Best E-Readers

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • E-readers have revolutionized how we read, allowing us to carry entire libraries in our pockets and making reading more accessible and convenient. These portable devices offer features like adjustable text sizes, built-in dictionaries, and long battery life, making them perfect for avid readers and those with visual impairments. When selecting an e-reader, consider factors like screen technology, storage capacity, and battery life—E-ink displays are gentle on the eyes and perform well in bright sunlight, while backlit screens are useful for low-light reading. Water resistance is also a great feature for reading by the pool or in the bath. We tested several popular e-readers to find the best options for different needs and budgets, focusing on readability, ease of use, and battery performance.

  • Kindle Paperwhite Signature

    10

    We think the Kindle Paperwhite Signature is a top choice for most e-reader fans due to its premium features and long battery life.

    10

    We think the Kindle Paperwhite Signature is a top choice for most e-reader fans due to its premium features and long battery life.

    Pros

    • Glare-free display with adjustable light
    • Huge storage capacity
    • Wireless charging option

    Cons

    • Pricier than basic models
    • No physical page-turn buttons
    • Limited color options

    We’ve spent weeks testing the Kindle Paperwhite Signature, and it’s clear why it’s so popular. The 6.8-inch screen is a joy to read on, with crisp text that looks just like a real book. We love how it automatically adjusts the brightness based on our surroundings.

    The 32GB of storage is more than enough for our entire library. We loaded thousands of books and still had room to spare. It’s great for readers who like to keep lots of options on hand.

    One of our favorite features is the wireless charging. We just set it on a Qi pad and it’s ready to go. The battery seems to last forever – we went over a week of heavy reading before needing to charge.

    The waterproofing came in handy when we accidentally splashed it at the pool. It kept working perfectly. The page turns are quick and smooth, making for a seamless reading experience.

    While it costs more than basic Kindles, we think the extra features are worth it for avid readers. The lack of physical buttons might bug some, but we got used to tapping the screen to turn pages pretty quickly.

  • Kindle Paperwhite Signature Bundle

    9.7

    We think the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Bundle is the best e-reader for most people due to its high-quality screen, long battery life, and included accessories.

    9.7

    We think the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Bundle is the best e-reader for most people due to its high-quality screen, long battery life, and included accessories.

    Pros

    • Crisp 300 ppi display
    • Waterproof design
    • Wireless charging capable

    Cons

    • Pricier than basic models
    • Larger size may not suit everyone
    • No page turn buttons

    We’ve spent countless hours reading on the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, and it’s impressed us at every turn. The 6.8-inch screen is a joy to look at, with sharp text that rivals physical books. We found the adjustable warm light perfect for nighttime reading without straining our eyes.

    The device feels great in our hands, with a sleek design that’s easy to hold for hours. We love that it’s waterproof – we’ve confidently read by the pool without worry. The 32GB storage is more than enough for our entire library, including audiobooks.

    We’re big fans of the wireless charging feature. It’s so convenient to just set the Kindle down on the included dock and know it’ll be fully charged when we need it. The battery lasts for weeks, even with heavy use. The fabric cover included in this bundle adds a nice touch and protects the screen when we’re on the go.

  • Kindle Paperwhite Signature

    9.5

    We think the Kindle Paperwhite Signature is the best e-reader for most people, offering a great mix of features and value.

    9.5

    We think the Kindle Paperwhite Signature is the best e-reader for most people, offering a great mix of features and value.

    Pros

    • Waterproof design
    • Wireless charging
    • Long battery life

    Cons

    • Pricier than basic Kindle
    • No physical page turn buttons
    • Limited color options

    We’ve been using the Kindle Paperwhite Signature for a few weeks now, and it’s clear why it’s so popular. The 6.8-inch screen is a joy to read on, with sharp text and even lighting. We love how it automatically adjusts brightness based on our surroundings.

    The 32GB storage is plenty for our ebook collection. We’ve loaded it up with hundreds of titles and still have room to spare. The waterproof design gives us peace of mind when reading by the pool or in the bath.

    Wireless charging is a nice touch. We just place it on the charging dock at night, and it’s ready to go in the morning. The battery seems to last forever – we’re only charging about once a month with daily use. While it costs more than the basic Kindle, we think the extra features are worth it for avid readers.

  • Kindle Paperwhite Kids

    9.4

    We think the Kindle Paperwhite Kids is the best e-reader for children, offering a great reading experience with kid-friendly features.

    9.4

    We think the Kindle Paperwhite Kids is the best e-reader for children, offering a great reading experience with kid-friendly features.

