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Tablets are the perfect all-in-one mobile entertainment center, but not every busy bookworm wants to watch movies, play games, read email or take notes on their device. E-readers offer a distraction-free way to binge on books with Hollywood appeal, soak up page-turners that have been translated for the small screen or listen to audiobooks without having to lug around heavy tomes.
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Related: The Best Tablets for Taking Notes at Every Budget
That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best e-readers, including HD tablets that let avid readers soak up e-books anywhere. Amazon’s best-selling Kindle are among our top picks, but it’s worth noting that several models (including the original Kindle and the Oasis and Paperwhite Signature editions) have been discontinued, and rumor has it that the company is expected to release new versions later this year or in 2025. Their existing lineup is still worth considering alongside Amazon’s Fire tablets; other worthwhile competitors include options from Kobo and Rakuten, plus stellar screens from Apple and Samsung for those who want a more versatile device. Many of these options are also compatible with audiobooks so you can listen to your favorite titles, too.
At a Glance: The Best E-Book Readers
BEST E-READER OVERALL Kindle Paperwhite, $125
$150BEST BUDGET E-READER 2022 Amazon Kindle, $80 (used)
BEST KINDLE ALTERNATIVE Rakuten Kobo Sage, $270
BEST E-READER FOR KIDS Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids, $115
$170BEST ANDROID TABLET FOR READING Samsung Galaxy Tab S9, $720
$920BEST IPAD FOR READING 2021 Apple iPad Mini, $350
$499BEST FIRE TABLET FOR READING 2023 Amazon Fire HD 10, $75
$140BEST E-READER FOR TAKING NOTES Amazon Kindle Scribe, $255
$340
What to Consider When Buying the Right E-Reader
Whether you’re a budding bookworm or a regular e-reading pro, there are a few things to consider if you’re buying or upgrading to a new reading tablet:
Storage Today’s e-readers can hold thousands of e-books, PDFs and other content formats, and devices typically start with 8GB of built-in storage. If you want to download and listen to audio books, consider 16 or 32GB of space. Many e-readers also feature free cloud storage if you’re buying content from the manufacturer’s own online marketplace (say, Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Kobo).
Screen E-reader screen sizes use the diagonal measurement of the display (not the height and width of the device itself), and they can range from six to upwards of 10 inches.
Portability Some readers prefer a large screen, while others want a compact tablet that travels easily. In addition to considering the screen size, keep in mind the weight (most e-readers weigh five to seven ounces), the battery life and whether a travel cover is available.
Adjustable lights Nighttime readers may prefer a screen that can be adjusted from bright white to amber, while daytime bookworms might want something that’s easy on the eyes in sunlight. Many e-readers have adjustable shade and brightness.
Ergonomic design Prefer to turn the page with the push of a button rather than swiping? Consider a screen with physical controls that make it easy to whiz through e-books.
Device switching Some e-readers let techies read seamlessly from one device to the next. Amazon’s Kindle, Barnes & Noble’s Nook and Kobo are among those that offer apps that automatically sync with your e-book library. That means you can start reading on your e-reader and pick up where you left off on your smartphone or another tablet (or vice versa) that supports the apps.
Subscriptions and library access Most e-readers don’t require a subscription, and many public libraries also let you borrow e-books for free through OverDrive, Libby or another online service. Avid bookworms can also purchase and download new content via Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited ($10 and up monthly), Barnes & Noble’s Nook or Rakuten’s Kobo e-bookstores, to name a few. E-books can also be purchased individually for about $1 to $17 and up.
Where to Buy E-Books Online
Restocking your digital bookshelf? You can buy e-books online from Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Ebooks.com Rakuten-owned Kobo eBookstore, Google Play and more.
What Are the Best E-Book Readers?
Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best e-book readers and tablets for reading, including some that are also great for mobile gaming, taking notes and watching movies.
BEST E-READER OVERALL
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
A premium and portable reading experience.
$124.99 $149.99 17% off
For a reading experience that feels like you’re looking at old-fashioned paper, Amazon’s Kindle Paperwhite features no lockscreen ads and is the best option if you’re looking for a durable device for on-the-go reading. This e-book reader boasts a 300ppi glare-free waterproof display that’s easy on the eyes (even in bright sunlight) and the battery can last up to 10 weeks on a single charge. You can adjust the screen’s warmth for better reading during the day or at night, and you can store thousands of books on the built-in 32 GB storage.
