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Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight Review | 68 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£120
  • Avg. price in US: ~$150
  • Screen size: 6 inches
  • Battery life: 15 hours
  • Supported bookstore ecosystem: Barnes Noble Ecosystem

Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight review. Compare 68 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among ereaders and if it is worth buying.

5.1

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the eReader's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best eReaders on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

4.6

Technical Score

10.0%

9.0

User score

Good
4.6

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the eReader's technical performance, covering key areas such as display quality, reading features, battery life, format support, ecosystem, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare eReaders based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

25.0%

6.1

Display

22.0%

4.7

Reading

18.0%

3.7

Battery

14.0%

3.4

Hardware

12.0%

4.5

Connectivity

9.0%

4.6

Design

Poor
9.0

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the eReader.

When it matters: When you want to know how an eReader feels in daily reading and how reliable it is for screen comfort, battery life, and library management according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

8.5

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(1)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(353)
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(315)

(Reviews last updated: Apr 2026)

Exceptional
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    barnes-noble-nook-glowlight

    Best prices in UK

    Best rankings

    ?

    Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
    All: ranking among all products in the database.

    Verdict

    The Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight 4 is a compact e-reader featuring a 6-inch E Ink Carta HD display with a sharp 300 PPI resolution and a glare-resistant, scratch-proof screen. Its primary characteristics include physical page-turn buttons on both sides of the bezel, a soft-touch finish for a comfortable grip, and 32GB of internal storage capable of holding thousands of ebooks. Notable pros include its highly portable, lightweight design (6 oz), the inclusion of a USB-C charging port, and an adjustable GlowLight with a 'Night Mode' that shifts color temperature from cool white to warm orange to reduce eye strain. However, common cons include a recessed screen that can collect dust, a lack of waterproofing compared to its competitors, and the absence of Bluetooth or audiobook support on this specific 6-inch model.

    Technical Specifications of eReader Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight

    Technical Score

    What it is: An assessment of the eReader's technical performance, covering key areas such as display quality, reading features, battery life, format support, ecosystem, and design.

    When it matters: When you want to compare eReaders based on technical performance and available features.

    Score components:

    25.0%

    6.1

    Display

    22.0%

    4.7

    Reading

    18.0%

    3.7

    Battery

    14.0%

    3.4

    Hardware

    12.0%

    4.5

    Connectivity

    9.0%

    4.6

    Design

    4.6
    Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight has a technical score of 4.64 points, which is lower than that of 92.6% of products in this category.
    User score

    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the eReader.

    When it matters: When you want to know how an eReader feels in daily reading and how reliable it is for screen comfort, battery life, and library management according to user feedback.

    Score components:

    70.0%

    8.5

    User reviews

    30.0%

    10

    Popularity

    User score:
    United Kingdom
    amazon
    4.0
    (1)
    United States
    Amazon_logo.png
    4.3
    (353)
    Amazon_logo.png
    4.2
    (315)

    (Reviews last updated: Apr 2026)

    9.0
    Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight has a user score of 8.95 points, which is higher than that of 77.9% of products in this category.
    Popularity
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the eReader.
    When it matters: When you prefer to choose an eReader reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
    10
    Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 70.5% of smartphones.
    Ratio quality/price

    What it is: An indicator that combines the eReader's overall rating with its cost.

    When it matters: When you are looking for an eReader with a good balance between reading comfort, features, and price.

    Score components:

    60.0%

    5.1

    Overall score

    40.0%

    9.9

    Price

    6.5
    Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.5 points, which is lower than 83.6% of smartphones.
    Brand name
    What it is: Identifies the company or ecosystem behind the device, which often shapes the store, software approach, and accessory support.
    When it matters: When you are choosing between Kindle, Kobo, Boox, PocketBook, or another ecosystem with different store access and software behavior.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Barnes
    Screen size
    What it is: The diagonal measurement of the reading panel, usually given in inches.
    When it matters: When you are deciding between a small travel reader and a larger page that works better for PDFs, comics, or textbooks.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=7.8

    6 inches
    Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight has a screen size of 6 inches which is smaller than 57.4% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 40.2% of eReaders.
    Screen resolution
    What it is: The total pixel grid shown on the panel, normally written as width by height.
    When it matters: When small fonts, diagrams, or dense page layouts need to stay readable without constant zooming.

