4 Apps To Read Magazines On Your iPad

Beyond Tech: Discovering Magazine Apps for Your iPad

While MakeUseOf consistently delivers exceptional technology guides and application assessments, there are times when your interests may extend beyond the digital realm. We all occasionally find ourselves seeking inspiration for home décor, or desiring engaging content focused on diverse lifestyle topics, don't we?

The iPad, with its convenient form factor, proves to be an ideal device for enjoying digital magazines. Furthermore, the high-resolution retina display ensures text clarity and a visually pleasing reading experience.

Exploring the World of Digital Magazines

If you're ready to explore the possibilities, several applications can unlock a world of magazine content directly on your iPad. These apps offer a convenient alternative to traditional print subscriptions.

Here are a few options to begin your journey into the realm of digital magazine reading:

• Magazines.com: A comprehensive platform offering access to a vast library of titles.
• Zinio: Provides a wide selection of magazines, with options for individual issues or subscriptions.
• Readly: Offers an all-you-can-read subscription model, granting access to numerous magazines for a fixed monthly fee.
• Next Issue: (Now part of Readly) Previously a popular choice, now integrated into the Readly service.

These applications provide a seamless way to browse, download, and read your favorite magazines on the go. Enjoy the convenience and clarity of digital reading on your iPad!

Newsstand

Newsstand represents Apple's integrated platform for digital magazine subscriptions. The breadth of its offerings is substantial; currently, over 2,992 digital magazine titles are available. However, subscription costs generally align with those of print editions, so significant savings aren't typically realized through this application.

A dedicated folder for Newsstand is automatically created on your iPad. Badge app icons will display the number of newly released issues ready for perusal. Access to the magazine storefront is streamlined, providing a direct link to the iTunes Store’s magazine section.

Interface Variability

Unfortunately, publishers retain full control over the design of their individual magazine interfaces. A unified, cross-publication interface would enhance user experience. Currently, Newsstand functions as an aggregator of bespoke applications developed by diverse publishing houses.

Experiences vary considerably. Some publications direct users immediately to their own dedicated storefronts. Others offer a complimentary initial issue, while a few require newsletter subscriptions before granting access to their content.

Pricing Structure

The pricing model can be initially unclear until navigating to each individual magazine’s app. Magazines are listed as “FREE” in the App Store because the download managing the publication is free. However, the individual magazine issues themselves are not without cost.

While this practice might be considered somewhat misleading, the sheer volume of available titles remains a significant draw for many users.

Magzter (iTunes)

While the choice of a "Z" instead of an "S" in the name is questionable, Magzter proves to be a remarkably functional application. Although the user interface exhibits some latency when loading images and data from the internet, it conveniently displays transparent pricing details. Furthermore, a dedicated "top free" area facilitates the swift discovery of complimentary content.

Notably, each magazine issue offers six complimentary preview pages for perusal.

Content Availability and Interface

A significant portion of the available content can also be accessed through the Apple Newsstand application. However, Magzter’s straightforward pricing structure and the inclusion of a free content section are preferable.

The interface maintains consistency across different publications, avoiding the fragmentation often found with bespoke applications.

International Store Access

Users have a selection of international stores to choose from, though certain regions are not supported. Specifically, stores for China and Japan are currently unavailable, which may be a consideration for some users.

Magzter provides a streamlined experience for digital magazine reading, despite minor interface performance issues.

Zinio [iTunes]

Zinio represents a significant presence within the digital magazine market, and its user interface shares similarities with that of Magster.

While a dedicated free content area isn't present, the Explore section directs users to a curated selection of complimentary articles sourced from diverse publications.

However, this selection is presented in a slideshow format, hindering the ability to access a comprehensive list or revisit previously viewed articles.

Functionality and Features

In contrast to Magster, Zinio does not offer a free preview option for magazines. This limitation may not be impactful for users with specific titles in mind, but a preview feature would enhance the browsing experience.

Zinio boasts a catalog encompassing 4,500 titles worldwide.

The platform also provides access to a variety of country-specific stores, expanding its reach and content offerings.

For example, users can access localized editions of publications like Cosmo Girl, catering to international audiences.

Key takeaway: Zinio provides a substantial magazine library, but lacks the preview and browsing features found in some competing platforms.

PressReader – Global News at Your Fingertips

For those seeking a diverse range of publications from across the globe, particularly newspapers, PressReader offers a comprehensive solution. This service operates on a premium subscription model, with monthly costs approximately $30 granting digital access to 5 publications.

Furthermore, subscribers enjoy unlimited access to the entire library of available titles. While all content is accessible, only 5 titles are automatically downloaded with each new issue release.

A "pay-per-issue" option is also available, priced at $0.99 per publication. Considering the expense of subscribing to even a single physical newspaper, the digital subscription represents significant value.

Try Before You Subscribe

New users are encouraged to explore the service with 7 complimentary downloads. This allows for a risk-free evaluation of PressReader’s offerings. Access is provided through an iPad application, a dedicated website, and various other platforms.

A detailed review of the service can be found on my website here.

Personally, the financial justification for magazine subscriptions has become increasingly challenging. I recently cancelled my subscription to a gardening magazine, finding equivalent information readily available online at no cost.

While the value of professional journalism versus freely available blogs is a valid discussion, I prioritize accessible information sources. Platforms like Reddit, RSS feeds, and MakeUseOf fulfill my informational needs.

However, PressReader’s access to international magazines – often unavailable in local stores or prohibitively expensive when found – presents a compelling advantage.

A Shift in Media Consumption

Do you currently maintain any digital magazine subscriptions for your iPad? Or have you transitioned away from traditional print media altogether?

• PressReader provides access to a wide selection of newspapers and magazines.
• Subscription options include monthly and pay-per-issue plans.
• The service is accessible via multiple platforms.