What is the best e-reader?
A comprehensive comparison of the top e-readers available today. We evaluate display quality, battery life, ecosystem support, build quality, and overall value to help you find the perfect device for your reading needs.
After extensive testing and research, the Kindle Paperwhite (2024) stands out as the best overall e-reader for most readers, offering an excellent balance of display quality, features, and value. However, power users who want more flexibility may prefer the Kobo Libra 2 with its open format support, while those seeking a premium experience should consider the Kindle Oasis.
Pros
- CPRO
The screen is gorgeous.
The high-quality display with adjustable warm light provides comfortable nighttime reading. The larger screen size reduces eye strain during extended reading sessions.
- NPRO
Weeks of reading on a single charge.
Exceptional battery efficiency delivers weeks of reading on a single charge, even with daily multi-hour reading sessions. Ideal for extended travel without needing to pack a charger.
- SPRO
Full waterproof design.
The waterproof construction allows reading by pools or in bathtubs without water damage concerns, expanding reading location options significantly.
Cons
- MCON
Amazon ecosystem limitation.
The device is primarily designed for Amazon's Kindle book store. Using library ebooks requires additional workarounds, which may inconvenience users who prefer alternative book sources.
Pros
- LPRO
Works with library books easily.
Native support for library ebook formats enables seamless borrowing from public libraries without workarounds, offering more straightforward access than competing ecosystems.
- EPRO
Buttons make one-handed reading great.
The page turn buttons are very valuable when youre lying in bed or eating. No more accidentally tapping the wrong thing on the screen.
- DPRO
Feels premium in hand.
This thing feels well built. The textured back gives a nice grip and it doesnt feel like itll break if users drop it.
Cons
- PCON
Kobo store has fewer books.
Sometimes the book isnt available on Kobo store. Not a dealbreaker since Designed for Libby anyway but worth mentioning.
Pros
- CPRO
Best-in-class e-reader display.
The Oasis features one of the highest quality e-reader displays available, with auto-adjusting warm light for comfortable reading and crisp, responsive page turns.
- SPRO
Fits perfectly in one hand.
The asymmetric design provides a natural grip on the thicker side with optimized weight balance for comfortable one-handed reading.
- MPRO
Definitely feels premium.
The aluminum body construction provides a significant premium feel compared to plastic-bodied readers, delivering a luxury device aesthetic and improved durability.
Cons
- NCON
Hard to justify the price.
At $300 its hard to recommend over the Paperwhite. Great device but the premium users pay doesnt quite match the extras users get.
- ECON
Hasnt been updated in years.
Amazon seems to have abandoned this line. No updates since 2019 means youre buying into old tech at a premium price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kindle e-readers are made by Amazon and are tightly integrated with the Amazon ecosystem, making them ideal for Amazon Prime members and those who buy most of their books from Amazon. Kobo e-readers, made by Rakuten, offer more flexibility with open format support (EPUB, PDF) and seamless library integration through OverDrive/Libby, making them better for readers who borrow ebooks from public libraries.
It depends on your reading habits. If you frequently read by the pool, at the beach, in the bathtub, or anywhere near water, a waterproof e-reader (IPX8 rated) provides peace of mind. Most premium e-readers like the Kindle Paperwhite, Kindle Oasis, and Kobo Libra 2 offer IPX8 water resistance, meaning they can survive accidental submersion in fresh water.
E-reader battery life varies by model and usage, but most devices last several weeks on a single charge with typical use (about 30 minutes of reading per day). E-ink displays use almost no power when displaying static text, so battery drain mainly occurs during page turns and when using the front light. Kindles typically advertise up to 10 weeks of battery life, while Kobo devices offer similar longevity.
Yes, but the experience varies by brand. Kobo e-readers have built-in OverDrive/Libby integration, making library book borrowing seamless. For Kindle, you can borrow library books through the Kindle app or by using Libby to send books to your device, though the process requires a few extra steps. BOOX devices run Android, so you can install the Libby app directly.
For most readers, a 6 to 7-inch screen offers the best balance of portability and readability. The 6-inch models (like Kobo Clara 2E) are the most compact and pocket-friendly. 7-inch screens (Kindle Paperwhite, Kobo Libra 2) provide more comfortable reading for extended sessions. 8-inch models (Kobo Sage) are ideal for PDFs, comics, and note-taking but are less portable.