    Importance: HIGH

    758x1024 px
    Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight uses a screen resolution of 758x1024 px, which is less sharp than that of 67.2% of eReaders and the same as that of 14.8% of eReaders.
    Pixel density
    What it is: The number of pixels packed into each inch of the display, expressed in ppi.
    When it matters: When you want text edges to look cleaner and serif fonts to resemble print more closely.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=300

    212 ppi
    Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight has a pixel density of 212 ppi which is lower than 59.8% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 12.3% of eReaders.
    E-paper display
    What it is: Uses an electrophoretic panel designed to mimic paper rather than a conventional backlit phone or tablet screen.
    When it matters: When you read for long stretches and want lower glare and less screen-like fatigue than on LCD or OLED devices.

    Importance: LOW

    yes
    Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight uses an e-paper display. 97.6% of eReaders have an e-paper display.
    Show more
    Supported file types
    What it is: Lists which ebook, document, image, or audio formats the reader can open without conversion.
    When it matters: When your library comes from mixed sources instead of one locked bookstore.

    Importance: HIGH

    2
    Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight supports 2 file types which is fewer than 97% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 3% of eReaders.
    EPUB, PDF, PNG, JPG/JPEG, GIF, BMP, PDB
    PDF reflow support
    What it is: Can rearrange PDF text into a more readable, screen-sized layout instead of forcing the original fixed page.
    When it matters: When you read A4 documents, articles, or manuals on a smaller eReader screen.

    Importance: HIGH

    no
    Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight does not offer PDF reflow. 55.4% of eReaders support PDF reflow.
    Annotation support
    What it is: Allows highlighting, handwritten notes, typed comments, or markup directly inside supported files.
    When it matters: When you study, review academic papers, or want your notes to stay attached to the exact passage.

    Importance: HIGH

    yes
    Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight offers annotation support. 100% of eReaders offer annotation support.
    Dictionary
    What it is: Provides built-in word lookup while you read.
    When it matters: When you read in another language or want quick definitions without leaving the page.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    yes
    Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight includes a built-in dictionary. 99.2% of eReaders include a built-in dictionary.
    Text-to-speech
    What it is: Converts on-screen text into spoken audio using a synthetic voice.
    When it matters: When you want to keep following a book while resting your eyes, walking, or multitasking.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    no
    Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight does not offer text-to-speech. 64.2% of eReaders include text-to-speech.
    Show more
    Battery life
    What it is: Estimates how long the device can keep running between charges under normal reading conditions.
    When it matters: When you travel, commute, or want to finish books for days without thinking about charging.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=30

    15 hours
    Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight offers 15 hours of battery life which is shorter than 77.5% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 6.3% of eReaders.
    Battery capacity
    What it is: The amount of energy the battery can store, commonly expressed in mAh.
    When it matters: When you want a rough hardware indicator of how much power reserve the device has.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2000

    1,530 mAh
    Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight has a battery capacity of 1,530 mAh which is higher than 46.7% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 3.3% of eReaders.
    Charging time
    What it is: The approximate time needed to recharge the battery from low to full.
    When it matters: When you often top up shortly before leaving and need the reader ready again quickly.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=3

    3 hours
    Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight takes 3 hours to charge which is slower than 52.9% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 28.9% of eReaders.
    4 hours with computer via USB
    Wireless charging
    What it is: Can recharge on a compatible charging pad without plugging in a cable.
    When it matters: When you prefer drop-and-charge convenience on a desk or bedside stand.

