The best ereader for 2024: top ebook readers from Kindle, Kobo and more

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VERDICT
REASONS TO BUY
REASONS TO AVOID
VERDICT
REASONS TO BUY
REASONS TO AVOID
Best ereader Kobo Libra Colour in black and white on a purple and blue background
(Image credit: Kobo / TechRadar)

Despite the best ereaders coming from a few different brands, most people still call them 'Kindles'. I will admit that it annoys me a little because there are so many other brands to choose from – Kobo, Onyx Boox PocketBook, Barnes & Noble, just to name a few – that we really ought to call e-ink tablets 'ereaders' or 'ebook readers'.

The flip side to that is many e-paper tablets available today do more than just allow you to read digitally – they also have stylus support to become a digital notebook. Audiobook support is also available and some even help you browse the web.

So how do you choose the best ereader? After having personally tested 26 models, I've learnt what to ask yourself before you spend money on one – questions like: do you need waterproofing? Would you prefer one-handed use? Do you need to jot notes? Is a color screen important to you?

Once you've figured out what exactly you want from your ebook reader, you can use my list of the best ereaders below to find what's right for you and your budget. Every single one below has been tested thoroughly – I wouldn't recommend something wasn't reviewed on TechRadar.

Whatever your needs, all ereaders use similar E Ink technology which, at the time of writing, is shifting from the Carta 1200 screen to the Carta 1300. The latest E Ink display debuted on the Kobo Clara BW in May 2024 and now has also been adopted by Amazon in its latest black-and-white Kindles launched in October 2024. It's more responsive and very contrasty for sharper text. The best color display is the E Ink Kaleido 3 screen technology, although colors appear slightly muted compared to what you'd see on your phone or tablet. A display called E Ink Gallery 3 was supposed to debut in 2023 with the promise of more saturation and sharpness, but that seems to have run into issues unknown. Until then, below are your best options.

Recent updates

December 2024: Now that we've tested all the new 2024 Kindles, I've updated the list below by replacing older models where appropriate, and changing the listings entirely elsewhere.

The quick list

Want to cut to the chase and find out which ereaders I think are the absolute best? Take a look below. You can also jump to a more detailed review of each ereader further down the page, and our price comparison tool will help you find the best deals.

The best ereader for 2024

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Below you'll find full write-ups for each of the best ereaders in our list. We've tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.

The best ereader overall

Kobo Libra Colour

The best ereader overall is now in color

Specifications

Screen size: 7-inch
Screen type: E Ink Kaleido 3
Storage: 32GB
Resolution: 300ppi (B&W); 150ppi (color)
Weight: 199.5g
Front light: Yes
Touchscreen: Yes
Battery life: up to four weeks

Reasons to buy

+
Good size for portability and usability
+
Relatively affordable for a color ereader
+
Full writing features
+
Repair kits available

Reasons to avoid

-
Couple of functions suffer from lag
-
Stylus sold separately
Buy it if

✅ You want a mid-range ereader with plenty of features: The balance between price and feature set is really good, offering good bang for buck.

✅ You want to operate your ereader in one hand: The page-turn buttons and asymmetrical design makes it easy to hold and use the Libra Colour in one hand.

You want a relatively open ecosystem: Other than its audiobooks, Kobo doesn't lock you into its own platform, allowing you to easily sideload files or borrow from a library.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You plan to make a lot of notes: The 7-inch screen feels too small to take full advantage of Kobo's Advanced Notebooks. A larger screen would be better for that.

You don't need a color display: You can save money by opting for a grayscale ereader if color content isn't important to you.

I've always been a fan of Kobo's Libra range because of the page-turn buttons and relative affordability, but I couldn't be happier with the Libra Colour.

While I was initially disappointed by the dated design, Kobo has done a very good job of optimizing the E Ink Kaleido 3 screen to make sure reading in both color or black-and-white is as good as it can be. Furthermore, that fact that Kobo has added stylus support to a device that doesn't cost all that much more over its predecessor is, in my books, fantastic value for money. Sure, you need to buy the Kobo Stylus 2 separately if you want to write on the Libra Colour, but its still good bang for buck – and that's why it's my pick of the best ereader overall.

Like the previous two Libra ereaders before it, I found the Libra Colour's 7-inch display to be just the right size for the average reader – not too small, not too large – and it retains the asymmetric design that makes it handy to use single-handed. In fact, it's a touch lighter than its predecessor, coming in at 199.5g compared to the Libra 2's 215g. It's also IPX8-rated waterproof.

The color screen is the headline here, though. Even if you don't read much color content like comics or graphic novels, I thought the reading experience was enhanced when I could see a book cover displayed the way it's meant to be – in color.

I appreciate the eco-friendly build too – the body is 85% recycled plastic and the packaging is 100% recyclable, with the ink being biodegradable.

What impressed me the most, though, was that Kobo's 2024 ereaders are repairable, which can save you money on the long run. A partnership with iFixit ensures you get spare parts and step-by-step guides to change out battery packs, the screen, even the motherboard, which should extend the life if your ereader.

Everything else I love about the more premium Kobo devices is here – 32GB of storage, access to OverDrive, Pocket and Kobo Plus directly from the tablet, plus cloud file transfer via Google Drive and Dropbox. File and font support is also still pretty good.

