This summer, I went on a quest to revive my reading habit. Between college, work, and a massive reading slump, the version of me who would spend all day in her school’s library, devouring two books a day, felt like a distant memory. I needed a way to fall back in love with reading.
Since I’m all about tech, I figured trying out an eReader would help. I’d had a Kindle a few years ago but gave it up when I got an iPad and switched entirely to reading on that. Spoiler alert: that decision became one of the biggest reasons I hadn’t picked up a book for years, until this summer.
Instead of a Kindle, which is arguably the most well-known eReader out there, I decided to give an Android-based eReader a try. After a couple of months of using one, I can confidently say there’s no way I’m picking up a Kindle over an Android eReader ever again. Here are a few reasons why.
I’m no longer locked into the Kindle ecosystem
Android eReaders give you more freedom
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With Kindles, the biggest issue really is being tied to the Kindle ecosystem. You can only purchase books from Amazon, which limits your options and often means paying more than you would elsewhere. If you want to read books from elsewhere, you usually need to use wonky workarounds. The limitations don’t just end at where you can purchase books.
You’re also locked into Kindle’s own reading app. While the app is great, and ironically, it’s my go-to on my Android eReaders too, there are times when I want to experiment with other apps. An Android eReader solves both of these limitations. My current primary eReader is the Boox Note Air 4c, which runs Android 13 and comes with the Google Play Store pre-installed.
This gives me the freedom to download apps from multiple sources, access books in different formats, and customize my reading experience in ways a Kindle simply can’t match.
I’m not stuck using it only for reading
I can quite literally use it for anything
Given that Android eReaders run a version of Android and come with the Play Store pre-installed, I can download any non-reading app I want, like note-taking tools, productivity apps, or even social media. Personally, I steer clear of distracting apps like social media, since that would defeat the purpose of having a separate device for reading. However, the fact that I could use them for other tasks if I wanted gives me a flexibility that a Kindle simply doesn’t offer.
While I avoid downloading distracting apps, one task I’ve been relying on extensively my e-ink tablet for is note-taking. I have a fifth-gen iPad Air, and I’ve completely ditched it in favor of using my eReader for all my notes and annotations. While there are multiple reasons I made that decision, the biggest is its e-ink display. Given that I spend a huge chunk of my day in front of screens, the e-ink display is far gentler on my eyes, reduces fatigue, and makes long note-taking sessions much more comfortable compared to the glaring glass of an iPad.
The paper-like display is also a huge advantage and just makes the entire writing experience a lot better. With Kindles, unless I opt for the more expensive models with stylus support, note-taking is limited and feels clunky. Even if I opt for a model with stylus support, the being locked into the Kindle ecosystem point still stands. I don’t get the freedom to download the note-taking app of my choice, which is enough to make me stick with an Android eReader.
Android eReaders are more flexible in terms of customization
It’s flexible down to the tiniest detail
One thing I absolutely love to do is customize the tech I own. I love spending on new phone cases and sleeves for my MacBook, adding random stickers to my iPad’s case, and creating custom wallpapers for my devices. It adds a personal touch and just makes them feel more like mine rather than something generic off the shelf. One of the biggest upsides of Android eReaders is that they’re extremely customizable.
You can tweak almost every aspect of your experience. While I’ve seen people complain about how “complicated” it can be and how they aren’t fans of needing to fiddle with the Settings app every time they want to change a basic setting, I love the control. Unfortunately, Kindles are pretty much the opposite. You’re mostly limited to the default settings and a few pre-set options, which can feel restrictive if you like to tailor your reading experience.
For instance, Amazon doesn’t let you change the lock screen of your Kindle! The only way you can do it is through a workaround, which involves converting your intended lock screen image into an EPUB or MOBI format. This is because Kindle only allows you to set a book’s cover image as your lock screen. That’s just one example of how restrictive the ecosystem can be when it comes to customization and personalization.
You can usually get more for less with Android eReaders
More features, less money
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Entry-level Kindle eReaders don’t cost too much, but as soon as you start looking at models with stylus support, color displays, or larger screens, the price jumps noticeably. For instance, the new Kindle Scribe starts at $499.99, while the Kindle Scribe ColorSoft starts at $629.99. On the other hand, the Boox Note Air 4C I’ve been using retails for $609.98 (the Premium Stylus Bundle) and is currently available at a discounted price of $547.99.
While the price difference itself isn’t huge, there’s a significant value gap when you factor in what you get with each device. For roughly the same cost, you get an Android eReader that not only handles all your reading needs but also lets you install apps, customize your interface, take notes effortlessly, and access multiple eBook formats. When you get a more versatile device that can do more for roughly the same price, it’s hard to justify going back to a Kindle.
There’s no reason to go back to Kindle
As I mentioned above, my very first eReader was a Kindle. And while I absolutely loved it, after trying out an Android eReader, I can’t imagine going back