    Importance: LOW

    no
    Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight does not offer wireless charging. 7.3% of eReaders offer wireless charging.
    Internal storage
    What it is: The built-in space available for books, notes, audiobooks, apps, and downloaded documents.
    When it matters: When you keep large libraries offline or store a lot of PDFs and audio locally.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=32

    4 GB
    Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight offers 4 GB of internal storage which is less than 66.1% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 13.6% of eReaders.
    RAM capacity
    What it is: The amount of working memory used for page rendering, multitasking, and keeping content active in the background.
    When it matters: When you open heavy files, switch between books, or expect the interface to stay snappy.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2

    0.256 GB
    Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight offers 0.256 GB of RAM which is less than 73.1% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 15.1% of eReaders.
    CPU base clock speed
    What it is: The baseline operating frequency of the main processor under normal load.
    When it matters: When you compare readers for faster menu navigation, indexing, and handling of larger documents.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    1 x 0.8 GHz
    Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight has a CPU base clock speed of 1x0.8 GHz, which is slower than that of 76% of eReaders and the same as that of 14.9% of eReaders.
    Operating system
    What it is: The software platform that drives the interface, reading apps, and deeper system capabilities.
    When it matters: When you care about app availability, customization, and how flexible the device can become beyond basic reading.

    Importance: HIGH

    Android
    Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight runs Android, which is more advanced than that of 96.7% of eReaders and the same as that of 3.3% of eReaders.
    Memory card slot
    What it is: Accepts removable storage so the library can expand beyond the built-in capacity.
    When it matters: When your collection will outgrow internal storage or you move files between devices manually.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    no
    Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight does not have a memory card slot. 43.1% of eReaders have a memory card slot.
    Show more
    Wi-Fi connectivity
    What it is: Connects the reader to wireless networks for book downloads, syncing, updates, and online services.
    When it matters: When you buy books directly on the device or keep your library synced without using a cable.

    Importance: HIGH

    yes
    Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight connects over Wi-Fi. 93.5% of eReaders have Wi-Fi.
    Wi-Fi version
    What it is: Specifies which wireless networking standard is supported, such as Wi-Fi 4, 5, or 6.
    When it matters: When router compatibility, wireless stability, or faster transfers on newer home networks matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
    Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight supports Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), which is newer than that of 10.7% of eReaders and the same as that of 46.7% of eReaders.
    Wi-Fi bands supported
    What it is: Shows whether the reader can use 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or both wireless bands.
    When it matters: When crowded apartment Wi-Fi or 5 GHz-only setups make band support matter at home or in the office.

    Importance: LOW

    2.4 GHz
    Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi bands, which is broader than that of 6.6% of eReaders and the same as that of 50% of eReaders.
    Bluetooth
    What it is: Provides short-range wireless pairing for headphones, speakers, keyboards, page turners, or other accessories.
    When it matters: When you listen to audiobooks, use a remote page turner, or want cable-free accessories around the house.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    no
    Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight does not connect over Bluetooth. 60.2% of eReaders have Bluetooth.
    Bluetooth version
    What it is: Identifies the supported Bluetooth generation, which affects efficiency, codec support, and compatibility.
    When it matters: When you pair newer headphones and want a more stable, lower-power wireless connection.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=5.0

    N/A
    Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight supports Bluetooth N/A which is older than 59.3% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 40.7% of eReaders.
    Show more
    Weight
    What it is: The mass of the device, usually measured in grams.
    When it matters: When one-handed comfort matters and you do not want the reader to feel tiring during long sessions.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <=200

    175 g
    Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight weighs 175 g which is lighter than 74.6% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 0.8% of eReaders.
    Thickness
    What it is: The depth of the body from front to back, usually measured in millimetres.
    When it matters: When grip comfort, sleeve fit, or how slim the reader feels in the hand matters to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=8

    10.7 mm
    Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight is 10.7 mm thick which is thicker than 87.5% of eReaders on this spec of eReaders.
    Height
    What it is: The vertical size of the body, usually measured from top to bottom in millimetres.
    When it matters: When you are checking whether the reader will fit a bag, jacket pocket, or small stand.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <=160

    165 mm
    Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight is 165 mm tall which is shorter than 61.5% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 1.6% of eReaders.
    Width
    What it is: The side-to-side body measurement, usually given in millimetres.
    When it matters: When one-handed reach and how much space the reader takes in a bag or bedside setup matter.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <=130

