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The Kindle, Nook, iPad, and Reader Compared

Because I am in the publishing industry, and because I have written extensively on the topic of digital publishing, I get asked several times a week, what e-reader I recommend. Frankly, I’m probably not the best person to ask. I experiment with all kinds of technology and am very fickle. I am always trying something new.

So, rather than simply offer an opinion, I spent Saturday morning creating a spreadsheet that compared the four major e-reader brands, representing a total of ten models. I included the Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook, Sony Reader, and the Apple iPad. (You can download the actual spreadsheet here or the PDF.)

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If you are thinking about buying an e-reader—or upgrading the one you have—this is where I would start. Compare the prices and features of each and then make a decision.

In researching these products, keep in mind that:

  • The prices vary widely: From $139 for the Kindle 3 to $499 for the cheapest iPad.
  • The battery life varies widely: from 9 hours on the iPad 3G to 1 month with the Kindle 3.
  • The storage capacity varies widely: from 350 books on the Sony Reader Touch and Pocket editions to tens of thousands on the iPad.
  • The interface varies widely, too, from the five-way controller on the Kindle 3, to the touch and stylus of the Reader to the multi-touch of the iPad. The Nook is particularly unique, sporting both e-ink and full-color touch technologies. The iPad is the easiest to use out of the box.
  • The manufacturer web sites vary widely. In my opinion, Amazon is the best for offering the most facts. Apple is the best at demonstrating the features via video. Barnes & Noble is somewhere in the middle. Sony is the most difficult to navigate and compare. (I wanted to pull my hair out!)

We have really come a long way since Amazon introduced the first Kindle. Today, there are so many great options. Competition has not only created a viable e-reader and digital publishing market, it has also improved the quality of all the offerings.

In addition to looking at the price and features, I think you should also must answer one preliminary question: Do you want a dedicated e-reader device (like the Kindle, Nook, and Reader) or do you want a multi-function device (like the iPad)? This will at least get you pointed in the right direction.

I just got the Kindle 3 and am loving it (see my unboxing video, along with my initial impressions). I plan to write a full review in the next few weeks, after I have thoroughly tested it. I can’t wait to see how Apple, Barnes & Noble, and Sony respond.

Questions: Have you bought an e-Reader? If so, which one and why?
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Posted on August 30, 2010

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  • Shyju

    wow so motivating to see you work so hard to serve your tribe… !!! GOD bless Michael Hyatt.

  • http://www.joannamuses.com/ joanna

    I use my iPod touch as an e-reader. Wouldn't wanna read off it for hours on end but for shorter bursts of reading it is a good option, particularly since you can read ebooks from so many different sources on it.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      I do the same with the iPhone.

  • http://www.seedmin.com James Castellano

    I received the 3G nook as a gift for father's day. Price, usability, and selection were the biggest factors.

    If money were no issue I would have asked for the Ipad. Although it seems like more of a laptop and I don't need another.

    I was unsure about Amazon and their closed software loop, so the Kindle was not an option. There were reports of Amazon pulling books back during this time period.

    The Nook has performed wonderfully and I'm glad I have it.

  • http://www.lisarosendahl.com Lisa Rosendahl

    Thank you for the comparison. I just received the 3G Nook for my birthday and am on my 2nd book – loving it. It's light and very easy to use.

  • Adam_S

    There is no way to really categorize this, but customer service matters. I have not used Apple's customer service for my ipad, but most people like Apple's customer service. I have used Amazon's customer service for my kindle. I have 7 kindles on my account. Two had screens go bad. Both times I called after 6:30 PM and had the new kindle before 10 the next morning. I rarely have heard people complain about Amazon customer support. I frequently hear about people complaining about Nook's customer support.

    • dged

      I guess that customer service quality varies: I had very good support for my Nook.

  • Hanne

    Thanks for this comparison chart! I've been considering either a Nook or Kindle and haven't had a resource for side-by-side comparison. This will help a lot! :)

  • http://successbeginstoday.org/wordpress John Richardson

    With the Kindle app, I've tried Kindle books on my iPad, notebook, and my Droid phone. This allows me to take a book wherever I go. Each of these has some great pluses. The iPad has great page turning and works well while sitting on the couch. The notebook app works well when I'm taking a break from writing. The phone app is nice when I'm sitting in a waiting room, jury duty etc. A dedicated Kindle might be the best reader, but the Kindle app offers great multi-platform flexibility. Amazon was smart to provide this.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Amazon was indeed smart to do this. In the end, they are going to make most of their money from the distribution of content.