It comes with three free months of Kindle Unlimited, which offers more than two million titles, thousands of audiobooks and more. Fabric and cork covers are sold separately for $35 to $50.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition Specifications
Display 300ppi glare-free
Screen size 6.8 inches
Audiobook compatibility Yes
Storage 32 GB
Front light Yes
Adjustable screen shade Yes
Page turn buttons No
Battery life Up to 10 weeks
Connectivity Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Waterproof IPX8; up to 1 hour in 2 meters of water
Ports USB-C (Qi wireless charging also supported)
Dimensions 6.9 x 4.9 x .32 inches
Weight 7.3 ounces
BEST BUDGET E-READER
2022 Amazon Kindle
The best option for bookworms on a budget.
The 2022 Kindle is perfect for book lovers on a budget, but it may be discontinued soon as rumor has it that Amazon is potentially releasing a new model next year. Currently available only with lockscreen ads, the 11th gen model boasts double the storage of its predecessor at 16GB and an upgraded 300ppi glare-free display. An adjustable four-LED front light and the new dark mode feature lets you read comfortably indoors and outdoors at any hour of the day. It comes with four free months of Kindle Unlimited, which offers more than three million titles, thousands of Audible audiobooks and more.
Younger readers can use this Kindle with their Amazon Kids+ subscription ($5 monthly and up), and Amazon Prime members can also use their subscription to access an ever-updated catalog of magazines, comics, e-books and more content. Note that the fabric cover ($30) is sold separately.
Amazon Kindle Specifications
Display 300ppi glare-free screen
Screen size 6 inches
Audiobook compatibility Yes
Storage 16 GB
Front light Yes
Adjustable screen shade No
Page turn buttons No
Battery life Up to 6 weeks
Connectivity Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Waterproof No
Ports USB-C
Dimensions 6.2 x 4.3 x .32 inches
Weight 5.56 ounces
BEST KINDLE ALTERNATIVE
Rakuten Kobo Sage E-Reader
Amazon isn’t the only maker of excellent and accessible e-readers. Japanese retailer Rakuten’s Kobo line is giving the Kindle a run for its money, and the Sage 2 e-reader boasts added features such as stylus compatibility ($40; sold separately) for taking notes and Dropbox support.
The eight-inch HD e-Ink Carta 1200 touchscreen delivers glare-free reading with deep contrast, and the device’s Dark Mode feature helps to reduce eye strain. The ComfortLight Pro feature also lets you control the brightness and blue light. Readers who appreciate a tactile experience can turn pages with ergonomic buttons on either side of the screen, and the lightweight e-reader boasts an IPX8 rating and is waterproof for up to an hour under up to two meters.
Note-takers can use the separate Kobo Stylus and Kobo Sage’s built-in notebook to write and convert notes into text, or write comments on PDFS and e-books. Eco-conscious bookworms will be happy to know that Kobo buys carbon offsets on every shipment. Two cover options ($50 to $80) help to keep your screen protected.
Rakuten Kobo Sage E-Reader Specifications
Display 300ppi E Ink Carta 1200 touchscreen
Screen size 8 inches
Audiobook compatibility Yes
Storage 32 GB
Front light Yes
Adjustable screen shade Yes
Page turn buttons Yes
Battery life Several weeks
Connectivity Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Waterproof IPX8, up to 1 hour in 2 meters of water
Ports USB-C
Dimensions 6.2 x 4.3 x .32 inches
Weight 8.49 ounces
E-READER WITH BEST BATTERY LIFE
Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight 4 Plus
Enjoy up to three weeks of uninterrupted reading.
Barnes & Noble’s latest Nook GlowLight 4 Plus e-reader (one of four in the bookstore chain’s lineup of devices) is another worthy Amazon Kindle competitor, thanks to its battery that lasts for weeks on a single charge. Now at 7.8 inches with 300ppi, it’s the largest Nook display with the highest resolution and is glare-, scratch- and fingerprint-resistant to mimic the experience of reading real paper. It features a flush-front screen to avoid dust buildup and offers a generous 32 GB of memory (29 GB of that space is for content storage).