    127 mm
    Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight is 127 mm wide which is narrower than 51.6% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 2.5% of eReaders.
    Water resistance (splashproof)
    What it is: Can tolerate light splashes, damp hands, or brief accidental contact with water.
    When it matters: When you read by the bath, at the pool, or outdoors where light moisture is realistic.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    no
    Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight does not have water resistance against splashes. 25% of eReaders have water resistance against splashes.
    Show more

    Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight vs the average eReader

    • More advanced operating system
      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight uses Android, a more advanced operating system than Kindle OS on the average eReader.
      What it is: The software platform that drives the interface, reading apps, and deeper system capabilities.
      When it matters: When you care about app availability, customization, and how flexible the device can become beyond basic reading.

      Importance: HIGH

      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight uses Android, a more advanced operating system than Kindle OS on the average eReader.Android vs Kindle OS
    • 17.8% lighter
      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight is lighter than the average eReader (175 g vs 213 g). The average eReader weighs 213 g.
      What it is: The mass of the device, usually measured in grams.
      When it matters: When one-handed comfort matters and you do not want the reader to feel tiring during long sessions.

      Importance: HIGH

      Good value: <=200

      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight is lighter than the average eReader (175 g vs 213 g). The average eReader weighs 213 g.175 g vs 213 g
    • Broader library support
      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight supports more library lending platforms than the average eReader (OverDrive, Libby, cloudLibrary, 3M Cloud Library vs OverDrive, Libby).
      Requires Adobe Digital Editions or manual transfer steps.
      What it is: Lists which public-library borrowing services can deliver books directly or indirectly to the device.
      When it matters: When you borrow ebooks regularly and want that workflow to stay simple instead of relying on workarounds.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight supports more library lending platforms than the average eReader (OverDrive, Libby, cloudLibrary, 3M Cloud Library vs OverDrive, Libby).OverDrive, Libby, cloudLibrary, 3M Cloud Library vs OverDrive, Libby
    • 41.7% cheaper
      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight is cheaper than the average eReader (£120 vs £170).
      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight is cheaper than the average eReader (£120 vs £170).£120 vs £170
    • 11.9% higher user score
      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight has a higher user score than the average eReader (8.95 vs 8,000).
      What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the eReader.
      When it matters: When you want to know how an eReader feels in daily reading and how reliable it is for screen comfort, battery life, and library management according to user feedback.
      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight has a higher user score than the average eReader (8.95 vs 8,000).8.95 vs 8
    • Broader library support
      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight supports more library lending platforms than the average eReader (OverDrive, Libby, cloudLibrary, 3M Cloud Library vs OverDrive, Libby).
    • More advanced operating system
      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight uses Android, a more advanced operating system than Kindle OS on the average eReader.
    • 17.8% lighter
      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight is lighter than the average eReader (175 g vs 213 g). The average eReader weighs 213 g.

