Global E-Textbook Rental Market Size, Share Analysis Report By Platform Type (Subscription-Based Models, Pay-Per-Rental Models), By End-User (K-12 Students, Higher Education, Corporate & Professional Learners), Region and Companies – Industry Segment Outlook, Market Assessment, Competition Scenario, Trends and Forecast 2025-2034

Report Overview

The Global E-Textbook Rental Market size is expected to be worth around USD 4,578.5 Million By 2034, from USD 554.7 Million in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 23.5% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. In 2024, North America held a dominant market position, capturing more than a 38% share, holding USD 210.7 Million revenue.

An e-textbook rental refers to the digital borrowing of academic textbooks for a specified period, typically through online platforms. This model allows students and educators to access course materials electronically without the need for physical copies, offering flexibility and cost savings. E-textbook rentals are accessible via various devices, including computers, tablets, and smartphones, facilitating learning anytime and anywhere.

The e-textbook rental market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for affordable and accessible educational resources. Top driving factors for this market include the cost-effectiveness of renting over purchasing textbooks, the convenience of digital access, and the environmental benefits of reducing paper usage.

Several factors contribute to this upward trend. Primarily, the cost-effectiveness of renting e-textbooks compared to purchasing physical copies appeals to students seeking to minimize educational expenses. Additionally, the convenience of accessing materials anytime and anywhere supports the growing preference for digital learning solutions.

The integration of multimedia elements, such as videos and interactive quizzes, within e-textbooks enhances the learning experience, further driving adoption. Technological advancements play a crucial role in the market’s expansion. The proliferation of digital devices and improved internet connectivity facilitate seamless access to e-textbooks.

The increasing adoption of technologies like cloud computing and artificial intelligence is transforming the e-textbook rental landscape. Cloud-based platforms enable seamless access to textbooks across devices, while AI-driven analytics offer personalized learning recommendations, improving educational outcomes.

Key reasons for adopting these technologies include the scalability of cloud solutions, which accommodate growing user bases, and the ability of AI to tailor content to individual learning styles, thereby enhancing student engagement and retention.

Key Takeaways

• In 2024, the global e-textbook rental market reached USD 554.7 Million, led by surging digital adoption across academic institutions, and is projected to hit USD 4,578.5 Million by 2034, growing at a strong CAGR of 23.5%.
• North America dominated the market in 2024 with over 38% share, accounting for USD 210.7 Million in revenue.
• By 2034, the U.S. market is projected to rise significantly, reaching USD 1,412.3 Million, reflecting a robust 21.6% CAGR, fueled by institutional partnerships and rising digital curriculum mandates.
• The Subscription-Based Models segment led globally in 2024 with a commanding 56% share, as students favored flexible, cost-efficient access over traditional purchases.
• Higher Education emerged as the core driver, securing more than 70% share in 2024, due to the growing integration of e-textbooks in universities and the shift toward remote and blended learning formats.

Analysts’ Viewpoint

Investment opportunities in this sector are substantial. Companies are focusing on expanding their digital libraries, enhancing platform functionalities, and forming partnerships with educational institutions to broaden their reach. These strategic initiatives aim to cater to the evolving needs of learners and educators, ensuring sustained market growth.

The regulatory environment also influences the e-textbook rental market. Policies promoting digital education and the standardization of digital content contribute to the market’s development. However, challenges such as digital piracy and the need for robust digital rights management systems remain pertinent concerns that stakeholders must address.

U.S. Market Acceleration

The US E-Textbook Rental Market is valued at approximately USD 199.8 Million in 2024 and is predicted to increase from USD 243.0 Million in 2025 to approximately USD 1,412.3 Million by 2034, projected at a CAGR of 21.6% from 2025 to 2034.

This growth is primarily driven by the rising demand for digital education tools, increasing college tuition costs, and the growing preference among students for flexible, low-cost learning materials. The shift toward online and hybrid learning environments has further accelerated the adoption of e-textbook rentals across universities and educational institutions in the U.S., positioning the market for sustained expansion.

North America Market Development

In 2024, North America held a dominant position in the global e-textbook rental market, capturing over 38% of the market share and generating approximately USD 210.7 million in revenue. This regional leadership can be primarily attributed to the widespread digital infrastructure, strong internet penetration, and the rapid digitization of the education system across the United States and Canada.

Universities and schools in this region have been quick to shift from traditional learning models to e-learning platforms, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the demand for remote education solutions. Furthermore, rising textbook costs in the U.S. have made rental options significantly more attractive to students, pushing up the demand for digital rental services that offer affordability and flexibility.

