Buying guide for best e-readers
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In a world where we can read almost anything at any time, with our phones, our tablets, or even goggles and glasses, is there still a role for the humble e-reader? Frankly, yes.
An e-reader is just about reading. It doesn’t have a ton of apps. It doesn’t have notifications about everything under the sun. It won’t alert you about a sports score, or a front doorbell, or a pizza order. There is no algorithmic endless scroll. E-readers only show text and pictures for learning and enjoyment. There’s a lot of value in distraction-minimized focus.
E-readers are robust. Compared to tablets, anyway. They’re not made of glass and metal like the best tablets, but that makes them easier to toss in a bag, purse or pocket. They can be read comfortably day and night, and it’s your choice whether or not to use a backlight. They can also last weeks and weeks on a single charge. Try that on a tablet.
Best of all, it’s still possible to cuddle up with an e-reader, in a way you can’t with a tablet or phone. An e-reader is like a pocketbook, but one with thousands of titles instead of just one.
Amazon’s Kindle dominates the e-reader world, but there are several other options too. The best overall e-reader has been and remains the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite, but we’ve also included bargain options, higher-end options, and options with color screens as well.
Editors' picks
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
Editors’ Favorite
Display Size and Type: 7” E-Ink | Resolution: 300 ppi | Storage Capacity: 16GB | Battery Life: Up to 12 weeks
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is 20% faster than previous models and features a 7-inch glare-free display for a smooth reading experience. The ultra-thin design makes it excellent for traveling, and its waterproof build means you can read by pools or in the bath without any issues.
The battery can be charged via USB-C and can last for up to 12 weeks on a single charge. Its 16GB of storage space means you can store thousands of ebooks, and the adjustable display color lets you go from white to amber based on your preference or environment.
This e-reader is the best choice for avid readers who want to stay focused while reading, even in low-light or bright environments. Plus, it has a flush-front design for a sleek, modern look.
Amazon Kindle
Great Value
Display Size and Type: 6” E-Ink | Resolution: 300 ppi | Storage Capacity: 16GB | Battery Life: Up to 6 weeks
Those who want an affordable yet capable ereader will find plenty to love about the 2024 Amazon Kindle. This upgraded e-reader features a crisp 6-inch display and an ultra-lightweight build, making it the best option for traveling light.
With a 16GB capacity, you can keep thousands of downloaded books ready for whenever you want to read while on the go. The adjustable front light is 25% brighter than previous models, making it suitable for reading in bright environments, and the battery life can last for up to 6 weeks on a full charge.
Although it lacks a few features compared to the Kindle Paperwhite, the 2024 Amazon Kindle is still a fine choice for casual reading while commuting to work or traveling on vacation. Plus, it supports Bluetooth for listening to your favorite audiobooks on Audible.
Kobo Libra Colour
Best Overall Color E-Reader
Display Size and Type: 7” E-Ink | Resolution: 300 ppi | Storage Capacity: 32GB | Battery Life: Up to 4 weeks
Most e-readers have black-and-white screens, but the Kobo Libra Colour offers a colorful display that makes it easy to follow text and highlight your favorite sections. Everything from book covers, comics, graphic novels, illustrations and note-taking is much more vibrant.
With an IPX8 waterproof build, the Kobo Libra Colour is built to withstand exposure to water, meaning you can comfortably read by the pool, at the beach or in the bath without worrying about it getting damaged. Its 32GB of storage can hold up to 24,000 ebooks or 150 audiobooks, and the battery life can last up to four weeks.
The color display alone makes the Kobo Libra Colour an e-reader that’s worth your consideration. It’s also an excellent option for those who prefer physical buttons, which it features for turning pages. Plus, you can customize margins and read in landscape mode.
Kobo Clara BW
Best Compact Travel E-Reader
Display Size and Type: 6” E-Ink | Resolution: 300 ppi | Storage Capacity: 16GB | Battery Life: Up to 2 weeks
The Kobo Clara BW offers several adjustment features to ensure you get the best reading experience possible, no matter where you are. With a 6-inch display and up to two weeks of battery life, this e-reader is a top choice for light reading on the go.
It provides 16GB of storage space to hold up to 12,000 ebooks or 75 Kobo audiobooks, and the IPX8 rating means the reader can get wet without getting damaged. ComfortLight Pro lets you make multiple adjustments to brightness, color temperature and blue light, providing the ultimate reading experience based on your environment.
Whether you’re traveling or doing some light reading before bed, the Kobo Clara BW is an excellent e-reader. Though it’s compact, it still has enough features to deliver a terrific reading experience regardless of where you are.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature
Best for Frequent Readers
Display Size and Type: 7” E-Ink | Resolution: 300 ppi | Lighting: xx LEDs | Storage Capacity: 32GB | Battery Life: Up to 12 weeks
The ultimate Kindle e-reader is the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition. It’s a customer favorite because it’s loaded with premium features and a durable, waterproof build that makes it suitable for reading in just about any environment.