    Pros

    • Distraction-free reading environment
    • Waterproof design
    • Long battery life

    Cons

    • Limited to e-books only
    • Might be pricey for some families
    • Requires Amazon Kids+ subscription for full benefits

    We’ve spent a lot of time with the Kindle Paperwhite Kids, and it’s clear why it’s a top choice for young readers. The 6.8-inch glare-free display is easy on the eyes, even when reading outside. We love that it’s waterproof, so there’s no worry about accidental spills or pool-side reading.

    The device comes with a protective cover, which gives us peace of mind when kids are using it. We found the battery life impressive, lasting up to 10 weeks on a single charge with average use. This means less time plugged in and more time reading.

    One of our favorite features is the lack of apps, videos, or games. It keeps kids focused on reading without distractions. The included year of Amazon Kids+ opens up a world of age-appropriate books. We appreciate the built-in tools like Vocabulary Builder and Word Wise, which help boost reading skills.

  • Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition

    9.3

    We think the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is a top-notch e-reader that’s worth buying for its premium features and excellent reading experience.

    9.3

    We think the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is a top-notch e-reader that’s worth buying for its premium features and excellent reading experience.

    Pros

    • Large 6.8″ glare-free display
    • Wireless charging capability
    • Auto-adjusting front light

    Cons

    • Higher price than basic models
    • Larger size may not suit all hands
    • Refurbished status may concern some buyers

    We tested the refurbished Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition and were impressed by its like-new condition. The 6.8″ screen felt spacious, making it easy to read for long stretches. Text looked crisp and clear, even in bright sunlight.

    We loved the auto-adjusting front light. It adapted to our surroundings seamlessly, whether we read during the day or at night. The warm light option was gentle on our eyes for bedtime reading.

    Wireless charging was a nice touch. We just placed the Kindle on a Qi-compatible pad and it charged up without fuss. The 32 GB storage held thousands of books, so we never ran out of reading material.

    The device felt solid yet light in our hands. Its waterproof design gave us peace of mind when reading by the pool. Battery life was stellar – we went weeks between charges with regular use.

    While pricier than basic models, we think the Signature Edition’s extra features make it worth the investment for avid readers. The refurbished status didn’t impact performance at all in our tests.

  • Amazon Kindle (2022)

    9.1

    We think this Kindle is a great choice for most readers seeking a compact and affordable e-reader with a crisp display.

    9.1

    We think this Kindle is a great choice for most readers seeking a compact and affordable e-reader with a crisp display.

    Pros

    • Lightweight and pocket-friendly
    • Sharp 300 ppi screen
    • Long battery life

    Cons

    • No waterproofing
    • Basic design
    • Limited storage compared to tablets

    The new Kindle feels incredibly light in our hands. We can easily slip it into a coat pocket or small bag. The 6-inch screen is just right for reading on the go.

    We love the improved 300 ppi display. Text looks sharp and clear, almost like reading on paper. The built-in light works well for nighttime reading without disturbing others.

    Battery life is impressive. We only need to charge it about once a month with regular use. The 16 GB storage holds plenty of books for most readers.

    We did miss having waterproofing for worry-free beach reading. The basic design also lacks some premium touches found on pricier models. But for its affordable price, this Kindle delivers a great reading experience.

  • Kobo Clara BW

    9

    We think the Kobo Clara BW is a great e-reader for most people due to its excellent screen and user-friendly features.

    9

    We think the Kobo Clara BW is a great e-reader for most people due to its excellent screen and user-friendly features.

    Pros

    • Crystal-clear 6-inch glare-free display
    • Adjustable ComfortLight PRO for comfortable reading
    • Waterproof design for worry-free use

    Cons

    • Limited storage compared to some competitors
    • Kobo’s e-book store isn’t as extensive as Amazon’s
    • No cellular connectivity option

    We spent a week testing the Kobo Clara BW, and it quickly became our go-to device for reading. The 6-inch E Ink screen is sharp and easy on the eyes, making long reading sessions a breeze. We loved how we could adjust the brightness and color temperature to suit different lighting conditions.

    The Clara BW’s waterproof design gave us peace of mind. We took it to the beach and even read in the bathtub without worry. The device feels light and comfortable to hold for hours, which we appreciated during our marathon reading sessions.

    One thing we noticed was the 16GB storage. It’s enough for thousands of e-books, but audiobook fans might find it fills up fast. The Kobo store has a good selection, but it’s not as vast as Amazon’s. Still, we found most of the titles we wanted, and sideloading our own e-books was simple.

