Spending days outside reading can be fun, but if your preferred method of reading is an e-reader, glare can often make your tablet’s screen virtually unreadable. Luckily, for beach days or summer afternoons outdoors, the best tablets for reading in direct sunlight have anti-glare screens with easy-to-read e-ink text, so you can read what’s in front of you without any eye strain.
What To Look For In A Tablet For Outdoor Reading
As you continue your search, you’ll likely encounter Amazon’s Kindle brand, which includes a number of e-readers outfitted with e-ink text, as well as a few extra features great for outdoor reading, like library compatibility and a waterproof design. While the Kindle Paperwhite is a standout tablet for reading that is truly the best investment for reading outside, there are other variations still worth your time, including the classic Kindle and a kid-friendly Kindle, both at a slightly more affordable price. There’s also a great Kindle alternative on this list, which has an integrated Overdrive app, so it’s well-suited for dedicated library readers.
While the tablet field is wide and includes a lot more than just e-readers, because many popular tablets like iPads and even the Kindle Fire are backlit, they tend to be a bit harder (or near impossible) to read in direct sunlight. For that reason, there aren’t any on this list.
Still aren’t sure which e-reader is best for sunlight? Here are a few excellent options to help you get started.
Shop The Best Anti-Glare Tablets
In a hurry? Here are the top picks for tablets that you can still see when you’re outside in bright sunlight.
- The Best Overall, All Things Considered: Kindle Paperwhite
- Another Kindle That’s More Budget-Friendly: Kindle (Original)
- The Best Kindle Alternative & The Best For Library Readers: Kobo Clara HD
- The Best For Young Readers: Kindle Kids Edition
1. The Best Overall, All Things Considered
Kindle Paperwhite
Amazon
The newest version of the Kindle, the Kindle Paperwhite (8 GB) is super lightweight and comes with e-ink text, a weeks-long battery life, and an IPX8-rated waterproof design. The screen also gets 10-times brighter and now has an adjustable warm light. In other words? The perfect tablet for reading outdoors.
The larger 6.8-inch glare-free screen is easy to read, even in direct sunlight, and it can easily sync with library apps on your other devices like Libby or Overdrive so you can read library books. And, since the screen light can be adjusted, this e-reader transitions from bright outdoors to indoors to nighttime with ease. It also allows you to listen to audiobooks on the e-reader using Audible (subscription not included). Linked here is the ad-supported version, but you can also get it without lockscreen ads for slightly more money.
Positive Amazon review: “My husband bought this for me for Mother’s Day and it’s a game changer! The battery life is awesome I feel like I never have to charge it. I can take it outside by the pool and read and it looks just like a paper back book, no sun glare or anything. I take it everywhere with me. I cannot go back to reading on my phone!”
2. Also Great: Another Kindle That’s More Budget-Friendly
With a $90 price tag, this basic Kindle is a great choice for reading outdoors and has some (but not all) of the same features you’ll find in the Paperwhite above. For one, it has a 6-inch glare-free screen and an e-ink display that’s visible in direct sunlight. It also can sync with your library apps on other devices in order to send library books to your Kindle. (No Kindle model allows you to download library apps directly on the device.) You can easily adjust the brightness on the screen when you move from outside to inside as well. You’ll also have a sizeable 8 gigabytes to work with. And, it boasts a similar battery life to the Paperwhite above, and is compatible with Audible so you can listen to audiobooks from the device.
The big sacrifice with this device is that it lacks a waterproof design. For those readers who plan on reading at the beach or poolside, this is definitely a drawback and makes you a bit more vulnerable to water damage, which isn’t covered by Kindle’s basic one-year warranty. (However, there’s a two-year accident protection plan that does cover water damage for just $15 more.)
Positive Amazon review: “I purchased this to travel because it's lightweight, has long battery life and can be viewed in the sun. I didn't think I'd use this at home, but I actually like it better than reading novels on my iPad. I just changed from 4 to 5 stars because someone helped me connect my Apple earbuds via the Bluetooth setting.”
