OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using eReaders Methodology v1.0
eReaders Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum eReaders Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore eReaders Methodology v1.0

Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight Review | 68 Data compared

Avg. price:~£120Screen size:6 inchesPixel density:212 ppiInternal storage:4 GBBattery life:15 hoursSupported bookstore ecosystem:Barnes Noble Ecosystem

Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight Review: Compare 68 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the eReaders category and whether it is worth buying.

Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight
4.9/10

Overall score

Score
4.9/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
Score components

90%

4.5

Technical score

10%

8.0

User score

â–¼Worse than 89% of ereaders
6.4

Value for money

Value for money
6.4/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
Score components

70%

4.9

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

â–¼Worse than 88%
4.5

Technical score

Technical score
4.5/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 90% of models
Score components

25%

5.7

Display

22%

4.8

Reading

18%

3.7

Battery

14%

3.4

Hardware

12%

4.2

Connectivity

9%

4.6

Design

â–¼Worse than 90%
8.0

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 76% of models
Score components

70%

8.5

User ratings

30%

6.8

Number of reviews

â–²Better than 76%
  • barnes-noble-nook-glowlight
  • barnes-noble-nook-glowlight
  • barnes-noble-nook-glowlight
barnes-noble-nook-glowlight
barnes-noble-nook-glowlight
barnes-noble-nook-glowlight
Best prices
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of eReader Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight

Technical score
Technical score
4.5/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 90% of models
Score components:

25%

5.7

Display

22%

4.8

Reading

18%

3.7

Battery

14%

3.4

Hardware

12%

4.2

Connectivity

9%

4.6

Design

4.5
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 76% of models
Score components

70%

8.5

User ratings

30%

6.8

Number of reviews

8.0
Popularity
Popularity
6.8/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 70% of models
Popularity:
Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight has a popularity score of 6.8 points, which is higher than that of 70.5% of products in this category.
6.8
Value for money
Value for money
6.4/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
Score components:

70%

4.9

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

6.4
Brand name
Barnes
Screen size
6 inches
Market range: <5 inches – >10 inches
This ereader has a screen size of 6 inches which is smaller than 57.4% on this spec and equal to 40.2% of eReaders.
Screen resolution
758x1024 px
This ereader 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
212 ppi
Market range: <150 ppi – >300 ppi
This ereader has a pixel density of 212 ppi which is lower than 59.8% on this spec and equal to 12.3% of eReaders.
E-paper display
yes
This ereader uses an e-paper display. 2.5% of eReaders have an e-paper display.
Show more
Supported file types
2
Market range: <9 – >24
This ereader supports 2 file types which is fewer than 97.5% on this spec and equal to 2.5% of eReaders.
EPUB, PDF, PNG, JPG/JPEG, GIF, BMP, PDB
PDF reflow support
no
This ereader does not offer PDF reflow. 55.4% of eReaders support PDF reflow.
Annotation support
yes
This ereader offers annotation support. 1.6% of eReaders offer annotation support.
Dictionary
yes
This ereader includes a built-in dictionary. 0.8% of eReaders include a built-in dictionary.
Text-to-speech
no
This ereader does not offer text-to-speech. 64.8% of eReaders include text-to-speech.
Show more
Battery life
15 hours
Market range: <12 hours – >42 hours
This ereader offers 15 hours of battery life which is shorter than 65.6% on this spec and equal to 16.7% of eReaders.
Battery capacity
1,530 mAh
Market range: <1k mAh – >4k mAh
This ereader has a battery capacity of 1,530 mAh which is lower than 50.4% on this spec and equal to 3.3% of eReaders.
Charging time
3 hours
Market range: <1 hours – >6 hours
This ereader takes 3 hours to charge which is slower than 53.6% on this spec and equal to 27.3% of eReaders.
4 hours with computer via USB
Wireless charging
no
This ereader does not offer wireless charging. 7.4% of eReaders offer wireless charging.
Internal storage
4 GB
Market range: <2 GB – >62 GB
This ereader offers 4 GB of internal storage which is less than 66.4% on this spec and equal to 13.9% of eReaders.
RAM capacity
0.256 GB
Market range: <0 GB – >5 GB
This ereader offers 0.256 GB of RAM which is less than 71.3% on this spec and equal to 15.6% of eReaders.
CPU base clock speed
1x 0.8 GHz
This ereader 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
Android
This ereader 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
no
This ereader does not have a memory card slot. 43.4% of eReaders have a memory card slot.
Show more
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This ereader connects over Wi-Fi. 6.6% of eReaders have Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
This ereader 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
2.4 GHz
This ereader 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
no
This ereader does not connect over Bluetooth. 60.7% of eReaders have Bluetooth.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Show more
Weight
175 g
Market range: <160 g – >480 g
This ereader weighs 175 g which is lighter than 74.6% on this spec and equal to 0.8% of eReaders.
Thickness
10.7 mm
Market range: <6 mm – >11 mm
This ereader is 10.7 mm thick which is thicker than 87.6% on this spec.
Height
165 mm
Market range: <150 mm – >240 mm
This ereader is 165 mm tall which is shorter than 61.5% on this spec and equal to 1.6% of eReaders.
Width
127 mm
Market range: <100 mm – >200 mm
This ereader is 127 mm wide which is narrower than 51.6% on this spec and equal to 2.5% of eReaders.
Water resistance (splashproof)
no
This ereader 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

