10 Best E-Readers in 2022 (Amazon, Kobo, and More)
Are you looking to read more books and want to try a digital approach? Maybe you're a seasoned reader that is running out of bookshelf space or someone who wants to borrow from a library but can't physically get to one. e-Readers can be useful for many people due to how economical they are and the variety of accessibility options available but choosing the right one can be daunting.
That's why we've researched the 10 best e-Readers available. We chose the Kobo Libra 2 as the best all-around choice due to its connectivity with libraries, the variety of screen adjustments available, and its large storage capacity. We've also recommended another nine options and written a buying guide to help you make your choice.
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How to Choose E-Readers
With this buying guide, we lay out some criteria that you may want to look at when choosing to buy an e-reader.
Decide How You Want to Access Books
One important consideration when choosing an e-Reader is where you will get your e-Books from. Much like physical books, you can either purchase them as permanent additions to your virtual shelf or you can borrow them for a limited amount of time.
Each of the main e-Reader manufacturers has its own e-Book store that can be accessed from the e-Reader itself or from the online store associated with the e-Reader. For example, books for an Amazon Kindle can be purchased from either the store on the Kindle or from Amazon's regular website. Books for a Kobo can be purchased from the store on your Kobo or from the Kobo website.
When it comes to borrowing books from a public library, you should check to see how your local library handles its e-Books as this can differ from library to library. Look through the library's catalog of e-Books and the listings should tell you which apps the library uses to deliver e-Books to e-Readers.
Generally, the apps they use - such as OverDrive and Libby - are compatible with anything that uses either an iOS or Android system, such as Nooks, and will also work with Kindles. Some other e-Readers, such as newer Kobos, have the ability to borrow from libraries built-in and don't require an app.
One great advantage e-Readers have over physical books is how easy they are to travel with. Instead of taking a full library of heavy books with you, you can just take your single e-Reader. If you want to buy a new book while abroad then you don't need to worry as Kindles, Nooks, and Kobos allow you to purchase from your home store even while abroad, as long as your home payment method and address is still valid.
Check the Screen Specifications
Another important consideration when choosing an e-Reader is the screen. You will be spending many hours staring at this as you read, so getting the right one is of great importance and you need to consider more than just the size of the screen. e-Reader screens can be largely split into two categories: LCD or e-ink.
If you have a smartphone or tablet, you'll be familiar with LCD already. LCD screens can be either black and white or color, although black and white are less common in modern e-Readers due to their poor performance when compared to e-ink. Color LCD screens are the best choice if you're looking for an e-Reader to also be a mini-tablet, with games, media, and web surfing.
Color e-ink screens are relatively new and not yet of the quality of color LCD. Black and white e-ink screens replicate the look of a page in a book better than even high-end color LCD screens do. They also eliminate glare and use less power than an LCD screen. Many modern e-ink screens have a built-in light so you can read them in the dark. If you want an e-Reader purely to read books, choose one with an e-Ink screen.
When it comes to eye strain, there are some studies that suggest LCD screens can cause eye fatigue quicker than e-ink screens do. If you do choose an LCD screen, look for ones that have options to set them to night mode and have a blue-light filter. Activating both of these will relieve the strain on your eyes and allow you to sleep better.
Pick a Suitable Storage Capacity and Battery Life
Unlike a personal computer which is equipped with a hard drive, e-readers often have flash memory with an average storage capacity of 8GB. The size of a black and white novel without any pictures is about 1MB, so 8GB is usually enough even for a large library.
However, if you like to download comics or magazines it may not be enough. In this case, you should either choose a device with a larger storage capacity or one that has cloud storage. This type of e-Reader will allow you to keep e-Books on the Cloud, but you will need access to the internet to read them without downloading.
Battery life is also an important consideration for e-Readers. This is highly influenced by the screen of your e-Reader, as a single charge on a model such as the Fire that has a full-color LCD screen and can handle games and other media will only last for around 12 hours. However, a Kindle Paperwhite with a black and white screen that is built just for books can last for weeks.
Find a Size and Weight That Meet Your Needs
When it comes to the size of the screen, this is a personal choice. If you're looking to play games or multimedia, then a larger screen may be a better choice. However, for reading books, it all depends on how portable you need the tablet to be, how comfortable it will be in your hands, or what books you're looking to read.
The screens on e-Readers are measured diagonally, just like TV and laptop screens. For technical books that have lots of diagrams and small annotations, you might want a larger screen of at least nine inches. If you're only going to be reading novels or other similar books, then a smaller screen of around seven inches should be fine.
A ten-inch screen will fit inside a backpack but is unlikely to fit in a purse. If you want to take an e-Reader on public transport or to work with you, for example, and only have a purse, then you will want a much smaller screen. Smaller screens tend to weigh less as well, which will be another consideration when traveling with just a purse. If you want to travel light, look for something under 6.3 ounces.
For seniors, a larger screen might be of benefit as it will make all of the options larger and easier to press as well as ensure larger text. For some, using buttons to turn pages may be easier than a touchscreen. It might also be easier to hold a large screen in two hands than a smaller screen in one. If your hands are likely to get tired, however, then look at lighter e-Readers.