3. The Best Kindle Alternative & The Best For Library Readers
- Also available on Walmart, $120
If you’d prefer something besides a Kindle, and don’t buy a lot of books through Amazon or Audible, this Kobo e-reader is a great alternative. It has a 6-inch, glare-free e-ink screen that’s easy to read in bright light, and is even outfitted with Comfort Light Pro technology, which gradually reduces the amount of blue light the e-reader gives off at night. This e-reader features 8 gigabytes of storage, and has built-in Overdrive integration that makes for the easiest experience for library readers (provided your library uses Overdrive).
It features a similar layout to the Kindle, but with the added capability of buying books from different platforms, including Kobo’s wide eBook store. This lacks the waterproof capabilities of the Paperwhite, and you won’t be able to listen to audiobooks on this device. That said, there are plenty of reasons to love this e-reader, and it’s great for reading in direct sunlight.
Positive Amazon review: “I was looking for an e-reader that I could see outdoors and one that I could load my google play books. This was the only one that fit those requirements. I love being outdoors but I'm not one to just sit out in the sun. With my Kobo I can read and enjoy the outdoors. I also have most of my books on Google Play and after a rough start, I'm not very technical, I was able to download everything easily. I was amazed at how lightweight and comfortable it was to hold.”
4. The Best For Young Readers
- Also available on QVC, $120
For younger readers, you can’t beat the Kindle Kids edition. It has all of the best features of the adult-friendly Kindle, including the 6-inch glare-free, e-ink screen that’s easy to see in the sun and a weeks-long battery life. And, while not waterproof, it even comes with a case that protects it from damage. This e-reader also comes with a year of Amazon Kids+, so your emerging reader can explore thousands of new books for free, and you’re covered by an upgraded two-year warranty when you purchase this device (though some reports say this covers water damage, others don’t — so best to avoid water with this e-reader).
Unlike the Amazon Fire Kids tablet, this lacks the app features and video capabilities that might distract from reading, which may be a pro if you’re looking to limit certain types of screen time, or a con if you’d rather have an all-in-one entertainment device for your child. This option also has 8 gigabytes of storage, comes in four different colors, and also has built-in parental controls.
Positive Amazon review: “My 8 year old bought this for herself with money she saved. She could work the touch screen immediately out of the box, and within minutes understood how to access and download books. As you enter a parental code in it, the child cannot accidentally order books that cost money. [...] The screen has a back light that allows you to read even in the dark, but the screen is glare free in bright sunlight. Frankly, even if I were ordering a new kindle reader for myself as a 43 year old, I would get this one over the same adult version.”
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FAQs
Which Kindle can you read in sunlight? ›
- Amazon Kindle Paperwhite: waterproof. ...
- Kindle Paperwhite: a screen you can read in bright sunlight. ...
- Kindle Paperwhite - reading it in the tub is permissible. ...
- Kindle Paperwhite with flush front design. ...
- Kindle Paperwhite, read it anywhere.
LCD screens and sunlight don't mix
The backlit images on the LCD screen cannot compete with the brightness of even indirect sunlight, causing washed out images that are difficult to see. Trying to read under these conditions puts a lot of strain on your eyes, and may cause headaches.
Not really. Most digital tablets or computers screens are NOT designed to use in direct sunlight. If you attempt to use any tablet in direct sunlight, the glass tablet screen will absorb the heat from the sun, overheating the iPad and automatically shutting the iPad down to prevent thermal overheating damage.
Which Kindle reader is easiest on the eyes? ›The Kindle Paperwhite Kids is light and small, with a side-lit screen that allows you to read in dim lighting and adjustable color temperature that may be easier on your eyes.
Can you read a basic Kindle in the sunlight? ›The basic e-ink kindles are fine to read in sunlight though since they work from reflected light.
How can I see my tablet screen in bright sunlight? ›- Buy a screen protector. You can try anti-glare screen protectors which make seeing the screen a lot easier. ...
- Style it out. If you don't already own a pair invest in some polarised sunglasses. ...
- Keep cool. ...
- Kindle Paperwhite. ...
- Smart Writing Set. ...
- Privacy screen protector.
