These posts have been done many times before, and people getting their first e-reader are always checking them out to see which is a better fit for them. Now, I’m not an expert in all the different kinds of Kindles and Nooks and tablets that are out there (or other e-readers), so my post will mainly focus on the Nook Glowlight Plus, basic Kindle (2019 edition), and the Lenovo Nook Tablet.

NOOK vs. Kindle vs. Lenovo Nook Tablet

Let me say that I’m not exactly a big fan of ebooks in general… I mean, I like them and that they’re available, and I do read them, but they’re not my preferred format for reading. There’s just nothing that beats holding a physical book in your hands, but that’s not what this post is about. The only reason this post is happening is because in summer of 2022, I finally gave in and decided to get a Kindle e-reader, the reason being that sometimes there are ebooks that are only available on Kindle and not any other e-reader format. I could always read on my phone with the Kindle app, but I do prefer the “e-reader only” type of tablets.

I will likely always prefer my Nook Glowlight Plus over the Kindle and Nook Tablet, as it not only offers distraction-free reading, but supports Barnes & Noble over Amazon. I will forever be an advocate of every other bookstore outlet over Amazon, since I buy a lot of other things on the site… they don’t need my book money too. However, as I said, the reason I gave in to buy one is because of the fact that a lot of independent authors publish through Amazon, and their books are sometimes only available through Kindle.

Anyway, onto the battle!

I’ve had this since 2017 or 2018, whenever this version of the e-reader came out. I did go back and forth of whether to get this or a Kindle for a while, but my support for Barnes & Noble won me over, and the e-reader has been a good companion since getting it.

Pros:

• Distraction free reading
• E-ink
• Backlight/warm light for nighttime reading
• Adjustable text/light
• Supports Barnes & Noble
• Long lasting battery (even with WiFi on)
• Power button to turn off when not using

Cons:

• Cannot read Kindle-only or Hoopla books
• Longer process to read books off of NetGalley or Overdrive library books
• Cannot download reading apps (Libby/Hoopla/etc.)

Obviously the pros outweigh the cons here, and the only real disadvantage is not being able to read Kindle-only books. Sure, the NetGalley thing is a pain, but it’s not impossible… just a lot of steps.

I bought this in the past year in what I keep referring to as “a moment of weakness” but it really wasn’t. I spent some time debating whether to get one or not and while I didn’t technically need it, I am happy with my purchase.

Pros:

• Distraction free reading
• E-ink
• Backlight/warm light for nighttime reading
• Adjustable text/light
• Can read Kindle-only books/Kindle Unlimited
• Easy to send/download books from NetGalley and Libby/Overdrive
• Long lasting battery (with airplane mode on)

Cons:

• Cannot completely power off (WHY IS THIS A THING??)
• Supports Amazon (blech)
• Battery dies quickly when on WiFi
• Cannot read Hoopla books

Again, the pros outweigh the cons here, but the whole “not being able to turn off the device” thing is super annoying because it’s a battery suck (unless you keep it on airplane mode). So, that reason alone would keep me from buying a new Kindle, ever.

This tablet is the reason I really didn’t need to buy a Kindle. Since it’s a tablet, I can download the Kindle app, along with other reading apps. And do all the other things a tablet can do.

Pros:

• Basically a tablet; can browse internet, download NOOK/Kindle/Overdrive/Hoopla apps to read, or apps such as Wattpad, or read fanfiction off the internet
• Long battery life (when not using too many apps at once)
• Can turn power off to conserve battery power
• Book covers in color for bookstagram (hehe)
• Easy to read books from NetGalley or Libby/Overdrive
• Can read Hoopla books from its app
• Can use as a computer, basically
• Backlight/warm light for nighttime reading
• Adjustable text/light

Cons:

• Easily distracted from other apps
• Battery doesn’t last as long as Nook Glowlight
• Bigger in size, not as easy to hold in one hand like Nook/Kindle

In all honestly, I don’t believe one is better than the other. Though, I will stress again that not being able to turn off my Kindle completely is a major drawback, but other than that, it’s easy to read off of and use. And while the Nook Tablet has more pros because it can do more, it doesn’t mean it’s my favorite. I mainly use it to read Hoopla books occasionally or sometimes fanfiction when I don’t feel like reading it off my phone.

If I have to choose one of the three though, it would be my NOOK Glowlight Plus. It’s honestly the best in battery life, usage (it doesn’t lag too much), and it supports my go-to bookstore.

Do you have any e-readers? If so, what is your preference?

And if you have one such as Kobo, what are the pros/cons of it?