Why I STRONGLY prefer my Kindle Reader to the Kindle App

Every time I talk about my Kindle reader, I get questions like this:

“I use the Kindle app – I am curious if the actual kindle device is something I would like better?”

I can’t speak for everyone on the planet, but for the vast majority of people, a Kindle reader is going to outshine the Kindle app every day of the week.

Last time I mentioned this, I got a slew of messages like the one below:

“As someone who read on the Kindle app on my phone, there is zero comparison. Kindle for reading 100%.”

I agree! The difference between a Kindle reader and the Kindle app is night and day.

Here’s why I strongly prefer the Kindle over the Kindle app:

kindle app

6 reasons I prefer my Kindle to the Kindle app

  1. There are no distractions. With no movies, apps, notifications, or social media, once you pick up your Kindle, you’re not being bombarded with other distractions like you would if you’re using the Kindle app on a tablet or phone. I LOVE this and this alone puts it head and shoulders above using the Kindle app on a device that is constantly fighting for your attention.
  2. It is SO much easier on your eyes. The Kindle app is going to be on a phone or tablet which has a bright lit screen that makes your eyes super tired, plus gives off loads of blue light! The Kindle reader is so much easier on your eyes (it really mimics the feel of reading on a page), plus you can do dark mode (black screen with white text) and on the Paperwhite, you can even turn on the warm light option.
  3. The battery lasts FOREVER. Kindle batteries last up to 6 weeks on one charge (and up to 10 weeks for a Paperwhite!). No device you use your Kindle app on is going to come even close to that!
  4. You can read in direct sunlight. If you’ve ever tried to look at your phone in bright sunlight, you know that it is almost impossible, which means reading on the Kindle app at the beach or at the playground while the sun beats down on you is going to be HARD. A Kindle reader works beautifully in direct sunlight because the screen is so much different. Truly, it’s almost identical to reading on a paper page in bright sunlight.
  5. A Kindle reader weighs MUCH less than tablet. Tablets are HEAVY and a Kindle is much lighter so it is easier to hold. You might be thinking, “My tablet isn’t that heavy,” but I can almost guarantee you that if you try out a Kindle and then go back to reading on the Kindle app on a tablet, you’ll notice the weight difference instantly!
  6. You can’t have a Kids Profile on the Kindle app. I love that on my Kindle reader (or on my kids Kindle readers), they can sign into a Kids profile and only see their books (not all of my books!) but you can’t do that on the Kindle app.

I DO like that on the Kindle app you can see your reading streak (it’ll count reading done on your Kindle reader, but you can’t see the reading streak on your reader).

If you’re on the fence about a Kindle, I have a whole post here with input from readers who were NOT interested in a Kindle but then (for one reason or another) tried it out.

And if you’re trying to decide which Kindle is right for you, I have a breakdown of the options here to help you figure out what one is a good fit for you!

Any other questions about a Kindle reader versus the Kindle app? I’m happy to help!

If you liked this post about the Kindle app, you might also like these other posts:

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4 Comments

  1. I’m occasionally I use the kindle app just to see the book covers in color, and I recently discovered it’s super easy to see my kindle unlimited borrowed books on the app. Haven’t figured out how to do it quite on the kindle yet. I 100% prefer the kindle. My reading has skyrocketed and it is used every single day, so it’s a no brainer worth the money!

  2. Interesting! I have a bit of a different take. I fit the majority of my reading in little pockets of time the way I used to check instagram or my email. For this reason I do 80% of my reading on my phone. I’m still glad I have a kindle though, for when I know I’ve got a longer stretch of time, or for reading before bed.

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