the best ereader to buy right now The latest advancements in e-reader technology have made it easier than ever to enjoy a vast library of books in a compact form.
the best ereader to buy right now
Why Choose an E-Reader?
While smartphones and tablets can store thousands of books, they often come with distractions that can disrupt the reading experience. E-readers, on the other hand, are designed specifically for reading, offering a more book-like experience. They feature E Ink displays that reduce eye strain, adjustable front lighting for various reading conditions, and many models are even waterproof. Some e-readers come equipped with physical buttons for page-turning, while others allow for note-taking, making them versatile tools for both casual readers and dedicated students.
Best E-Readers Available Now
After nearly a decade of using various e-readers, I’ve tested numerous models, from the popular Kindle Paperwhite to lesser-known options like the Pocketbook Era. Below are the top recommendations for different needs and preferences.
Best Kindle: Kindle Paperwhite (2024)
Score: 8
- Pros: Best-looking screen on any e-reader, slightly larger screen without a noticeably larger device, faster page turns, loading, and a more responsive UI.
- Cons: Upgrades aren’t as significant as the last Paperwhite, lacks stylus support and page-turn buttons, Signature Edition wireless charging is frustrating without magnets.
Where to Buy: $159.99 at Amazon (ad-supported), $159.99 at Best Buy (ad-supported), $159.99 at Target (ad-supported).
Dimensions: 7 x 5 x 0.3 inches / Weight: 211 grams / Screen area and resolution: 7-inch screen, 300ppi resolution / Storage: 16GB / Other features: IPX8 waterproofing, Bluetooth audio support.
The Kindle Paperwhite is the best choice for most readers, especially those who primarily purchase ebooks from Amazon. Priced at $159.99, it offers a spacious 7-inch display with rich contrast levels and an adjustable warm white frontlight, enhancing the reading experience while minimizing blue light exposure that can disrupt sleep.
Unlike the base-model Kindle, the Paperwhite is waterproof (IPX8 rated), making it suitable for reading by the pool or in the bath. The Signature Edition, priced at $199.99, includes additional features like an auto-adjusting frontlight and wireless charging. However, it’s important to note that the Kindle ecosystem is somewhat closed; it doesn’t support EPUB files, which are commonly used by other ebook retailers. This means that if you buy books from other platforms, you may face challenges accessing them on a Kindle device.
Best Non-Amazon E-Reader: Kobo Libra Colour (32GB, ad-free)
- Pros: Nice color screen with sharp, 300ppi black-and-white resolution, physical page-turning buttons, built-in stylus support, compatible with Overdrive.
- Cons: More expensive than the Kindle Paperwhite, lacks the vibrancy of other color e-readers, no wireless charging.
Where to Buy: $229.99 at Amazon, $229.99 at Rakuten Kobo, $229.99 at Target.
Dimensions: 5.69 x 6.34 x 0.33 inches / Weight: 199.5 grams / Screen area and resolution: 7-inch screen, 300ppi (black-and-white), 150ppi (color) / Storage: 32GB / Other features: Physical page-turning buttons, waterproofing, Kobo Stylus 2 support, Bluetooth audio support.
The Kobo Libra Colour is an excellent alternative for readers who prefer not to be tied to Amazon’s ecosystem. It features E Ink’s Kaledio color screen technology, allowing for pastel-like hues that enhance the reading of book covers and comics. While the color resolution drops to 150ppi when viewing in color, it still offers a pleasant reading experience.
The device supports a digital pen, the Kobo Stylus 2, allowing users to highlight text and take notes. Although it’s not meant to replace a dedicated notebook, it provides useful features for those who like to annotate their readings. The Libra Colour also supports a wider range of file formats, including EPUB, making it easier to borrow books from libraries through Overdrive.
However, at $229.99, it’s pricier than the Kindle Paperwhite, and the lack of access to Amazon’s extensive library can be a drawback for some users.