Consider Additional Features, Like Playing Audio Books
Although the primary purpose of an e-Reader is to allow you to read books, it can also perform several other functions. Some e-Readers also come with the option to download games or streaming services and are mini-tablets. In many cases, it can also allow you to play audiobooks. These are sometimes packaged with e-Books and can also be borrowed from libraries in the same way e-Books can be.
Some newer model e-Readers, such as Kindles, have Bluetooth so you can connect to wireless headphones whereas older models may only have a standard headphone jack instead. Kindles will sync your progress between an e-Book and the audiobook so you can switch between the two. Boox e-Readers and Fire tablets use immersion reading, which syncs the words on the screen with the audio you hear.
When it comes to actually getting your e-Books onto your e-Reader, the most common method for this is via Wi-fi, but this isn't the only possibility. Some e-Readers have cellular connectivity and can connect to the internet in their own right, but this service will usually occur additional charges. Others will connect to your computer and you can sync libraries through a USB connection.
If you are scared of water ruining your electronics, you should choose a water-resistant e-Reader. Waterproofing is identified by a standard rating called an IP rating. If your device is IP5 or above, you can use it in the bathroom or wet areas and IP6 will keep your device safe if it gets splashed. IP7 and 8 devices can handle actually being submerged for some period of time.
10 Best E-Readers Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Kobo Libra H2O | | Best All-Purpose e-Reader | |
2 | Amazon Kindle Paperwhite | | Best Option for e-Reader Beginners | |
3 | Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight 3 eReader | | Best e-Book Selection | |
4 | Kobo Clara HD | | Currently unavailable | Best Choice for Borrowing Library Books |
5 | Amazon Kindle E-reader | | Best Color Option | |
6 | Boox Nova Pro 7.8 ePaper E-reader｜OPC0829R | | Best for Manga and Audiobooks | |
7 | Amazon Kindle Oasis | | Best Option Without Blue Light | |
8 | Kobo Forma | | Best for Seniors or Those Hard of Vision | |
9 | Amazon E-Reader | | Best e-Reader for Kids | |
10 | Kobo Nook GlowLight Plus | | Best for Textbooks and PDFs |
Best All-Purpose e-Reader
Pros:
- Page-turning buttons
- Waterproof with IPX8 rating
- Blue light reduction technology
- Large storage as standard
Cons:
- Poor battery life
The screen on Libra 2 reacts to orientation, so you can read horizontally or vertically. You can also have the page-turning buttons on either the left or right-hand side, depending on which is best for you. The tone of the screen is customizable also and reduces blue light so your eyes won't get tired.
A couple of reviewers reported that the battery life on the Libra 2 isn't as expected and is easily drained by having the screen brighter. Overall, the majority of reviewers praise this e-Reader for being user-friendly and comfortable to use. It's also praised for its integration with public libraries.
AmazonKindle Paperwhite
Best Option for e-Reader Beginners
Pros:
- Glare-free display
- Adjustable brightness
- Easy to carry, fits in purses
- Easy to hold one-handed
Cons:
- Touchscreen can be slow to respond
The Kindle has fewer features than many other e-Readers on the list, making it ideal for people who are either new to e-Readers or simply want one for reading books. The screen is glare-free and can be adjusted and the unit has both speakers and Bluetooth if you choose to listen to audiobooks instead.
Some reviewers reported that the interface on this Kindle is tricky to deal with. They said it's slow to react and can sometimes turn several pages at once. However, reviewers that wanted a small and simple e-Reader loved this, saying it's light enough to carry and is easy to use. Although the screen is of a lower quality than many other e-Readers, reviewers said it is fine for reading books.
Barnes & NobleNook GlowLight 3 eReader
Best e-Book Selection
Pros:
- Largest library of books to purchase
- Two large page-turning buttons
- Barnes & Noble in-store support
- Soft-touch case
Cons:
- Not as easy to borrow library books
If you're more likely to buy books than borrow them, then a Nook might be the e-Reader for you. Although borrowing from a library isn't as straightforward as it is on other e-Readers, Nooks have access to the largest e-Book store. The GlowLight 3 has large buttons for turning pages, an anti-glare screen protector, and an adjustable display so it can be read day and night.
A few readers criticized the GlowLight 3 for not being user-friendly and they also said that it lags when navigating the store and turning pages. Readers did praise the screen adjustment though, saying it's easy to read throughout the day and night. The battery life is also commended and reviewers loved the choice of books available.
KoboClara HD
Best Choice for Borrowing Library Books
Pros:
- Comes with the OverDrive app preloaded
- Library books can also be borrowed via Adobe Digital Editions
- Screen adjusts in the dark
- Good battery life
Cons:
- Not waterproof
If you're looking for an e-Reader purely for buying and borrowing books, then the Clara is a good choice. It comes with the OverDrive app preloaded so you can begin to borrow books from your library right out of the box. Kobos also work with Adobe Digital Editions so you can use that if it is compatible with your library instead.
There are conflicting reports from reviewers about how user-friendly this e-Reader is. Some readers found it difficult to navigate and use, whereas others had no issues. Many reviewers were able to borrow books from their library with no problem and the functionality as an e-Reader is largely praised.
