Tablet vs. E-Reader: How to Choose the Right Device for Your Reading and Everyday Tech Needs

Written By Jesse Kaplan

If you’ve ever wondered whether to buy a tablet or an e-reader, you’re not alone. At TechPals, we hear this question constantly—especially as gift-giving seasons approach or when someone wants to upgrade an older device. Tablets and e-readers may look similar on the outside, but they’re built for very different purposes.

This guide breaks down the differences in plain language, explains the pros and cons of each, and helps you choose the device that fits your lifestyle. Whether you're reading on the subway in Toronto, relaxing on a Florida beach, or cozying up with your next book club pick, TechPals has you covered.

And if you ever need one-on-one help with your device, you can always visit TechPals.org.

What’s the Difference Between a Tablet and an E-Reader?

At first glance, tablets and e-readers seem almost identical. They’re both slim, rectangular devices with touchscreens, they both fit easily in a bag or purse, and they both can display digital books. But that surface-level similarity is where the overlap ends.

Tablets: Multi-Purpose, All-in-One Devices

A tablet is essentially a lightweight, portable computer. It’s built to handle a wide range of everyday tasks, including:

  • Browsing the web

  • Checking email

  • Watching movies or TV shows

  • Using apps for news, games, productivity, and social media

  • Messaging and video chatting

  • Reading e-books (through apps like Kindle, Kobo, or Apple Books)

Modern tablets such as the iPad or popular Android models offer bright, colorful screens and fast performance. They’re designed for versatility first, reading second.

E-Readers: Designed Purely for Reading

An e-reader, on the other hand, is built with a single goal in mind: comfortable, long-form reading. Instead of a traditional LCD or OLED screen, e-readers use a special e-ink display that mimics the look of printed paper.

This technology offers several unique benefits:

  • No glare, even in bright sunlight

  • Extremely low eye strain

  • Lightweight and easy to hold for long periods

  • Long battery life—often measured in weeks, not hours

  • A distraction-free environment focused solely on reading

Popular e-readers like the Kindle and Kobo models excel at one thing: letting you read anywhere without fuss.

Why the Difference Matters

Although both devices can display e-books, the experience—and the price—can be very different. Buying a tablet when you only want to read may leave you with a heavier device that needs daily charging. Buying an e-reader when you really wanted all-in-one functionality may leave you wishing for apps, video, or color.

Understanding the true difference between a tablet and an e-reader can save you money, help you avoid frustration, and ensure you choose the device that actually matches how you plan to use it. And if you ever need help deciding, TechPals is always here to guide you.

Why Choose an E-Reader?

E-readers like the Kindle or Kobo are made for pure reading. If books are your happy place, this might be the device for you.

Top Benefits of an E-Reader

1. E-Ink Screens Are Easier on the Eyes

E-ink looks like paper, not a glowing screen. This makes it:

  • Comfortable for long reading sessions

  • Visible in bright sunlight without glare

  • Great for late-night reading with soft backlights

2. Lightweight and Travel-Friendly

Most e-readers weigh less than a paperback and easily fit into a small bag.

3. Exceptional Battery Life

E-readers often last weeks on a single charge.

4. Book Lovers’ Dream Features

  • Adjustable font sizes

  • Built-in dictionary

  • Highlighting

  • Cloud syncing

  • Library book borrowing

5. Often Waterproof

Perfect for reading at the pool or in the bath.

E-Reader Limitations

While e-readers offer an excellent, distraction-free reading experience, they also come with several limitations that are important to understand before choosing one over a tablet. These limitations don’t make e-readers bad—they simply reflect the fact that these devices are designed with a very narrow purpose in mind. Knowing what an e-reader cannot do can help you make a more confident decision.

Not Great for Browsing or Apps

E-readers use e-ink screens, which are perfect for displaying text but perform poorly with anything requiring speed, animation, or rapid screen refreshes. That means web browsing is slow, choppy, and often frustrating. Modern websites with videos, pop-ups, or interactive elements simply don’t load well.
Most e-readers also don’t support traditional app stores. You won’t be downloading games, social media, news apps, productivity tools, or streaming services. Even when an e-reader includes a “basic browser,” it’s intended for quick tasks only—such as visiting a library website to borrow a book—not for everyday internet use.

Smaller Screens Compared to Tablets

Most e-readers feature screens around 6 or 7 inches, which is close to the size of a mass-market paperback. This is excellent for portability but can feel cramped if you prefer large print, read magazines, or enjoy spacious layouts.
Bigger e-reader models do exist, but they come with a much higher price tag and may still feel visually limited compared to the bright, expansive displays available on tablets like the iPad. If you enjoy large-format reading, multitasking, or split-screen options, an e-reader’s smaller display may not meet your expectations.