Best Cheap E-Reader: Kindle (2024)
- Pros: Excellent, high-resolution display, easy to hold with one hand, faster than its predecessor with improved battery life, fun color options.
- Cons: No waterproofing, lacks adjustable color temperature, slightly more expensive than its predecessor.
Where to Buy: $109.99 at Amazon (with ads), $109.99 at Best Buy (with ads), $129.99 at Amazon (without ads).
Dimensions: 6.2 x 4.3 x 0.32 inches / Weight: 158 grams / Screen area and resolution: 6-inch screen, 300ppi resolution / Storage: 16GB / Other features: USB-C support, Bluetooth audio support.
The base-model Kindle is the best budget option, offering a 300ppi resolution that makes text clear and easy to read. Its compact size makes it highly portable, making it an excellent choice for children or casual readers. The Kindle Kids Edition, priced at $20 more, includes parental controls, a two-year replacement guarantee, and access to thousands of children’s books through Amazon Kids Plus.
However, it lacks some features found in more expensive models, such as waterproofing and physical page-turning buttons. Additionally, users are locked into Amazon’s ecosystem, which may not be ideal for everyone.
Best E-Reader for Taking Notes: Kobo Elipsa 2E
- Pros: Intuitive note-taking features, great e-reader, adjustable warm light, useful note-taking capabilities, including handwriting-to-text conversion.
- Cons: Lacks native support for Kindle books, 227ppi display isn’t as sharp as the competition, no note-summarization features.
Where to Buy: $399.99 at Walmart, $399.99 at Target, $399.99 at Rakuten Kobo.
Dimensions: 7.6 x 8.94 x 0.30 inches / Weight: 390 grams / Screen area and resolution: 10.3-inches, 227ppi resolution / Storage: 32GB / Other features: Handwriting to text conversion, magnetic stylus, Bluetooth audio support.
The Kobo Elipsa 2E stands out for its note-taking capabilities, allowing users to write directly on pages. It offers various tools for annotating, such as solving math equations and inserting diagrams. The device syncs notes with Dropbox and converts handwriting to typed text, making it a versatile option for students and professionals alike.
While its 10.3-inch screen is slightly less sharp than other models, it compensates with its intuitive note-taking features. However, it lacks native support for Kindle books, which may require additional steps for users who have existing Kindle libraries.
Other E-Readers Worth Mentioning
Several other e-readers have been tested but did not make the top recommendations. Here are some notable mentions:
Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition
The Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition features E Ink’s color screen technology, offering improved contrast and vibrant colors. Priced at $279.99, it’s the most expensive Kindle model currently available but lacks stylus support for note-taking.
Kindle Colorsoft
A more affordable alternative to the Signature Edition, the Kindle Colorsoft is priced $30 lower but sacrifices some features, such as wireless charging and auto-adjusting front light. It may not be the best value unless it goes on sale.
Kobo Clara Colour
The Kobo Clara Colour is a budget-friendly non-Amazon option, priced at $159.99. It features a six-inch display and IPX8 waterproof design, making it a solid choice for those looking for a reliable e-reader without breaking the bank.
Nook Glowlight 4 Plus
Barnes and Noble’s Nook Glowlight 4 Plus offers a lovely 300ppi screen and waterproofing but can be slower and less responsive than other options, making it less appealing for users who prioritize speed.
Boox Palma 2
The Boox Palma 2 is a smartphone-sized E Ink device that offers more capabilities than a traditional e-reader, making it a versatile option for those who want a compact device for reading and other tasks.
Conclusion
Choosing the right e-reader depends on individual preferences and reading habits. Whether you prioritize a vast library, note-taking capabilities, or budget-friendly options, there is an e-reader that will meet your needs. The Kindle Paperwhite remains a top choice for Amazon users, while the Kobo Libra Colour offers a compelling alternative for those looking to step outside the Amazon ecosystem. For budget-conscious readers, the base Kindle provides excellent value without sacrificing essential features.
Source: Original report
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Last Modified: September 11, 2025 at 10:36 pm
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