Buying guide for best e-reader
Reading is an excellent way to gain knowledge on a new subject or pass the time when bored or traveling. However, carrying around hard copies of your favorite books can be inconvenient. For this and other reasons, lots of people have made the switch to e-reader reading. It’s a convenient way to read your favorite books on the go.
An e-reader is a device similar to a tablet, but unlike a tablet, it’s meant strictly for reading. This translates to a lighter build and a longer-lasting battery than the average tablet. Furthermore, the screen of an e-reader is optimized for extended reading periods. It won’t strain your eyes as a tablet emitting blue light would.
You can access thousands of popular books and even listen to audiobooks through Audible on many e-readers. Devices with a water-resistant build can accompany you to the beach or pool without you worrying about getting them wet. E-readers are also usually cheaper than tablets; for a relatively low price, you can access many books and read them even offline.
We tested a few e-readers and have found that one of our favorite picks is the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite. It’s a solid choice whether you’re a reading enthusiast or just want a device for casual light reading. It has a waterproof build, an anti-glare display and convenient page-turning buttons for single-hand use.
Best e-readers
With an ergonomic design, a 300-ppi display and a battery that can hold a charge for days, the Amazon Kindle Oasis is an apt choice for avid readers who want access to their favorite books on the go — and it weighs just 6.6 ounces. It incorporates the latest e-ink technology for fast page-turning and has an IPX8 water-resistance rating that lets it withstand accidental water submersion.
The adjustable warm light allows you to switch between shades of white and amber for increased comfort and reduced eyestrain based on your environment. You can sync it with Bluetooth headphones and speakers to use Audible to listen to your favorite audiobooks, and dedicated page-turn buttons make it easy to read books with one hand. Plus, you can adjust the font size and boldness for maximum readability.
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite has always been a terrific e-reader, but, in our Testing Lab, we found that the latest model is even better thanks to a large 6.8-inch display that’s easy on the eyes. Despite having a larger screen than its predecessor, it still maintains a lightweight build at 7.23 ounces, making it easy to take anywhere — even the tub (it also has an IPX8 water-resistance rating).
On-device storage is 8GB, which is enough to hold thousands of e-books, PDFs and other reading files. We found the battery fully charges in just 2.5 hours when plugged into a wall socket. You can also charge it from a computer, but it takes twice as long to get it completely juiced up that way.
The Kindle Paperwhite supports 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi connections, and you get free cloud storage for all Amazon content. This means that as long as you have an internet connection, you can access your favorite books any time.
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature is similar to the base Paperwhite e-reader, but there are a few notable differences. We recommend this one for the most avid readers, and we’ll explain why so you can decide for yourself.
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition offers 32GB of built-in storage, four times more than the original Paperwhite and weighs 7.3 ounces. The 300-ppi glare-free display is identical at 6.8 inches, and the flush-front design makes you feel like you’re reading words on actual paper, even in bright conditions. It also offers an IPX8 water-resistance rating.
You’ll get up to 10 weeks of battery life on a full charge based on 30 minutes of daily reading, and the adaptive front light automatically adjusts brightness based on your environment. You can change the shade from white light to warm amber or set a schedule for a personalized experience.
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids is an excellent e-reader for children, but it’s not to be confused with tablets that can be used as toys. Similar to the standard Paperwhite, this e-reader has a 6.8-inch anti-glare display and a battery life that can last up to 10 weeks on a full charge. It also has an IPX8 water-resistance rating and a kid-friendly cover to shield the e-reader from nicks, scratches and accidental drops (it weighs 11.32 ounces with the cover).
The main appeal of this e-reader is the free content you get. It comes with a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+, which offers thousands of e-books and Audible audiobooks. It also includes the complete “Harry Potter” series and the first book from other popular children’s series, such as “Artemis Fowl.”
The Kobo Libra 2 is a terrific e-reader, and we recommend it to anyone who wants a slightly larger display than what Amazon offers with its Kindle e-readers. The Libra 2 has a 7-inch display and a responsive touch screen for quick page turns. Plus, it offers a dark mode to read white text on a black background.
It has a more ergonomic design than Amazon Kindle e-readers, but the shape is more squared than rectangular. However, you can use this e-reader in portrait or landscape mode, depending on your preference. Weighing 7.58 ounces, it’s fully waterproof for up to 60 minutes in 2 meters of water and offers 32GB of local storage for keeping up to 24,000 books saved on the e-reader.