246810TotalDisplayReadingBatteryHardwareConnectivityDesign
  • More advanced operating system
    This ereader uses Android, a more advanced operating system than Kindle OS on the average eReader.
    Android vs Kindle OS
  • 17.8% lighter
    This ereader 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
    This ereader 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.
    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).
    £120 vs £170
  • 41.7% cheaper
    Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight is cheaper than the average eReader (£120 vs £170).
    £120 vs £170
  • Broader library support
    This ereader 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.
    OverDrive, Libby, cloudLibrary, 3M Cloud Library vs OverDrive, Libby
  • More advanced operating system
    This ereader uses Android, a more advanced operating system than Kindle OS on the average eReader.
    Android vs Kindle OS
  • 17.8% lighter
    This ereader is lighter than the average eReader (175 g vs 213 g). The average eReader weighs 213 g.
    175 g vs 213 g
  • Limited bookstore ecosystem
    This ereader uses the Barnes Noble Ecosystem bookstore ecosystem, while the average eReader uses Android Open Ecosystem.
    Barnes Noble bookstore ecosystem.
    Barnes Noble Ecosystem vs Android Open Ecosystem
  • Less advanced E-Ink technology
    This ereader uses Pearl E-Ink technology, while the average eReader uses Carta Plus.
    Pearl vs Carta Plus
  • No PDF reflow
    This ereader does not support PDF reflow, while the average eReader does. 54.9% of eReaders support PDF reflow.
  • Limited DRM support
    This ereader supports fewer DRM schemes than the average eReader (B&N DRM, Adobe DRM vs Adobe DRM, Social DRM).
    B&N DRM, Adobe DRM vs Adobe DRM, Social DRM
  • No USB Type-C
    This ereader does not have USB Type-C, while the average eReader does. 51.2% of eReaders have USB Type-C.
  • 13 fewer supported file formats
    This ereader supports fewer file types than the average eReader (2 vs 15).
    EPUB, PDF, PNG, JPG/JPEG, GIF, BMP, PDB
    2 vs 15
  • No Bluetooth audio
    This ereader does not support Bluetooth audio, while the average eReader does. 57.4% of eReaders support Bluetooth audio.
  • No Bluetooth
    This ereader does not have Bluetooth, while the average eReader does. 60.2% of eReaders have Bluetooth.
  • 14.2% worse value for money
    Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight has worse value for money than the average eReader (6.38 vs 7.3).
    6.38 vs 7.28
  • Less advanced E-Ink technology
    This ereader uses Pearl E-Ink technology, while the average eReader uses Carta Plus.
    Pearl vs Carta Plus
  • No color temperature adjustment
    This ereader does not support color temperature adjustment, while the average eReader does. 51.6% of eReaders support color temperature adjustment.
    Only offers brightness adjustment, later models like Glowlight 4 have color temperature adjustment
  • Lower screen resolution
    This ereader supports lower screen resolution than the average eReader (758x1024 px vs 1072x1448 px). The average eReader supports 1072x1448 px screen resolution.
    758x1024 px vs 1072x1448 px
  • 1 inches smaller screen size
    This ereader has a smaller screen than the average eReader (6 inches vs 7 inches). The average eReader screen size is 7 inches.
    6 inches vs 7 inches
  • 20% lower pixel density
    This ereader has a lower pixel density than the average eReader (212 ppi vs 265 ppi). The average eReader has a pixel density of 265 ppi.
    212 ppi vs 265 ppi
  • Basic touchscreen technology
    This ereader uses infrared touchscreen technology, while the average eReader uses capacitive.
    infrared vs capacitive
  • Limited bookstore ecosystem
    This ereader uses the Barnes Noble Ecosystem bookstore ecosystem, while the average eReader uses Android Open Ecosystem.
    Barnes Noble bookstore ecosystem.
    Barnes Noble Ecosystem vs Android Open Ecosystem
  • No PDF reflow
    This ereader does not support PDF reflow, while the average eReader does. 54.9% of eReaders support PDF reflow.
  • Limited DRM support
    This ereader supports fewer DRM schemes than the average eReader (B&N DRM, Adobe DRM vs Adobe DRM, Social DRM).