Read my full Kobo Libra Colour review

The best budget ereader

The best eco-friendly mid-range ereader

Specifications

Screen size: 6-inch
Screen type: E Ink Carta 1300
Storage: 16GB
Resolution: 300ppi
Weight: 174g
Front light: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Battery life: Up to four weeks

Reasons to buy

+
Fantastic 6-inch screen
+
Compact, lightweight and waterproof
+
Affordable and repairable

Reasons to avoid

-
No cloud file transfer support
-
Dated, plastic design
-
6-inch screen can be small for some
Buy it if

✅ You want the latest E Ink screen: The E Ink Carta 1300 makes it mainstream debut on the Clara BW and it's the best we've seen to date.

✅ Repairability matters to you: It's perhaps one of the few ereaders models that have official spare parts available via iFixit, with detailed guides on how to repair it.

Don't buy it if:

❌ 6 inches is too small a screen: While many readers would prefer the compact size of the Clara BW, several others would find it too small a display.

You want more features: This is a dedicated ereader – you'll need to look elsewhere if you want stylus support and other features.

I might sound biased but I think Kobo has outdone itself with the Clara BW. Adopting the latest generation E Ink display was a brilliant decision because the screen on the Clara BW is not just snappy, I found it to be the sharpest e-paper display I've tested to date (although I am yet to compare it directly with Amazon's 2024 range).

And while that's the only major upgrade over the Clara 2E, Kobo has added repairability to its 2024 range of devices. Thanks to a partnership with iFixit, spare parts are available to purchase alongside repair kits and step-by-step guides and, to me, that's a positive step towards sustainability. Whether your ereader will need a new screen at some point or a new battery – you're sorted. This extends the life of the device, keeping it out of landfills.

Its eco-friendly credentials don't stop there – like its predecessor, most of its body is recycled plastic, and the packaging is also fully recycled and recyclable too. Even the ink used to print on the boxes is soy, so biodegradable.

That's where the changes stop – you still get only 16GB of onboard storage and the same 1,500mAh battery. That said, I found the battery life to be a lot more consistent now as compared to what we experienced with the Kobo Clara 2E when a colleague tested the older model. Waterproofing has also been inherited.

While you get all the other Kobo trappings here – OverDrive and Pocket support – there's no way to easily transfer files via the cloud, like there is on the more expensive Kobo ereaders. With no Google Drive or Dropbox support, I had to resort to sideloading books via a wired connection to a laptop or PC during our testing, although it really is very easy to do by dragging and dropping.

Audiobook playback is still there but, again, only the ones purchased from the Kobo Store or downloaded as part of a Kobo Plus subscription will play.

Overall, it's a fantastic entry-level ereader that, despite costing more than the basic Amazon Kindle (2024), is actually better value and hence my pick of the best budget option.

Read my full Kobo Clara BW review

The best mid-range ereader

A better, bigger screen deserves a shout

Specifications

Screen size: 7-inch
Screen type: E Ink Carta 1300
Storage: 16GB
Resolution: 300ppi
Weight: 211g
Front light: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Battery life: Up to 12 weeks

Reasons to buy

+
Snappy new 7-inch display
+
Lightweight and waterproof
+
Slightly faster than before

Reasons to avoid

-
Not ergonomic
-
Smudge and dust magnet
-
Expensive for its feature set
Buy it if

✅ You want to upgrade from an old Kindle: If you're still holding on to an old model like the Voyage, the upgraded screen and performance enhancements are well worth it.

✅ You read a lot of graphic novels: The Frame View feature on a Kindle shows one frame at a time to make reading speech bubbles easy. And the 7-inch screen size is just right too.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You don't want to source your content from the Kindle Store: You'll need to use the Send to Kindle platform to sideload content and you'll constantly be pointed towards the Kindle Store while on the Home screen.

You want more features: This is a dedicated ereader – you'll need to look elsewhere if you want stylus support and other features.

The Kindle Paperwhites have been popular with readers for years as they've always managed to provide a good balance between price, features and performance. The 2024 Paperwhite breaks this mold a little by being expensive, but it's still a very good ereader, especially with its upgrades.

The headline here is the E Ink Carta 1300 display, which has darker blacks to make reading on a white (or warmer) background easier. It's also slightly larger now (7 inches compared to the previous 6.8 inches) and a much more responsive screen, so page turns are practically instantaneous.

It's even had a slight performance enhancement which, in my opinion, is all software driven, but therein lies one of my little niggles with the 2024 Paperwhite – there's only 11.5GB of usable storage out of the full 16GB. It's still a lot, but if you're paying a large sum, you should be able to get more. Sadly, the operating system is just that big and there's nothing you or I can do about it.

What I loved about the Paperwhite is the absolute lack of ghosting, which typically plagues e-paper displays. I did have the ereader set to refresh with every page turn, which could have something to do with it, but I'm still mightily impressed.

I'm not a fan of the design though: the slim side bezels don't provide enough surface area for a good grip, which is needed as the rear panel is a touch too smooth and slippery. That plastic panel also attracts dust and smudges – much more than any other ereader I've tested – and I found my Black model looking scruffy within minutes of taking it out of the box. So it's a good thing it's still retains an IPX8 waterproof rating as I'm constantly tempted to wash it.

Other than that, it's a "perfectly adequate" ereader, doing what it does very well indeed. There's just not a whole lot of value here when purchased at full price, so wait for a sale.

Read my full Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024) review

The best Kindle

The addition of color makes a huge difference

Specifications

Screen size: 7-inch
Screen type: E ink Kaleido 3
Storage: 32GB
Resolution: 300ppi (color) / 150ppi (b&w)
Weight: 219g
Front light: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Battery life: Up to 12 weeks

Reasons to buy

+
First Kindle with a color screen
+
Great performance
+
Good-sized screen

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive for a color ereader
-
Cheap-looking design
-
Limited to Amazon’s store
Buy it if

✅ You're a Kindle fan who wants to read in color: If you're already locked into Amazon's ecosystem, the Colorsoft is arguably the best upgrade you can make from an older Kindle.