With a higher contrast ratio and 25% faster page-turns than older models, this e-reader is perfect for avid readers who want a seamless experience. It supports wireless charging, and the battery life is impressive, lasting up to 12 weeks on a single charge. Waterproofing lets you take it poolside or into the tub, and the front light automatically adjusts based on your surroundings. Plus, you'll get 32GB of storage for downloading thousands of your favorite ebooks and audiobooks.
It’s a more responsive e-reader than several others on the market, but the battery life alone makes this one a must-have for hardcore readers. With light-adjustment, high storage capacity and a waterproof build, the Kindle PaperWhite Signature Edition is the ultimate option if you want an e-reader that’s built to last.
What to know before buying an e-reader
Screen size
The screen size you pick is probably the most important decision you’ll make during the purchase process. E-reader screens range from 6 to 11 inches, so there’s a lot of variety, although most feature 7-inch screens. If you’re accustomed to paperback books, a 6- or 7-inch screen would probably be right in your comfort zone. If you’re more into hardcovers, you might appreciate a larger model. Just be forewarned: The bigger the screen, the higher the cost.
Pixel density
Most e-readers have a resolution indicated by pixels per inch (ppi). The best e-readers have screens that contain many small pixels for superior depth, clarity and contrast. On the other hand, an e-reader with a lower ppi looks less crisp. To make sure you’re getting a quality e-reader, look for one with a ppi of at least 300.
Format
If you have an existing e-book collection, check to see what format the files are in, and make sure the e-reader you buy works with that format. E-books come in a variety of formats, including *.PUB, *.MOBI and even *.PDF files. If you buy an e-reader that doesn’t work with your e-book files, you may need to find conversion software to create compatible versions.
Battery life and storage
Unlike tablets, e-readers offer significantly longer battery life because they don’t run apps and use low-power e-ink displays. Most e-readers can last anywhere from two to six weeks on a single charge, and some premium models can last up to 12 weeks.
Storage is also an important consideration as it allows you to keep your favorite titles stored locally. Most e-readers offer 16GB of storage space, but if you want to store more ebooks or audiobooks, a 32GB e-reader might be more suitable.
E-reader features
Waterproof enclosures
Having a waterproof e-reader is more about peace of mind than convenience. If you like to read near the pool, in the bath or at the beach, you may want to get a waterproof e-reader to help protect your digital library from water damage.
Auto-adjusting light sensors
While this might not sound like a marquee feature, it really is. With automatic light sensors, e-reader screens can adapt to the optimal brightness at any time based on the current conditions. So, if you’re reading in a sunny spot, the level of brightness decreases. If you’re in a dimly lit room, it increases. Most e-readers include manual brightness settings, but having them automated is a lot more useful.
Case
A scratched or cracked e-reader screen can make it really difficult to read, so investing in a case that protects yours from damage is worth it. Take your time browsing e-reader cases; some include useful features like built-in reading lights.
FAQ
Q. How much do e-readers cost?
A. Basic e-readers typically cost between $80 and $150. For $125 to $200, the e-readers look just like their less-expensive counterparts but are often lighter and include more storage. These are suitable if you read more than a few hours a week or want an e-reader with features such as Bluetooth connectivity.
Some e-readers can cost up to $400, but those are usually versatile devices that let you read and write. Most also have 300-ppi screens, are waterproof and come with more storage than cheaper models.
Q. If I buy an Amazon Kindle, can I get digital books from other sources, like my local library?
A. It depends on the library. Most modern libraries have digital lending programs where you can borrow e-books at no cost. Check with your local library to understand what digital programs they offer. Some even have video streaming services like Kanopy for cardholders.
Q. I sometimes have a hard time reading small text. Can I still use an e-reader?
A. Absolutely. All e-readers have built-in controls that let you adjust the size of the text so you never have to squint. When you first open your e-reader, spend some time picking out the perfect font size and setting it as your default. After that, you won’t have to think about it again.
Our expertise
Our team of testers and writers has used many e-readers in real-world environments to analyze design, quality and performance. BestReviews reporter Kevin Luna has read dozens of books on Kindle e-readers and has been writing about tech for over three years. He’s knowledgeable about what to look for in a quality e-reader, and his knowledge of tech and computers allows him to make the best recommendations for those who want a high-quality unit. He also reviews and incorporates testing results into all his product recommendations to provide an unbiased report and allow shoppers to draw their own conclusions based on the data and reviews gathered.
How we tested
After researching what each e-reader offers, we tested the Kindle Paperwhite to see how it did in the following areas.
Ease of use
- Setup: We tested the entire setup process, from opening the package to charging the e-reader, connecting it to Wi-Fi, and following the on-screen prompts.
- Responsiveness: We tested its responsiveness by analyzing page-flipping speed and other accessibility functions, like the VoiceView screen reader.
Quality
- Display screen: We paid close attention to the brightness of the screen, which can be easily adjusted on the fly to reduce eyestrain.
- Speakers: We tested the sound quality of the built-in speakers to determine how well they sound when listening to an Audible audiobook.
Advanced features
- Water resistance: We held the e-reader underneath running water to see if its performance or functionality would be affected by water.