Best Color Option
Pros:
- Full-color screen
- Large internal storage
- Can also stream media
- Setting to reduce blue light
Cons:
- Poor battery life
- A bit heavier than other options
As color e-ink e-Readers haven't met the grade yet, an Amazon Fire may be one of the best options if you're looking for a color screen. Although the Fire has many functions of a low-end tablet, it works perfectly with e-Books bought from the Kindle store, can also access library books, and play audiobooks.
The majority of the criticisms regarding the Fire 7 cite low battery life and a tendency to get warm after a little use. These issues seem to mainly occur when using some of the multimedia options, and not when using it purely for books. Reviewers praised this unit for being small and easy to travel with. They said it is great for reading and that the screen doesn't tire their eyes.
BooxNova Pro 7.8 ePaper E-reader ｜ OPC0829R
Best for Manga and Audiobooks
Pros:
- Can annotate books and documents
- Can also draw or handwrite notes
- Access to multiple bookstores
- Supports immersion reading with Audible
Cons:
- No proper native bookstore
- No automatic brightness and color adjustment
The screen size of the Nova Air is practically identical to the size of the average manga. This means the pages will be represented at the right size, and not shrunk or stretched out. This e-Reader runs on an Android operating system and allows you to download apps from the Google Play store, so you can buy books from third-party sellers such as Kindle or Kobo. Audible
Reviewers pointed out that although the screen brightness and color tone do change, it doesn't do this automatically so you will have to manually adjust it each time. However, reviewers praised the paper-like quality of the screen, both for reading and writing. There is also praise for how the immersion reading works as several reviewers said they could play an audiobook and automatically follow in an e-Book with no issues.
AmazonKindle Oasis
Best Option Without Blue Light
Pros:
- Screen color and light can be adjusted
- Fully charges in three hours
- Page turn buttons
- Easy to carry, fits in purses
Cons:
- Mixed reports on battery life
The most distinguishing feature of this e-Reader is its auto-adjusting light and adjustable warm light system, allowing users to read comfortably anywhere, anytime. You can navigate through your book via either touchscreen or buttons and the screen will rotate either horizontally or vertically.
Some reviewers criticized the battery life on this model and say the buttons are a little too sensitive. However, reviewers praised the screen adjustment, saying that blue light glasses weren't needed and the screen didn't tire their eyes. The lack of glare is also commended, as is the range of brightness available.
KoboForma
Best for Seniors or Those Hard of Vision
Pros:
- Pages can be turned by touchscreen or button
- Ergonomic design
- Textured back for easier grip
- Includes integrated library lending
- Many fonts and size options for readability
Cons:
- There can be lag when turning pages or choosing options
This e-Reader has multiple options to make it easier to read. It has 50 different fonts and the color and tone of the screen can be adjusted. You can turn pages by either touching the screen or using buttons, depending on which is easiest. The Forma is designed to be easy to hold and can be held either horizontally or vertically.
Some Formas seem to have an issue with the on/off button that makes it difficult to press, although this isn't reported by everyone. This e-Reader is easy to read, as confirmed by several reviewers including seniors. Reviewers praised the Forma for how easy it is to customize the font size and how grippy the back is.
AmazonE-Reader
Best e-Reader for Kids
Pros:
- Includes a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+
- Parental controls can block age-restricted books
- Multiple accessibility options
- Waterproof and two-year guarantee
Cons:
- Slow interface
This version of the Kindle Paperweight is designed with kids in mind. Not only does it come with a colorful cover, but it also has a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+. This gives the reader access to a library of curated books. Parents can control the books their child has access to and the device has a guarantee in case of damage.
A few reviewers found that the interface on the Paperweight is very slow, especially when scrolling through a larger library. The selection of books available on Amazon Kids+ was also not as wide as reviewers would have hoped. Overall, reviewers were pleased with their purchase, regardless of whether it was used by kids or adults. The touchscreen is particularly praised, as is the quality of the included case.
KoboNook GlowLight Plus
Best for Textbooks and PDFs
Pros:
- Annotate textbooks and PDFs
- Largest range of supported file formats
- Device can be angled for easier writing
- Can transform handwriting to text
Cons:
- Copyrighted PDFs cannot be written on
The Elipsa is more than just an e-Reader as it can also double as a notebook. It can handle multiple file formats and comes with a stylus so you can make notes and markings in your books, textbooks, or PDFs as you read. It will also transform your handwriting to text and allow you to export what you wrote so it can be easily shared.
A few reviewers remarked that although the size of the stylus markings can be altered, they're still very thick in PDFs which can make it difficult to write as much information as the user wants. Overall though, reviewers praised the Elipsa for how it handles handwritten text. They found it easy to use and easy to read.
Here Are Some Book Suggestions for Your New Device!
Here are some suggestions of great reads to download on your new e-Reader.
Top 5 E-Readers
No. 1: Kobo ｜Libra H2O
No. 2: Amazon｜Kindle Paperwhite
No. 3: Barnes & Noble｜Nook GlowLight 3 eReader
No. 4: Kobo｜Clara HD
No. 5: Amazon｜Kindle E-reader
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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