The beauty of ebook readers is in their simplicity—wait, don’t forget affordability. How about portability? Or versatility, customizability, reliability… the list goes on.
Plenty of e-readers share the same characteristics; the best e-readers tend to be portable, have a decent battery life, and have an intuitive user interface. The differences between brands and models tend to be subtle, so it can be difficult to find something for every kind of reader.
We’ve put together our top picks across the board, with the best e-readers for notetakers, people on a budget, and those who want to travel.
best e-reader overall: kobo libra color
Price: $219.99
Specifications:
- Battery life: up to four weeks
- Screen size: 7-inch
- Storage options: 32GB
- Weight: 7 oz
Thoughts:
The Kobo Libra Color has won the title of the best overall e-reader because it combines useful features with an affordable price point.
It was released earlier this year, adding color and stylus support to the popular Kobo Libra 2. If you don’t read a lot of comics or graphic novels, the color screen might seem superfluous. But for some (me included), the chance to see book covers in full, vivid color is enough to cinch the deal. You can adjust the brightness and color temperature in the settings to alleviate eye strain and personalize your experience.
The Kobo Stylus 2 (sold separately) makes annotating, highlighting, and customizing books super simple. You can jot notes over the text and doodle in the margins.
Kobo Libra Color has 32GB of storage, meaning it can hold more books than you could read in a lifetime. This level of storage is ideal for people who want to read ebooks and listen to audiobooks.
The asymmetric design is typical of Kobo ebook readers. It acts as a handy ledge for people who want to hold the device while they browse. Asymmetry aside, there are many more interesting things about the design choices. 85% of the body is made from recycled plastics, and the shipping packaging is completely recycled and recyclable.
Even better, Kobo is partnering with iFixit to create repair kits and guides to increase the longevity of its e-readers. This environmentally-friendly feature hasn’t been rolled out yet, but it proves that Kobo is committed to sustainability.
Buy if:
- You want one of the most eco-friendly ebook readers on the market
- You prefer waterproof e-readers
- You want a mixture of features and affordability
- You’d like to easily import and transfer books from OverDrive, Pocket, Kobo Plus, Google Drive, and Dropbox
Don’t buy if:
- You don’t want to buy the stylus separately for $69.99
- You dislike the single ledge design
best e-reader for people on a budget: amazon kindle (2024)
Price: $109
Specifications:
- Battery life: up to six weeks
- Screen size: 6-inch
- Storage options: 16GB
- Weight: 6 oz
Thoughts:
We can’t talk about the best e-readers for 2024 without mentioning Kindles. The Kindle ecosystem is vast, with the first ebook reader launching as far back as 2007. Now, there are over 20 Kindle devices on the market, making Amazon one of the biggest players in the digital reading sphere.
This year, Kindle released an update on the basic Kindle model. This version is fitted with E ink Carta 1200 tech, a 300ppi resolution, and an optional Dark Mode. The colors really pop, making it ideal for people who want to add a splash of color to their reading sessions. Unfortunately, users still can’t adjust the light temperature, which might make bedtime reading feel a bit frustrating.
At just 6 inches, the screen is on the smaller side, but what the Kindle 2024 lacks in stature it makes up for in might. According to Amazon, this model can last up to six weeks with 30 minutes of daily use.
Some users have found that the back panel is too smooth, making it difficult to grip properly. The simple solution is to get a case, but the prospect of buying yet another accessory can feel frustrating. Then again, it’s a small addition to what is already one of the most affordable e-readers available.
Buy if:
- You want an affordable but still effective ebook reader
- You prefer small, compact e-readers
- You want fast USB-C charging
Don’t buy if:
- You want to adjust the light temperature to read at night
- You want to exit the Amazon ecosystem
- You prefer a larger screen
- You need a waterproof e-readers
best e-reader for notetakers: kobo elipsa 2e
Price: $399
Specifications:
- Battery life: up to seven weeks
- Screen size: 10.3-inches
- Storage options: 32GB
- Weight: 13.8 oz
Thoughts:
The Elipsa 2E has cinched the win as the best e-reader for note-taking. The Amazon Scribe previously held that title, suggesting that the long-standing battle of Kobo vs. Kindle has tipped in Kobo’s favor.
The Kobo Elipsa 2E delivers everything you would expect from a typical e-reader, but it also seamlessly combines writing features. You can write directly onto the page – you don’t even have to select any text first. Kobo’s handwriting feature is powered by glare-free MyScript Interactive Ink, a digital ink that interprets strokes, wiggles, and handwriting in real time. You can either make notes in your handwriting or use the handwriting-to-text feature for a more standardized experience.
That’s not all. Elipsa 2E also has pre-installed notebook templates and folders. If your notes threaten to spill over the margins, you can open a notebook template and write as much as your heart desires.
The Elipsa 2E comes pre-installed with the OpenDyslexic font and supports EPUB, MOBI, and PDF files. The ledge on the right-hand side might frustrate some, but others will appreciate having somewhere to rest their wrist while they take notes.
