Best eReaders for Seniors in Australia: Simple Buying Guide
An eReader is a light, simple device that holds thousands of books, with text you can make as large as you like. For anyone who loves reading but finds heavy books or small print hard going, it can be a real pleasure. The screen is glare-free and easy on the eyes, even in bright light.
This guide explains the two main brands available in Australia, what matters most for older readers, and how to borrow library books for free. If you are choosing a new television too, our guide to the best smart TVs for seniors is a good place to start.
Quick answer
The two main choices are the Amazon Kindle and the Kobo. Both are excellent and let you enlarge the text. Choose a Kobo if you want to borrow free books from your local Australian library, as it works smoothly with the library app. Choose a Kindle for the largest bookstore. A model with physical page buttons suits hands that find tapping fiddly.
How the main options compare
Both brands are easy to use. The differences come down to where you get your books and how the device feels in the hand. This table is a quick guide.
| If you mainly want | A good fit to look at |
|---|---|
| To borrow free books from your local library | A Kobo, which works easily with library apps |
| The biggest, simplest bookstore | An Amazon Kindle |
| Page buttons instead of tapping | A model with physical buttons, like the Kobo Libra |
| To read in the bath or by the pool | A waterproof model from either brand |
What matters most
Adjustable text and a lit screen
Every modern eReader lets you make the text larger and change the font, which is a real benefit for tired eyes. A built-in light lets you read in the evening without a lamp, and is gentle rather than harsh.
Comfortable to hold
An eReader is lighter than most books, which helps if holding a hardback is tiring. Some models have physical buttons to turn the page, which can be easier than tapping the screen.
Borrowing from the library
This is a wonderful feature. With a free library membership, you can borrow ebooks from your local Australian library and read them on the device, at no cost. Kobo makes this especially easy. Ask your library which app they use.
The two main brands
Kobo
Kobo is the one to look at if you want to borrow free library books, and it has the advantage of being sold in Australian stores. The compact Kobo Clara is the everyday model, while the Kobo Libra adds physical page-turn buttons that suit fiddly hands, and you can see both at Officeworks, JB Hi-Fi and PBTech. For Australia readers, and especially library lovers, it is the best all-rounder.
Amazon Kindle
The Kindle suits someone who wants the largest bookstore and the simplest way to buy a new book in seconds. The Kindle Paperwhite is the popular, well-rounded choice. Borrowing from an Australian library is possible on a Kindle but less direct than on a Kobo, so it is the better pick for someone who mostly buys their books and wants the biggest selection.
Buying checklist
- Can you make the text large enough to read comfortably?
- Does it have a built-in light for evening reading?
- Do you want physical page buttons, or is tapping fine?
- Will you borrow library books? If so, a Kobo is easiest.
Before you finish
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Our overall pick
For most older Australia readers, a Kobo is the best starting point, thanks to easy library borrowing and local availability. A Kindle is excellent if you mostly buy books. Either way, choose a model with a built-in light, and consider one with page-turn buttons.
Final recommendation
Start with a Kobo with a built-in light, sold at Officeworks, JB Hi-Fi or PBTech, especially if you would like to borrow free library books. Choose a model with page buttons, like the Kobo Libra, if tapping is fiddly. A Kindle Paperwhite is a fine alternative for someone who mostly buys their books.
Next steps
If you are weighing up an eReader against a tablet, which can also read books, see our guide to the best tablets for seniors. An eReader is lighter and better for long reading, while a tablet does much more.
FAQ: eReaders for seniors
Is an eReader hard to use?
No. It is far simpler than a tablet or phone, as it is made for one thing: reading. You tap or press to turn the page, and that is most of it.
Can I really borrow library books for free?
Yes. With a free Australian library membership, you can borrow ebooks and read them on the device at no cost. A Kobo makes this especially easy.
Is it better than reading on a tablet?
For long reading, yes. The glare-free screen is gentle on the eyes and works in bright sun, and the device is lighter. A tablet does more, but is less restful to read on.
Do I need Wi-Fi?
Only to download books. Once books are on the device, you can read them anywhere without an internet connection.
How big can the text be?
Very large. You can choose from many sizes and fonts, which makes an eReader a real help for anyone who finds normal print difficult.
