This study compared and examined the conceptual scope and characteristics of print and digital reading. The comparison revealed their similarities in terms of meaning construction from text, and significant differences regarding media style, text focus, and text interaction. For a deeper insight, previous studies and meta-analyses comparing the media properties of printed materials and digital screens were reviewed. The results showed that reading printed materials had a more positive impact on students’ reading abilities compared to digital reading. Several factors contributed to these differences, including multitasking, non-linearity, visual fatigue, and the non-physical properties associated with digital reading. Based on these findings, future directions of reading education were discussed.