The Amazon Kindle Scribe is similar to the Kindle but with one caveat: It’s for reading and writing. Our trials found that this is an appealing e-reader for students or anyone who wants to read and write on a single device. Now you might be wondering why not just get a tablet that also lets you do things such as web browsing and content streaming. But there are many reasons why the Kindle Scribe (which is the heaviest of the Kindles at 15.3 ounces) is worth it.
The Kindle Scribe offers reading and writing that feels natural, like you’re writing on paper. You can hand-write thoughts on virtual sticky notes, store them on specific pages within your favorite books and access them quickly later. Plus, you can use four brush types to write on templates such as lined paper, grid paper, checklists, and more. We particularly loved how quickly the scribe loaded when compared to other Kindle devices. The only thing you can’t do is work on it near water, as it lacks an IPX8 water-resistance rating.
Those who want a versatile device for reading and writing will not be disappointed with the Kobo Elipsa 2E. You can read your favorite books on this device, and it doubles as a digital notepad where you can take notes, highlight and sketch. It has a 10.3-inch E-Ink display, which makes it larger than standard e-readers, and the anti-glare finish makes it suitable for any lighting conditions.
It comes with the ergonomically designed and rechargeable Kobo Stylus 2 and offers several notebook templates, giving you more versatility than standard paper. Also, the stylus magnetically attaches to the Kobo Elipsa 2E for convenient storage. ComfortPro technology adjusts brightness and color temperature for reduced eyestrain. It is not, however, waterproof.
This e-reader, which weighs in at 1.85 pounds (making it the heaviest on our list), is made with an eco-conscious mindset, manufactured with recycled and ocean-bound plastic.
How we tested
After researching what each e-reader offers, we tested the Kindle Paperwhite to see how it did in the following areas.
Ease of use
- Setup: We tested the entire setup process, from opening the package to charging the e-reader, connecting it to Wi-Fi, and following the on-screen prompts.
- Responsiveness: We tested its responsiveness by analyzing page-flipping speed and other accessibility functions, like the VoiceView screen reader.
Quality
- Display screen: We paid close attention to the brightness of the screen, which can be easily adjusted on the fly to reduce eyestrain.
- Speakers: We tested the sound quality of the built-in speakers to determine how well it sounds when listening to an Audible audiobook.
Advanced features
- Water resistance: We held the e-reader underneath running water to see if its performance or functionality would be affected by water.
What to know before buying an e-reader
Screen size
The screen size you pick is probably the most important decision you’ll make during the purchase process. E-reader screens range from 6 to 11 inches, so there’s a lot of variety, although most feature 7-inch screens. If you’re accustomed to paperback books, a 6- or 7-inch screen would probably be right in your comfort zone. If you’re more into hardcovers, you might appreciate a larger model. Just be forewarned: The bigger the screen, the higher the cost.
Pixel density
Most e-readers have a resolution indicated by pixels per inch. The best e-readers have screens that contain many small pixels for superior depth, clarity and contrast. On the other hand, an e-reader with a lower ppi looks less crisp. To make sure you’re getting a quality e-reader, look for one with a ppi of at least 300.
Format
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 buy an e-reader that doesn’t work with your e-book files, you may need to find conversion software to create compatible versions.
E-reader features
Waterproof enclosures
Having a waterproof e-reader is more about peace of mind than convenience. If you like to read near the pool, in the bath or at the beach, you may want to get a waterproof e-reader to help protect your digital library from water damage.
Auto-adjusting light sensors
While this might not sound like a marquee feature, it really is. With automatic light sensors, e-reader screens can adapt to the optimal brightness based on the current conditions at any time. So, if you’re reading in a sunny spot, the level of brightness decreases. If you’re in a dimly lit room, it increases. 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 Wi-Fi. But sometimes, Wi-Fi isn’t enough. If you want to be able to download content onto your e-reader when you’re away from Wi-Fi, you’ll need one with LTE functionality. This allows you to 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 have to pay the additional monthly charges.
Case
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 protect yours from damage. Take your time browsing e-reader cases; some include useful features like built-in reading lights.
FAQ
Q. How much do e-readers cost?
A. Basic e-readers typically cost between $100 and $150. For $125 to $200, the e-readers look just like their less-expensive counterparts but are often lighter and include more storage. These are suitable if you read more than a few hours a week or want an e-reader with features such as Bluetooth connectivity.
Some e-readers can cost up to $400, but those are usually versatile devices that let you read and write. Most also have 300-PPI screens, are waterproof and come with more storage than cheaper models.
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. Most modern libraries have digital lending programs where you can borrow 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 cardholders.
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 squint. When you first open your e-reader, spend some time picking out the perfect font size and setting it as your default. After that, you won’t have to think about it again.
