Quick List - Top Ebook Readers
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
Table of Contents
There are many reasons to switch from traditional books to eBooks. The following are some of the biggest.
Instead of carrying around an entire library on your back, with an eBook reader, you can carry thousands of titles in one handbag-sized tablet. And that tablet will sort and alphabetize your titles for you – something that’s near impossible in the unkempt homes of reading addicts.
Another game-changing feature of eBook readers is their search function. When you need to find a specific book or a passage, just type a few letters into the search box, and there it is. That’s much easier than tearing apart your house looking for it, or having to comb through hundreds of paper tabs on your favorite books.
Then you have the extensive eBook stores that all eBook readers come with. You have the latest and greatest books right at your fingertips and you can even get recommendations tailored just for you.
Early versions of eBooks were harsh on the eyes, but with advancements in e-ink, the screens have become easier to look at. E-ink technology has come so far that most eBook readers are able to closely mimic the look of a paper book.
Kindle, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo all have their eBook stores available on tablets, phones, and personal computers, so why even get a reader? Well, it gives you time away from the notifications, messages, and the 24-hour doomsday news reel. You can focus solely on reading.
Most eBook Readers do use Wi-Fi to connect to the internet, but many lack a web browser and use the internet solely for downloading books. There’s less temptation to mindlessly browse Facebook and more reason to focus on your novel.
Most eBook readers are tied to a specific bookstore, so title availability will vary. The sweet new sci-fi book you want might be available on Amazon's Kindle Store but not on Barnes & Noble. Not every online store (and, by extension, eBook reader) offers the same selection, at the same price, to the same effect.
Before you start perusing devices, sample the store's selections by downloading the store app on your phone or tablet or visiting their website. Take a look at their genres, titles, and available deals and see what interests you. Also, some stores may get titles first – or not at all – so think about your favorite authors and act accordingly.
Who doesn't love free books? If you're an avid library user, consider an eBook reader that integrates with OverDrive. This will allow you to browse, place holds, check out, and return library books right from your device.
If you don't want to be tied down to a specific bookstore (or file format), there are a number of eBook readers that use the Android operating system. These devices give you more flexibility, allowing you to download third-party apps to get books from multiple sources.
While most people are familiar with how it feels to hold a book, eBook readers might take some getting used to. They're thinner, lighter, and smaller than most physical books.
The most common screen size for eBook readers is six inches, which makes for a device that is smaller than a typical book, but larger than a phone. This is a convenient, portable size that can easily fit in a bag or coat pocket. It's ideal for reading novels and text-only documents.
However, a six-inch screen may be small if you're reading books with images or other file types, like PDFs or EPUBs. Think about what types of books and files you plan to use the eBook reader for, and pick a screen size accordingly.
All eBook readers are designed to be thin and lightweight, but some have design features that make them more comfortable for you. Some are asymmetrical in thickness, allowing for easier grip with one hand. Others can be used in both landscape and portrait mode.
One feature on newer eBook readers is page turn buttons that allow you to turn pages with the press of your finger rather than swiping across the screen. This can make it even more convenient to read with one hand.
Some eBook readers have started to work around this with cloud storage. But the cloud requires the internet, so if you're planning to travel on a plane or somewhere that won't have Wi-Fi, you'll need to download the book files on to your reader.
Most eBook readers range from four to 32 gigabytes of storage. Many of the smaller capacity readers will have a USB port or SD memory card slot so that you can expand the storage based on your needs.
Many eBook readers come with a bevy of extra features to provide an enhanced reading experience.
If you like to read in the bath or at the beach, consider a waterproof device. Waterproofing is rated by a system called IPX, which operates on a scale from zero to eight - the higher the better. A device that's IPX8 rated can withstand complete submersion.
If you're a fan of both printed books and audiobooks, some eBook readers integrate with audiobook apps as well. For example, some Kindles allow you to switch between reading a book and listening to it via Audible without losing your place. Note that most devices use Bluetooth and don't have a headphone jack.
If you plan to use your eBook reader for work as well as leisure, it may be helpful to get a device that supports writing with a stylus. Some eBook readers will allow you to add annotations to your books and documents, as well as draw and take notes.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Amazon Kindle Oasis | ![]() | Switch Easily Between Reading and Listening | |
2 | Kobo Libra H2O | ![]() | Download Library Books Directly to Your Device | |
3 | Amazon Kindle Paperwhite | ![]() | Just Like Reading a Real Book | |
4 | BOOX Nova 2 | ![]() | A Device That Doesn't Tie You to a Bookstore | |
5 | Kobo Clara HD | ![]() | Backlit for Easy Reading Anywhere | |
6 | Amazon Kindle Voyage | ![]() | Turn Pages Without Lifting a Finger | |
7 | Kobo Forma | ![]() | A Large Screen for Many Formats | |
8 | Kobo Aura | ![]() | A Solid No Frills eBook Reader | |
9 | Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight 3 | ![]() | Page Turn Buttons on Both Sides | |
10 | BOOX Note Air | ![]() | For the Note-Taking Multi-Tasker |
The Oasis is compatible with Audible so you can switch seamlessly between reading and Bluetooth listening without losing your place. Choose from an eight or 32-gigabyte capacity as well as two color options. And if you don't like ads on your lock screen, you can get the ad-free version for just a little bit extra.
Reviewers mainly complained about this device's battery life. They found it to be significantly shorter than other Kindle readers. In addition, some reviewers found the user interface to be clunky and not very intuitive.