✅ Screen size matters: A bright and larger 7-inch screen means your reading experience is better any time and anywhere.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want more bang from your buck: While a color screen and good performance is great, you can get more from your money from other similar models.

❌ You don't care about reading in color: A monochrome display on an ereader is always cheaper, so you can save cash by opting for the Paperwhite or another brand.

It might have taken Amazon quite a while to join the color ereader bandwagon, but I'm glad it did. As someone who lives in Australia, I won't get my hands on the Kindle Colorsoft until some time in 2025, but my colleague based in the US has already tested it thoroughly and was impressed.

Despite facing a teething problem (discoloration on the screen), he found the Kindle Colorsoft to be one of the best ereaders he's tested, particularly when it came to the device's performance. Scrolling was a pleasure and, during his testing, he found that it was snappy with practically no ghosting to speak of. That alone makes me eager to try the Colorsoft out for myself – I can't wait!

Admittedly he wasn't enthused by the Kindle Colorsoft's design, saying it looked "cheap", but it is waterproof thanks to an IPX8 certification, which means it will withstand being submerged in no more 2 meters of fresh water for up to an hour. And 'fresh' is the operative word here – salt water will corrode the USB-C port first and, if any enter the device's motherboard, will begin to eat that up too.

The Colorsoft is also quite expensive for a color ereader with a basic design and no other features, which is probably its biggest drawback. However, if you don't need to scribble notes or annotations, and you really want a new Kindle (not another brand), I will admit that this one is easy to recommend if money is no object.

Read our in-depth Amazon Kindle Colorsoft review

The best ereader for students

A large-screen ereader with versatile writing tools

Specifications

Screen size: 10.3-inch
Screen type: E Ink Carta 1200
Storage: 32GB
Resolution: 227ppi
Weight: 390g
Front light: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Battery life: up to four weeks

Reasons to buy

+
Faster than previous model
+
Versatile writing tools
+
Eco-friendly body

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive
-
Dated, plasticky design
-
Sleepcover no longer bundled
Buy it if

✅ You're a student, teacher, researcher or are into journaling: The note-taking features here are par excellence, particularly the Advanced Notebook option, which makes it the perfect replacement for pen and paper.

✅ You want your scribbles exported as typed text: While handwriting recognition is available on other models, Kobo does it well... as long as your scribbles aren't too bad.

You want a rechargable stylus: Kobo's updated stylus can be charged via USB-C, making it lighter and longer lasting.

Don't buy it if:

❌ Writing is a superfluous feature: Considering its feature set, the Elipsa 2E offers good value for money, but only if you will make full use of its writing capabilities.

❌ Looks matter: It might have great features, but the Elipsa 2E is just another plastic tablet.

If you can't decide between a tablet or an ereader, the Amazon Kindle Scribe might be a tempting option, but the Kobo Elipsa 2E wins here for a few simple reasons.

It offers a bit more open ecosystem than a Kindle, with plenty of file and font support, plus the usual Kobo perks of Dropbox and Google Drive connectivity (to transfer your notes and ebooks wirelessly), OverDrive support (to borrow library ebooks) and the baked-in Pocket app to read long-form web articles offline.

And, if you will make full use of its extensive writing tools, I think there's a lot more value for money here than the Kindle Scribe or the Onyx Boox Note Air series tablets, particularly for students, teachers or researchers. I'm a big fan of Kobo's writing features – the Advanced Notebooks allow you to insert flowcharts, drawings, formulae and much more into the notes and, heck, some simple mathematical equations will even be solved for you.

Its 10.3-inch screen is great for reading, particularly if you're into comics and graphic novels (albeit displayed in black and white), and an upgraded processor means it's a lot faster and more responsive than its predecessor (although it's possible the 2024 Kindle Scribe might outperform the Elipsa 2E on account of being newer, but I am yet to test it).

My only gripe with the new Elipsa 2E is that it doesn't ship with a sleepcover like the older model did, meaning you're spending a little extra to ensure the redesigned Kobo Stylus 2 – which is also better than the older pen Kobo made – is stowed away securely at all times. In fact, the Elipsa 2E is my daily digital notebook and ereader.

Read our full Kobo Elipsa 2E review

The best premium ereader

A great ereader for a luxurious reading experience

Specifications

Screen size: 10.2-inch
Screen type: E Ink Carta 1200
Storage: 16GB/32GB/64GB
Resolution: 300ppi
Weight: 433g
Front light: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Battery life: Up to 12 weeks

Reasons to buy

+
Brighter, more luxurious screen
+
AI features that are useful

Reasons to avoid

-
High starting price
-
Excessive friction with Premium Pen eraser
Buy it if

✅ You want a bright screen: With an ambient light sensor on board, the Scribe's screen is hands-down the best ereader display on the market.

✅ You need AI to decipher your handwriting: If your scribbles look like chicken scratchings, the AI handwriting recognition is likely going to be a boon here.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You need a full writing suite: As lovely as the screen is to write on, the Scribe's writing features are limited compared to what you get on Kobo or Boox.

❌ Money is tight: Getting the best reading experience possible means shelling out a decent chunk of change, especially if you throw in the optional sleepcover too.