    Total
    Overall
    Reading
    Hardware
    Design
    • Less advanced E-Ink technology
      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight uses Pearl E-Ink technology, while the average eReader uses Carta Plus.
    • Lower screen resolution
      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight supports lower screen resolution than the average eReader (758x1024 px vs 1072x1448 px). The average eReader supports 1072x1448 px screen resolution.
    • 1 inches smaller screen size
      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight has a smaller screen than the average eReader (6 inches vs 7 inches). The average eReader screen size is 7 inches.
    • 20% lower pixel density
      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight has a lower pixel density than the average eReader (212 ppi vs 265 ppi). The average eReader has a pixel density of 265 ppi.
    • Basic touchscreen technology
      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight uses infrared touchscreen technology, while the average eReader uses capacitive.
    • Limited bookstore ecosystem
      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight uses the Barnes Noble Ecosystem bookstore ecosystem, while the average eReader uses Android Open Ecosystem.
      Barnes Noble bookstore ecosystem.
    • Limited DRM support
      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight supports fewer DRM schemes than the average eReader (B&N DRM, Adobe DRM vs Adobe DRM, Readium LCP).
    • No PDF reflow
      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight does not support PDF reflow, while the average eReader does.
    • 13 limited file support
      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight supports fewer file types than the average eReader (2 vs 15).
      EPUB, PDF, PNG, JPG/JPEG, GIF, BMP, PDB
    • No audiobook playback
      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight does not support audiobook playback, while the average eReader does.
    • No text-to-speech
      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight does not support text-to-speech, while the average eReader does.
    • No folder support
      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight does not support folders, while the average eReader does.
      Supports organizing content into "Shelves" directly on the device interface, though organizing via computer folders for sideloaded books is not directly reflected in the main library view beyond basic categories like "Books" and "Documents"
    • 9 fewer supported languages
      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight supports fewer languages than the average eReader (1 vs 10). The average eReader supports 10 languages.
    • 1 hours longer charging time
      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight charges more slowly than the average eReader (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average eReader charges in 2 hours.
      4 hours with computer via USB
    • 6 hours shorter battery life
      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight offers shorter battery life than the average eReader (15 hours vs 21 hours). The average eReader offers 21 hours of battery life.
    • 75% less storage
      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight offers less internal storage than the average eReader (4 GB vs 16 GB). The average eReader provides 16 GB of internal storage.
    • 0.26 GB less RAM
      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight has less RAM than the average eReader (0.3 GB vs 0.512 GB). The average eReader has 0.512 GB of RAM.
    • Slower CPU base clock speed
      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight has a slower CPU base clock speed than the average eReader (1x0.8 GHz vs 1x1 GHz). The average eReader has a CPU base clock speed of 1x1 GHz.
    • No USB Type-C
      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight does not have USB Type-C, while the average eReader does.
    • No Bluetooth
      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight does not have Bluetooth, while the average eReader does.
    • No Bluetooth audio
      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight does not support Bluetooth audio, while the average eReader does.
    • No web browser
      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight does not include a built-in web browser, while the average eReader does.
    • 2.6 mm thicker
      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight is thicker than the average eReader (10.7 mm vs 8.1 mm). The average eReader thickness is 8.1 mm.
    • 8 year/s older release date
      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight is older than the average eReader (2013 vs 2021). The average eReader was released in 2021.
      October 2,013
    • Limited bookstore ecosystem
      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight uses the Barnes Noble Ecosystem bookstore ecosystem, while the average eReader uses Android Open Ecosystem.
      Barnes Noble bookstore ecosystem.
      What it is: Shows which built-in store or content platform the device is tied to for buying or downloading books.
      When it matters: When store selection, regional catalog access, or ecosystem lock-in will shape what you can read most easily.

      Importance: HIGH

      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight uses the Barnes Noble Ecosystem bookstore ecosystem, while the average eReader uses Android Open Ecosystem.Barnes Noble Ecosystem vs Android Open Ecosystem
    • Limited DRM support
      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight supports fewer DRM schemes than the average eReader (B&N DRM, Adobe DRM vs Adobe DRM, Readium LCP).
      What it is: Shows which copy-protection systems the device can open, such as Adobe DRM or store-specific protection.
      When it matters: When you buy or borrow books from multiple stores and need them all to open on one reader.

      Importance: HIGH

      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight supports fewer DRM schemes than the average eReader (B&N DRM, Adobe DRM vs Adobe DRM, Readium LCP).B&N DRM, Adobe DRM vs Adobe DRM, Readium LCP
    • Less advanced E-Ink technology
      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight uses Pearl E-Ink technology, while the average eReader uses Carta Plus.
      What it is: States which E Ink generation or panel family the device uses, such as Carta or Kaleido.
      When it matters: When you compare newer and older readers for contrast, refresh behavior, or color performance.

      Importance: HIGH

      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight uses Pearl E-Ink technology, while the average eReader uses Carta Plus.Pearl vs Carta Plus
    • No PDF reflow
      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight does not support PDF reflow, while the average eReader does.
      What it is: Can rearrange PDF text into a more readable, screen-sized layout instead of forcing the original fixed page.
      When it matters: When you read A4 documents, articles, or manuals on a smaller eReader screen.