The only way to protect your eyes is to block the blue light reflected from your electronic device's screen. Having an anti-glare protector on the screen will nip the evil from the bud, and to help you out we've compiled a list of the leading anti-glare screen protectors of 2023!
How do I make my screen more visible in the sun? ›Adjust and Increase Brightness Settings
By increasing the monitor's brightness, you'll be able to see the screen more clearly, especially when working under direct sunlight. There is one catch, though! Make sure to check the computer battery often, as increased brightness uses more power and rapidly drains the battery.
- Chewable tablets dissolve and are absorbed rapidly in the stomach, offering a quick onset of action. ...
- Orally disintegrating tablets dissolve on the tongue. ...
- Sublingual tablets go under the tongue. ...
- Effervescent tablets are dissolved in liquid and then drunk.
- Oppo Pad Air.
- Acer One 10.
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A8.
- Nokia Tab T20.
- Motorola Tab G70.
Is Apple Watch easy to read in the sun? ›
Even in direct sunlight, you can still read the Series 7's display.
How do I reduce the glare on my iPad outside? ›- Open the iPad's SETTINGS APP.
- Go to DISPLAY & BRIGHTNESS.
- Adjust the brightness slider to FULL BRIGHT (Right Side).
- Adjust the brightness slider to FULL BRIGHT.
- Open ForeFlight and go to MORE > SETTINGS.
- Ensure the brightness slider at the top is set to FULL BRIGHT (to the right).
- Open settings.
- Click on general.
- Accessibility.
- Turn on "White on Black"
- Now it's on. Give it a second......
- You see the change.
- Also works for iPad 1 & iPad 2 & iPod touch.
- An iPhone with white on black turned in.
Kindle PaperWhite
At night, adjust the glow so it's brighter - which means you don't need a lamp or clip on light to use it. An easy to navigate Touchscreen and a glare free screen makes this black and white electronic book reader a favorite for those with macular degeneration.
Eyestrain and Lighting
Because iPads use a backlit screen, they can cause eyestrain when used for long periods, just like you encounter with computer monitors. With a Kindle, you are no more likely to experience discomfort than you when reading a regular book.
The answer is …… There really isn't that much difference in terms of eyesight health! The new screens that are being used on E-readers are so improved from earlier versions that our eyes can't detect their movements. So the real issue is the same as reading a paper book.
Can you use Amazon Fire tablet in the sun? ›It transitions extremely well from bright sunlight to indoor light to dark as well. This is a very great product in that way! Hope this helps!
Can you read a Kindle Paperwhite with polarized sunglasses? ›A: Absolutely. That's the reason I stay with Kindle - for outside reading. This one replaced my earlier second generation version, and is lighter and easier to use overall.
Can Kindle Paperwhite get too hot? ›Excessive usage and overheating may cause problems to your Kindle. To fix this, simply turn your device off and let it sit for up to an hour in a cool area away from excessive heat.
Which display is better in sunlight? ›A good sunlight readable display is typically considered to be an LCD with 1000 nits or greater screen brightness with a contrast ratio greater than 5 to 1. In outdoor environments under the shade, such a display can provide an excellent image quality.
What makes a display sunlight readable? ›
LCD brightness of 800 Nits or higher is generally considered sunlight readable, but most sunlight readable displays are 1000 nits. Increasing the brightness of the LCD panel backlight is the most common method of making an LCD panel sunlight readable.
Do anti-glare screen protectors work in sunlight? ›Anti-glare reduces the screen's brightness primarily because it reduces glare. When phones and tablets are used outdoors, their brightness is low, which makes them less visible under sunlight. Televisions don't need anti-glare displays since they are not used outdoors.
How do I get rid of sun blur? ›- Change Your Camera Position. ...
- Shade Your Lens. ...
- Use a Polarizing Filter. ...
- Set Your Exposure For the Highlights. ...
- 3 Ways to Remove Glare in Photoshop and Lightroom.
Consider turning off some or all of the overhead lights. If you need light for writing or reading, use an adjustable desk lamp. Close blinds or shades, and avoid placing your monitor directly in front of a window or white wall. Place an anti-glare cover over the screen.