If money is no object and you want the most luxurious reading experience a digital ebook reader can give you, then the Amazon Kindle Scribe (2024) takes over from the previous model. I absolutely love how bright that screen is now – at max brightness, it looks so much better than what I experienced with the 2022 Kindle Scribe. I'm not a big fan of the white bezels around the display on the Tungsten colorway, but they're not too bad on the Jade Green model.

The screen tech used here seems to still be the E Ink Carta 1200, but I could be wrong; Amazon isn't revealing which display is used here, but a direct side-by-side comparison with the previous Kindle Scribe shows no extra contrast. That's not to say it's a bad thing: the Scribe screen is sharp as and looks so darn clean in that 10.2-inch size.

The only annoyance is that if you opt for the Premium Pen, be ready to expect the eraser to actually feel like rubber on glass. It's not a big deal but I'm not a fan of how much friction there is.

The headline act, of course, are the AI features. My colleague who tested them has been quite impressed with them and, for once, is convinced that they're actually useful. I always thought Kobo's handwriting recognition was the best I'd tested, but I think the 2024 Kindle Scribe might well have surpassed the competition.

The writing experience remains the same – beautifully smooth and a pleasure to use. I'm not entirely sure I like the new Active Canvas feature, where a section of a book's page realigns to add your scribbles in a box alongside. Print does wrap around the boxout with your notes, but it might take a little getting used to with how the layout of the page changes. The good news is that it works for sideloaded books too, not just those available through the Kindle Store.

I still think that Kobo's Advanced Notebooks and the Notes app on Boox tablets offer far more in terms of writing features, but there's no denying that 2024 Kindle Scribe has the most premium feel about it.

Read our in-depth Amazon Kindle Scribe (2024) review

The best ereader for writing

A versatile reMarkable alternative

Specifications

Screen size: 10.3-inch
Screen type: E Ink Carta 1200
Storage: 64GB
Resolution: 300ppi
Weight: 375g
Front light: No
Wi-Fi: Yes
Battery life: Up to three weeks

Reasons to buy

+
Lightweight with a lovely design
+
Very versatile writing tools
+
Google Play Store access

Reasons to avoid

-
Screen is not front lit
-
Paired stylus has no eraser
-
Magnetic stylus attachment is abysmal
Buy it if

✅ You write or sketch a lot: Designed to suit users who need to take copious amounts of notes or be creative.

✅ You want the thinnest e-paper tablet yet: Not only does it look lovely, it beats the reMarkable 2 at being the thinnest writing tablet.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want your writing tablet to be an ereader too: While the library app is good, the lack of a frontlight means you can't read at certain times of the day.

❌ Value for money is important: You'll get more bang for buck if you opt for alternatives from Kobo or Amazon, with built-in bookstores, frontlights and more.

You might be wondering why the reMarkable 2 or the reMarkable Paper Pro isn't being listed as the best writing e-paper tablet, but their limited functionality precludes them when you can get more from the Boox Go 10.3. This alternative from Onyx looks remarkably like a reMarkable, but it's a lot more versatile.

Running Android 12, you get full access to the Google Play Store, which means you can download any useful app you might need, even other note-taking apps. That said, not all apps will support stylus input or there'll be a lag. The native Notes app, though, is fantastic – everything you might need is available there, and then some. In fact, I'll even say it's overkill, but hey, some users would find certain features useful.

The AI handwriting recognition is good, but I think the 2024 Kindle Scribe does a better job. And the addition of AI to write short stories or ask questions to is rather superfluous.

Given the Boox devices don't have their own bookstores (or rather one that's actually worth purchasing content from), it's a good thing there's a built-in browser available and you can always use the Kindle or Kobo apps too.

The biggest annoyance I had with the Boox Go 10.3 was the stylus. Firstly, it barely hangs on to the side of the device as the magnetic edge is just not strong enough and, secondly, it doesn't have a built-in eraser. The latter is really disappointing given how expensive the tablet and pen bundle is. If that doesn't bother you, then I think it writes just as well as the Scribe or the reMarkable 2.

Just given how much more you get with the Boox Go 10.3, I think it's the better option to a reMarkable, although if you want a tablet without any distractions and just need your creativity to flow, go with the reMarkable 2.

Read my in-depth Onyx Boox Go 10.3 review

The best color ereader

An affordable and compact color ereader

Specifications

Screen size: 6-inch
Screen type: E Ink Kaleido 3
Storage: 16GB
Resolution: 150ppi color; 300ppi grayscale
Weight: 174g
Frontlight: Yes
Bluetooth: Yes
Battery life: up to four weeks

Reasons to buy

+
Responsive color display
+
Compact and lightweight
+
Good battery life
+
Relatively affordable

Reasons to avoid

-
6 inches can be too small for some users
-
Black-and-white text lacks contrast
Buy it if

✅ You want an affordable color ereader: Arguably cheaper than any other color ereader out there, the Clara Colour is making color content more accessible.

✅ You want to borrow library books: Whether ebooks or digital magazines, if your local public library supports OverDrive, you can save money by borrowing titles.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want a stylus: This is an entry-level ereader, with no writing features.

You need a larger screen: A 6-inch display isn't for everyone. If you think you need more screen real estate, opt for a 7-inch ereader instead.

When it comes to color ereaders, it's hard to recommend any particular one as the displayed colors on all of them look slightly washed out. That's not the fault of the ereader; that's just the tech. However, if you ask me, I'd pick the Kobo Clara Colour as arguably the cheapest mainstream color ereader available right now, even though the Kindle Colorsoft has a larger screen.