However, the majority of reviewers said the Kindle Oasis made reading an enjoyable experience. They found the device to be lightweight and comfortable to hold. They liked the page buttons, which helped them read with one hand. And they loved the adjustable warm light option.
Whether you like to read in portrait or landscape mode, the Libra H2O from Kobo will rotate to fit your style. It features page turn buttons, an HD glare-free touchscreen, and an adjustable light to limit eyestrain. It's also fully waterproof to protect from spills or bathwater.
One of the Libra H2O's unique features is its integration with OverDrive, which allows you to borrow, place a hold on, and return library books right from the device itself. Some reviewers found the Libra H2O's highlight feature to be difficult to use. Others had issues using OverDrive.
On the other hand, many praised this eBook reader for having OverDrive built in, saying it was a breeze to check out and read books from their local library. They found the device to be lightweight and compact with a crisp display. And they said it had a long-lasting battery life.
The battery is designed to last for weeks on a single charge. The Paperwhite comes in four color options and two memory capacities. Some reviewers complained that the Paperwhite was slow to respond to touch commands. Others said the battery life didn't last as long as advertised. Some said theirs broke within a year or two.
Still, many reviewers praised the Paperwhite for its myriad of useful features. They liked its small size and said it was lightweight and convenient to take on the go. And they said it mimicked the look of a real book and made reading on a screen very easy on their eyes.
The BOOX Nova 2 uses the Android operating system, which means it's compatible with third-party apps - everything from eBook readers to games. At just under eight inches, it's larger than other devices, making it ideal for reading EPUB and PDF files.
It comes with a stylus that you can use to write, sketch, edit, highlight, and annotate. And it has adjustable lights so you can optimize the brightness to your desired level. A few reviewers had issues using the Google Play store on this device - it sounds like it's not as straightforward as using an Android phone or tablet.
However, the majority of reviewers said this was an all-around wonderful eBook reader, great for all file types. They loved that they could download any app and really liked the native note-taking function. And they praised the battery life for being long-lasting.
With eight gigabytes of memory, the Kobo Clara HD can store up to 6,000 books. It features a natural, print-like screen with customizable features so you can get the most out of your reading experience. And the light will automatically adjust to your surroundings to help your eyes rest easy as day turns to night.
Some reviewers complained that this device was too small. Others found it to be glitchy or said that the OverDrive integration was unreliable.
However, many reviewers loved the Clara HD. They said its lighting made reading easy in all environments, whether they were outside on a bright, sunny day, or in bed at night. And the backlight meant they didn't even have to turn on a lamp. They also appreciated that it could read many different types of files.
The Kindle Voyage also has an adaptive front light that adjusts to the ideal brightness for your surroundings. And it has all of the standard Kindle features, like a dictionary, additional book information, and vocabulary builder.
Some reviewers complained about the Kindle Voyage's poor battery life or said their device stopped working after a year or two. On the other hand, many loved this Kindle edition, saying that the text was crisp and clear. They liked that it could fit into their pocket, and said that PagePress made their reading experience effortless.
With a screen size of eight inches, the Kobo Forma is one of the larger eBook readers on the market. Its large size and ability to display in portrait or landscape makes it a great option for reading a range of file types, including PDFs and EPUBs. It has an ergonomic curved design and page turn buttons.
The Kobo Forma is fully waterproof to protect from spills or poolside reading and it features a light that can be adjusted for brightness and temperature. Like other Kobo devices, it integrates with OneDrive, but what sets it apart is its integration with Dropbox, which means you can easily transfer documents between your devices.
Some reviewers complained that the page turn buttons were difficult to use or got stuck, or the power button was too small. On the other hand, most reviewers said this device provided a great reading experience. They loved the larger size and said it was easy to read many different file types.
Some reviewers complained that the Kobo Aura was slow. Others said the touchscreen wasn't very responsive. However, many reviewers found it to be convenient and easy to use. They liked the small size and the backlight, which made for a comfortable reading experience during the day or at night.
If you struggle to use eBook readers as a lefty, the Nook GlowLight 3 helps solve this problem with page turn buttons on both sides of the screen. It's small and lightweight with a soft-touch finish for easy grip. And it features GlowLight illumination for even and adjustable lighting.
Some reviewers had issues with their downloaded books disappearing from their Nook. Others complained that the interface was slow. Still, many reviewers said the Nook GlowLight 3 was comfortable, compact, and easy to use. They especially appreciated the different lighting options.
The BOOX Note Air is larger than most eBook readers. Its screen measures 10.3 inches, making it similar in size to a standard piece of paper. This large screen comes in handy when paired with the included stylus, which allows you to annotate, draw, and take handwritten notes.
Split-screen capabilities mean you can work in two apps at once. The Note Air runs on Android, so you can download a wide variety of apps, from ebook stores to word processors. And it's super thin, with a wider bezel for a comfortable grip.
Some reviewers complained that the Note Air lagged. Others said the included screen protector was difficult to use. Still, other reviewers said this device was fantastic for reading, especially when it came to larger texts, like PDFs and textbooks. And they liked its quality construction and sleek look.
Looking for some book recommendations? We've got you covered. Check out our favorite novels to get lost in, from historical fiction to mystery to romance.
No. 1: Amazon|Kindle Oasis
No. 2: Kobo|Libra H2O
No. 3: Amazon|Kindle Paperwhite
No. 4: BOOX|Nova 2
No. 5: Kobo|Clara HD
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Health
Beauty
Home goods
Home electronics
PC
Camera
Food and drinks
Kitchen
Fashion
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior
Hobbies
Outdoor
Home, garden, and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Media
Games
Apps
Automotive
Gifts
Mobile devices