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the best ereader to buy right now A comprehensive guide to the best e-readers currently available highlights the advantages of dedicated devices over smartphones for an enhanced reading experience.

the best ereader to buy right now

The Advantages of E-Readers

While smartphones can store a vast library of books, e-readers provide a more immersive reading experience. They are designed to minimize distractions, reduce eye strain, and often come equipped with features like adjustable front lighting. Some models are even waterproof, while others include physical buttons for page-turning or note-taking capabilities. Over the past decade, I have tested numerous e-readers, from popular models like the Kindle Paperwhite to lesser-known alternatives such as the PocketBook Era. Here, I present the best e-readers available, catering to a variety of needs and preferences.

The Best Kindle

Kindle Paperwhite (2024)

Score: 8

Pros: The best-looking screen on any e-reader, slightly larger screen without a noticeably larger device, faster page turns, loading, and a more responsive user interface, a splash of color (without a color screen).
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, and the back panel feels less grippy.

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.

If you primarily purchase eBooks from Amazon, the Kindle Paperwhite is the best choice for most users. Priced at $159.99, it is more affordable than the Kobo Libra Colour, my top non-Amazon recommendation, while offering many similar features. The Kindle Paperwhite boasts a spacious 7-inch 300ppi display with excellent contrast and an adjustable warm white front light, enhancing the reading experience and reducing blue light exposure that can disrupt sleep.

Unlike the base-model Kindle, which costs $109.99, the Paperwhite is IPX8 water-resistant. The $199.99 Signature Edition Paperwhite includes additional features such as an auto-adjusting front light and no lockscreen ads. It also supports wireless charging, a rarity among e-readers.

Amazon’s dominance in the U.S. eBook market provides Kindle users with unique advantages. The company frequently offers discounts on eBooks and audiobooks, particularly for Prime members, who also benefit from additional free content through Prime Reading. While competitors like Kobo also offer sales, they often cannot match Amazon’s steep discounts.

However, there are drawbacks. The Paperwhite comes with lockscreen ads unless users pay an additional $20 to remove them. Its size can make one-handed use uncomfortable, and it is important to note that Kindle devices are limited to Amazon’s proprietary eBook format. This means users cannot easily read books purchased from other platforms like Kobo or Google Play Books without converting file formats, which can be cumbersome.

The 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, and 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 those who prefer not to engage with Amazon’s ecosystem. It features many of the same standout attributes as the Kindle Paperwhite, including waterproofing and a 300ppi display, but also introduces a color display using E Ink’s Kaledio technology. This allows for pastel-like hues that enhance the viewing experience, particularly for book covers and comics, although the color resolution is lower at 150ppi.

One of the most significant advantages of the Libra Colour is its compatibility with the Kobo Stylus 2, enabling users to highlight text and take notes. It also supports advanced features like math equation solving and handwriting-to-text conversion, making it a versatile tool for readers and students alike. The physical page-turning buttons provide a more intuitive experience compared to tapping on the screen, and the device supports a wider range of file formats, including EPUB.

However, the Kobo Libra Colour’s price point of $229.99 is $70 higher than the entry-level Paperwhite, and the stylus is sold separately for $69.99. Additionally, Kobo’s library is not as extensive as Amazon’s, which can be a drawback for users with existing Kindle collections.

The 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, priced at $109.99, is the best budget e-reader available. Its 300ppi resolution provides clearer text compared to lower-resolution competitors, and it features USB-C for faster charging. Although its 6-inch screen may feel cramped compared to larger models, its compact size makes it portable and easy for children to handle. The Kindle Kids Edition, available for $20 more, offers an ad-free experience along with parental controls and additional content through Amazon Kids Plus.

While the base Kindle lacks features like waterproofing and physical page-turning buttons, it remains a solid choice for those who prioritize affordability and essential reading functions. Users should be aware that they will be tied to the Amazon ecosystem and may need to pay extra to remove ads.

The 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 as an excellent choice for users who prioritize note-taking capabilities. It allows users to write directly on pages, mimicking the experience of a physical book. The device includes various note-taking tools, such as math equation solving and the ability to insert diagrams, making it a versatile option for students and professionals alike.

While the Elipsa 2E’s 227ppi display is slightly less sharp than its competitors, the larger 10.3-inch screen makes text easier to read. It also features an adjustable warm light for comfortable nighttime reading. However, users should note that the device lacks native support for Kindle books, which may require additional steps for those with existing Kindle libraries.

Other E-Readers That Didn’t Make the Cut

Several other e-readers are worth mentioning, even if they did not make the top recommendations:

Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition: The first Kindle to feature color screen technology, priced at $279.99. It offers improved contrast and faster screen refreshes but lacks stylus support.
Kindle Colorsoft: A more affordable alternative to the Signature Edition, priced at $249.99. It offers a similar reading experience but lacks some premium features.
Kobo Clara Colour: An affordable non-Amazon alternative at $159.99, featuring a six-inch color display and waterproof design.
Nook Glowlight 4 Plus: Released in 2023, priced at $199.99. It offers a good reading experience but is less responsive than competitors.
Boox Palma 2: A smartphone-sized E Ink device priced at $279.99, running Android 13 and capable of supporting productivity apps.
Boox Go 10.3: Priced at $409.99, it excels in note-taking capabilities but may not offer the best value for general reading.

Conclusion

Choosing the right e-reader depends on individual preferences, reading habits, and budget. Whether you prefer the extensive library of Amazon’s Kindle ecosystem or the versatility of Kobo’s offerings, there is an e-reader to suit your needs. The Kindle Paperwhite remains the best overall choice for most users, while the Kobo Libra Colour offers an excellent alternative for those seeking a non-Amazon option. For budget-conscious readers, the base Kindle provides essential features at an attractive price point. Finally, the Kobo Elipsa 2E stands out for those who prioritize note-taking capabilities.

Source: Original report