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The best large print Bible for most readers is the ESV Large Print Bible: its 12.5-point type is genuinely comfortable for long reading, with book introductions and a big concordance. NIV readers should choose the NIV Thinline Bible, Giant Print, which offers 13-point Comfort Print type in a surprisingly slim, thumb-indexed edition.
Our Picks at a Glance
| # | Bible | Best for | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ESV Large Print Bible | ESV readers; comfortable home reading | View on Amazon |
| 2 | NIV Thinline Bible, Giant Print (Comfort Print) | NIV readers; largest type | View on Amazon |
| 3 | ESV Single Column Journaling Bible, Large Print | Large print plus journaling | View on Amazon |
| 4 | ESV Large Print Thinline Bible (TruTone) | Larger type you can carry | View on Amazon |
1. ESV Large Print Bible
The ESV Large Print Bible is a true large-print edition, with 12.5-point type in clear black letter on a 6.4 x 9.25 inch page. It includes introductions to each book, a concordance with nearly 12,000 references, full-color maps, a ribbon marker, and a Smyth-sewn binding. It is larger than a thinline, but the type is genuinely comfortable for long reading, even in low light.
Pros – Generous 12.5-point type – Book introductions and a large concordance – Sturdy sewn binding
Cons – Too large to be truly portable – Black letter only (no red letter), which some prefer and some don’t
Best for: Readers who want comfortable type for daily reading at home.
Check the ESV Large Print Bible on Amazon
2. NIV Thinline Bible, Giant Print (Comfort Print)
With 13-point Comfort Print type, this giant-print NIV is one of the most readable NIV editions available, yet it is only about an inch and a quarter thick. It is thumb-indexed for finding books quickly, has two ribbon markers, red-letter words of Jesus, and a sewn spine. For readers who have struggled to read their Bible comfortably, the difference can be striking.
Pros – 13-point giant print – Thumb index helps you find books fast – Slim for a giant-print Bible
Cons – Larger page size than a standard thinline – Bonded leather cover
Best for: NIV readers who need the largest comfortable type in a carryable Bible.
Check the NIV Thinline Bible, Giant Print (Comfort Print) on Amazon
3. ESV Single Column Journaling Bible, Large Print
This edition pairs a single-column large-print ESV text with lined journaling margins. The larger type makes it readable for long sessions, and the margin space suits readers who want to write prayers and notes. It is larger than the standard Journaling Bible but much easier on the eyes.
Pros – Large print plus journaling space – Single-column text – Good for home quiet times
Cons – Bulky to carry – Margins are narrower than in the standard Journaling Bible
Best for: Readers who want large print and room to write.
Check the ESV Single Column Journaling Bible, Large Print on Amazon
4. ESV Large Print Thinline Bible (TruTone)
The ESV Large Print Thinline tries to give you the best of both worlds: 10-point type with line matching, which reduces show-through, in a format roughly an inch and a quarter thick. It has a concordance, a ribbon marker, and a sewn binding. Crossway lists this particular cover as out of print, so check the Amazon listing for current availability, but it remains one of the few large-print ESVs that is still easy to carry.
Pros – Larger 10-point type in a portable size – Line matching reduces show-through – Sewn binding
Cons – This cover is out of print at Crossway – Type is larger, not giant
Best for: Readers who need bigger type but still carry their Bible to church.
Check the ESV Large Print Thinline Bible (TruTone) on Amazon
Buying Guide
Understand type sizes
Most standard Bibles use 7 to 9-point type. “Large print” usually means about 10 to 12 points, and “giant print” means 13 points or more. A difference of two points sounds small but is very noticeable in practice. If you can, compare editions side by side, or measure the type in a Bible you find comfortable and use that as your minimum.
Balance size and portability
Larger type means larger pages or more pages. A full large-print Bible is often a home Bible, while large-print thinlines try to stay carryable. Decide whether this Bible will live on a nightstand or travel to church each week. Some readers keep a giant-print edition at home and use a phone app with adjustable text at church.
Look for helpful layout features
Single-column layouts are often easier to read than double-column, and black-letter text can be easier on tired eyes than red letter. Line matching, where lines on both sides of the page align, reduces show-through. A thumb index helps readers who struggle to find books quickly.
Lighting and paper
Bright, warm light and cream or white paper both affect readability as much as type size. Thin Bible paper can show text from the other side; heavier paper and line matching help. If a family member struggles to read even with large print, consider an audio Bible as a companion.
New to studying Scripture? Start with our guide on how to study the Bible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best large print Bible?
For ESV readers, the ESV Large Print Bible is the best large print choice thanks to its 12.5-point type, book introductions, and sturdy sewn binding. For NIV readers, the NIV Thinline Bible, Giant Print offers 13-point Comfort Print type in a slim edition. Choose based on your translation and whether you need portability.
What is the difference between large print and giant print?
Large print Bibles typically use type around 10 to 12 points, while giant print Bibles use 13 points or larger. Standard Bibles are usually 7 to 9 points. Giant print is best for readers with significant vision challenges; large print suits most readers who simply find standard type tiring over long reading sessions.
What is the best Bible for seniors with poor eyesight?
A giant print edition such as the NIV Thinline Bible, Giant Print, or a true large print edition like the ESV Large Print Bible, is best for seniors. Look for black-letter text, good contrast, and a sturdy binding that lies flat. An audio Bible can be a wonderful companion for days when reading is difficult.
Are large print Bibles heavier?
Usually, yes. Larger type requires more pages or bigger pages, so large print Bibles are heavier than standard editions. Large-print thinline editions reduce the weight by using thinner paper. If weight is a concern, consider keeping a large print Bible at home and using a lighter Bible or app elsewhere.
Is there a large print journaling Bible?
Yes. The ESV Single Column Journaling Bible, Large Print combines larger type with lined margins for notes and prayers. It is larger than a standard journaling Bible, but it is much easier on the eyes for readers who want to write while they read. Test pens on a back page first.
A Closing Word
Struggling to read small print should never stand between you and God’s Word. A large print Bible is a simple, practical gift to yourself or to someone you love, and it often brings back the joy of reading Scripture for long, unhurried stretches.