iPad vs. Kindle vs. NOOK

How does iPad stack up against Kindle and NOOK?

By
Sam Costello
Sam Costello
Sam Costello
Writer
  • Ithaca College
Sam Costello has been writing about tech since 2000. His writing has appeared in publications such as CNN.com, PC World, InfoWord, and many others.
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Updated on May 8, 2024

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Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble NOOK, and Apple iPad aren't the only devices capable of displaying e-books, but these are the most popular.

To help you figure out which one is best for you, we reviewed the key features of each device.

Overall Findings

  iPad Kindle NOOK
Screen size (diagonal) in inches 10.9 6 6
On-device storage 64 GB or 256 GB 16 GB 32 GB
Cameras 2 0 0
Price, new $349 to $499 $79 $149

These devices are often available from third-party sellers for less than the original launch price.

Before you buy a device for reading e-books, you should have a clear idea of what you want in the device and what each product offers. For example, are you looking for:

  • A thin, lightweight device dedicated to reading?
  • A device that offers good visibility even in dark or sun-drenched environments?
  • A full-featured tablet that offers e-book reading, web browsing, video streaming, and gaming?
  • A device under $200?

Size and Weight: iPad Leads the Pack

  iPad Kindle NOOK
Device size, in inches 9.79 x 7.07 x 0.28 6.2 x 4.3 x 0.32 6.2 x 4.7 x 0.2
Weight 1.05 to 1.06 lbs. 5.56 oz. 6 oz.

With e-readers, it's all about where you plan to use the device. If you travel or commute, a small, light device like the Kindle may be the better choice. If you need a device you can read on and use as a mobile computer, the iPad may be what you need.

Display: Liquid Retina Display Is Impressive

  iPad Kindle NOOK
Resolution 2360 x 1640 1072 x 1448 –
Color screen Yes No No
Light for nighttime reading Yes Yes Yes
Antiglare screen (read in bright light) No Yes Yes
Touchscreen Yes Yes Yes

There's no question that the Apple Liquid Retina display is amazingly crisp and clear. The question is, do you need such a display if you only read books? The iPad isn't an e-reader but a tablet on which you can read books. So, before spending money on a full-featured tablet, ensure it's what you need.

Cameras: You'll Need a Tablet for That

  iPad Kindle NOOK
Cameras Front and back No No
Video calling Yes No No

Cameras aren't necessary for an e-reader but are standard on tablets. The iPad features a 12-megapixel camera capable of panoramas, exposure control, geotagging, image stabilization, and 4K video recording. It also has a 1080p HD front-facing camera for FaceTime calls.

If you want a camera, look beyond a simple e-reader like Kindle or NOOK GlowLight.

Networking: The Field Narrows

  iPad Kindle NOOK
Networking Wi-Fi and cellular Wi-Fi Wi-Fi
Web browser Yes No No
Bluetooth Yes Yes No

Networking is where the field narrows among all these devices. All of these devices have Wi-Fi capability. The iPad can also be purchased with cellular capabilities for 5G or 4G connectivity.

Intangibles and Extras: Tablets for the Win

  iPad Kindle NOOK
E-Book formats ePub, PDF (others through third-party apps) AZW3, AZW, TXT, PDF, unprotected MOBI, PRC (PDF, DOCX, DOC, HTML, EPUB, TXT, RTF, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP through conversion) ePub, PDF
Streams music Yes No No
Streams video Yes No No
Plays games Yes No No
Installs apps Yes No No
Voice assistant Siri No No
Supports a stylus Apple Pencil No No
Waterproof No No No

Top Factors to Consider

  • Tablet: Do you have a tablet but want a small, lightweight device devoted exclusively to reading? If so, a Kindle or NOOK e-reader makes sense. But if you want a full-featured tablet with games, streaming media, and mobile networking, the iPad is a great option.
  • Gaming: Everyone wants a break from reading occasionally, and games can be an excellent option—if your device supports them. Traditional e-readers don't have games, but tablets do.
  • Streaming media: If you want to watch a video or listen to music on your device, you'll need a tablet rather than an e-reader.
  • App Store: Expanding the functionality of your device beyond reading is critical to finding long-term enjoyment and value. Perhaps the best way is with a device that runs apps that do more than display books. The iPad supports thousands of apps.

Final Verdict: It's All About What You Need

When deciding which e–reader–capable device to buy, consider more than specs and price. After all, a device that does more of what you want and costs a bit more is a better option.

If you want a full-featured tablet that can also serve as an e-reader, go with the iPad.

If you mostly read Kindle books and don't want a tablet, the Kindle is the obvious choice.

If you read ebooks in various formats, the NOOK Glowlight 4 is for you.

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