Mostly Black-and-White Displays

The majority of e-readers still rely on monochrome e-ink technology. While perfect for novels and articles, this makes them less ideal for magazines, cookbooks, comics, children’s books, or anything with rich visual detail.
Some newer color e-ink models exist, but they are still relatively slow, less vibrant than tablets, and more expensive. Even on these color models, images won’t appear as bright, sharp, or animated as they do on a traditional tablet. If the way content looks is part of the enjoyment for you, a classic e-reader may feel limited.

Limited Multimedia Functionality

E-readers are designed for reading—not watching videos, listening to music, or interacting with multimedia content. Most models do not support:

  • Video playback

  • Music apps

  • Streaming platforms

  • Interactive web content

  • Video calling
    A few higher-end Kindles support audiobooks through Bluetooth headphones, but that’s typically the extent of their media capabilities. If you want a device that works for entertainment, education, communication, and reading, you’ll quickly run into the constraints of an e-reader.

Why Choose a Tablet?

Tablets like the iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab function as lightweight computers.

Top Benefits of a Tablet

1. Versatility

Use apps, browse the internet, read, watch movies, video chat, and more.

2. Colorful, High-Resolution Displays

Ideal for magazines, photos, and interactive content.

3. Full App Stores

Unlimited access to apps for learning, entertainment, and productivity.

4. Works Like a Mini Computer

Attach a keyboard to turn your tablet into a laptop substitute.

Tablet Limitations

Tablets offer an incredible amount of power and versatility, but they’re not perfect. Understanding their limitations can help you decide whether a tablet truly fits your lifestyle—or whether an e-reader or another device might be a better match. Here are the main drawbacks to consider, explained in more detail so you know exactly what to expect before buying.

Heavier Than E-Readers

One of the first things people notice when switching from an e-reader to a tablet is weight. Tablets contain larger batteries, faster processors, and more complex screens, all of which add heft. Even smaller tablets can feel noticeably heavier when you’re holding one up for a long reading session.
For quick tasks, the weight difference isn’t a big deal. But if you enjoy reading for an hour or two at a time, or if you have wrist, shoulder, or hand discomfort, a tablet can become tiring. Many people end up propping it on a pillow or stand rather than holding it directly. That works great at home, but it’s not as convenient on a plane, at the beach, or while lounging outside.

Glossy Screens With Glare

Tablets use bright, colorful LCD or OLED displays, which look fantastic indoors but struggle outdoors. The glass surface is often highly reflective, meaning sunlight bounces off the screen and creates glare that makes reading difficult—even with brightness turned all the way up.
Using a tablet outside often requires finding shade or holding the device at just the right angle. Anti-glare screen protectors help a little, but they can’t overcome the fundamental nature of a tablet screen. For anyone who likes to read on a patio, by the pool, or at the park, this can be a real limitation. E-ink screens on e-readers, by comparison, are designed specifically for readability in bright light.

Must Be Charged Daily

Tablets are essentially mini-computers, which means their powerful processors and bright displays consume a lot of energy. Even with light use—checking email, reading the news, or browsing the web—most tablets need to be charged every day or every other day at best.
If you use your tablet for video streaming, games, Zoom calls, or multitasking, the battery drains even faster. This daily charging routine can feel inconvenient, especially while traveling or moving between home and work. Many people carry portable chargers or keep charging cables in multiple rooms just to avoid running out of battery during the day.

Can Be Expensive

Tablets vary widely in price, but well-known models—especially those from Apple and Samsung—tend to start high and climb quickly. By the time you add accessories such as a case, stand, stylus, or keyboard, a simple tablet purchase can become a significant investment.
Lower-cost options do exist, like Amazon Fire tablets, but budget models usually have slower performance, lower-quality screens, and shorter life spans. If you want a tablet that feels fast, smooth, and durable, expect to pay much more than you would for an e-reader. And if you’re buying tablets for kids or for someone who tends to drop devices, the financial risk becomes even greater.

Usually Not Waterproof

Most tablets are not designed to be water-resistant, let alone waterproof. A brief splash from the sink or a surprise rain shower might be enough to cause problems. Reading by the pool, using your tablet in the bath, or taking it to the beach all carry risks.
Waterproof tablets do exist, but they are far less common—and typically more expensive. Even then, manufacturers often warn that waterproofing does not cover pool chemicals, saltwater, or soap, which means the protection isn’t as practical as it sounds. E-readers, on the other hand, commonly include waterproofing at relatively low price points, making them safer companions for travel and outdoor reading.

Which One Should YOU Choose?