  • Deborah

    I have both the kindle and the ipad and love them both for different reasons. I went to Europe this summer and was thrilled to have a way to communicate with those back home via the ipad wireless, have access to internet etc. w/o having to carry a laptop. I also love the color etc. of the ipad for reading books. However, while laying on the beach the kindle was without doubt a necessity. The ipad is pretty much unusable in the sun. The kindle was easier to carry and access for travel books also. At one time I thought I could not be convinced to give up "real paper" books (I am truly a bibliophile) but have fallen in love with books on kindle and ipad. Although we have ALOT of bookshelves in our home (yes, a real library) and love seeing those shelves filled with books, unless I ask for special ones as gifts or particular books aren't available on kindle/ipad — or "learning books" as I call them (say, "Get Off Your Knees and Pray" by Sheila Walsh for example) I think I'll be buying most of my books through kindle. Love 'em. Thanks so much for all your work and sharing your findings with us.

  • Gary

    Thanks for the great comparison. There’s a mistake in Note 4, however, where it references Amazon twice when I believe you meant Apple for one side of the comparison.

  • colleencoble

    Super helpful, Mike! I actually went to order a Kindle yesterday and discovered they were sold out at the moment so I reconsidered. I'm going to study this spreadsheet. Thanks!

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Let me know if I can help you, Colleen.

  • http://www.davidleeking.com David Lee King

    One other thing to consider that isn't on your list – will it work with public libraries? Right now, the main software/service for ebooks in a public library is a company called Overdrive. And right now, the Nook and the Sony Reader are the only ebook readers compatible with Overdrive (I'm guessing because of a mix of DRM and publishers agreeing on the right stuff).

    I work in a public library, and when people ask me which ones to buy, I always have to first ask if they plan on buying ebooks or borrowing them. If borrowing, they really should go with either the nook or the sony reader right now.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      That’s a good point. Thanks.

    • Nicholas

      actually there is an overdrive app. I have it on my iphone, works great

    • http://dickmanfam.blogspot.com Hillary D

      Yep! I’ve got a Nook instead of a Kindle just because I like to use my library’s e-branch.

  • http://sandraheskaking.com Sandra Heska King

    Our Verizon contract will be up soon, and we are trying to decide whether to renew or change carriers. So e-reader use may be another consideration? Is it a big issue?

    This is great, Michael, with some things I never thought to look at.

    • Adam_S

      Except for the iPad, the cell connections on the other three do not require a monthly fee or contract.

      • http://sandraheskaking.com Sandra Heska King

        Thanks, Adam. I didn't see that Michael mentioned Verizon.

  • Larry Shallenberger

    I bought the Nook and love it. Price was a big consideration. However the Kindle 3, changed that game.

    The value of a dedicated reader seems to only be as strong as the book seller behind it. So I've found myself paying more attention to B&N's board situation…

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      I think both Amazon and B&N are strong players and will survive.

  • Ron Lane

    In december I got the Nook and really like it. I know that some say that it's slow and it is, but it was all that I had to compare to at that time. It is small and convenient to carry around with you.

    I also have used the iPhone app for the nook, that is a good one that allows me to read from my Barnes and Noble (BN) library when I may not have the nook with me.

    I just got the iPad this last week or so and I have to say that I am really liking it. I use the Nook app to read my BN library and I have downloaded a free book on the iBooks just to see about it. So far to me the iBooks is really great and I lke it a lot, but haven't tried to put my other books from BN over to it yet.

    I guess when it comes to ereaders, I kind of have it on overkill, but I can say that I haven't downloaded the PC version of BN's ereader.

    • Dawn

      I currently am looking into getting either the nook, kindle,or ipad, but have been using the BN EReader on my laptops. Being able to go from one device to another has been a really nice feature.

      • Ron Lane

        I agree, my wife and I are able to read out of one library now that I have the iPad and the nook. With the nook you can go to the store and read books for free, I have not tried that from the iPad yet.