The Nook’s Night Mode makes the screen comfortable on the eyes in the evening, while the Illumination feature is great for indoors and outdoors. You can also set it to adjust the lighting automatically depending on the time of day. Covers are sold separately for $20.
Regular Barnes & Noble customers will appreciate free Wi-Fi at the bookstore chain’s stores and AT&T hotspots, and B&N members save 10 percent on purchases. The device also comes with free lifetime in-person support at any B&N store.
Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight 4 Plus Specifications
Display 300ppi glare-free
Screen size 7.8 inches
Audiobook compatibility No
Storage 32 GB built-in; free Nook Cloud storage
Front light Yes
Adjustable screen shade Yes
Page turn buttons Yes
Battery life Up to 3 weeks
Connectivity Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Waterproof IPx7; up to 30 minutes in 3 feet of water
Ports USB-C
Dimensions 7.80x 5.8 x .31 inches
Weight 6 ounces
BEST E-READER FOR KIDS
Kindle Paperwhite Kids
$114.99 $169.99 32% off
While all of Amazon’s other Kindles (including the Paperwhite editions) are compatible with Amazon Kids+, the Kindle Paperwhite Kids e-reader was designed specifically for distraction-free reading for ages 7 and up. The 11th generation model features 16 GB storage (double its predecessor) that can hold more than a thousand Amazon Kids+ books, a larger six-inch 300ppi display and up to six weeks of battery life on a single charge. Since it’s geared toward reading books, it does not have any games, ads, videos or other apps. It’s compatible with Audible and can be easily paired with Bluetooth headphones or speakers so kids can listen to their favorite stories.
It comes with a free year of Amazon Kids+ (after that, it’s $5.99 per month plus tax for Prime members) and its own cover. Plus this device has a two-year worry-free guarantee in case it breaks, so you can return it and replace a new one for free.
2021 Kindle Paperwhite Kids Specifications
Display 300ppi glare-free
Screen size 6.8 inches
Audiobook compatibility Yes
Storage 8 or 16 GB
Front light Yes
Adjustable screen shade Yes
Page turn buttons No
Battery life Up to 10 weeks
Connectivity Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Waterproof IPX8
Ports USB-C
Dimensions 6.9 x 5.1 x .5 inches
Weight 11.32 ounces
BEST ANDROID TABLET FOR READING
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Tablet
$617.49 $799.99 23% off
$720 $920 22% off
Enjoy the all-day battery and get a smooth screen experience with Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9, which also comes in larger S9+ and S9 Ultra options(12.4 and 14.6 inches, respectively). This tablet is easy on the eyes and has a crisp and brilliant 11-inch LCD screen with a 120Hz refresh rate that makes reading, gaming and streaming feel dynamic and seamless. It also has built-in quad speakers with rich Dolby Atmos surround sound tuned by AKG, so audiobooks and movies alike will sound immersive. Whether you’re reading or watching movies, the Vision Booster adjusts the brightness and contrast automatically in sunlight and dim rooms alike.
Storage starts at 128 GB and you can upgrade to up to 1 TB with a microSD card (sold separately) if you need more space for your e-books or audiobooks. If you plan on using it to take notes, the Galaxy Tab S9 includes an S Pen. Accessories such as cases and Bluetooth keyboards are sold separately.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Tablet Specifications
Display and screen size 11-inch LCD (S9+ is 12.4 in. and S9 Ultra is 14.6 in.)
Audiobook compatibility Yes
Storage 128 or 256 GB (S9+ up to 512 GB and S9 Ultra up to 1 TB); SD card slot expandable up to 1 TB
Front light N/A
Adjustable screen shade Yes
Page turn buttons No
Battery life Up to 15 hours
Connectivity Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Waterproof IP68 (up to 30 min. in up to 5 feet of water)
Ports USB-C
Dimensions 10 x 6.5 x 0.23 inches
Weight 1.1 pounds
BEST IPAD FOR READING
2021 Apple iPad Mini 6th Gen
Portability meets a great price point in Apple’s best-selling travel-friendly screen featuring excellent quality and speed.
