E-Readers vs. Tablets: Which Is Better for Reading?

If you love books, you may wonder whether to buy a dedicated e-reader or simply read on a tablet or phone. Each has clear strengths.

E-readers

They use e-ink screens that look like paper and work well in bright sunlight. Because they only use power when the page changes, the battery can last for weeks. They are light, so holding one for hours is comfortable, and they have few distractions.

Tablets

A tablet has a colorful, fast screen and can do almost anything: read, watch video, browse, draw and use apps. It works for magazines, comics and textbooks with color. The downside is shorter battery life, glare outdoors and constant notifications.

Pick an e-reader if

• You read a lot of novels or long text.
• You read outdoors, at the beach or in bed.
• You want a long battery life and less eye strain.

Pick a tablet if

• You want one device for many tasks.
• You read color material, PDFs or comics.
• You already own one.

Other things to check

Supported book formats, the store and library lending options, built-in light, water resistance and storage size.

Our view

For avid readers, an e-reader is a small, inexpensive upgrade that makes reading more enjoyable. For occasional reading, a tablet or phone you already own may be enough.