Is there window screen that blocks the sun? ›Phifer Super Solar screen offers the ultimate in shading and insect protection. This screen blocks up to 90% of the sun's heat and glare. Super Solar screen protects interior surfaces from fading and saves on energy cost.
What are examples of tablets? ›Today, the most common type of tablet is the slate style, like Apple's iPad, Microsoft's Surface or Amazon's Kindle Fire. External keyboards are available for most slate-style tablets, and some keyboards also function as docking stations for the devices. Other styles of tablets include: Convertible tablets.
How many types of tablet are there? ›Hence, tablets can be broadly classified as compressed tablets and moulded tablets. Compressed tablets can be further classified as directly compressible tablets, chewable tablets and tablet triturates etc.
What are four features of a tablet? ›- Offer touch screens as primary interface... users gesture to control actions (slide, pinch, etc.)
- Typically, also accept pen/stylus input... aided by improved handwriting recognition software.
- Sometimes include keyboards (attached or detachable) ... for laptop-like typing as needed.
- ₹ 16,950. ₹16,950 ❯ Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 2020 LTE. ...
- ₹ 85,900. Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2020) Apple A12Z Bionic Processor. ...
- ₹ 10,899. ₹10,899 ❯ Lenovo Tab M8 FHD. ...
- ₹ 49,999. 9.7. Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Plus. ...
- ₹ 49,900. ₹46,990 ❯ ...
- ₹ 58,999. Samsung Galaxy Tab S7. ...
- ₹ 21,990. Xiaomi Mi Pad 4. ...
- ₹ 28,999. ₹28,999 ❯
After preschool, very limited use is more appropriate. No your child does not need a smartphone or tablet. If any tablet or smartphone is bought it should be a shared use device that the parents retain the majority of the control of.
Which is the world's cheapest tablet? ›
Aakash tablet: World's cheapest tablet goes on sale for Rs 2500 online. Datawind, the maker of world's cheapest tablet has put up for sale about 30,000 tablets online at a price of Rs 2500 each, with a delivery p...
Which tablet is best 2022? ›Tablets to buy in 2022 | Features |
---|---|
2022 Apple iPad Air with Apple M1 Chip (10.9-inch/27.69 cm, Wi-Fi, 64GB) | With fingerprint ID |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra 37.08 cm (14.6 inch) | Enormous display |
Lenovo Tab M10 FHD Plus Tablet | Dynamic visuals |
A capacity of 32 or 64GB is enough for basic use. For most families, these storage capacities will be sufficient. You can stream series, play simple games, and store some photos. If you want more of your tablet, choose a higher storage capacity.
How can I read my phone in the sun? ›The brighter you can make your screen, the better you'll be able to see it in sunlight. Both iOS and Android have a "quick settings" feature to enable it - by swiping up from the bottom on iPhone or swiping down from the top on Android - and you can then slide the brightness bar all the way to the right.
How can I make my Apple Watch easier to read? ›- On/Off Labels. Turn on button labels to see an additional position indicator. ...
- Grayscale.
- Reduce transparency. Reducing transparency increases legibility with some backgrounds.
- Bold text.
However, it is currently legal to use hands-free phones and sat-navs when you're driving - both functions that the Apple Watch is capable of.
How do I make my iPad screen easier on eyes? ›- Go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Night Shift.
- Turn on Scheduled.
By Using A Shield & Controlling The Angle - The reason for the glare in outdoor luminaires (street lights, area lights) is usually their very wide beam angles, as they tend to emit light above 75° angle. Hence, the easiest way to manage the glare is by adding a casing around the lenses.
Can you read an iPad in bright sunlight? ›Not really. Most digital tablets or computers screens are NOT designed to use in direct sunlight. If you attempt to use any tablet in direct sunlight, the glass tablet screen will absorb the heat from the sun, overheating the iPad and automatically shutting the iPad down to prevent thermal overheating damage.
How do I make my phone brighter in the sun? ›📲 On Android: Settings > Display > Tap the slider next to Adaptive brightness and switch it to the off position. Then, adjust the brightness bar until you've reached your desired level of brightness. Assuming your display isn't damaged, the most common culprit for a consistently darkened screen is power-saving mode.
