Buying guide for best E-readers

Print may be dying but reading sure isn’t, so if you’re ready to catch up to the latest innovations in digital publishing, you’re going to need an e-reader.

E-readers are small tablets designed with “e-ink” screens, a unique type of screen that displays text in grayscale. E-ink screens are easier on the eyes, which makes them perfect for reading large amounts of text. E-ink displays also use a fraction of the power that traditional tablet and smartphone screens use, so they last a lot longer (sometimes up to a month, depending on how frequently you use yours). And because e-book files are so small, it’s easy to keep hundreds of books loaded on your e-reader at all times.

Whether you’re a seasoned reader with a taste for the classics or a younger reader first discovering the magic of words on a page, you can find the perfect e-reader for yourself.

E-reader screen resolutions are measured in pixels per inch, or PPI. An e-reader’s PPI tells you how many pixels the display uses per physical inch of the screen, so a product with a higher PPI (close to the 300 mark) is much clearer and easier to read than a lower one (around 167).

Key considerations

If you’re not sure where to start, ask yourself the following questions. Your answers will help point you toward the right e-reader for you.

• Do you want an e-reader or a tablet? E-readers and tablets are different devices, but they have some overlapping functionality — namely, you can use any tablet as an e-reader if you have the right app. Many users prefer tablets over e-readers because they include reading functionality along with apps that let you do a ton of other things (like reading email, streaming video, playing games, or listening to music). But while tablets are more versatile and only slightly more expensive, their screens expose your eyes to a lot of light, which can get uncomfortable while reading and can cause long-term issues with eye strain. Users more focused on having a standalone reading device that they can read for hours on end without their eyes getting tired typically opt for a proper e-reader.
   
• Which screen size is right for you? The screen size you pick is probably the most important decision you’ll make during the purchase process. E-reader screens range between six and 11 inches, so there’s a lot of variety, although most e-readers feature seven-inch screens. If you’re accustomed to paperback books, a six- or seven-inch screen may be perfect. If you’re more into hardcovers, you may want to look at the larger models. Just be forewarned: the bigger the screen, the higher the cost.

We think about screen size when shortlisting e-readers. Screens range from 6 to 11 inches. If you’re accustomed to reading paperback books, you might prefer a smaller e-reader screen of 6 to 7 inches. If you’re accustomed to reading hardcover books, you might prefer something larger.

We look for lightweight e-readers that are easy to hold and easy to pack in a bag.

We appreciate e-readers that are waterproof. With a waterproof e-reader, you can read in the bath or near a pool without worrying about damaging your device.

We find out whether the e-readers on our research list have built-in WiFi. With this feature, you can easily send e-books without using a cord. We also note whether an e-reader has LTE functionality. With this feature, the device can be paired with mobile wireless when WiFi isn’t available.

We evaluate the ease with which an e-reader turns pages, often favoring those that turn with a simple screen touch or the use of a page-turn button.

We look at PPI resolution to assess the clarity of a book’s display. A good e-reader often has a resolution of 300 PPI.

We keep in mind the differences between an e-reader and a tablet in our research. While tablets are more versatile, e-readers are often better for reading because they have special screens designed to protect you from eye strain.

We look for e-readers with automatic light sensors that allow the screen to adapt with optimal brightness based on your surroundings. While most e-readers include manual settings that allow you to adjust brightness, the automatic feature is an excellent bonus.

We research the battery life of each e-reader so consumers have an idea how long they can expect one charge to last.

We consider how much storage space each e-reader has. Generally speaking, the more storage space the device has, the more developed your digital library can become.

E-reader features

All e-readers have the same base functionality: they display e-books on e-ink displays. Beyond that, there are some key differentiators that help the best and brightest stand out. Here are the features we love.

• Waterproof enclosures: Having a waterproof e-reader is more about peace of mind than it is convenience. If you like to read near the pool, or if you’re gearing up for a beach vacation, you may want to get a waterproof e-reader to help keep your digital library safe from damage.
   