  • kcougs

    I bought a Kindle 2 a couple of months ago, right before my wife and I moved to Thailand, and I have loved every moment with it. It's free worldwide wireless has been a God-send while we have traveled SE Asia, and I have used its "experimental" web browser to check gmail in villages without wifi. The e-ink is great for a) my eyes b) battery life and c) reading in direct sunlight. And the number of e-books available is GREAT. All said, I LOVE my Kindle. PS. I'm looking to get an iPad soon, but want to wait for the 2nd generation – not because its a great e-reader, but because I'll use it instead of my laptop for internet, email, etc.

  • http://www.yuzzi.com Rick Yuzzi

    Michael, I'd be interested in your thoughts on this, since your in the publishing industry. I've read where the price of ebooks are in the $12 range. That seems high considering the savings that would be achieved from not having to print books, ship books, manage material and book inventories, etc. Obviously authors still need to be paid, there is editing, promotion, and those kinds of activities. But, it seems that removing the physical production of the book from the equation should lead to a significant cost savings for the consumer.

    • John

      Excellent point!…Now, when has the CONSUMER ever benefitted from production savings?

  • Sarah

    I preordered a Kindle 3 but seeing I had to wait another month before getting it because it was sold out I reconsidered and cancelled my ordered. I went with the Nook WiFi instead. I got it yesterday, it was available at the store (which I was able to test it at the store before buying, something you can't do with the Kindle), it was only $10 more than the Kindle 3 and I really like the touchscreen navigation. The only thing I read about the Kindle 3 vs the Nook that would had really made me go for the Kindle instead is the greater contrast, but the Nook is crisp and sharp enough that I did not get eye strain after reading for hours. I am happy with my purchase so far. I know people complained a lot about Nook when it first came out, but with this most recent update, I have to say, the touchscreen is responsive enough for what it's needed, page turns are fast enough (I mean, can you really turn pages faster on a physical book?). Another factor was weight but I read on the Nook for hours and it's just as heavy as most paperbacks and the weight did not bother me at all.

  • http://openlettersmonthly.com/novelreadings Rohan Maitzen

    I have a Sony Reader (Touch). For me, the proprietary format is too big an obstacle for the Kindle: I want to be able to get my books from anywhere–including (as another commenter notes) the library. I like the bookmarking and annotation features of the Sony Reader but have been frustrated by the problem of glare–in just the right light, it's really easy to read, but those conditions aren't always possible to create. I also like the way it feels like a book when you hold it in its leather cover. It's convenient, too, and easily tucked into a handbag. But I don't think it's quite the perfect device, and the proof of that for me is that since I bought it, I really haven't seriously considered buying books for it instead of buying the real thing. I borrow library books and use it for free classics I can't get elsewhere, and for some research materials.

  • charlenefullergossett

    I bought an Amazon Kindle after debating between it and the iPad. I compared the prices and options and realized that the Kindle better suited what I was looking for. For me, the operation was simple but I'm one of those who loves gadgets and I tend to adapt quickly when I get my latest purchase. I do tend to be a big fan of Amazon and for me it was a convenient choice. I do the one click purchase and I'm downloading my book and ready to read. The size is perfect to fit into my purse so I can read whenever I have some down time no matter where I am. I've only had my Kindle since the end of June and I've already read close to 10 books. I like the storage capability (holds 3,500 books)and grouping of books according to topic and / or author. I love my Kindle and don't regret my purchase.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      The Kindle is also quite a bit cheaper. I think the first question to ask, though, is whether or not you intend to use the device for anything other than reading.

  • http://twitter.com/AaronKlein @AaronKlein

    Great chart, Mike!

    One minor correction…Kindle is now AT&T for its 3G connection. About halfway through the Kindle 2 lifecycle, they switched from Sprint to AT&T. (It's a different radio technology so older models aren't affected by the change.)

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Thanks for that correct. I will get it changed later this evening.

  • Aragorn450

    Great stuff, thanks for all the details and comparisons! One correction however. You have the WiFi-only version of the Nook listed as having 3G access via AT&T where it shouldn't have anything.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Great. Thanks. I will change that this evening when I get home from the office.