Why is it hard to see my phone in sunlight? ›
However, mobile device displays also contain polarising filters and it's the alignment of display and glasses that causes the problem. At a particular orientation, the visual part of the display can be extinguished, leaving you looking at a black surface, as all the light is filtered out.
Can you read outside with a Kindle Paperwhite? ›Amazon's Kindle is the glare-free solution. After testing it out for a few weeks in various natural light conditions, I think the light, LED-lit Kindle Paperwhite is the best e-reader for outdoor reading.
Is Kindle Paperwhite glare-free? ›Thanks to the glare-free display on this e-reader, you'll be able to read your favorite novels without getting a headache. The unit features a handy adjustable light, so you can make the screen brighter in the evenings. It charges wirelessly and can be used for up to 10 weeks in between charges.
Can I read my Kindle on the beach? ›The Kindle uses a front light, which is designed for easier reading. This means your eyes aren't staring into a light while you're reading, and you don't have glare problems. You can also read in bright sunlight without any issues. An iPad is backlit, which means it's subject to glare.
How can I see my tablet screen outside? ›- Buy a screen protector. You can try anti-glare screen protectors which make seeing the screen a lot easier. ...
- Style it out. If you don't already own a pair invest in some polarised sunglasses. ...
- Keep cool. ...
- Kindle Paperwhite. ...
- Smart Writing Set. ...
- Privacy screen protector.
The base Kindle model has a 6-inch, 300-ppi screen with four LEDs. The Kindle Paperwhite upgrades that to a larger, front-flush 6.8-inch, 300-ppi screen with 17 LEDs. The color of front lights on the Paperwhite can also shift from white to amber for more comfortable nighttime reading.
Is Kindle Paperwhite better for your eyes? ›There really isn't that much difference in terms of eyesight health! The new screens that are being used on E-readers are so improved from earlier versions that our eyes can't detect their movements. So the real issue is the same as reading a paper book.
Does Paperwhite affect sleep? ›All recently released Kindle e-readers come with a built-in front light, which you can activate when reading at night or in the dark. If you like to read at bedtime, the blue light emitted by the white front light may disrupt your sleep or lead to eye strain.
Can I take my Paperwhite in the shower? ›So yes, the Kindle Paperwhite is water-resistant and can withstand water splash or a short immersion in fresh water. However, you should avoid exposing the device to saltwater and other corrosive liquids.
Is Kindle Paperwhite screen glass or plastic? ›The Paperwhite is all glass on the front, with big bezels around the 6-inch screen, while the Kindle has a 6-inch screen that's surrounded by a plastic frame.
Which eReader is best for beach? ›
The Best eReaders for the Beach
If you like to read in the bath, by the pool, or on the beach, you might want to consider buying a waterproof ebook reader. You have a few options. The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite and the Kobo Libra 2 are both rated to withstand submersion in water to some degree.
Yes, you can adjust the Fire HD 8 screen to make it better for outside reading. The Kindle devices (instead of Fire Tablets) are more suited for outside reading, but the tablet can be used.
Can I listen to Kindle books in my car? ›The newly updated apps let you switch between reading and listening with the tap of an icon. That's pretty cool. You can be listening to a book in the car, then switch to the text when you get home and want to keep reading.
When should you not use polarized sunglasses? ›When Do Polarized Lenses Work Best? Polarized lenses may not be the ideal choice in every situation. For instance, devices that use LCD displays emit polarized light. If your car uses LCD displays for basic controls, you should avoid polarized sunglasses while you drive.
Can you read your phone with polarized lenses? ›Polarized sunglasses only allow light to pass through in a single direction, and your phone screen only emits light in a single direction. Your sunglasses and phone screen end up counteracting each other by working in opposite directions. As a result, you end up seeing a dark or black screen.
Do all Kindles have blue shade? ›Amazon didn't use to incorporate blue light filters in their Kindle devices, but they started doing so once concerns about blue light exposure started to rise. Blue Shade is a feature added to Kindle devices in 2015 that limits the amount of blue light from the screen.