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The Best E-Reader

Last updated on July 12, 2023

We looked at the top 14 E-Readers and dug through the reviews from 76 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best E-Readers.

 

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Best E Reader

Our Review Process

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E-readers have changed the way people consume books, magazines and articles. Instead of choosing between one or two physical books to bring with you on vacation, you can bring hundreds of options along in one sleek device. E-books tend to be cheaper than paperbacks, so it’s less expensive to expand your mind and check out new authors and titles. They’re also environmentally friendly; downloading e-books instead of buying hardcover books saves plenty of paper and cardboard.

The popularity of e-readers has spawned a large industry of digital reading devices, and finding the right one for your needs requires some research. One of the first questions you’ll want to ask yourself is how you plan to use your e-reader, and whether you might benefit from purchasing a tablet that can double as your e-reader, says technology expert Molly Thornberg, a parenting and tech blogger.

“Basic e-readers allow just reading. These are great for focused reading, and for kids,” says Thornberg, the brains behind the Digital Mom Blog. “More advanced e-readers are typically tablets offering more options like web browsing and a music player.”

Understanding the technology behind e-readers can also help you make your decision. E-readers take e-book files and make them accessible to readers by storing them on a small computer. Their optimized portability, readability and battery life make them great literary companions. Many models today are designed for easy reading in sunlight.

Staring at a computer screen to catch up on your reading list might sound like a headache, but e-reader technology reduces eye strain. Large screens, backlights and adjustable fonts and text sizes all make ebooks easier to read than ever.

Before you buy, you’ll want to consider whether you prefer an e-reader experience that closely mirrors the one you’d have with a regular book, or whether you’re up for a more lively display.

“E-readers offer either e-ink (electronic ink) or LCD display,” says Thornberg.  “E-ink offers an electronic paper-like display. LCD screen displays offer color and typically more touchscreen capabilities. Some devices offer both.”

Older e-readers needed to be charged regularly, but newer models have extended battery lives for more reading freedom. The Kindle Oasis can go weeks without a charge, so you won’t have to go hunting for power outlets at stops on your next road trip.

If audiobooks are more your speed, you can still listen to them on some e-readers. The Kindle Oasis and Waterproof Kindle Paperwhite are compatible with Audible, a massive library of audiobooks and original content.

You don’t need to worry about squinting to make out the words on your e-reader’s screen, either. The Pixels Per Inch (or PPI) of modern e-readers eclipses their predecessors.

Thornberg says you’ll also want to consider what e-book stores and libraries your new e-reader will have access to as well.

Our Picks For The Top E-Readers

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
Pros
Cons
 Best Overall

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition Glare-Free E-Reader

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Amazon

Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition Glare-Free E-Reader

Thanks to the glare-free display on this e-reader, you'll be able to read your favorite novels without getting a headache. The unit features a handy adjustable light, so you can make the screen brighter in the evenings. It charges wirelessly and can be used for up to 10 weeks in between charges.

Overall Take

Easy on the EyesThis e-reader has the ability to store thousands of titles, so you'll never run out of anything to read.

 Choose Your Color

Amazon Kindle Essentials Adjustable Light Cover & E-Reader Set

Amazon

Kindle Essentials Adjustable Light Cover & E-Reader Set

Do you have someone on your list who devours books like candy? This ad-free e-reader is the perfect present. It features an adjustable front light, holds thousands of books and audio files and allows for highlighting important passages and translating portions of text.

Overall Take

Great for Gift GivingIncluded with this e-reader is an attractive blue cover to keep the unit protected and dust-free.

 We Also Like

Amazon Kindle Adjustable Brightness E-Reader, 6-Inch

Amazon

Kindle Adjustable Brightness E-Reader, 6-Inch

This e-reader's adjustable front light keeps you ready comfortably day or night. You can highlight passages, look up definitions and more without leaving the page. It lasts weeks on a single battery charge.

Overall Take

Best for BeginnersThis e-reader is an affordable introduction to the joy of ebooks.