While I think that the 6-inch color display may be a touch too small for comics or graphic novels, it's still a good entry point to making color content accessible. In fact, if I was asked for a recommendation, I wouldn't hesitate to say that the Clara Colour would be a good first ereader for someone looking to get started with digital reading. Sure, there are cheaper grayscale options available, but something has got be said about seeing a book cover displayed in color on an ereader.

And, as a Kobo ereader, it's got a lot more going for it with a relatively more open ecosystem than Amazon's Kindle, plus good file and font support. 16GB of onboard storage, Bluetooth connectivity to pair wireless headphones for audiobook enjoyment and IPX8 waterproofing rounds up its other important features.

Importantly, it gets an upgraded processor that I found improves performance over the Clara 2E and the 2022 Kindle base model significantly.

Like the Libra Colour and Clara BW (listed above) it was launched alongside, the Clara Colour has also been made with recycled plastic and comes in fully recycled and recyclable packing. It's repairable like both its 2024 siblings, with parts and instructions available via an official partnership with iFixit.

Read our in-depth Kobo Clara Colour review

The best compact ereader

A compact ereader that's one of a kind

Specifications

Screen size: 6.13-inch
Screen type: E Ink Carta 1200
Storage: 128GB
Resolution: 300ppi
Weight: 170g
Frontlight: Yes
Bluetooth: Yes
Battery life: up to eight weeks

Reasons to buy

+
Comfortable, lightweight design
+
Remarkable battery life
+
Peppy performance

Reasons to avoid

-
No stylus support
-
Scanning camera not great
-
Expensive
Buy it if

✅ You want a phone-sized ereader: The only e-paper device to mimic the look and size of a phone, the Palma easily slips into a pocket.

✅ You want access to Android apps: From reading apps to mobile games, you get full access to the Google Play Store as the device runs Android 11.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want a stylus: This is an entry-level ereader, with no writing features.

You need a larger screen: A 6.13-inch display with a 2:1 aspect ratio isn't for everyone.

You want something cheaper: Being an unique device and boasting a lot of features makes this a rather expensive – and novel – purchase.

There's nothing quite like the Onyx Boox Palma on the ereader market – it's a palm-sized device that can easily be mistaken for a phone. Except it won't make any calls and it's got an e-paper screen. It's even lighter than some of the phones it mimics, making it the perfect device for anyone looking to move away from reading on an LCD or OLED screen to a more comfortable E Ink display.

What I really appreciated when I tested the Palma was that, like a lot of phones, it's has a lot of onboard storage, but if 128GB isn't enough for you, there's also a microSD tray to expand the capacity. That means you can load up thousands of ebooks, several audiobooks, music files (yes, there's a player app built in) and anything else you can think of to take on your travels without affecting your baggage allowance. It lacks waterproofing, though.

Like any phone today, there's a built-in speaker and, also like a phone, I found that it sounds better if you use the Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity to pair wireless headphones to enjoy your music and audiobooks.

Running a fat-free version of Android 11, the Palma gets you access to the Play Store and, with a pretty powerful CPU and decent graphics, you can actually play some mobile games – it really is impressive how well the screen handles graphics. During my testing, I played a couple of graphics-heavy games and were utterly amazed at how well it could handle them. That said, don't expect phone-like performance here – there is still a wee bit of stuttering and all your games will be in black-and-white only.

While there really is a lot to recommend the Palma, I think it would have been a better device if Onyx had added stylus support too. It would also make it easier to justify the high price tag as there are 6-inch ereaders that are a lot cheaper than it. However, there's nothing else on the market like it and that alone could be justification enough for some users.

There's an updated version of the Palma now – called the Boox Palma 2 – which does seem like an improved version but I am yet to test it.

Read my in-depth Onyx Boox Palma review

Meet the reviewers

Reviewed by
Sharmishta Sarkar
Reviewed by
Sharmishta Sarkar

Other than the Kindle Colorsoft, Sharmishta has either independently tested each of the e-ink tablets on this list or co-authored the review with a colleague. She's tested 24 ereaders from various brands so far, with more waiting in the wings.

Reviewed by
Phil Berne
Reviewed by
Philip Berne

With over 20 years experience writing about phones and mobile technology, Philip is quite the expert on reMarkables and Kindles, but is no stranger to the Onyx Boox devices either.

Alternatives to consider

If none of the ereaders and e-paper writing tablets take your fancy or don't quite fit your budget or needs, there are a few more that did well in our tests that I can recommend. They did quite well in testing, but just didn't make the cut either due to their per-dollar value or features.

Amazon Kindle (2024)

Amazon Kindle (2024)
It's not much of an upgrade and Amazon's still calling it a 11th-generation Kindle (which is what the 2022 Kindle was), but the new colorway is lovely and it's still a great little 6-inch ereader. It doesn't make the main list because it no longer represents good value at full price.

Read my full Amazon Kindle (2024) review

reMarkable 2

reMarkable 2
This stunning writing tablet was in the main list above for a while, but got replaced when a more versatile alternative became available. It's still a fabulous consideration for anyone keen on a no-distraction tablet used as a creative outlet.

Read my in-depth reMarkable 2 review

Ereader FAQs

What is an ereader?

It might look like a boring tablet, but an ereader is designed specifically only for digital versions of books, whether novels or comics, fiction or non-fiction. All ereaders – also called ebook readers – use a special display that makes reading in any kind of ambient lighting condition easy. These displays have a look that resembles the texture of paper (not the feel), and that's easy on the eyes.

Since they perform only a single task – display ebooks – they don't use powerful processors and can be slow to refresh. However, this doesn't affect the performance of an ereader and, in fact, allows the battery life to go on for weeks on a single charge.