  • Karen

    I have the Kindle and an iPad and I have to disagree with those who are saying that you are limited to Amazon to purchase books. I've had my Kindle for two years and I have yet to find a book that I have wanted to read on it that I couldn't. I convert ePub books and many ebook sites offer a .mobi option that work well–as long as they are unprotected. When it comes to books with DRM (and all bookstores have it) Amazon's bookstore has more of the books I read at better prices than the others in most cases. It's the only store I purchase books from. I use the apps on my iPad and iPhone for exclusive freebies from the other stores. For long-term reading, I definitely prefer the Kindle, but the iPad/iPhone are great in a pinch.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      As you can see in the chart, Kindle books are available on more devices (via the Kindle reader) than any other device.

  • Mary

    I bought a Kindle two summers ago–the first incarnation. Loved it. Bought another for my husband. Then another–Kindle 2 for my sister, then another for my son, and then another for my other sister. We are all on the same account and now have over 100 books to share. Great to be able to read the same book at the same time, so we can talk about things as they go along.

    I think this is one of the great assets of the Kindle–you can have groups of people–up to six–on the same account sharing books.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Yes, I didn’t realize this until recently. I’m going to get my wife one and do the same thing. The only problem we have is that we both like to read kind of esoteric books from small publishing houses. Most of these are not yet available digitally.

    • Adam_S

      You actually can have an unlimited number of devices. But some publishers limit the book to be downloaded on either 5 or 6 devices. If you hit that limit then you delete it off of one device and download onto another. Right now I have 7 kindles, three blackberries, an iphone and a computer on my kindle account.

      Main negatives are that there can only be one credit card, so you have to work out payment issues and if a person leaves the account, they cannot take the books with them.

      • Melissa

        I share a Kindle account with my dad and we added my credit card to the account. In order to select my card, I have to go to the Amazon site instead of the one click, but it makes the payment situation a lot easier. Just a thought.

        • Adam_S

          I will have to try that. Thanks

  • http://www.mom2ateam.com Aubrey B.

    Thank you so much for this! I've recently been researching e-readers after years of saying I would never switch from hard copies. I feel the written word is sacred and I'm scared e-readers will put an end to ink-and-paper. However, I now have Rheumatoid Arthritis badly affecting my hands and it's getting harder and harder to hold a book open for any significant amount of time. I plan to get a Kindle soon unless I can convince my hubby to get me a "just-because" gift. :D

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      I never thought about how RA could affect this. Very interesting. I love print, too, but the world’s changing for sure.

    • Adam_S

      I have heard many people switching because of arthritis or eyesight.

  • swmackey

    We have both the iPad and Kindle DX. I use the Kindle, my wife the iPad. I prefer the kindle because I lack the self discipline to not check my internet "stuff" while reading. Stuff being: e-mail, facebook, blog stats, twitter, etc. By having this "stuff" readily available, I find I'm not reading but skimming. My wife doesn't have this challenge so the iPad is best for her.

    Thanks for leading Michael.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      I agree on the iPad. I find it to be a real problem. I think one of the other options is better if you are a serious reader.

  • Osman

    I got an iPad a couple of months ago, and I have to say I'm truely satisfied with it. It gives me many options for reading ebooks besides the iBooks app from Apple. Additionnally there are thousands of apps to do many tasks.

  • Paulette

    Bottom line here, I prefer the Ipad with the Kindle over Nook or Ireader! Kindle has way more books, probably because they use Amazon.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      I kept finding that on the iPad, too. I wanted to buy the book from the iBook Store, but it wasn’t available. However, I could usually find a Kindle edition and read it on my iPad Kindle app.

  • Carri

    I received a Wifi Nook last Spring (about 2 weeks before the ipad came out) and I enjoy using it but it took me time to get used to and as an iphone user I still find myself trying to swipe to turn the page. I do lust after an ipad but for reading, I like my nook

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      I know how that is. If you watch my Unboxing the New Amazon Kindle 3 video, the first thing I tried to do with it is touch the screen.

  • http://twitter.com/LibraryPiglet @LibraryPiglet

    I love my Kindle 2. I have tested the Nook in the store, but I really don't like the backlight – my eyes hurt begin to hurt. I have to be careful using my BB, too. I use the Kindle app on my BB for buying more books. I did enjoy Nelson Hyatt's cameo in your video, Michael. :)

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Nelson is such a ham. ;-)

  • http://twitter.com/tgodby @tgodby

    Mr. Hyatt,
    Thank you for the comparison, and all the work involved in creating the content! The links for the Spreadsheet and/or PDF seem to be missing. Or am I just not seeing them? Again, thank you.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      I’m sorry. My bad. They should be there now. Thanks.

