Should I buy a Kindle or read on an iPad?

Choosing between a Kindle and an iPad mostly comes down to how you read and what else you want the device to do.

Buy a Kindle if:

• You mostly read fiction or long, text-heavy books.
• You read outdoors or in bright light — Kindle screens are much easier to view there than glossy tablets.
• You want a dedicated, distraction-free reading device with very long battery life.

Buy an iPad if:

• You read a lot of non-fiction, PDFs, textbooks, comics, or magazines.
• You want color, fast zooming, and easier navigation through documents.
• You want one device for reading plus email, web browsing, video, and other apps.

Simple rule of thumb:

• Mostly books, especially fiction? Kindle.
• Lots of PDFs, comics, or mixed use? iPad.

If you already own an iPad, it may be enough for casual reading. If reading is something you do for long stretches and you want a very comfortable, less distracting experience, a Kindle is often the better buy. If you want a travel companion that’s better for watching movies and browsing the web, the iPad is the clear winner.