Posted by Susan Myers 🥉
2 months ago

Which e-reader is best for someone with poor eyesight and does it have adjustable font sizes

At my age, 64 reading has become a bit of a challenge with my eyesight not being what it used to be. I love books, but the small print in paperbacks strains my eyes after a while. My granddaughter suggested getting an e-reader from Amazon to make things easier. I've tried squinting and using reading glasses, but they slip off, and it's uncomfortable. I need something with big font options and maybe a backlight that isn't too harsh. Budget-wise, I don't want to spend more than $150, as I'm on a fixed income. Last time I tried one at the store, the screen was too glarey in sunlight, and I like reading on my porch. Has anyone my age found a good e-reader that helps with vision issues? I'd appreciate any recommendations.

69

14 Answers

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Gabriella Young avatar
2 months ago
Top Answer

Kindle Paperwhite fits your needs for large, easy-to-read text. The 7 inch glare-free E Ink screen stays clear on a sunny porch, and the adjustable warm front light keeps brightness gentle at night. Compared with 6 inch models, the larger screen lets you use bigger text with fewer page turns.

The lowest price version shows lock-screen ads and removing them can push it over 150, but the ad-supported model usually stays within budget. Overall it offers strong readability and lighting control for aging eyes.

Lilia Morgan avatar
Lilia Morgan 71 rep
2 months ago

I'm in my early seventies and struggled the same way until I switched to a mid sized e-reader with a matte e-paper screen and a warm front light... The key for me was a 7 inch screen, 300 ppi resolution and and the ability to crank the font way up and add weight to it and... with those settings I can sit on the porch in full sun without glare and read at night with the warmth turned up so the light feels gentle.

If you keep the budget under 150,, look for a recent device that offers adjustable warmth, bold font options, and high resolution e-paper. Set brightness to around 30 to 40 during the day, warmth around halfway after sunset, and choose a heavy serif font with wider line spacing. Works great.

I’ll second this and add that a Kindle Paperwhite (the 6.8" one) hits all those boxes - 300 ppi warm front light, and truly glare‑free outdoors - and it often drops under $150 on sale or as a certified refurb. For easier reading, bump the font weight with the boldness slider, widen line spacing and margins, enable Dark Mode at night, and set Page Refresh to every page so large text stays crisp. If you’re open beyond Amazon, the Kobo Clara 2E offers similar features and generous font sizing in the same price range.

To add to that - Good call on 300 ppi and a warm front light; I’d add turning on dark mode at night and bumping the font weight which can make text pop without cranking the size as high. If the porch still gives you reflections, a matte screen protector helps (it does soften text slightly), and enabling page refresh every page keeps letters crisp at larger fonts. To hit your budget and look for certified refurbished mid-size models - same features, easier on the wallet.

Chase Thompson avatar
2 months ago

Dealing with poor eyesight myself, honestly I've tried a few e-readers and the key is finding one with flexible font options, you can make the text as large as you like, which reduces eye strain a ton. The built-in light can be set to a comfortable level, not too bright or cold.

For sunlight reading, look for those with anti-glare tech, it really helps on the porch without washing out. Budget-wise, there are solid choices under 150 that tick all these boxes. I adjusted mine and never looked back. Simple as that.

Amelia Scott avatar
Amelia Scott 74 rep
2 months ago

Go for a 7 inch 300 ppi e‑paper reader with an adjustable warm front light and a matte screen so you can use large bold text that stays sharp indoors and on a sunny porch. Watch for sales or refurb to stay under 150, then set a heavy font with a bit more spacing and margins and try dark mode, and turn on full page refresh if ghosting appears.

Jeremy Clark avatar
Jeremy Clark 32 rep
2 months ago

Had cataract surgery last year and moved to an e-paper reader so I could control everything. What helped most was choosing something with a larger screen than the old 6 inch size, then setting a heavy font and wide line spacing so letters stand out. I also turn the warmth up in the evening and sometimes use inverted colors to reduce eye fatigue.

If you use your porch a lot, aim for a device that advertises a glare free matte display and avoid anything with a shiny glass surface. No glare. That feature set is available under your budget new, and even cheaper refurbished.

Great advice and I’d add two tweaks that help: set page refresh to every page so contrast stays crisp, and flip to landscape with wide margins when you want truly jumbo text. On the porch, turn the front light way down or off for maximum contrast; save warm light or dark mode for evening. For your budget, a 6.8 inch Kindle Paperwhite new or a refurbished Kobo Libra 2 will cover all those features and and the Libra’s page buttons can be easier on the hands than tapping.

Zara Hassan avatar
Zara Hassan 🥉 129 rep
2 months ago

Pick a simple 6 to 7 inch e‑paper reader with warm front lighting that lets you push font size big and add bold, and use dark mode for gentler nights and glare free porch reading. If you can, try it in person to confirm it is e‑paper not a tablet and that the warmed, dimmed light feels comfortable while staying within budget.

Anthony Green avatar
2 months ago

I've been using an e-reader for a couple years now since my eyes started giving me trouble and and let me tell you, the ability to crank up the font size has been a game changer. No more squinting at tiny print. And that backlight? You can tweak it so it's not blasting your eyes, especially nice in low light.

Out on the porch, the screen doesn't glare like some tablets do, which is perfect for sunny days. I keep mine under 150 bucks, and it's held up well. Works great for folks our age.

Just play around with the settings when you get one, and you'll find what suits your vision best.

Stephanie Nelson avatar
Stephanie Nelson 🥉 139 rep
2 months ago

Oh man, at 68, I actually feel your pain with the eyesight thing, reading used to tire me out quick but switching to an e-reader fixed that right up. The font sizes go way up, like huge if you want, and it's all customizable so you don't strain at all.

The light adjusts to be warm and soft, not harsh at all, and no glare issues outside, even in bright sun on the deck. I snagged one on sale for under 150, and it's been worth every penny. Yeah, sometimes I fumble with the tech but once set, smooth sailing.

Kindle Paperwhite is probably your sweet spot: glare‑free e‑ink for porch reading adjustable warm front light, and font sizes that get large, often under $150 on sale. For comfort and bump up the font weight (bold), widen line spacing and margins, and try dark mode at night. If you’re sensitive to reflections, a cheap matte screen protector can help even more.

Avery Garcia avatar
Avery Garcia 96 rep
2 months ago

My mom is in her 70s and she swears by her e-reader for dealing with her vision problems. bumps the text size up as needed and and it makes a world of difference without needing those pesky glasses all the time.

The backlight is adjustable and gentle and perfect for evening reading without eye fatigue. And for outdoor use, the matte screen cuts down on reflections, so porch time is enjoyable. We found options well within your budget. She's thrilled.

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