An ereader typically comes with 8GB of storage, if not more, and can store hundreds of titles. That means you can carry your entire library with you on holiday.

Do you really need an ereader?

Whether you need a dedicated ereader will depend on how much you read books and whether you're comfortable spending the extra money on a reading device. If you're an avid reader and keep buying new titles, you'll find that going digital can help you save on storage space for your books as well as save you money in the long run as ebooks are typically cheaper than the printed versions. Admittedly you'll be spending a decent chunk of change on the ereader itself, but you'll find that it pays for itself soon enough. Moreover, some ereaders allow you to borrow library books, which can save you even more.

And if you have the habit of reading during your morning commute, an ereader is a lot lighter than carrying an actual book.

It can be argued that reading on your phone or tablet is just as good, and while that's true for the most part, the e-paper screen on an ereader is designed to reduce eye strain. So if you read a lot before bed, it's definitely worth considering an ereader, particularly one that allows you to adjust its frontlight's temperature to warmer hues.

Kindle vs Kobo: what is the difference?

While the devices themselves are largely similar, there are a few differences between Kindles and Kobo ereaders. For starters, the former is widely available in any market Amazon operates in, but Kindles can lock you into Amazon's ecosystem by pushing you to purchase titles only from the Kindle Store.

Kobo also has its own bookstore accessible via its ereaders, but the ecosystem is a lot more open and sideloading books you already own is a lot easier. Kobo's file support is wider, as is its font support. In fact, you can even sideload Amazon's dedicated fonts like Bookerly and Ember if you prefer them.

Then there's borrowing library books – while both devices give you that option, Kindle users can only do so if they live in the US. If you happen to reside elsewhere, you might want to consider a Kobo, provided your local library has OverDrive support (you can ask them before you decide to buy an ereader).

Kobo devices are typically a little more expensive, but then you also get more device choices from the Japanese-Canadian ereader brand. And if you're after a note-taking device, we think Kobo is the way to go.

Find out more about how to choose between a Kindle and a Kobo ereader.

Which ereader is better for library books?

If your main source of reading material would ebooks from your local library, then it's best to opt for a Kindle or a Kobo device. Both with allow you to access your local library's ebook catalogue from anywhere (as long as you are connected to a Wi-Fi network), but keep in mind that Kindles only support borrowing from American libraries. If you live outside of the US, a Kobo would be a better option.

Kobo devices work with the OverDrive service that lets you borrow in regions including the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore (amongst others). If you want to own your books, the Amazon marketplace is much larger than Kobo, and has a huge self-publishing component for finding independent authors.

Can I listen to audiobooks on an ereader?

As long as an ereader has Bluetooth connectivity, you should be able to pair a set of wireless headphones to listen to supported audio files. While brands like Onyx and PocketBook will allow you to sideload audio files, including audiobooks, Kindle and Kobo devices only support those purchased from their respective stores.

In fact, some Onyx and PocketBook ereaders have built-in speakers, so you may not even need headphones to listen. However, don't expect great sound quality from them because, like your phone, they're small drivers and the sound would be better via a connected pair of headphones.

Also keep in mind that audio files are typically larger than ebook formats, so if you're storing a lot of these on your device, you'll need to keep an eye on how much space you've got left.

What fonts can my ereader support?

Most ereaders will support some basic fonts natively and you won't need to tinker with them at all. However, if you do want to change things up, a Kindle or a Kobo is a good idea as they both make it easy to change fonts on the device.

You'll find that the Kindles have some custom fonts designed by Amazon, with Bookerly and Ember being the most popular ones. We found that the list of fonts on Kindles is extensive enough that we didn't find the need to sideload more, but you can if you need to.

Kobo devices also have their own set of default fonts, but there's no rule against sideloading more, including Amazon's own custom ones like Bookerly. And sideloading is as easy as plugging your Kobo ereader into a computer and moving your desired font to the device's fonts folder.

How to choose an ereader

While your budget is arguably the most important consideration when choosing the best ereader for you, it's also important to keep in mind what you really want from that device.

Consider the screen and the user interface as your starting points. The former should be clear and easy to read, but also feature a good light, while the latter should be streamlined and easy to use use. You also need to figure out if a grayscale display will suffice or whether you need a color screen.

Storage capacity might be important to voracious readers who would likely have hundreds of titles in their digital library, if not thousands. While 16GB of internal storage is becoming the norm – and that's plenty for thousands of titles – some brands offer expandable storage via microSD cards. These become even more important if you prefer listening to audiobooks as these files are larger than ebooks.

This means you also need to consider file formats that the ereader can support natively. Some devices offer broader file support than others, so check your existing library or online bookstores to see what the most common format is (ePUB is typically quite common). Also check if your ebook are DRM-locked as your ereader may support the file format it's in, but only without DRM. A broad font support can also be handy to have.

Lastly, if you're not keen on buying new titles, you'll want to pick up an ereader that allows you to borrow from a local public library either natively or via a third-party application like Libby.

The secondary considerations to keep in mind would be the importance of waterproofing and whether you really need stylus support.

What is the difference between an ereader and a tablet?

If you already own a tablet – whether an iPad or an Android – do you really need another device for reading digital books? An ereader has limitations, but for reading it can be far superior to a more extensible tablet.

1. E Ink technology
The main difference between an ereader and an iPad you will notice immediately. The ereader screen is almost always grayscale, using special E Ink technology that is very crisp and specialized for fonts and text. It refreshes relatively slowly and it sometimes leaves a trace (ghosting) that needs to be refreshed.

E-ink screens also don't flicker like a normal screen, making it more comfortable to read for a longer period of time.

