooks with specific layouts ✅ Documents requiring exact formatting ✅ Archival and legal documents ✅ Sharing across incompatible systems

❌ Don't use PDF for:

• Ebooks meant for Kindle or e-readers
• Reading on smartphones (poor experience)
• When file size matters (PDFs are large)

What is MOBI?

MOBI (Mobipocket) is Amazon's legacy ebook format.

Key Features:

• Kindle-specific: Only works on Kindle devices/apps
• Reflowable: Like EPUB, adjusts to screen
• Deprecated: Amazon stopped accepting MOBI in 2022
• Limited features: No advanced formatting
• Old standard: Being replaced by EPUB

Current Status (2025):

⚠️ Amazon officially deprecated MOBI in August 2022 ⚠️ KDP no longer accepts MOBI uploads ⚠️ Existing MOBI books still work but no new uploads allowed ⚠️ Amazon converts EPUB to AZW3 (successor to MOBI)

Should You Use MOBI?

❌ No. Do not create new MOBI files in 2025. ✅ Use EPUB instead—Amazon converts it automatically ✅ Modern Kindles (2022+) support EPUB natively

EPUB vs PDF: Which is Better?

For Kindle Reading: EPUB Wins

Why EPUB:

• Text reflows to fit Kindle screen perfectly
• Adjustable font size without breaking layout
• Interactive table of contents
• Smaller file size = faster downloads
• Native support on modern Kindles

Why Not PDF:

• Fixed layout forces zooming and scrolling
• Tiny text on small Kindle screens
• Poor user experience
• Large file sizes

68% higher reading completion rates with EPUB vs PDF on mobile devices (Kitaboo, 2025).

For Printing: PDF Wins

Why PDF:

• Exact layout preserved for printing
• Professional appearance
• Print-ready without adjustments
• Standard format for printers

Why Not EPUB:

• Reflowable text doesn't work for print
• No fixed page numbers
• Layout changes on different devices

For File Size: EPUB Wins

• EPUB: 1-5MB typical
• PDF: 10-50MB typical
• EPUB is 10x smaller on average

For Accessibility: EPUB Wins

• Screen reader support
• Text-to-speech optimization
• Adjustable contrast and colors
• Better for visually impaired readers

EPUB vs MOBI: Which Should You Use?

Short Answer: EPUB. Always.

Why EPUB is Better:

✅ Amazon accepts EPUB (since 2022) ✅ Universal compatibility (Kindle, Apple, Google, Kobo) ✅ Future-proof (MOBI is dead) ✅ Better formatting with EPUB 3 features ✅ Wider distribution across all platforms

Why MOBI is Obsolete:

❌ Kindle-only (can't sell elsewhere) ❌ No longer accepted by Amazon KDP ❌ Lacks modern ebook features ❌ Being phased out completely

Amazon's 2022 Announcement: "MOBI is no longer supported. Upload EPUB files instead. We'll automatically convert to Kindle format."

PDF vs MOBI: Which is Better?

This comparison is mostly irrelevant in 2025 since MOBI is deprecated.

Use Cases:

• PDF: For print books, fixed-layout documents, archival
• MOBI: Don't use. Replaced by EPUB

If you have old MOBI files, convert them to EPUB using free converters.

Which Format for Amazon KDP in 2025?

For Ebooks (Digital Kindle):

✅ Upload EPUB (highly recommended) ✅ Amazon converts to KFX/AZW3 automatically ❌ Don't use MOBI (no longer accepted) ⚠️ PDF works but provides poor reading experience

For Print Books (Paperback):

✅ Upload PDF (required) ✅ Use print-ready PDF with correct margins ❌ Don't use EPUB for print

Pro Tip: Always provide both formats: EPUB for ebooks, PDF for paperback versions.

Best Practices for Each Format

EPUB Best Practices:

1. Use EPUB 3 (latest standard)
2. Validate with EPUB Validator
3. Test on EPUB Viewer before publishing
4. Include interactive table of contents
5. Optimize images (72 DPI for digital)
6. Use standard fonts for compatibility

PDF Best Practices:

1. Use 300 DPI for print-ready files
2. Embed all fonts
3. Include bleed for print (0.125 inches)
4. Export as PDF/X-1a for printing
5. Keep file size under 20MB when possible
6. Add bookmarks for navigation

MOBI Best Practices:

Don't create MOBI files. Convert existing MOBI to EPUB instead.

How to Convert Between Formats

PDF to EPUB:

1. Use CreatorFormat's PDF to EPUB Converter
2. Upload PDF, click convert
3. Download optimized EPUB
4. Preview with EPUB Viewer

EPUB to PDF:

1. Use EPUB to PDF Converter
2. Best for creating print versions
3. Generates fixed-layout PDF

MOBI to EPUB:

1. Use Calibre (free desktop software)
2. Add MOBI file, convert to EPUB
3. Upload EPUB to Amazon KDP

Warning: Always preview converted files before publishing to catch formatting errors.

Device Compatibility in 2025

Kindle Devices:

Other E-Readers:

• Apple Books: EPUB ✅, PDF ✅, MOBI ❌
• Google Play Books: EPUB ✅, PDF ✅, MOBI ❌
• Kobo: EPUB ✅, PDF ✅, MOBI ❌
• Barnes & Noble Nook: EPUB ✅, PDF ✅, MOBI ❌

File Size Comparison (Real Examples)

Same book in different formats:

EPUB is clearly the winner for digital distribution.

The Future of Ebook Formats

2025 Trends:

✅ EPUB dominance: Universal standard across all platforms ✅ MOBI extinction: Completely phased out by Amazon ✅ PDF stability: Still preferred for print ✅ Enhanced EPUB: More multimedia and interactivity ✅ Accessibility focus: Better support for disabled readers

What This Means:

• Always create EPUB as your primary format
• Keep PDF for print versions only
• Forget about MOBI entirely
• Focus on EPUB 3 features and accessibility

Conclusion: Which Format Should You Use?

For Ebooks & Kindle Publishing: → Use EPUB. It's the universal standard, future-proof, and provides the best reading experience.

For Print Books: → Use PDF. Required for print-on-demand and maintains exact layouts.

For Legacy Compatibility: → Don't use MOBI. It's obsolete. Convert existing MOBI files to EPUB.

Quick Decision Guide:

• Publishing on Amazon KDP? → EPUB + PDF (ebook + print)
• Reading on Kindle? → EPUB (convert PDF if needed)
• Sharing documents? → PDF (for exact layout) or EPUB (for reading)
• Building an ebook library? → EPUB (cross-platform compatibility)

Start with EPUB using PDF to EPUB converter, preview with EPUB Viewer, and you'll have the best ebook experience in 2025.

About the Author

The CreatorFormat Team specializes in ebook formatting, conversion, and publishing across all major platforms. With years of experience helping authors navigate format choices, we've processed thousands of EPUB, PDF, and MOBI conversions for successful Kindle and multi-platform publishing.

Related Resources:

• PDF to EPUB Converter → Convert your files now
• EPUB Viewer → Preview ebooks instantly
• PDF to Kindle Converter → Optimize for Kindle reading
• Best Free Tools to Convert PDF to Kindle
• How to Send PDF to Kindle