Guides

EPUB vs MOBI vs AZW3: Ebook Format Comparison for Desktop Readers

MOBI, AZW3, EPUB… what’s the difference, and which should you actually keep? In this guide we’ll break down the most common ebook formats, when they’re used, and how to convert MOBI or AZW3 into EPUB or PDF so you can read them comfortably on your computer with the same Wizread flow. If you’re looking for step-by-step instructions for a specific case, we also have a guide on converting Kindle books (AZW3/MOBI) to EPUB or PDF for desktop reading.

The short version

If you don’t want to dive into every detail, here’s the quick takeaway:

EPUB is the most open, flexible format and a great choice for reading on your computer.
MOBI and AZW3 are older or store-specific formats, mostly tied to particular ecosystems and devices.
For desktop reading, it often makes sense to convert MOBI/AZW3 to EPUB or PDF and then read those files in Wizread on Windows, macOS or Linux.

If you’re still deciding between the two main desktop formats themselves, our guide on EPUB vs PDF for reading on your computer goes deeper into how they feel in day-to-day use.

EPUB vs MOBI vs AZW3 at a glance

All three are ebook formats, but they were built with slightly different goals in mind:

Aspect	EPUB	MOBI	AZW3
Openness	Open standard, widely supported outside any single store.	Older format, mainly for legacy devices and tools.	Tightly tied to specific store ecosystems.
Layout	Reflowable, designed for comfortable reading.	Reflowable, but more limited and legacy-focused.	Reflowable with extra features for store devices/apps.
Best for	Desktop reading, open devices, cross-platform apps.	Older devices, archives of older ebooks.	Reading inside the original store ecosystem.
Desktop strategy	Use directly in apps that support EPUB, like Wizread.	Often converted to EPUB or PDF for modern use.	Often converted to EPUB or PDF for use outside the store.
DRM	May or may not have DRM, depends on where you got it.	Commonly DRM-protected when coming from stores.	Often DRM-protected and locked to a specific ecosystem.

A quick look at each format

EPUB

EPUB is an open, widely adopted ebook format. It’s designed to be reflowable, so text adapts to different screen sizes and reading preferences.

Commonly used by many publishers and libraries.
Great for book-like reading on desktops and laptops.
Works well in apps that focus on reading comfort.

If you’re new to the format and want a gentle intro, our simple guide to EPUB files for desktop readers walks through what an EPUB actually is and how to open it on your computer.

MOBI

MOBI is an older ebook format that was widely used before more modern formats took over. You’ll still find it in older collections and archives.

Often appears in older ebook downloads or backups.
Less flexible than EPUB for modern reading setups.
Commonly converted to newer formats for everyday use.

AZW3

AZW3 is a more modern, store-specific format used in certain ebook ecosystems. It’s built on top of similar ideas but with extra features for that ecosystem.

Designed primarily for reading inside a specific store’s apps/devices.
May include features and metadata that aren’t portable elsewhere.
Often converted to EPUB or PDF when you want to read on your desktop in other apps.

For a practical walkthrough of that conversion step, see how to convert Kindle books (AZW3/MOBI) to EPUB or PDF for desktop reading.

How Wizread fits into this

Wizread focuses on giving you a great reading experience for EPUB and PDF on desktop:

You import EPUB or PDF files into your Wizread library.
You click Read to open a focused reading view.
You can read and take notes in one place, on Windows, macOS or Linux.

If you have ebooks in MOBI or AZW3, the usual desktop-friendly approach is:

Convert MOBI/AZW3 to EPUB or PDF using a trusted conversion tool or service.
Import the resulting EPUB or PDF into Wizread.
Read it using the same flow as any other book in your library.

Always make sure you respect copyright and the terms of service of any store you use. This guide doesn’t cover or endorse removing DRM or bypassing protections on purchased content. For general safety tips around ebook files, you can also read Are EPUB and PDF files safe? .

Converting MOBI and AZW3 for desktop reading

When your goal is to read comfortably on a computer, it’s often worth normalizing different formats into a smaller set that works everywhere you read. For Wizread, that set is:

EPUB for book-like, flexible reading.
PDF when layout consistency is more important.

In practice, that means:

Keeping a copy of your long-form reading material as EPUB whenever possible.
Converting MOBI or AZW3 copies you own into EPUB/PDF if you want to read them in your desktop library.
Using tools that clearly document how they handle DRM and licensing, and following those rules.

If you’re specifically working with Kindle books, our dedicated guide to converting Kindle formats to EPUB or PDF goes into more detail on that workflow.

Using EPUB and PDF with Wizread

Once you have your books in EPUB or PDF form, bringing them into Wizread is straightforward and identical across formats:

Open Wizread on Windows, macOS or Linux.
Import your book:
- Drag & drop the .epub or .pdf file into the app, or
- Click the Import book icon in the top navigation bar and select your file.
Your book appears in your library, together with your other titles.
Click Read to enter the reading view and go through it like any ebook.

Because the flow is the same for EPUB and PDF, you don’t have to think about the underlying file type once it’s in your library—you just pick what you want to read. If you want more detail on actually opening files, we also have guides on how to open EPUB files on Windows, macOS and Linux and how to read PDF files like ebooks on your desktop .

Recap: which format should you keep?

When you’re building a reading setup on your computer, simplicity wins:

Use EPUB as your main, flexible ebook format for desktop reading in Wizread.
Keep MOBI and AZW3 only when needed for specific devices; otherwise, convert them to EPUB or PDF.
Import EPUB and PDF into Wizread, then open them from your library and click Read to get a focused reading view where you can read and take notes.

Once you normalize your collection around EPUB and PDF, formats stop being a headache—and your desktop reading experience becomes much simpler to manage. From there, you can focus on making reading itself feel better by following our guide on how to make reading EPUB and PDF more comfortable on desktop and keeping your collection tidy with organizing your ebook library on Windows, macOS and Linux .