$349.99 $499.00 30% off
While Apple’s latest 2024 iPad Air and the colorful new iPad are now available, readers who prefer portability (say, a smaller screen that can also handle web browsing, checking emails and watching videos), the 2021 iPad Mini might be a better option. If you’re not looking for a powerhouse of a tablet, the 8.3-in. Liquid Retina display with True Tone and Apple’s A15 Bionic chip combine to give you more than enough screen and speed to let you go from listening to audiobooks to watching movies to soaking up best-selling novels on Apple Books (or other e-book apps).
It’s compatible with 5G and works with the second-gen Apple Pencil, the Smart Keyboard Folio and non-Apple Bluetooth keyboards, so it’s also a great tablet for taking notes.
2021 Apple iPad Mini Specifications
Display and screen size 8.3-in. Liquid Retina with True Tone
Audiobook compatibility Yes
Storage 64 or 256 GB
Front light N/A
Adjustable screen shade Yes
Page turn buttons No
Battery life Up to 10 hours
Connectivity Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (cellular option available)
Waterproof No
Ports USB-C
Dimensions 7.69 x 5.31 x 0.25 inches
Weight 1.43 pounds
BEST FIRE TABLET FOR READING
2023 Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet
An affordable option for on-the-go reading and entertainment.
$74.99 $139.99 46% off
For an affordable tablet and e-reader combo, Amazon’s newly-updated Fire HD 10 is lighter and boasts a longer battery life than its predecessor — and this zippy, wallet-friendly device is also ideal for reading. The battery gives you up to 13 hours of reading and the device comes in four colors: black, denim and lavender. The durable 10.1-inch 1080p HD screen is made with strengthened aluminosilicate glass and it’s now compatible with Amazon’s stylus pen for taking notes, drawing and more.
It comes with 32 or 64 GB of internal storage (the microSD card slot lets you expand up to up to 1 TB) and a powerful octa-core processor and 3 GB RAM for seamless multi-tasking. Upgrade to the Fire HD 10 Plus if you want the option to charge wirelessly. Bluetooth keyboards and fabric and durable kid-friendly cases are also available.
2023 Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet Specifications
Display and screen size 10.1-in. 1080p full HD
Audiobook compatibility Yes
RAM 3 GB
CPU Octa-core 2.0 GHz
Storage 32 or 64 GB, microSD slot expandable up to 1 TB
Front light N/A
Adjustable screen shade Yes
Page turn buttons No
Battery life Up to 13 hours
Connectivity Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Waterproof No
Ports USB-C
Dimensions 9.69 x 6.49 x 0.34 inches
Weight 15.29 ounces
BEST E-READER FOR TAKING NOTES
Amazon Kindle Scribe
The best e-reader and digital notepad in one.
$254.99 $339.99 25% off
Amazon’s newest Kindle Scribe is one of the best e-readers that’s also a note-taking tablet, making it a great option for students, avid readers and writers — and you’ll save an extra 15 percent off and get a $15 eBook credit with the code KINDLE2024.
At 10.2 inches with a 300ppi glare-free display and 35 LED lights, the screen is the largest and brightest in the Kindle lineup. Similar to Amazon’s other e-readers, the front light adjusts automatically and you can customize the display’s warmth and text size.
The battery can last for up to 12 weeks (based on 30 minutes of reading per day) or up to 3 weeks (based on 30 minutes of note-taking daily) on a single charge, and you can get as much as 64 GB of storage for e-books and notes. As far as taking notes, the included Premium Pen lets you create sticky notes by tapping the screen, highlight sentences in books, create documents and notebooks (including bullet journals, keep track with to-do lists and more.
Amazon Kindle Scribe Specifications
Display 300ppi glare-free
Screen size 10.2 inches
Audiobook compatibility Yes
Storage 16, 32 or 64 GB
Front light Yes
Adjustable screen shade Yes
Page turn buttons No
Battery life Up to 12 weeks for reading; up to 3 weeks for writing
Connectivity Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Waterproof No
Ports USB-C
Dimensions 7.7 x 9 x .22 inches
Weight 15.3 ounces
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