• Auto-adjusting light sensors: While this might not sound like much of a marquee feature, it’s a really big deal. With automatic light sensors, e-reader screens can adapt to the optimal brightness based on the current conditions at any time. That means they’re smart enough to get bright in the dark … and darker in the bright sunlight. Most e-readers include manual settings for brightness but having them automated is a lot more useful.
   
• LTE connectivity: Most e-readers nowadays have built-in WiFi, but sometimes, WiFi isn’t enough. If you want to be able to download content onto your e-reader when you’re away from WiFi, you’ll need one with LTE functionality, so you can pair it with your mobile wireless provider and add it to your data plan. Keep in mind that LTE subscriptions cost money, so if you plan on buying an e-reader with LTE on board, you’re going to need to pay the additional monthly charges.

E-reader prices

Basic e-readers typically cost between $75 to $125. In most tech gadget product categories, the cheapest models on the market are usually not the best. E-readers definitely buck this trend. It’s easy to find a durable e-reader with a solid feature set for less than $125. If you want an e-reader with plenty of battery life and conveniences like auto-adjusting light sensors, you don’t have to spend a lot.

Mid-range e-readers cost between $125 and $200. Models in this price range look just like their less-expensive counterparts but are often lighter and include more storage. You’ll even find waterproof models in this price range. If you read more than a few hours a week, or if you want an e-reader that’s got bells and whistles like Bluetooth functionality for listening to audiobooks, this is the price range to look at.

High-end e-readers cost between $200 and $300. E-readers in this price range go all out: they’ve got 300 PPI screens, they’re often waterproof, and they come with more storage than cheaper models. At this price, you may want to consider a tablet instead.

Tips

• If you have an existing e-book collection, check to see what format the files are in, and make sure the e-reader you buy works with that format. E-books come in a variety of formats, including *.PUB, *.MOBI, and even *.PDF files. If you’ve got lots of e-book files, check to see what format they’re in before you go shopping. If you buy an e-reader that doesn’t work with your e-book files, you may need to find conversion software to create compatible versions.
   
• If you’re buying an Amazon Kindle, download the Kindle app to your smartphone so you can pick up where you left off in a book anytime and anywhere you want to. The Kindle smartphone app can sync with your Kindle e-reader to create a unified experience across both devices, which is perfect for when you’ve got a book you just can’t put down. Reading entire books on your phone isn’t great for your eyes, but if you just want to pick up where you left off for a little while, having a synchronized app is perfect.
   
• Get a protective case for your e-reader. A scratched or cracked e-reader screen can make it really difficult to read, so it’s worth it to invest in a case that’ll keep yours from getting damaged. Take your time browsing e-reader cases; some include useful features like built-in reading lights.

While it’s possible to find a good deal on an older or refurbished e-reader, we recommend buying a new one. Modern e-readers have better screens, and a lot of older e-readers don’t have built-in WiFi. Without WiFi, you’d have to manually add your books to a memory card.

FAQ

Q. What are the differences between tablets and e-readers?
A. The lines are definitely blurry, because you can use a traditional tablet to read e-books, and you can use some e-readers to browse the web. That said, there are three key factors that generally distinguish them from each other.

• Tablets have full-color screens that project light while e-readers rely on e-ink, which is grayscale and much better for your eyes.
• Tablets can usually only survive a few hours on a single battery charge, while e-readers can last for weeks.
• Most importantly, e-readers don’t run apps. Functionality is much more based upon reading, whereas tablets are useful for plenty of other activities.

Q. If I buy an Amazon Kindle, can I get digital books from other sources, like my local library?
A. It depends on the library, but it’s definitely possible. Most modern libraries have digital lending programs where you can check out e-books at no cost. Check with your local library to understand what digital programs they offer. Some even have video streaming services like Kanopy for card-holders.

Q. I sometimes have a hard time reading small text. Can I still use an e-reader?
A. Absolutely. All e-readers have built-in controls that let you adjust the size of the text, so you never have to worry about squinting. When you first open your e-reader, spend some time picking out the perfect font size and setting it as your default, so you never have to think about it again.