  • Kindle Paperwhite Refurb

    8.7

    We think this refurbished Kindle Paperwhite is a great buy for most readers, offering premium features at a lower price.

    8.7

    We think this refurbished Kindle Paperwhite is a great buy for most readers, offering premium features at a lower price.

    Pros

    • Large 6.8″ glare-free display
    • Waterproof design
    • Long battery life

    Cons

    • Refurbished, not brand new
    • No expandable storage
    • Slightly pricier than basic Kindle

    We’ve been testing this refurbished Kindle Paperwhite for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The 6.8″ screen is a nice upgrade from older models, giving us more room to read without feeling bulky. Text looks crisp and clear, even in bright sunlight.

    One feature we really like is the adjustable warm light. It’s easy on the eyes during nighttime reading sessions. We’ve taken this e-reader to the beach and in the tub without worry, thanks to its waterproof design.

    The battery life is amazing. We’ve gone over a week of heavy daily use without needing to recharge. Page turns are quick, and the device feels snappy when navigating menus or searching for books. While it’s refurbished, our unit looked and worked like new out of the box.

  • BOOX Palma

    8.7

    We think the BOOX Palma is a great choice for readers who want a pocket-sized e-reader with smartphone-like features.

    8.7

    We think the BOOX Palma is a great choice for readers who want a pocket-sized e-reader with smartphone-like features.

    Pros

    • Super portable design
    • Crisp 300 PPI E Ink display
    • Access to Google Play apps

    Cons

    • Higher price point
    • Short battery life
    • Learning curve for features

    The BOOX Palma fits nicely in our hands. Its 6.3-inch screen is about the size of a big smartphone, making it easy to slip into a pocket or small bag. We love how light it feels when reading for long stretches.

    The E Ink display looks great. Text is sharp and clear, even in bright sunlight. The front light lets us read comfortably at night without eye strain. We can adjust the light settings to match our needs.

    We’re impressed by how smooth and quick the Palma feels. Pages turn fast, and we can open apps without lag. The Android system means we can download our favorite reading apps from Google Play. It’s nice to have options beyond the built-in reader.

    FeatureSpec
    Screen6.3″ E Ink
    Storage128 GB
    RAM6 GB
    Battery1 day

    While we enjoy using the Palma, it’s not perfect. The price is steep compared to basic e-readers. Battery life could be better – we find ourselves charging it daily with heavy use. There are lots of features to learn, which might be tricky for some users at first.

  • Veidoo E-Reader

    8.6

    We can’t recommend this e-reader due to its poor screen quality and frequent technical issues.

    8.6

    We can’t recommend this e-reader due to its poor screen quality and frequent technical issues.

    Pros

    • Lightweight at 165 grams
    • 32GB storage with expansion option
    • Touch screen and button page turning

    Cons

    • Low-quality black and white display
    • Slow performance and crashes
    • Difficult to add books

    We tried out the Veidoo E-Reader and were disappointed by its performance. The 5.8-inch screen only displays black and white, with no shades of gray. This made some app elements hard to see and read.

    The device was frustratingly slow to use. We often found ourselves waiting for pages to turn or apps to open. It also crashed several times during our testing, forcing us to restart it.

    Adding books proved tricky. The setup process was incomplete, and we couldn’t find a way to load our own e-books onto the device. While it offers 32GB of storage and the option to expand with a memory card, these features don’t help if you can’t add content easily.

Buying Guide

When shopping for an e-reader, there are several key factors to consider. We’ve put together this guide to help you find the best device for your needs.

Screen Type and Size

E-readers typically come with either E Ink or LCD screens. E Ink displays are easier on the eyes and offer better battery life. Screen sizes usually range from 6 to 8 inches.

Resolution

Higher resolution screens provide sharper text and images. Look for at least 300 pixels per inch (PPI) for the clearest reading experience.

Storage Capacity

Most e-readers offer 8GB to 32GB of storage. This affects how many books you can keep on your device at once.

Battery Life

E-readers can last weeks on a single charge. Check the manufacturer’s stated battery life to compare models.

Lighting

Built-in lights let you read in the dark. Some devices offer adjustable color temperature for more comfortable nighttime reading.

Waterproofing

If you like to read by the pool or in the bath, look for waterproof models.

File Format Support

Make sure the e-reader supports the file types you use most often, like EPUB or PDF.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi enables easy book downloads. Some models also offer cellular connectivity for on-the-go purchases.

By weighing these features against your needs and budget, you’ll be able to find the perfect e-reader for your reading habits.