    B&N DRM, Adobe DRM vs Adobe DRM, Social DRM
  • 13 fewer supported file formats
    This ereader supports fewer file types than the average eReader (2 vs 15).
    EPUB, PDF, PNG, JPG/JPEG, GIF, BMP, PDB
    2 vs 15
  • No audiobook playback
    This ereader does not support audiobook playback, while the average eReader does. 72.5% of eReaders support audiobook playback.
  • No text-to-speech
    This ereader does not support text-to-speech, while the average eReader does. 64.2% of eReaders support text-to-speech.
  • No folder support
    This ereader does not support folders, while the average eReader does. 54.5% of eReaders support folders.
  • 9 fewer supported languages
    This ereader supports fewer languages than the average eReader (1 vs 10). The average eReader supports 10 languages.
    1 vs 10
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    This ereader 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
    3 hours vs 2 hours
  • 6 hours shorter battery life
    This ereader offers shorter battery life than the average eReader (15 hours vs 21 hours). The average eReader offers 21 hours of battery life.
    15 hours vs 21 hours
  • 75% less storage
    This ereader offers less internal storage than the average eReader (4 GB vs 16 GB). The average eReader provides 16 GB of internal storage.
    4 GB vs 16 GB
  • 0.26 GB less RAM
    This ereader has less RAM than the average eReader (0.3 GB vs 0.5 GB). The average eReader has 0.512 GB of RAM.
    0.256 GB vs 0.512 GB
  • Slower CPU base clock speed
    This ereader 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.
    1x0.8 GHz vs 1x1 GHz
  • No USB Type-C
    This ereader does not have USB Type-C, while the average eReader does. 51.2% of eReaders have USB Type-C.
  • No Bluetooth
    This ereader does not have Bluetooth, while the average eReader does. 60.2% of eReaders have Bluetooth.
  • No Bluetooth audio
    This ereader does not support Bluetooth audio, while the average eReader does. 57.4% of eReaders support Bluetooth audio.
  • No web browser
    This ereader does not include a built-in web browser, while the average eReader does. 91.1% of eReaders include a built-in web browser.
  • 2.6 mm thicker
    This ereader is thicker than the average eReader (10.7 mm vs 8.1 mm). The average eReader thickness is 8.1 mm.
    10.7 mm vs 8.1 mm
  • 8 older
    This ereader is older than the average eReader (2013 vs 2021). The average eReader was released in 2021.
    October 2013
    2,013 vs 2,021

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

6.0
Good e-Reader
≈ estimated
16/11/2013
Hands-on review · front light, PDF and software tests
Verdict
Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight is a good second attempt at a backlit reader, but its software is glitchy and its backlight is less pure white than rival readers.
6.0
The eBook Reader
≈ estimated
06/11/2013
Hands-on review · screen, front light and software tests
Verdict
Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight has an excellent screen and front light, but adds few new features and keeps the same software limits.
7.0
Engadget
≈ estimated
05/11/2013
Hands-on review · software, screen and lighting
Verdict
Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight is the best Nook yet with a better front light, but it trails the Kindle and mainly suits Nook fans.
7.0
Good e-Reader
≈ estimated
16/11/2013
Comparison · lighting, books and store tests
Verdict
Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight has a clearly better backlight than the first model, but store glitches and the rubber cover hold it back.
6.0
Good e-Reader
≈ estimated
15/11/2013
First look · unboxing and first boot-up
Verdict
Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight disappoints with its blue-tinted glow light and design; a full review is promised later.

Third-party reviews

What we 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 we don't like 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

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.

Compare Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight with other eReaders

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight and other eReaders

No results found