2. Battery life
While you might hope to get a day of use out of your iPad, an ereader tablet measures battery life in weeks. Because the screen only refreshes when you turn the page, it draws very little power. Our favorite ereaders have a backlit screen, but those LED lights don't use much battery. If you read for 30 minutes a day or so, you can get a few months of battery life with our top pick devices.

3. Blue light filter
While dark mode has become quite common in recent times and many modern electronic screens automatically adjust their displays depending on ambient lighting, there's no filter to reduce blue light. The best ereaders, however, use front lights with a white to yellow hue that's better for the eyes (and your sleep pattern) as compared to phones and tablets.

4. Affordable and convenient
If you are mostly reading books, an ereader tablet is a bargain over an iPad. The base model Amazon Kindle 2022 is a bare fraction of the price of an iPad or a Samsung Galaxy Tab, while large-screen ereaders like the Kindle Scribe and Kobo Elipsa can be had for an equivalent price or for not that much more than a base model iPad (depending on where you live). If books are your main thing, stick with an ereader and save money versus a tablet.

How we test the best ereaders

There might be ereaders aplenty in some markets, but not all of them are available extensively. So our first step in testing an ereader is to determine whether it can be purchased by a wider audience than just a single market, even if it's an import.

If an E Ink tablet meets that criteria, we then test ereaders based on the display and specs – aka the responsiveness of the touchscreen as well as clarity, plus things like storage and Bluetooth connectivity. This, in combination with its price tag, will determine its value-for-money rating, which is quite important in our books.

We follow that up with how user-friendly the interface is and whether there's easy access to ebooks and audiobooks via a native store or third-party apps. We also take into consideration file support for each device, which is necessary if you already have an existing library of digital books.

With several years under the belt in testing ereaders in all shapes and sizes, we're confident that our star-rated reviews are the best indication of quality and usefulness of the ereaders in this list. There are no sales/marketing teams involved in our verdicts, which means if we don't like it, we simply won't recommend it.

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All the new 2024 Kindles are now available to buy in most major markets, although the Colorsoft still hasn't made its way everywhere yet. And while there's not a whole lot different with the entry-level Kindle, there are differences in the other 2024 models that make them better than their respective predecessors.

The Kindles remain brilliant ereaders, each one offering something different at various price points but, those costs are now higher. So, is it worth paying extra for a new 2024 Kindle ereader?

I would say yes to that question: some represent better value than others and, despite the higher price tag, are worthy investments. However, I'd encourage you to hold off until they're discounted. Amazon always discounts its Kindles during its Prime Day sale and, again, over the Black Friday sale period. They'll even be available for less during other sales, like Memorial Day in the US and Boxing Day in the UK and Australia.

I've either tried or tested all the new 2024 Kindles (except the Colorsoft) and have chosen the best of the current crop for you. Disappointingly, the standard Kindle Paperwhite has fallen from grace because of its higher price and has been replaced by the new Signature Edition as the best Kindle.

One thing to note about the new Kindles: not all territories will have Audible (or audiobook) support on the 2024 models. While users in the US will be able to use Bluetooth connectivity to pair wireless headphones and access their Audible accounts on any of the Kindles, that's sadly no the case for Australia, for example.

If you're not sold on a Kindle is right for you, take a look at my picks for the best ereaders, which lists options from various brands we've tested – they make excellent Christmas gifts if you're still on the hunt for a loved one.

Recent updates

December 2024: To help you understand how well the battery holds up with regular use for each new Kindle, I've added a handy table that compares the claimed battery life with what we saw during testing.

Reviewed by
Sharmishta Sarkar
Reviewed by
Sharmishta Sarkar

While she spearheads the day-to-day functioning of the TechRadar editorial team in the APAC region, Sharmishta spends every free minute she gets reading. It's what got her interested in ereaders in the first place and, over the last few years has managed to test a wide variety of these epaper devices, including some Kindles. She's even appeared on Singaporean radio twice to speak about these e-ink tablets.

The quick list

Below you'll find a quick list of the main best Kindles that I recommend you buy right now. But for more details, read on for further product breakdowns and links to the full reviews, where you can read how the Kindles are put to the test. Our price comparison tool will also flag the latest Kindle deals that are worth your attention.

The best Kindle 2024

Below you'll find details for each of the best Kindles in our list. We've tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.

The best Kindle overall

The best Kindle for most people

Specifications

Screen size: 7-inch
Screen type: E ink Carta 1300
Storage: 32GB
Resolution: 300ppi
Weight: 214g
Frontlight: yes
Wi-Fi: yes
Battery life: up to 12 weeks

Reasons to buy

+
New color options available
+
Snappier performance
+
Wireless charging

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited to Amazon's ecosystem
-
Cheap design
-
Expensive
Buy it if

✅ You source your material from the Kindle Store: If you don't need to sideload an existing private library, the Paperwhite SE makes it easy to purchase content from the Kindle Store.
✅ You need a lot of storage: While you can get a cheaper Paperwhite, the Signature Edition doubles the storage, which might make it better value for avid readers.

Don't buy it if

❌ You have your own ebook library: It's easy enough to sideload ebooks, but you will have to jump through hoops (aka use the Send To Kindle platform) to do so.
❌ You'd prefer something cheaper: If you're on a smaller budget, opting for a 6-inch ereader will save you some cash.

The bottom line

The Paperwhite Signature Edition manages to balance size, feature set and price well, but it doesn't necessarily represent the best value option. But given it offers more than the standard Paperwhite and can be picked up at a discounted price, it's arguably the best Kindle right now.