Choose an E-Reader if you…

  • Mostly read books

  • Want long battery life

  • Prefer glare-free outdoor reading

  • Don’t want distractions

  • Want something light and affordable

Choose a Tablet if you…

  • Want a device for apps, browsing, and video

  • Prefer color displays

  • Use social media

  • Want a larger screen

  • Use video calling or multitasking

Helpful TechPals Tips (and Internal Links)

TechPals regularly creates guides that pair well with either device:

Q&A: Common Questions About Tablets and E-Readers

Q: Can I read Kindle books on an iPad?

A: Absolutely. Even though Amazon makes the Kindle e-reader, they also offer the Kindle app for many different devices—including every modern iPad. This means you can buy a Kindle book on Amazon and start reading it instantly on your tablet, phone, or computer.
Once you download the Kindle app from the App Store, your entire digital library syncs automatically. You can adjust text size, highlight passages, search inside books, and switch between light and dark mode. Your bookmarks and reading progress stay synced across all devices, which makes it easy to move between your iPad and another device like an actual Kindle e-reader.
This is especially convenient for people who want a single device for reading, browsing, email, and video. Just keep in mind that reading for long periods on an iPad won’t feel the same as reading on an e-ink Kindle because of differences in screen technology.

Q: Which is easier on the eyes—tablets or e-readers?

A: For long reading sessions, e-readers with e-ink displays are much easier on the eyes. E-ink screens closely mimic the look of printed paper, which reduces eye strain and eliminates the harsh glare you get from bright, backlit tablet screens.
Tablets use LCD or OLED displays that refresh rapidly and emit strong light. These screens look amazing for color photos, videos, and apps, but they can cause fatigue during extended reading—especially for people with sensitivity to brightness or for those who do a lot of nighttime reading.
E-readers are also better for outdoor use. Their matte screens stay readable even in direct sunlight, unlike tablets, which often become reflective mirrors.
If you plan to read for 20 minutes at a time, a tablet may be fine. If you prefer reading for several hours, or if you struggle with glare or light sensitivity, an e-reader provides a noticeably more comfortable experience.

Q: Are tablets better for magazines, newspapers, and colorful books?

A: Yes—tablets almost always provide a far superior experience for magazines, newspapers, graphic novels, and photo-heavy books.
This is because tablets offer:

  • Bright, vivid color

  • Smooth scrolling and page transitions

  • Larger screens (especially 10–12" models)

  • Fast processors for interactive content

  • Apps designed specifically for magazine-style layouts

Magazines often contain full-color photography, interactive ads, charts, recipes, and complex layouts that take advantage of a tablet’s display capabilities.
While a few newer color e-ink e-readers exist, their colors are muted, their page refresh is slower, and they don’t match the smoothness or brightness of a tablet. These color e-readers are great for some types of content but still can’t compete with the richness of a true tablet display.
If magazines or cookbooks are a big part of your reading routine, a tablet is almost always the better choice.

Q: Do e-readers support audiobooks?

A: Many modern e-readers—especially Kindle models—do support audiobooks, but with some limitations. Most e-readers don’t have built-in speakers, so you’ll need to pair Bluetooth headphones or a Bluetooth speaker to listen.
Kindle devices can play audiobooks from Audible, and switching between reading and listening is simple once your device is paired. Some people enjoy using the e-reader to read at home and switching to audiobook mode when driving, walking, or doing chores.
However, e-readers don’t support streaming apps like Spotify or Apple Podcasts, nor do they support downloading third-party audiobook apps. If you want full audio support—including music, podcasts, or different audiobook sources—a tablet gives you far more flexibility.

Q: Which is better for travel—tablets or e-readers?

A: It depends on the type of travel and how you plan to spend your time.

E-readers are best if you want:

  • Something extremely lightweight

  • A device that lasts weeks on a single charge

  • Waterproof protection for poolside or beach reading

  • A distraction-free way to power through multiple books

  • No need to pack chargers, cables, or battery packs

E-readers shine on cruises, beach vacations, camping, long flights, and places where you won’t always have access to an outlet.

Tablets are best if you want:

  • Entertainment options like Netflix, YouTube, music, or games

  • A single device for email, web browsing, apps, and reading

  • A larger screen for movies on planes or trains

  • Video calling to stay in touch with family

  • The flexibility to store photos or documents during the trip

However, tablets need daily charging, often require protective cases, and usually aren’t waterproof—meaning extra care is needed near water or sand.

The bottom line:
If reading is your main goal, an e-reader wins.
If you want one device that does everything, the tablet wins.

Final Thoughts: E-Reader or Tablet?

Both devices have their strengths. For book-focused readers, an e-reader is usually the better fit. If you want a flexible, do-everything device, a tablet is the way to go.

Whatever you choose, TechPals is here to help you learn, enjoy, and get the most from your technology. Visit TechPals.org anytime, or reach out to Tech Pals for personal support.

Jesse Kaplan
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