While there are some fantastic options out there for dedicated Kindle eReaders (opens in new tab), the versatility (larger screens) of Apple’s tablet range makes them an attractive proposition - especially if you already own one. Thankfully, it’s easier than ever to get started, too. We’ll show you how. Don’t forget that you can also use the iPad for audiobooks too, and we have a list of the best audiobook services (opens in new tab) to help you discover more reading.
Using the iPad as an eReader for books
As you’d imagine with the app store, there are plenty of options to find your next page-turner on the iPad - and many will also work on your phone, too, if you can deal with the smaller screen size. The first option, iBooks (opens in new tab), is as the name suggests Apple’s own reader. It offers multiple font sizes, the option to add notations (ideal for educational purposes), and it works with your iCloud account to sync your position across all devices including Mac and iPhone - because bookmarks are so last century. Google Play Books (opens in new tab) is much the same deal, which is ideal for anyone that’s bought a load of books on Google’s store before jumping ship to Apple. Finally, there’s Scribd (opens in new tab), which prides itself on being an ‘all you can read’ buffet of literary proportions. There are books, magazines, newspapers and more (including audio books), and if you’re able to get your $10 a month out of it then it could be just the app for you.
Using the iPad as an eReader for magazines
If you’re less inclined to read a traditional book but often find yourself picking up a magazine here and there, there are some great options on offer on the App Store. Aside from the aforementioned Scribd, Readly (opens in new tab) offers over 2000 magazines for a $9.99 monthly fee, with new releases and back catalog options available. They’re optimized for mobile, but perhaps its biggest boon is the including of Family Sharing, meaning you can share your subscription across 5 different users. If you thought to yourself “well, 2000 magazines doesn’t sound like that much”, then perhaps Issuu (opens in new tab) is more your speed. Issuu offers over thirty million publications across all different topics and in more than thirty languages, and will recommend new pages for you based on what it’s seen you read. It’s pricey, though, with membership options beginning at a free tier and rising to a three-user plan at $40 per month.
Using the iPad as an eReader for comics
Whether it’s the latest goings-on with superheroes or a classic trade paperback, digital comics are all the rage, making previously tough to find battles and origin stories much more accessible to all. If you’re focused on the Avengers, Spider-Man, and the Guardians of the Galaxy, then the Marvel Unlimited (opens in new tab) app could be for you. With a $9.99 monthly fee, you get access to 20,000 comics, including iconic stories and characters. Want more? You can use any of the best smartphones (opens in new tab) as eReaders, and you can access most digital reading content on any of the best home computers (opens in new tab) too.
An expert on all things Apple ever since he got a second-hand iMac, Lloyd can regularly be found testing software on iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Mac — when he’s not testing the platforms themselves, that is. He’s also Dexerto.com’s Games Editor, and a podcaster.
When he’s not writing, you can probably find him running after his son, playing Destiny 2, or at the gym.
