Nook vs. Kindle: Which E-Reader Dominates in 2024?

Welcome to the ultimate Nook vs. Kindle showdown.

If you’re looking for the perfect e-reader in 2024, you might need help deciding which one to pick: a Kindle or Nook. Both offer unique features—from physical page-turn buttons to extensive e-book libraries—that fit different reading styles.

In this e-reader comparison, we’ll explore the latest models, looking at design, display, features, and more to help you decide which device is best for you.

Whether you prefer a traditional reading feel or need additional features like waterproofing, we’re here to help you find your perfect match.

Table of Contents Table of Contents

1. Key Takeaways
2. Kindle vs. Nook: Latest E-Readers' Specs Comparison
3. Which Is Better: Kindle or Nook?
4. Should I Get a Kindle or Nook in 2024?
5. The Bottom Line
6. FAQs

Show Full Guide

Table of Contents

1. Key Takeaways
2. Kindle vs. Nook: Latest E-Readers' Specs Comparison
3. Which Is Better: Kindle or Nook?
Show Full Guide
4. Should I Get a Kindle or Nook in 2024?
5. The Bottom Line
6. FAQs

Kindle vs. Nook: Latest E-Readers’ Specs Comparison

Is a Nook the same as a Kindle? Definitely not. These two world-popular e-reader brands have different models with peculiar features. Let’s take a quick look at the latest models:

Which Is Better: Kindle or Nook?

Design, Display & Features

When you compare the Kindle and Nook, several models from each brand stand out for their design, display quality, and features.

Design

• Nook: The GlowLight 4 and GlowLight 4 Plus all have physical page-turn buttons, making them feel more like a regular book.
• Kindle: Most models use a touchscreen to turn pages, but the older Kindle Oasis still has page-turn buttons​.

Display

• Nook: The screen sizes range from 6 inches to 7.8 inches. The display quality is sharp, with 300ppi.
• Kindle: The Kindle Paperwhites have 6.8-inch screens, and the Kindle Oasis has a 7-inch screen, all with 300ppi resolution. For a bigger screen, the Kindle Scribe offers 10.2 inches.

Features

Both Nook and Kindle have adjustable front lights to help with reading in different lighting conditions. All the models offer warm light settings, which are useful for night reading and help reduce eye strain​.

For water resistance, Kindle models like the Paperwhite, Paperwhite Signature, and Oasis have an IPX8 rating, which means they can be submerged in water without damage. The Nook GlowLight 4 Plus has an IPX7 rating, which means it is splash-proof but cannot handle deep water​, while the GlowLight 4 is not waterproof at all.

Storage & Connectivity

What’s the difference between a Kindle and a Nook storage and connectivity-wise? Each has its strengths.

Storage

• Kindle Paperwhite 5 offers 8GB or 16GB, while the Paperwhite Signature has 32GB. The Kindle Scribe is more versatile with 16GB to 64GB options.
• Nook GlowLight 4 and GlowLight 4 Plus both come with 32GB of storage.

Connectivity

All models support Wi-Fi, but the Kindle Oasis also has cellular connectivity, which gives it an advantage for downloading books without Wi-Fi, something the Nook models do not offer.

Software & Storefronts

When comparing software and storefronts between Nook and Kindle, Kindle has a clear advantage.

So, which one has more books, Kindle or Nook? Kindle clearly offers more.

• The Kindle Store offers over 12 million e-books and includes services like Kindle Unlimited for a subscription fee. Kindle also integrates well with Audible for audiobooks and allows note-taking with the Kindle Scribe.

• The Nook Store has a smaller, more curated selection of books (4.5 million+), focusing on independent authors. However, Nook lacks the deeper software features and integrations found in Kindle’s ecosystem​.

Are Books Cheaper on Kindle or Nook?

They both offer similar prices, but reviews note that Kindle often has more deals and special offers, especially with Kindle Unlimited. While the cost of books is usually close, Kindle users may find discounts more often.

Note-Taking

When it comes to note-taking in 2024, Kindle stands out, especially with the Kindle Scribe, which allows users to write notes using a stylus. However, regular Kindles like the Paperwhite also let you highlight, annotate, and bookmark, offering basic note-taking features.

On the other hand, Nook devices also support highlighting and annotations, but they don’t have stylus support or advanced note-taking options like Kindle Scribe​.

Library Books & Audiobooks

When analyzing the difference between a Kindle and a Nook for library books and audiobooks, both offer good options, but they handle these features in different ways. Here’s how they compare:

Library Books

• Kindle: Works smoothly with the Libby app, allowing users to borrow eBooks from libraries and send them directly to the Kindle.
• Nook: Also supports library borrowing but requires more steps. You need to download books using Adobe Digital Editions and transfer them manually.

Audiobooks

• Kindle: Integrates well with Audible, making it easy to access audiobooks. Supports audiobook playback on all models via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
• Nook: Integrates with B&N Audiobooks, but only the GlowLight 4 Plus supports them. It has both Bluetooth and a headphone jack.

Nook versus Kindle: Pricing Differences

When comparing Kindle and Nook pricing, there are notable differences across models.

Nook vs. Kindle Tablets: A Brief Overview

While this article focuses on e-readers, it’s important to mention that both Kindle and Nook also offer tablet options for users seeking more functionality.

• Kindle Fire: Amazon’s Fire tablets are designed for multimedia use, supporting apps, streaming services, and games. They come in various sizes, making them versatile for entertainment and productivity.
• Nook Tablets: Barnes & Noble’s Nook 9″ Lenovo Tablet provides access to the Google Play Store, offering a wide range of apps for entertainment and work.

These tablets give users more flexibility beyond reading.

Should I Get a Kindle or Nook in 2024?

After a detailed Nook vs. Kindle e-reader comparison featuring their latest models and capabilities, we found that the Kindle is better than the Nook in all the categories we reviewed.

The Kindle provides a more complete e-reading experience with better design options, more storage choices, and easy connectivity. It excels in software integration, offering a vast library of over 12 million e-books, flexible note-taking features, simple access to audiobooks and library books, and competitive pricing.

While the Nook has its own advantages—especially for those who like physical buttons to turn pages and prefer independent authors—the Kindle’s overall features and functions make it the better choice for most readers.

The Bottom Line

In this Nook vs. Kindle comparison, both brands offer quality e-readers with their own unique features. Kindle leads in design, display, and connectivity, thanks to its technology, larger storage options, and features like waterproofing and cellular connectivity. It also shines with its user-friendly software, vast content library of over 12 million e-books, and seamless integration with services like Audible and Libby.

On the other hand, Nook stands out for readers who prefer a traditional reading experience with physical page-turn buttons and a focus on independent authors. It also offers more flexibility for listening to audiobooks with both Bluetooth and a headphone jack.

Ultimately, the choice between a Kindle or Nook in 2024 depends on your specific needs and preferences. So, consider which features matter most to you, and you’ll have your answer.

FAQs