This might be one of the best e-readers for writers, but it is on the expensive side. Fortunately, when you purchase the Kobo Elipsa 2E you also get a Kobo Stylus 2. This ergonomic digital pen was designed to streamline your experience, creating a smooth, satisfying transition from traditional to digital writing.
Buy if:
- You need a dyslexia-friendly e-reader
- You want to take extensive notes and organize your thoughts
- You’d prefer an eco-friendly e-reader that’s made from recycled plastic
Don’t buy if
- You’re looking for the best budget e-reader
- You want for a small, almost weightless ebook reader
best e-reader for travel: boox palma
Price: $295
Specifications:
- Battery life: a couple of weeks
- Screen size: 6.13-inches
- Storage options: 128GB
- Weight: 6 oz
Thoughts:
The BOOX Palma ebook reader stands out from the crowd because it’s the size of a phone. In fact, the 6.1-inch screen is the same size as the iPhone 15 Pro.
Staying true to its appearance, the BOOX Palma also works like a phone. When you open the e-reader, you’re faced with a home screen similar to an iPhone, with icons for all your reading, note-taking, and file-transfer apps.
BOOX Palma operates on Android, allowing you to download apps from the pre-installed Google Play Store. Popular apps such as Kindle, Nook, and Libby are all available, but unfortunately, Apple Books is off-limits.
To download new fonts, books, and files to your BOOX Palma, simply plug it into your laptop.
From a design perspective, the BOOX Palma is a pleasure to use. It’s super lightweight and, since it’s designed just like a modern phone, the learning curve is virtually nonexistent. It’s lacking color, but the grey-scale ink screen greatly reduces eyestrain.
Don’t let appearances fool you. This small e-reader offers a whopping 128GB of storage, which is enough for even the most voracious reader. It’s also a big plus point for people who want to switch between ebooks and audiobooks. There’s no headphone jack, but the device pairs with Bluetooth headphones for hands-free listening.
One of the biggest downsides of the BOOX Palma is the battery. There is some debate about Palma’s battery life, but the consensus is that it won’t last for more than a week with daily use. Additionally, BOOX Palma doesn’t support handwriting. Considering the price tag, this is enough to steer most readers in a different direction.
Still, neither of these downsides detract from the main appeal of the BOOX Palma e-reader, which lies in its phone-like appearance and functionality. If you want an easy-to-use, lightweight e-reader that supports multiple apps, BOOX Palma could be the best e-reader for you.
Buy if:
- You want an impressive 128GB of storage
- You prefer listening to audiobooks
- You want to download multiple reading apps
Don’t buy if:
- You’d like to take handwritten notes
- You want to view colorful comics and manga on your ebook reader
best e-reader for reading, writing, entertainment and more: apple ipad (10th gen, 2022)
Price: $349
Specifications:
- Battery life: 6 hours
- File support: All
- Screen size: 10.86-inches
- Storage options: 64GB, 256GB
Thoughts:
This Apple iPad is by no means the newest or most advanced iPad, but at $349, it’s almost the same price as some of the Readers on this list.
The App Store is full of eReading and note-taking apps. You can download reading apps and use the split screen function to write notes on Notability, GoodNotes, or even just Apple Notes. iPads support all file formats, allowing you to access all sorts of previously unreachable eBooks.
Of course, there’s plenty more to explore. In between reading sessions, you can play your favorite music, catch up on the latest TV shows, and write emails.
Customization options abound; you can personalize your home screen, change the font size, style, and color, and even switch to Grayscale for a more traditional e-reader experience reminiscent of the early Kindle models.
This tablet is a brilliant alternative for people who want to explore all the reading, writing, and entertainment options available to them. Instead of buying a traditional e-reader and being instantly disappointed by the style, feel, or format of their purchase, you can buy an iPad and explore apps to curate a truly personalized experience.
Buy if:
- You want more storage than a typical e-reader
- You’d like to explore a variety of reading and note-taking apps
- You want to enjoy all sorts of entertainment, video streaming, and communication apps
Don’t buy if:
- You don’t want to get distracted by apps, games, and Netflix
- You don’t have to funds to buy an Apple Pencil 1
Read Apple Books vs. Kindle App to find the best digital reading app for your iPad.your new favorite book, and press “download”.
best e-reader alternative: bookcase
Price: $50
Looking for a cheaper alternative to a traditional e-reader? Bookcase transforms any smartphone into an ergonomic e-reader by extending the area around the screen.
The edges of the case provide grips on both sides of your phone so you can hold it more comfortably and enjoy a clear view of your screen while reading.
Plus, Bookcase carries an embedded NFC tag for creating user shortcuts. With the companion app, you can tell Bookcase which of your favorite reading apps to open and which phone settings to toggle (Do Not Disturb, Reading Mode, etc.) when your phone is connected. The next time you place your phone into Bookcase, your settings will trigger automatically.
Bookcase helps you avoid doomscrolling and encourages you to build a more productive reading habit without buying an expensive e-reader or carrying around an extra paperback.
