Color is the buzziest feature in ereaders right now, but is it necessary? It makes book covers more fun, and readers of comics and graphic novels will appreciate the added hues. However, color is just one factor to consider when picking out the best ereader. The lighting, screen quality, housing, buttons, and software ecosystem all make a significant difference. We tested more than a dozen ereaders to find the best options for 2026. Here are our top recommendations. Kobo Clara Colour is the best budget color ereader. For one hundred fifty dollars, the Kobo Clara Colour is the most affordable way to get a color E Ink screen. It has a sharp three hundred PPI black and white resolution for text, with a one hundred fifty PPI color layer on top for covers and illustrations. It includes adjustable warm and cool front lighting, dark mode, and waterproofing. It runs Kobo’s excellent software, which has deep integration with the Overdrive library system. The six-inch screen is compact and portable. While the color saturation is not as vibrant as a tablet, it is perfectly pleasant for children’s books, comics, and colorful book covers. It is a fantastic value. Amazon Kindle is the best budget monochrome ereader. The base model Kindle is the most accessible entry point into digital reading. The 2024 version upgraded to a three hundred PPI screen, matching the clarity of more expensive models. It has a front light with adjustable warmth, a long battery life, and a lightweight, comfortable design. It seamlessly connects to the massive Kindle bookstore and the Kindle Unlimited subscription service. Library borrowing via Libby is straightforward. At one hundred twenty dollars, or often less on sale, it is an unbeatable package for anyone new to ereaders or committed to the Amazon ecosystem. Boox Palma 2 Pro is the best smartphone ereader. The Boox Palma 2 Pro is a unique device that looks and feels like a smartphone but has a crisp, eye-friendly E Ink screen. Its greatest strength is versatility. It runs a full version of Android, so you can install the Kindle, Kobo, Libby, Google Play Books, or any other reading app you prefer. This makes it the ultimate device for readers with books spread across multiple platforms. The six-point-one-three-inch screen is sharp and responsive. It also has speakers and a microphone, allowing it to function as a minimalist communication device. For the reader who wants one device to access every bookstore and library, the Palma 2 Pro is in a class of its own. Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is the best premium monochrome ereader. The Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is the ultimate dedicated reading machine for Kindle loyalists. It features a larger, flush-front six-point-eight-inch screen that is waterproof—ideal for reading in the bath or by the pool. It includes auto-adjusting front lights, wireless charging, and thirty-two gigabytes of storage, which is ample for thousands of books and audiobooks. The page-turn speed is noticeably faster than previous models. If you want the best possible Kindle experience with premium materials and every convenience feature, this is the device to buy. Kobo Libra Colour is the best premium color ereader. The Kobo Libra Colour combines a excellent seven-inch color E Ink display with thoughtful, reader-centric design. It features physical page-turn buttons and an asymmetrical design that makes it comfortable to hold for long periods. The screen is sharp, and the color reproduction is among the best available on E Ink. It is also waterproof and supports Kobo’s excellent software features, including robust library integration and the ability to leave handwritten notes in the margins of books using a stylus. For the reader who wants a larger, premium color screen and values design and library access, the Libra Colour is a top choice. Boox Go Color 7 is the best Android color ereader. For readers who want maximum flexibility, the Boox Go Color 7 is a powerful choice. It runs Android, giving you access to the Google Play Store and any reading app you desire. Its seven-inch color screen is bright and clear. The device is snappy, with a great interface for organizing your library from multiple sources. If you read books from Kindle, Kobo, Libby, Google Play, and other stores and want them all in one place, this device handles it effortlessly. It is the ereader for the agnostic book collector. What to look for in an ereader Ereaders use E Ink screens, which are easier on the eyes than phone or tablet screens and are readable in direct sunlight. They also have exceptional battery life, lasting weeks on a charge. When shopping, consider screen resolution—three hundred PPI is ideal for crisp text. Adjustable front lighting, especially with warm light for nighttime, is a valuable feature. Physical page-turn buttons can enhance the experience. Most importantly, consider the ecosystem: Kindles work best with Amazon’s store, Kobos with Kobo and libraries, and Android-based devices like Boox offer access to multiple apps. How to get books You can buy books directly from the built-in stores on Kindle, Kobo, or Nook devices. Prices are set by publishers, so they are consistent across retailers. You can also borrow ebooks for free from your local library using the Libby app, which works seamlessly with Kobo and Kindle devices. For other ereaders, you may need to download the Libby app or transfer files via computer. Ereaders are specialized devices that provide a superior, comfortable reading experience compared to phones or tablets. Whether you prioritize budget, color, ecosystem, or flexibility, there is an excellent ereader available for you in 2026.
