Apple Books versus Kindle: It’s a heated debate among bookworms. The iPad’s versatility makes it a convenient, portable library for a variety of articles, from long-form novels to research PDFs.
However, that same multi-functionality is also the cause of its biggest drawbacks (e.g., rapidly draining battery life and intrusive notifications). This is where Kindle shines. Its e-ink display and minimalist design create an incomparable paradise for distraction-free reading.
I’ve had Kindle and Books since 2013, and I also used the Kindle app on my iPad and the previous Android tablet I had. Based on these experiences, I’ll talk about which app I think you should use. Let’s dive in.
1. Library selection
Light
Kindle offers access to more than four million titles. As you’d expect from an Amazon app, the Kindle links well to the Amazon Store and has a powerful search function.
In the Kindle app, you will find books in various genres and languages. It has a good mix of fiction and non-fiction titles, and the app will offer new recommendations based on your browsing history.
If you’re not ready to buy a book but want to see what it’s like, the Kindle app lets you download samples. Some books are available for purchase on Kindle, while others require you to visit Amazon’s website. When you buy books on Amazon, you can also read them using Kindle.
Apple-books”>Apple Books
Unlike Kindle, Apple Books lets you add unlimited books to your library. Apple doesn’t say how many titles are available, but you have a great selection to choose from.
Like Kindle, Apple Books has fiction and non-fiction books in various genres. Some are available for free, but you have to pay for most. The app, like Kindle, allows you to purchase audiobooks. Plus, you can try titles before purchasing or downloading them.
I have to say that I prefer the Kindle’s selection of titles and it’s also much easier to search in the app than in Apple Books. For these reasons, I give the point here to Kindle.
Winner: Light
2. Integration of personal documents
Both Apple Books and Kindle allow you to upload PDF files. When you want to download a new file to your iPad (including online articles), you can choose whether to upload them to the Kindle or Books app.
After uploading your PDF files to your chosen app, you should be able to view and read them within minutes. Considering the minimal differences here, I give both apps a point. If you use Apple Books and want to keep your books safe, consider reading how to export Apple Books to an external hard drive.
Winner: Tie
3. Personalization and note-taking
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The Kindle app lets you customize some download and sync settings, such as whether you want to conserve mobile data by only allowing larger downloads over Wi-Fi. You can also enable automatic downloading of your Audible books to better sync them between these apps.
When using Kindle, you can also link your Goodreads account if you have one. Additionally, you can use the Whispersync feature to sync all changes within the Kindle app.
Kindle allows you to highlight book passages in different colors and you can also see definitions in the Dictionary. The app can pull results from Wikipedia if needed and it is also possible to customize themes, fonts, and layouts.
Apple Books
Apple Books has several customization options, including the option to switch between light and dark mode. You can also choose six themes, one of which makes text bold if you have trouble with your vision. The app allows you to enlarge text if necessary, and the Match Environment feature adjusts the look of your screen depending on where you are.
In the Apple Books app, you can also change the spacing between pages for a more optimal reading experience. You preview changes as they occur and can reset the theme if you want to start from scratch. I don’t like the default spacing in some books, so this is one of my favorite features of the app.
Apple Books lets you highlight text similar to the Kindle app. It’s also possible to add notes wherever you want, as well as translate your text and search for passage results online. I wish Apple Books had been more widespread when I was in school, as I would have found these features incredibly useful in completing my assignments.
Personalization and annotations are where Kindle and Apple Books are most similar, and there’s another link here.
Winner: Tie
4. Screen experience
Light
The interface of the Kindle app is quite similar to that of Amazon. At the top of the Home tab, you will see the contents of your Library. To view everything, including downloaded titles, you can tap the Library tab to the side.
On the Home tab, you can also search for books from different genres, including several best-selling titles. Settings, notebooks, and reading ideas are available through Further Eyelash. There’s a Bermuda section where you can read excerpts from books, which may be useful if you are looking for something new to read.
Apple Books
The Apple Books home page also includes downloadable titles and bestsellers, but each consumes more screen space. You can also explore different sections using a command near the top of the screen, as well as expanding your other options in the toolbar on the left.
On the left toolbar, you can see your library and wishlist. You will also find all your PDF files, samples, and icons for book and audiobook stores. If you scroll down the Home tab, you’ll see a Reading Goals section that tracks how much time you read in the app each day. The feature was introduced with iOS and iPadOS 17.5 and is one of the many reasons you should update.
While the Kindle has everything well designed, I think Apple Books looks more elegant. So, I give the point to Apple Books.
Winner: Apple Books
5. Ease of use
Both Kindle and Apple Books have everything well designed and you will find all the necessary sections without too many problems. But from a personal point of view, I feel that both applications work quite differently.
Generally speaking, I rarely have problems navigating Apple Books. The app is responsive and everything loads without too many problems. On the other hand, I have often faced lags and crashes with the Kindle app. So, Apple Books gets the point here.
Winner: Apple Books
6. Device Compatibility
While I’m comparing Kindle and Apple Books here primarily on Apple devices, you may also want to use these apps with your Kindle tablet, Android smartphone, or Windows computer. So it’s worth knowing where you can access both.
Apple Books, like other Apple-designed apps, is only available on iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac. Your data syncs seamlessly across the same Apple ID, but you’ll need an alternative for cross-platform reading on devices other than Manzana.
On the other hand, the Kindle app can be accessed on Apple and non-Apple devices. So if you have a combination of both, the Kindle is worth considering.
Winner: Light
7. Prices
While you’ll have to pay for most books in both apps, Kindle and Apple Books are free to download. Apple Books doesn’t require a monthly subscription, but Kindle costs $11.99 (plus tax) per month.
Kindle Unlimited lets you borrow up to 20 books with no return date. However, a big disadvantage is that it is only available in 12 countries:
- The United States
- The United Kingdom
- Australia
- Spain
- Italy
- Japan
- Brazil
- India
- Germany
- Mexico
- Canada
- France
You can still use the Kindle app outside of these countries, but you can’t purchase a subscription.
As for Apple Books, although the selection is not as wide, you can access many more titles for free. Paid books are only available in select counties and regions.
Which is better: Apple Books or Kindle?
If you’re looking for an app that lets you add existing titles and read your favorite books, I think Apple Books is the clear winner. It has a good Reading Goals feature and also has an easy-to-use interface, making most experiences seamless.
At the same time, I think the Kindle app is pretty good for people who read a lot of books. The selection of downloadable titles is much better than Apple Books, and Kindle Unlimited can offer good value for money if you like reading multiple titles simultaneously.
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