North America’s market growth is further supported by the presence of leading academic publishers and EdTech providers such as Chegg, Cengage, and Pearson. These companies have established mature digital ecosystems that offer on-demand textbook rentals, bundled learning materials, and subscription-based services tailored to the region’s evolving educational needs.

Platform Type Analysis

In 2024, the Subscription-Based Models segment held a dominant position in the global e-textbook rental market, capturing more than a 56% share. This leadership is primarily attributed to the increasing demand for cost-effective and flexible learning solutions among students and educational institutions.

Subscription models offer unlimited access to a vast library of digital textbooks for a fixed monthly or annual fee, providing significant savings compared to purchasing individual textbooks. This model aligns well with the financial constraints faced by students, especially in higher education, where textbook costs have been rising steadily.

The growth of subscription-based models is further supported by the integration of advanced features such as interactive content, multimedia elements, and adaptive learning tools, enhancing the overall learning experience. Additionally, the convenience of accessing textbooks across multiple devices and the ability to study offline contribute to the popularity of this model.

Educational institutions are increasingly partnering with e-textbook providers to incorporate subscription services into their curricula, ensuring students have equitable access to necessary learning materials. This trend is expected to continue, with subscription-based models playing a pivotal role in the digital transformation of the education sector.

End-User Analysis

In 2024, the Higher Education segment held a dominant position in the global e-textbook rental market, capturing more than a 70% share. This dominance is primarily attributed to the escalating costs of traditional textbooks, which have significantly impacted students in universities and colleges.

The financial burden of purchasing new textbooks each semester has led students to seek more affordable alternatives, with e-textbook rentals offering a cost-effective solution. Additionally, the flexibility and convenience of accessing digital textbooks anytime and anywhere have made them increasingly popular among higher education students.

The proliferation of digital learning platforms and the integration of technology into higher education curricula have further propelled the adoption of e-textbook rentals. Universities and colleges are increasingly incorporating digital resources into their teaching methodologies, aligning with the preferences of tech-savvy students.

Moreover, the availability of a wide range of academic materials in digital format, including interactive and multimedia-enhanced textbooks, has enriched the learning experience. These factors collectively contribute to the substantial market share held by the higher education segment in the e-textbook rental market.

Key Market Segments

By Platform Type

• Subscription-Based Models
• Pay-Per-Rental Models

By End-User

• K-12 Students
• Higher Education
• Corporate & Professional Learners

Key Regions and Countries

North America

• US
• Canada

Europe

• Germany
• France
• The UK
• Spain
• Italy
• Russia
• Netherlands
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• South Korea
• India
• Australia
• Singapore
• Thailand
• Vietnam
• Rest of APAC

Latin America

• Brazil
• Mexico
• Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa

• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Rest of MEA

Driver

Digital Transformation and Cost Efficiency

The global shift towards digital learning has significantly propelled the e-textbook rental market. Students and educational institutions are increasingly adopting digital textbooks due to their affordability and convenience.

Traditional textbooks often come with high costs, whereas e-textbook rentals offer a more economical alternative, allowing students to access necessary materials without the financial burden of purchasing physical copies. This cost-effectiveness is particularly appealing in higher education, where textbook expenses can be substantial.

Moreover, the digital format aligns with the growing trend of online and hybrid learning models. E-textbooks can be accessed anytime and anywhere, providing flexibility that supports diverse learning environments.

The integration of interactive features, such as hyperlinks, multimedia content, and search functions, enhances the learning experience, making digital textbooks a preferred choice for many. This digital transformation in education is a key driver in the expansion of the e-textbook rental market.

Restraint

Digital Rights Management (DRM) Limitations

Despite the advantages of digital textbooks, Digital Rights Management (DRM) poses significant challenges. DRM technologies are designed to protect intellectual property rights, but they often restrict legitimate uses by students and educators. Limitations such as the inability to print, copy, or share content can hinder the usability of e-textbooks. These restrictions can be frustrating for users who are accustomed to the flexibility of physical textbooks.

Furthermore, DRM can lead to compatibility issues across different devices and platforms, complicating access for students. In some cases, DRM restrictions have even led to the removal of purchased content without user consent, raising concerns about content ownership and reliability. These limitations can deter potential users from adopting e-textbook rentals, thereby restraining market growth.

