The Best Ebook Readers for 2025
After testing over a dozen ereaders, we believe the best choice for most people is the Kobo Clara Colour. However, the base-model Kindle remains a solid, affordable entry point into digital reading. Boox also offers several E Ink devices that go beyond just displaying books. With most companies now offering color models, the selection is wider than ever. This guide covers product recommendations and advice on getting the most from your new device.
What to Look for in an Ereader
While apps like the Kindle app let you read on a phone or tablet, dedicated ereaders use E Ink technology. This creates a paper-like display that is easier on the eyes for long periods and works well in direct sunlight. Crucially, E Ink screens only use power to change the page, resulting in battery life that lasts for weeks, not days.
Key considerations include physical design, like the presence of page-turn buttons, and screen features like adjustable light temperature for nighttime reading. Most newer models also include a dark mode. Beyond reading, many devices offer web browsing, app support, and audiobook playback via Bluetooth. Your primary consideration should be how you plan to access books, as most devices make it easiest to shop in their own digital stores, though all support loading books from other sources.
How to Get Books for Your Ereader
Kindle, Nook, and Kobo each have their own integrated stores. Importantly, publishers set ebook prices, so a title will cost the same across all major retailers. Subscription services like Kindle Unlimited and Kobo Plus offer large libraries for a monthly fee.
You are not locked into a single ecosystem. Stores like ebooks.com and Google Play sell DRM-protected ePub files, which can be read on Kobo, Nook, and PocketBook devices. To transfer these files, you typically need a computer and free software called Adobe Digital Editions. Kindle uses its own system called Send to Kindle for compatible, non-DRM files.
Library books are accessible through Overdrive and its Libby app. Kobo has built-in Overdrive support, allowing you to search and borrow directly on the device. For Kindles, you can send a borrowed book to your device from the Libby app or your librarys website. Other ereaders can access library books by downloading the Libby app itself.
Our Top Picks
Kobo Clara Colour
The Kobo Clara Colour is our top recommendation. Its six-inch E Ink screen displays color at 150 ppi and black-and-white text at a sharp 300 ppi. It features ComfortLight PRO for adjustable color temperature, 16GB of storage, and waterproofing. Its seamless integration with the Kobo store and public libraries via Overdrive makes it incredibly user-friendly. We found its battery life to last for weeks.
Amazon Kindle
The base-model Kindle is the best budget option. The 2024 update brought a higher-resolution 300 ppi screen, USB-C charging, and double the storage to 16GB. It remains a lightweight, simple, and highly affordable way to dive into the Kindle ecosystem, though it lacks waterproofing and a warm light feature.
Kobo Libra Colour
For those who want a larger screen and physical buttons, the Kobo Libra Colour is an excellent premium choice. Its seven-inch color display is great for comics and magazines. The ergonomic design with page-turn buttons and waterproofing make it a comfortable and durable reader. Like other Kobos, it offers excellent library integration.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition
The Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is Amazon’s premium offering. It boasts a crisp 6.8-inch 300 ppi display, wireless charging, 32GB of storage, and an auto-adjusting front light. It is also waterproof, making it ideal for reading by the pool or in the bath. It represents the pinnacle of the dedicated Kindle reading experience.
Boox Go Color 7
The Boox Go Color 7 is the best choice for those who want an Android-based e-reader. It runs a full version of Android, allowing you to install any app from the Google Play Store, including Kindle, Kobo, Libby, and more. Its seven-inch color screen and versatile functionality make it perfect for someone who wants a single device for reading from multiple sources and light web browsing.
Boox Palma
For a truly unique form factor, the Boox Palma is an Android-based E Ink device shaped like a smartphone. Its pocketable size makes it perfect for reading on the go. It runs Android, so you can install your favorite reading apps, and it even has a camera and speakers. It is less a traditional e-reader and more a versatile pocket companion for readers.
Final Thoughts
The best ereader depends on your priorities. For a seamless, dedicated reading experience with great library access, the Kobo Clara Colour is the winner. For a cheap and simple entry into the Amazon ecosystem, the base Kindle is perfect. If you want to escape walled gardens and access every reading app available, the Android-based Boox devices are unparalleled.
