The victory lifted the Black Cats up to fifth place in the Nationwide Division One table while the visitors are in freefall since the controversial departure of boss Alan Pardew.
Two goals in the space of four minutes from Julio Arca and John Oster midway through the first half gave Sunderland the points in a comfortable win against an out-of sorts Royals side.
The visitors started the game brightly, but did not really make their pressure count and were made to pay when Argentinian winger Arca opened the scoring in the 28th minute.
Arca picked up a pass from Thomas Butler out on the left and his cross-shot deceived Reading keeper Marcus Hahnemann before nestling in the back of the net.
Sunderland took the initiative after opening the scoring and made it two just after the half hour.
Marcus Stewart collected the ball wide out on the left and his pin-point cross found the head of Oster six yards out and he powered the ball past Hahnemann.
Chances were at a premium in the second half with both sides enjoying half-chances to add to the scoreline.
Most notably Stewart fired just over the bar after latching on to a headed knockdown by Kevin Kyle, while at the other end Nicky Forster's fierce drive was palmed away by Black Cats keeper Mart Poom.
The Wearsiders gave new signing from Watford, Tommy Smith, a run out in the closing stages, but the striker could not cap his debut with a goal.
Sunderland: Poom, Arca, McCartney, Breen, Williams, Butler, Thirlwell, Healy, Oster, Kyle, Stewart. Subs: Tommy Smith, Ingham, Proctor, Thornton, Bjorklund.
Reading: Hahnemann, Shorey, Brown, Williams, Murty, Hughes, Sidwell, Harper, Murray, Forster, Salako. Subs: Mackie, Goater, Ashdown, Newman, Daley.
Referee: H Webb (S Yorkshire).