      Importance: HIGH

      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight does not support PDF reflow, while the average eReader does.
    • No USB Type-C
      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight does not have USB Type-C, while the average eReader does.
      What it is: Uses the reversible USB-C connector for charging and, on some models, wired data transfer.
      When it matters: When you want one shared cable standard for your reader, phone, and other travel gear.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight does not have USB Type-C, while the average eReader does.
    • 13 limited file support
      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight supports fewer file types than the average eReader (2 vs 15).
      EPUB, PDF, PNG, JPG/JPEG, GIF, BMP, PDB
      What it is: Lists which ebook, document, image, or audio formats the reader can open without conversion.
      When it matters: When your library comes from mixed sources instead of one locked bookstore.

      Importance: HIGH

      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight supports fewer file types than the average eReader (2 vs 15).2 vs 15
    • No Bluetooth audio
      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight does not support Bluetooth audio, while the average eReader does.
      What it is: Confirms that Bluetooth can be used specifically for wireless audio output, not just for generic accessories.
      When it matters: When you plan to pair earbuds or a speaker for audiobooks or text-to-speech playback.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight does not support Bluetooth audio, while the average eReader does.
    • No Bluetooth
      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight does not have Bluetooth, while the average eReader does.
      What it is: Provides short-range wireless pairing for headphones, speakers, keyboards, page turners, or other accessories.
      When it matters: When you listen to audiobooks, use a remote page turner, or want cable-free accessories around the house.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight does not have Bluetooth, while the average eReader does.
    Total
    Overall
    Display
    Reading
    Battery
    Hardware
    Connectivity
    Design

    Graphic comparison of Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight and other eReaders

    Attribute category
    Attribute
    No results found

    Third-party reviews

    United Kingdom
    amazon
    4.0
    1 Reviews
    United States
    Amazon_logo.png
    4.3
    353 Reviews
    Amazon_logo.png
    4.2
    315 Reviews

    (Reviews last updated: Apr 2026)

    What customers like about Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight?

    • Physical page-turn buttons on both sides of the device for one-handed reading
    • Compact and lightweight design, making it highly pocketable
    • Crisp, 300 PPI high-resolution screen with excellent text clarity
    • Ad-free user interface out of the box, unlike some competitors
    • Adjustable warm light (Night Mode) for comfortable nighttime reading
    • Modern USB-C charging port
    • In-person technical support available at physical Barnes & Noble retail locations

    What customers dislike about Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight?

    • Clunky and difficult process for borrowing and transferring library books via Adobe Digital Editions
    • Restricted sideloading storage; only 5GB of the 32GB is typically available for personal files
    • Lack of waterproofing on the standard GlowLight 4 and 4e models
    • Sluggish software performance with occasional screen freezing and laggy navigation
    • Recessed screen design can trap dust and hair more easily than flush-front models
    • Inconsistent battery life reported by some users, lasting only a few days under heavy use
    • Limited native file format support (primarily EPUB and PDF) compared to competitors

    Expert reviews

    I
    independent.co.uk
    07/08/2014
    Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight: can it beat the Kindle?

    The Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight features a wider design, an infrared touchscreen for gloved use, and improved screen technology that eliminates page-turn flashing. Pros include an excellent front-lit display, a vast library of over three million titles, and cross-platform app support, offering a smooth reading experience. However, the device lacks a 3G option, limiting downloads...Read more

    P
    pcmag.com
    05/11/2013
    Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight Review - PCMag

    The Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight is highlighted as a sleek, white e-reader that is significantly lighter than its primary competitor, the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite, featuring a premium soft-touch back panel and a bright, 212ppi anti-glare E Ink screen. Key advantages include open EPUB format support, an ad-free experience, and in-person support at Barnes & Noble retail locations....Read more

    E
    expertreviews.co.uk
    07/08/2014
    Nook Glowlight review - Expert Reviews

