Best Cheap Book Subscription Boxes to Feed a Healthy Reading Habit

Updated by Timothy Paradis

Budget-conscious book lovers can rejoice with some of the best monthly subscription boxes out there! Find your favorite reading nook and cozy up with a well-written book, because now it's easier and cheaper than ever before to join a monthly book club from the comforts of your own home.

What is a cheap book subscription box?

In the words of Kacey Musgraves, "Just because it doesn't cost a lot, that doesn't mean it's cheap." These book subscription boxes are designed to be affordable while still offering high-quality stories and services. What's included can run the gamut, from children's books and classic literature to brand-new adult fiction and pre-loved picture books. The best part? It's all under $30.

Depending on which one you choose, monthly book subscriptions can center around a particular genre, treat subscribers to new releases with a side of self-care, or go for the simple book-only approach, sending a read-worthy hardcover or paperback book every month.

What are the benefits of a book subscription box?

For the biggest readers among us, going to the bookstore can be fraught with temptation and unmet reading goals. Many of us already have a daunting TBR stack pilling higher and higher beside our nightstands. And with an endless flow of book recommendations, being a book lover can be expensive and downright overwhelming. Book subscription services can save avid readers from the throes of decision paralysis, and save them money, too!

So, whether you're looking to indulge your love of books, grab an 'easy-on-the-wallet' gift for a fellow bibliophile, or encourage yourself to read more, the Cratejoy marketplace has a month-to-month subscription box with your name on it for under $30.

What sets Used Books Monthly apart is the personalization of the books chosen for each subscriber. When signing up, subscribers are prompted with a survey that includes over 20 genres to choose from, plus the ability to send the curators a message with details about reading preferences. Then each delivery is packed with 2 or 4 hand-picked, gently-used books for each subscriber, depending on the subscription chosen.

Shipping · We'll start assembling your order as soon as you subscribe, and we will ship it within 5 business days. Monthly renewals are on the 15th of each month and will ship on or before the 5th of the following month. You will get a tracking number via e-mail every time your books are sent out.

Customer Review

“The selections were perfect in the fantasy genre! I'm familiar with the titles and didn't read them before! Excited for what's to come next. Thank you!” – Tasnuva E.

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What You’ll Get: Join the growing number of fans of the Reveal Book Box. Featuring signed copies of best-selling romance novels, extra book-lovers swag, tea lights, book-inspired adult coloring cards and some lollies, this book box is choc a bloc with things you’ll love. Choose from 1, 2 or 4 signed books, and get into a juicy read each month.

Shipping · U.S. boxes ship within 10 business days via USPS.

Customer Review
I would HIGHLY recommend this book box to anyone that loves to read. So far I have received 1 box since starting my subscription and I absolutely loved it!! I love that you can pick the types of tropes that you enjoy reading.
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Best thriller books delivered right to you, featuring the latest bestsellers and hidden gems from top authors. Perfect for fans of mystery, crime, and psychological suspense!

Shipping · FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING on all orders!

Customer Review
Everything as expected and as described in the product listing so overall very good experience
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The Storytime Box - Children's Book and Activity Box | 4 Box Options for Kids Ages 0-8+ | Build Healthy Reading Habits | Arts & Crafts for Kids

Shipping · Customers must subscribe by the 15th of the month in order to receive the upcoming box. (Ex. Subscribe by June 15th for the upcoming batch shipped in July.)

Customer Review
My daughter loved the box and is looking forward to the next one.
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"The Best Book Box!" hand-selected and personalized by the experts at The Reading Bug Bookstore. Featured in New York Magazine's "The Only Toy Gift Guide for a 1-Year-Old You’ll Ever Need."

Shipping · Your first box ships within 5 business days of your order. Thereafter, Reading Bug Boxes ship between the 15th-20th of each month. For fast shipping during the holiday season, we recommend ordering directly from our website (not through cratejoy) to choose our priority mail shipping upgrade.

Customer Review
Good selection of books. But don’t think they will come with any other cute gadgets for kids other than stickers. Pricy handling fee AND shipping fee.
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Each month we will ship 3 History books (Retail Value $75+)

Shipping · Initial box will ship within 5 days of ordering. Each additional box will ship out the following month on the 11th. Only ships within the continental U.S.

Customer Review
I absolutely loved this gift that I received from my daughter for Mother's Day. It was a little of everything I love! I will be giving this gift to other women in my life as a nice little pick me up. Such a treat!
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Curated around a new theme every month, like Panda Paper Overload or Into the Woods, Paper Bliss is a monthly subscription box that sends a mix of Japanese stationery items that are totally squee worthy. Gift them an unboxing experience filled with cute items and supplies, including pretty paper, artistic stickers, pens and pencils, notepads, and more.

Shipping · Your first welcome box ships off in 5 days or less. For existing subscribers, We ship out boxes on the 5th of every month. Only one Shipment is sent is sent per billing cycle.

Customer Review

"Only 2 boxes so far but It’s a good little box with cute stationary supplies. Always 1 sheet of stickers, 2 pens, 2-3 mini note pads, 1 mini-card, 1 postcard, an eraser or sharpener and a cute little pencil case, etc. The items are small but I like the variety of items in one box. And love the packaging concept with layers… more fun when unboxing! :)" - Marie-Eve D.

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Escape the thrilling Gold Rush Robbery! Crack codes, solve puzzles & uncover mysteries in this standalone 1-hour adventure game. Fun for game nights! Ships within a week.

Shipping · ALL ORDERS SHIP OUT WITHIN 2-4 DAYS OF BEING ORDERED! We are a bi-monthly subscription, meaning we ship every OTHER month. That means if you order a 2 month subscription, that is for only 1 box.

Customer Review
The puzzles were a mix of easy and more complex which kept it from getting too boring or too frustrating. It was fun and challenging. Also liked the convenience of 3 chapters so it could be broken up if needed.
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