Pros
" Amazon's entry-level Kindle e-reader is perfect for casual readers or first-timers. It offers a good compromise between price, features, and flexibility."
Cons
"The low-cost Kindle also still has a lip around the screen, and it isn't waterproof."
 Also Consider

Kobo Clara HD Customized Reading E-Reader, 6-Inch

Kobo

Clara HD Customized Reading E-Reader, 6-Inch

Transporting this e-reader is a cinch, as it weighs less than 6 ounces. Users will also appreciate the easy-to-use touchscreen, as well as the e-readers ability to store as many as 6,000 books. To protect your eyes, the blue-light exposure is gradually decreased as the day progresses.

Overall Take

Lightweight ModelYou'll find a handy comfort light built into this e-reader.

Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
21

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the e-readers available to purchase.
14

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

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76

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: BestReviews, New York Times Wirecutter, Trusted Reviews, Tech Radar, Wired.

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User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 14 E-Readers and also dug through the reviews from 76 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best E-Readers.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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Our Expert Consultant

Molly Thornberg   
Technology and parenting blogger

Molly Thornberg is a professional writer, creative and mom to four kids, living her best life outside of Dallas, Texas. With a love for all things tech, she is passionate about helping parents raise kids in the digital age. She writes about technology, parenting and humor on her blog Digital Mom Blog.

What to Look For

  • Will you be traveling a lot with your e-reader? If you regularly jet set for work or play, you’ll want an ultra-portable e-reader that fits easily in a carry-on bag. 
  • How frequently do you plan on using your e-reader? All four of our top picks have improved battery life over their predecessors. They can go for “weeks” without a charge, but that’s dependent on how frequently you use them. Give your e-reader’s battery life a test run at home before you take it on any long trips.
  • E-readers can download books via WiFi or over your cellular network. Downloading over your home WiFi network will save you some cash, but you’ll be out of luck if you want to check out a new title on the go. Using a cellular network is convenient, but the data charges might drive up your cellular bill. Talk to your network provider before you dive into this option, and make sure you budget accordingly for your bookworm habit.
  • How many e-books, audiobooks and graphic novels do you plan on reading? You’ll need more memory if you want an extensive collection. The Kindle Oasis comes in 8 GB or 32 GB versions, while other models come with 8 GB of built-in memory.
  • What type of controls are you most comfortable with? Touchscreen controls are effortless. However, some older e-readers still use buttons to help you scroll through pages.

E-Reader Rankings

3. Amazon Kindle Adjustable Brightness E-Reader, 6-Inch

Overall Score: 9.1
Reviews Included: 9

4. Kobo Clara HD Customized Reading E-Reader, 6-Inch

Overall Score: 8.8
Reviews Included: 1

5. Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Long-Lasting Battery E-Reader

Overall Score: 8.7
Reviews Included: 15

6. Amazon Kindle Oasis Ergonomic E-Reader, 7-Inch

Overall Score: 8.6
Reviews Included: 14

7. PocketBook Touch HD SMARTLight E-Reader, 6-Inch

Overall Score: 8.5
Reviews Included: 1

8. Amazon Kindle Compact Bluetooth Pairing E-Reader

Overall Score: 8.5
Reviews Included: 2

9. Kobo Aura Touchscreen Wi-Fi E-Reader, 6-Inch

Overall Score: 8.5
Reviews Included: 1

10. Kobo Forma Waterproof Landscape-Mode E-Reader, 8-Inch

Overall Score: 8.4
Reviews Included: 12

11. Kobo Nia OverDrive Compatible E-Reader, 6-Inch

Overall Score: 8.1
Reviews Included: 11

12. Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Flush Front E-Reader, 6.8-Inch

Overall Score: 7.7
Reviews Included: 9

13. Amazon Fire HD8 Alexa-Compatible E-Reader, 8-Inch

Overall Score: 7.5
Reviews Included: 6

More to Explore

E-readers didn’t reach the masses until the mid-2000s, but someone saw the new technology coming. Author Bob Brown predicted the death of printed books in his 1930 book “The Readies.” Brown suggested building a machine that had ribbons of miniaturized text scrolling behind a magnifying glass. It would shorten reading time by creating hyper-abbreviated words, with em dashes replacing certain words. He called these shortened words “readies.” Brown also said that the machine would allow users to adjust type size for easier reading, and he said that the machine would reduce paper waste and save trees.

Only 150 copies of Brown’s futuristic text were published when he was alive., But the book is now available in paperback, hardcover and of course, as an e-book.

More to explore