  • http://theinsideout.net Lori Mooney

    I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Nook. I get almost a week of reading even with wifi on and have never had any trouble finding any books I wanted. If the books are on amazon you can still purchase them and use Calibre to format them to the Nook. You can also replace the battery in a Nook if it happens to die and you can't in a Kindle. I also love being able to check books out from the library…that's a huge advantage! I don't know what I did before my Nook!! Now, when can I get my booksneeze.com books for my precious Nook?? :)

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      We’re working on it! I am nagging our people to death!

      • http://www.facebook.com/clarkwith4 Elaine Clark

        Michael, that makes me very happy to hear!

  • Julie-Ann

    Wow … thank you so much for doing this comparison. I’ve been considering getting a reader myself, but have been overwhelmed with the options. It really seems like everyone has done a pretty good job of creating solid machines. As this article (http://www.upyourservice.com/learning-library/customer-service-contact/add-value-first-reap-value-later) suggests, when the priority is on value, companies reap the rewards. It does seem like the Kindle 3 offers the most. I can’t wait to check one out for myself!

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  • Lauren Sylvan

    I just bought a Kindle 3. The reduced price and the convenience of being able to take all my pdfs with me on a two-week trip is what pushed me over the edge. I don't like that I can't lend books — that was a nice feature of the Nook. But the battery life can't be beat. Wish the industry would settle out all the DRM issues, though.

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  • http://believerstabernacle.com Marty

    I recently purchased an Ipad after having a Kindle for nearly a year. Love my Kindle. I was surprised at the number of Christian titles I have on my Kindle that were not available through ibooks. Very disappointed. And the Kindle app for the ipad isn't quite the quality of appearance that the Kindle itself is. Of course, I didn't buy the Ipad strictly for reading, but I sure hope they improve it soon.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Apple is still ramping up and it is taking a while for them to ingest all the content publishers have submitted. (Each book has to be checked for quality to make sure it works.) I think that we (Thomas Nelson) have more available on the iPad than any other publisher. However, we have almost that many in the queue awaiting approval. They will get there!

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  • http://metropolitanmama.net Stephanie

    I have yet to buy an e-Reader, but the Kindle is the most enticing to me out of the available options.

    Do you also still read "regular" books? I assume the answer is "yes" since you are the CEO of Thomas Nelson, but I'd be interested to hear the percentage of e-books you read compared to traditional paperback/hardcover books.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Right now, I read about half and half.

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  • http://twitter.com/TesTeq TesTeq

    Great comparison table. Thank you. I am a happy user of Kindle 2 and Kindle 3. One small correction: iPad WiFi connectivity is not 3G as far as I know.

  • http://www.subcorpus.net subcorpus

    After doing some research about price, screen size and PDF support, I ended up buying the Amazon Kindle DX. And it is great. It really is a good device. It doesn't do much, but what is does, it does beautifully. Very nice.

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  • http://christianmommywriter.com Tonya

    I haven't bought an e-reader yet. It's something that I will eventually buy in the future and this spreadsheet really helps! I really like holding my books and turning pages, so once I get over that, I can proceed to branch out. I've looked at a few and I've noticed that the iPad had the easiest screen to read from, in my opinion.

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  • http://www.facebook.com/kohlmeyer Jacob Kohlmeyer

    I've had an iPad for about three months and love having the web functionality, apps, and the ability to read books. I've bought a couple of ebooks using the Nook app and a couple using the Kindle app. I'm still debating which device to get. I really like the feel of physical books, so this is a really tough leap forward for me. I think of Amazon as just a website, and then I see Barnes & Noble and see the entire store chain and in store support.

    But I've started to notice that the Kindle ebooks seem to be cheaper than Nook ebooks. True? I just want to get the most for my money.

    • Haiden

      Amazon may be online, but they have better customer support than the brick & mortar competition.

  • http://twitter.com/davidhooper @davidhooper

    Have a Kindle 2 and love it. Assistant has a Kindle 3 and the screen is nice, but it's a little too small for my hands, unless I put it in a case.

    Also have an iPad and it's BY FAR the worst for reading books. Too many finger prints and too heavy. Plus, I feel like I'm on a computer.

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