    The Nook GlowLight is positioned as a lightweight, competitive alternative to the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite, featuring a 6-inch E Ink display with a 1024 x 758 resolution, 212 PPI, and a "featherweight" design aimed at improving comfort during long reading sessions. Key advantages include an improved, more even illumination system and a user-friendly, redesigned interface that...Read more

    T
    techradar.com
    08/08/2014
    Nook GlowLight review - TechRadar

    The TechRadar review of the Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight highlights a lightweight, budget-friendly e-reader featuring a 6-inch E Ink screen with improved, evenly distributed illumination and high-resolution text. While offering a comfortable, portable design and strong battery life, the device removes the microSD slot, limiting local storage, and utilizes a slower processor that...Read more

    G
    gizmodo.com
    07/11/2013
    Nook GlowLight Review: Pretty Screen, Silly Body - Gizmodo

    The 2013 Gizmodo review of the Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight highlights a device with a superior, high-resolution E Ink display that eliminates page-turn flashing, but pairs it with an awkwardly designed, largely white chassis. The screen offers exceptional brightness and clarity, rivaling competitors, though the design is marred by a distracting, easily detachable grey silicone...Read more

    U
    uk.pcmag.com
    05/11/2013
    Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight Review - PCMag.com

    The Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight (2013) is an ultra-lightweight (6.2 oz) e-reader featuring a bright, uniform edge-lit screen and a comfortable, durable design with a soft-touch back. Key strengths include an ad-free, high-resolution 212ppi anti-glare display, excellent EPUB support, and in-person support at retail locations. The device lacks physical page-turn buttons and a...Read more

    L
    laptopmag.com
    29/11/2013
    Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 2013 vs. Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight

    The Laptop Mag review declares the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite the winner over the Nook GlowLight, citing superior, more uniform lighting and a higher-resolution 212 ppi screen that makes text appear sharper. While the Kindle offers a more premium, durable design, a key drawback is its lighting can produce distracting, bright spots at high settings. The Nook GlowLight is praised for...Read more

    U
    uk.pcmag.com
    15/05/2014
    Hands On: Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight - PCMag.com

    The Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight features a 6-inch, 1,024-by-758 resolution E Ink display with improved uniform lighting and a lightweight design. While boasting upgraded, optimized fonts and a long-lasting battery, the device lacks physical page-turn buttons and a microSD card slot. Although it offers a snappier interface than its predecessor, it faces slower performance and less...Read more

    I
    igen.fr
    22/10/2012
    Kobo Glo Review (Direct Comparison with the Nook GlowLight)

    The Kobo Glo is praised for its high-resolution 6-inch screen, efficient "ComfortLight" front-lighting, and lightweight 185g design, offering a fast 1GHz processor experience. Pros include excellent screen clarity, an open EPUB ecosystem supporting library loans, and a microSD slot for storage expansion. However, cons involve the lack of physical buttons, an unprotected microSD...Read more

    (Translated)Show original
    L
    lectoreselectronicos.com
    [No date listed]
    Nook Touch GlowLight Review

    The Lectores Electrónicos forum archive provides user-driven reviews of early 2010s e-readers, focusing on devices like the Kindle Paperwhite and Onyx Boox with technical insights on screen quality and firmware. Key pros highlighted include the high versatility and open file format support (EPUB, FB2) of brands like PocketBook and Onyx, alongside praise for the improved reading...Read more

    (Translated)Show original
    C
    consumentenbond.nl
    18/03/2026
    Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

    The Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight features a 6-inch E Ink Pearl display and an innovative integrated lighting system for reading in darkness. Praised for its ergonomic design and physical page-turn buttons, the device offers excellent battery life, lasting up to a month with moderate light usage. However, the GlowLight layer slightly reduces screen contrast, and...Read more

    (Translated)Show original
    C
    consumentenbond.nl
    18/03/2026
    Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight - Test, Reviews & Prices

    The Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight is a lightweight e-reader featuring "GlowLight" technology for even, eye-friendly illumination, offering a 6-inch E Ink display with high contrast and sharp resolution. Its key pros include an exceptionally light design, comfortable ergonomics, and broad EPUB support for library borrowing, often free from built-in advertisements. However, cons...Read more

    (Translated)Show original

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