Whilst you cannot exchange the texture of paper, the fantastic thing about sure hardcovers, and the ritual of turning the web page, an e-reader brings comfort and portability {that a} ebook simply cannot beat. Certain, you may throw a ebook in your tote bag, however what about a complete library?
Once you consider e-readers, your first thought is probably going an Amazon Kindle, and whereas it wasn’t the primary e-reader to hit the market, it’s certainly the one to dominate it. Whereas Kindles are nice — there is definitely no denying that — you’ll find a few equally great options.
However an enormous query is when to purchase an e-reader. Whereas annual purchasing occasions like Black Friday and Prime Day sometimes provide the most effective offers, we’re at all times searching for gross sales on these gadgets all year long. Coming March 25 via 31 is Amazon’s Big Spring Sale, and we hope to see huge financial savings on these gadgets.
Should you’re gearing as much as learn extra books in 2025, an e-reader will enable you get there, and these are the most effective ones you should purchase.
Which e-reader is the most effective?
From left to proper: Kindle Paperwhite, Nook GlowLight 4 Plus, Kindle Scribe
Credit score: Samantha Mangino / Mashable
Except you are attempting to keep away from the Amazon ecosystem in any respect prices, the Kindle Paperwhite is the most effective e-reader for most individuals. (And if you wish to de-Amazon your life, go for the Kobo Libra Color). Nevertheless, that does not essentially imply it is the most effective e-reader for you.
Select an e-reader primarily based on value, particular options, and the place you get your books. As an illustration, most e-readers and tablets are simply appropriate with Libby, however Kindles and iPads work greatest with the favored library app. And should you use Kindle Limitless, your alternative is even simpler.
Take into account the general design that most accurately fits you as effectively. Is a touchscreen okay, or do you want buttons? If you wish to take your e-reader close to water, whether or not it’s a tub or a pool, you will additionally must be sure you have a water-resistant system.
Plus, it is value contemplating particular options. Are you an annotator who needs to scribble, doodle, and write within the margins of your e-book? Or would you like a pill that you could learn and stream on? All of those questions enable you decide which e-reader or pill will mix into your habits.
Nevertheless, I can definitively let you know what’s not the most effective e-reader. Amongst all of the e-readers I’ve examined, the one system I am unable to advocate is Barnes & Noble’s Nook. In comparison with the opposite e-readers right here, it has sluggish and glitchy efficiency, no Libby integration, and a brief battery life.
No Kindle Paperwhite Signature Version?
Should you’re conversant in the Kindle line-up, it might come as a shock that the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is not on this listing. Do not get me fallacious, it is nice, however I feel there are higher choices. The Signature Version is an upgraded model of the Paperwhite, and we have compared the devices head to head. The quick model? The Paperwhite is a greater worth, even with the SE’s added options like auto-adjusting brightness and 32GB of storage.
If you’re ready to spend $200 on an e-reader although, I say skip the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Version and go for the Kobo Libra Color.
How we examined
Over a number of weeks, I examined every of those e-readers, studying no less than one ebook per system. I evaluated their ease of use on each stage, from the scale of the e-reader to the person interface and general design.
I used the e-readers at completely different hours of the day, from vibrant sunshine to a darkish bed room, adjusting the brightness and heat tone settings. I additionally explored the entire font and show settings to see how customizable every was.
I additionally took under consideration how straightforward it’s to get books on every e-reader. All e-readers got here with a built-in bookstore, however I primarily learn utilizing the Libby app to convey my library books to the e-readers. That additionally helped me assess how straightforward it’s to get library books on every e-reader.
Since every e-reader’s battery life supposedly extends over a number of weeks, I used to be in a position to assess how lengthy the batteries lasted throughout testing.
I additionally regarded into particular options, together with note-taking talents.
Different e-readers to check
My colleague has examined the Kobo Clara Colour and had constructive issues to say about it, however I’m within the strategy of testing it myself, so I left them out of my suggestions for now. Whereas I used to be in a position to check most of Amazon’s 2024 Kindle fashions, I’ve but to check the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Version.
Beforehand included on this listing was the Barnes and Noble Nook. After additional testing, I’ve taken it off the listing as I feel its quick battery life and glitchy interface make it an e-reader to keep away from.
Now we have not and won’t be testing Onyx gadgets on this round-up. After studying the corporate’s privateness coverage, now we have main considerations in regards to the model’s safety.
