Skip the Kindle. You Already Have One.
Your old iPad has a bigger, higher-resolution, full-color screen than a Kindle. It connects to your library’s digital collection for free. It runs Kindle, Kobo, Apple Books, and every other reading app at the same time. And you already own it.
The Kindle has an e-ink screen that’s easier on the eyes in bright sunlight. That’s a real advantage if you read at the beach. But for reading on the couch, in bed, or on your commute? An old iPad does the job beautifully — especially if you use dark mode.
Quick Setup
- Install your preferred reading app (see below)
- Go to Settings → Display & Brightness → Auto-Lock → 5 minutes (not “Never” — you want it to sleep when you’re not reading)
- Turn on Night Shift (Settings → Display & Brightness → Night Shift) — reduces blue light in the evening
- Set Dark Mode if available (Settings → Display & Brightness → Appearance → Dark)
- Turn off notifications for everything except maybe your messaging app
You’re done. Start reading.
The Best Reading Apps
Kindle App (Free)
Even without a Kindle device, the Kindle app gives you access to Amazon’s entire ebook store. Your purchases sync across devices — start reading on the iPad, continue on your phone.
The reading experience on iPad is excellent: adjustable fonts, warm background color options, X-Ray (for character references in novels), and offline reading.
Tip: Amazon regularly has Kindle Daily Deals — books for $1-3. Set up a Kindle alert for genres you like and stock up.
Apple Books (Free, iPad only)
Already installed on your iPad. Clean interface, good typography, and access to the Apple Books store. If you prefer not to use Amazon, this is the easiest alternative.
Bonus: Apple Books handles PDFs well. Drop your PDF textbooks, manuals, or documents into it for a good reading experience.
Libby / OverDrive (Free)
This is the one most people don’t know about. Libby connects to your local public library and lets you borrow ebooks and audiobooks for free. All you need is a library card.
- Install Libby (by OverDrive)
- Find your local library
- Sign in with your library card number
- Browse and borrow — books download directly to the app
- They auto-return after the lending period (usually 21 days)
This is genuinely free. Not “free trial” free — actually free, because it’s your library. The selection is broader than you’d expect. Most libraries carry bestsellers, popular series, and a deep catalog.
Audiobooks too: Libby also lends audiobooks. Your old iPad doubles as an audiobook player while you cook or drive.
Kobo (Free app + Kobo store)
If you want an alternative to Amazon’s ecosystem, Kobo is the best option. Good reading app, wide selection, and ePub support (Kindle uses its own format).
Google Play Books (Free)
Works on both iPad and Android. Syncs with your Google account. The reading interface is clean and the store is competitive with Amazon on pricing.
Making It Comfortable for Reading
Eye Strain Reduction
Reading on a backlit screen for hours can tire your eyes. A few settings help:
- Dark Mode: White text on a dark background reduces the total light output. Most reading apps have their own dark/sepia modes — use them.
- Night Shift: Schedule it to start an hour before bedtime. The warm orange tint reduces blue light.
- Reduce brightness: You don’t need full brightness for reading. Drop it to 30-40% indoors.
- 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet (6 m) away for 20 seconds. This isn’t an iPad tip — it’s just good advice for any reading.
Font and Layout
Every reading app lets you adjust:
- Font size: Bigger than you think you need. Seriously.
- Font family: Serif fonts (like Georgia) are traditionally considered easier for long reading. But use whatever feels comfortable.
- Line spacing: A little extra space between lines reduces the “wall of text” feeling.
- Margins: Wider margins mean fewer words per line, which some people find easier to read.
The Case Matters
A reading-friendly iPad case makes a big difference:
- A case with a stand — prop the iPad at a comfortable angle instead of holding it. Your arms will thank you after 30 minutes.
- A slim, lightweight case — if you’re holding it like a book, you don’t want 2 lbs (0.9 kg) of armor. A thin TPU case protects from drops without the bulk.
Old iPad as Audiobook Player
If your eyes need a break (or you want to read while doing dishes), your old iPad is a solid audiobook player:
- Libby — free audiobooks from your library
- Audible — Amazon’s audiobook service ($15/month for 1 credit)
- Apple Books — audiobook store with a decent selection
- Spotify — some audiobooks are now available on Spotify
Connect Bluetooth headphones or a Bluetooth speaker and leave the iPad in the kitchen or workshop. The old tablet’s aging processor handles audio playback just fine.
Old iPad vs. Kindle: Honest Comparison
| Feature | Old iPad | Kindle Paperwhite |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 7.9-10.2″ depending on model | 6.8″ |
| Screen type | LCD (backlit, color) | E-ink (reflective, B&W) |
| Reading in sunlight | Harder (screen glare) | Great (reads like paper) |
| Reading in dark | Great (backlit) | Good (front-lit) |
| Battery life (reading) | 6-10 hours | Weeks |
| App ecosystem | Kindle + Apple Books + Libby + more | Kindle store only |
| Weight | 300-490g | 205g |
| Cost | $0 (already own it) | $140-190 |
| Color content | Yes (comics, cookbooks, magazines) | No (grayscale) |
If you read mostly text novels and want the lightest, longest-lasting reader, a Kindle is better. For everything else — audiobooks, PDFs, comics, magazines, library lending — your old iPad does it all for free.
Quick Checklist
- Install Kindle, Apple Books, and/or Libby
- Get a library card (if you don’t have one — it’s free and takes 5 minutes)
- Set up Libby with your library
- Turn on Night Shift and Dark Mode
- Adjust font size and background color in your reading app
- Get a case with a stand (or a thin case for holding)
- Download a few books for offline reading
- Read
Your old iPad just replaced a $140 Kindle and gave you free library access. Hard to beat that.
