vs
mobi
EPUB vs MOBI: which eBook format is still current?
A clear, practical comparison with a straight answer.
Use EPUB for any eBook today, it is the open standard and modern Kindles accept it directly through Send to Kindle. MOBI is only worth keeping for an existing library of older files that have not been converted.
Both formats do the same core job, reflowing a book's text to fit any screen size, but only one of them is still actively used. EPUB is the open standard behind nearly every eBook store and reading app that is not the Kindle.
MOBI was Amazon's original Kindle format and paved the way for EPUB-style reflow, but Amazon has since moved on to newer formats of its own and now accepts EPUB directly on current Kindles.
.epub vs .mobi at a glance
| .epub | .mobi | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard status | Current open standard | Legacy, phased out |
| Reflowable text | Yes | Yes |
| Modern Kindle support | Yes, via Send to Kindle | Being phased out |
| Other e-readers and apps | Very wide | Narrow, mostly Calibre |
| Cover art and metadata | Rich | Basic |
| Best for | Any eBook you create or buy today | Opening an old existing library |
Frequently asked questions
Can I still open a MOBI file?
Yes, free tools like Calibre open MOBI without trouble. For anything new, convert it to EPUB so it stays readable long term.
Do I need to convert EPUB to MOBI for a Kindle?
Not on a current Kindle. Newer Kindles accept EPUB directly through Send to Kindle, so a MOBI conversion is rarely necessary anymore.