Opportunity

Expansion in Emerging Markets

Emerging markets present a significant opportunity for the e-textbook rental industry. Regions such as Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and parts of Africa are experiencing rapid growth in internet penetration and mobile device usage. This digital expansion facilitates access to e-learning resources, including e-textbooks.

In countries like India, China, Brazil, and Nigeria, large student populations and government initiatives to promote digital education create a favorable environment for e-textbook rental services. Moreover, the affordability of e-textbook rentals aligns well with the economic conditions in these regions, where students often seek cost-effective educational resources.

By offering localized content and language options, e-textbook providers can cater to the specific needs of these markets. The growing demand for accessible and affordable educational materials in emerging markets represents a substantial growth opportunity for the e-textbook rental industry.

Challenge

Digital Divide and Accessibility Issues

A significant challenge facing the e-textbook rental market is the digital divide, which refers to the gap between those who have access to modern information and communication technology and those who do not. In many low-income and rural areas, students lack reliable internet access and the necessary devices to utilize e-textbooks effectively.

This lack of access can hinder the adoption of digital learning resources and exacerbate educational inequalities. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the shift to online learning highlighted the disparities in digital access, with many students unable to participate fully in remote education due to technological limitations.

Addressing this challenge requires concerted efforts from governments, educational institutions, and private sectors to invest in digital infrastructure and provide affordable access to technology. Bridging the digital divide is essential to ensure that all students can benefit from the advantages of e-textbook rentals.

Growth Factors

Rising Demand for Affordable Learning Resources

The expansion of the e-textbook rental market is primarily driven by the increasing need for cost-effective educational materials. Traditional textbooks often impose a significant financial burden on students, especially in higher education.

E-textbook rentals provide a more affordable alternative, allowing students to access required materials at a fraction of the purchase price. This affordability is particularly appealing in regions where educational expenses are a major concern. The digital nature of e-textbooks also reduces costs associated with printing and distribution, further enhancing their appeal.

Emerging Trends

Integration of Advanced Technologies in E-Textbooks

A notable trend in the e-textbook rental market is the incorporation of advanced technologies to enhance user experience. Features such as interactive multimedia content, real-time annotations, and adaptive learning tools are becoming increasingly common. These technologies facilitate a more engaging and personalized learning experience, catering to diverse learning styles.

Additionally, the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms allows for the analysis of user behavior, enabling the provision of tailored content and recommendations. Such innovations not only improve educational outcomes but also differentiate e-textbook platforms in a competitive market.

Business Benefits

Enhanced Operational Efficiency and Scalability

For businesses, e-textbook rentals offer significant advantages in terms of operational efficiency and scalability. The digital distribution model eliminates the need for physical inventory management, reducing overhead costs associated with storage and logistics.

Automated systems for rental processing, payment collection, and user support streamline operations, allowing companies to serve a larger customer base without proportional increases in resources.

Furthermore, the scalability of digital platforms enables rapid expansion into new markets and the ability to quickly adapt to changing consumer demands. These efficiencies contribute to improved profit margins and a more sustainable business model in the evolving educational landscape .

Key Player Analysis

Chegg has been a game-changer in the e-textbook rental market. Over the years, it has focused on expanding its services beyond just textbook rentals to include study help, tutoring, and other student-focused tools. Chegg has launched new features like Chegg Study and Math Solver to make learning more interactive.

Amazon entered the e-textbook rental game with its Kindle platform and quickly became one of the most trusted options for students. What sets Amazon apart is how they blend technology with user convenience. They’ve added new features like the ability to highlight and take notes digitally, which makes studying easier.

VitalSource, a part of the Ingram Content Group, has focused on making learning more digital and accessible. They’re known for their Bookshelf platform, which allows students to rent e-textbooks and read them across multiple devices. VitalSource has recently introduced new tools to support inclusive learning, such as accessibility features for students with disabilities.

Top Key Players in the Market

• Bloomsbury
• CengageBrain
• Chegg
• TextbookRush
• Alibris
• Amazon Kindle Unlimited
• BookRenter
• Barnes & Noble
• IndiaReads
• iFlipd
• Oyster
• Scribd
• Others

Recent Developments

• In February 2025, Chegg, a prominent educational services provider, announced its strategic expansion into the European textbook rental market. This move represents a key milestone in the company’s international growth strategy, targeting the rising demand for affordable and accessible educational resources across Europe.
• In January 2024, Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. entered into a strategic partnership with Microsoft to integrate Microsoft Teams into its digital rental textbook platform. This collaboration was designed to enhance the digital learning experience by embedding textbooks within a familiar and collaborative educational environment.

Report Scope