When Amazon released a Signature Edition of the Paperwhite in 2021, I wasn't sold on it. I thought wireless charging was superfluous and paying extra for it was not worthwhile at all. With the 2024 release, however, I've changed my mind.

While I haven't tested it personally, my colleague who did isn't sold on its design, but agrees that its performance is better than before. He still thinks wireless charging is gimmicky, but given the price hike of all the 2024 Kindles, a can be made that the per dollar value of the Signature Edition now makes it the better choice over the standard Kindle.

The Paperwhite SE (for short) gets you 32GB of storage – double that of the standard 16GB Paperwhite which, incidentally only has 11.5GB of usable space – and the wireless charging to boot. The storage alone can be worthwhile for avid readers like me – in fact, I'd much rather have 64GB of storage on my ereader but then I am voracious!

Battery life is also extraordinary, although it will depend on how bright you keep your screen lit and how much you use the device. And I absolutely appreciate the fact that it's IP67 waterproof, which means it can survive an accidental dunk in the sea. Yes, the sea – most other waterproof ereaders are only IPX8 rated, which means fresh water only please. That said, if you do drop it in saltwater, it's best to immediately give it a rinse so as to avoid corroding the USB port.

Between the extra storage and the waterproofing, the 2024 Paperwhite Signature Edition takes over as the best Kindle.

Read the full Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (2024) review

The best budget Kindle

The best Kindle for those on a budget

Specifications

Screen size: 6-inch
Screen type: E Ink Carta 1200
Storage: 16GB
Resolution: 300ppi
Weight: 158g
Frontlight: yes
Wi-Fi: yes
Battery life: up to six weeks

Reasons to buy

+
Lovely new color
+
Compact design is good for travellers
+
Slightly better performance

Reasons to avoid

-
Very minimal update
-
No waterproofing
-
Reliance on Amazon services may frustrate
Buy it if...

✅ Size doesn't matter: The 6-inch screen could be small for some users, but if that's not an issue, the base Kindle can slip into any bag, even into a large jacket pocket.
✅ You're on a tight budget: It's hard to justify its higher price, but it's still the cheapest Kindle available.

Don't buy it if

❌ Screen size is important: If you use larger font sizes when reading, you'll be turning pages often on the base Kindle, which could eat into the battery life.
❌ You want a secure hold: The rear of the Kindle is smooth, which can make it slippery to hold for long reading sessions – buying a case separately might solve this problem if you're willing to spend.

The bottom line

It's only the most minimal upgrade, but it's the only entry-level Kindle now available. While it price tag is hard to justify, the new color and the slightly better performance might make it worthwhile if you source your books from the Kindle Store.

Where the 2022 Kindle was a worthy successor to those that came before, the 2024 release of Amazon's entry-level ereader is, sadly, not so. I love the new Matcha Green color, but beyond that I found it hard to praise the new Kindle very much. And that made it harder for me to justify it's higher cost over the previous model. However, it's now the only entry-level Kindle as Amazon has discontinued the previous one, so if you use the 2022 Kindle already, it's not worth upgrading.

That said, if you've never used an ereader before or want to gift someone their very first Kindle, this isn't a bad option. I won't call it 'cheap' anymore, but it is still the most affordable Kindle available.

Other than the new colorway, not much else has change here – so there's still no waterproofing and there's 16GB of storage on board. It's definitely had some performance upgrades, but that seems to be mostly software related and that, sadly, seems to take up a heck of a lot of space on the device. With the operating system now large, there's just 11.5GB of usable storage on board.

Amazon has 'brightened' the screen, but I think it was just by adding an additional LED which, in my opinion, wasn't needed at all. At maximum brightness, the screen can be borderline painful in dim conditions.

Like I said, it's the same old Kindle dressed up in a new color. It's hard to recommend at full price, but the good news is that Amazon always – and I do mean always – discounts its Kindles during major sale events. If you pick up the 2024 Kindle then, it's not a bad ereader at all.

Read the full Amazon Kindle (2024) review

The best color Kindle

Best for reading in color

Specifications

Screen size: 7 inches
Screen type: E Ink Kaleido 3
Storage: 32GB
Resolution: 300ppi (BW); 150ppi (color)
Weight: 219g
Frontlight: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
LTE: No
Battery life: up to 8 weeks

Reasons to buy

+
Speedy performance
+
Very good battery life

Reasons to avoid

-
Design feels cheap for the price
-
Comparatively expensive
Buy it if

✅ You really want a color Kindle: Well, it's the only one and it ain't bad at all. If you're already embedded into Amazon's ecosystem, it's arguably the best option.
✅ Battery life matters: It's not just the screen that's the headline here, Amazon has upped the battery life on its latest Kindles too.

Don't buy it if

❌ Reading in color isn't important: You can save a lot of money if you don't read a lot of comics or graphic novels – monochrome ereaders are cheaper.
❌ You want a cheaper option: As good as it might be, you'll likely get more bang for buck from something like the Kobo Libra Colour.

The bottom line

It's expensive, even for a color ereader, but if you really love a Kindle, it's a brilliant upgrade. However, there are cheaper 7-inch color ereaders that offer more features.

Amazon is pretty late to the color ereader party and, even though its first color Kindle ran into some teething issues at launch (some users complained about discoloration on the screen), our reviewer loved the Kindle Colorsoft, saying that monochrome Kindles now "seem like a step back".

In fact, he even says it's the "fastest, smoothest ereader" he's used to date, and that's saying something. Unlike a lot of other ereaders, scrolling and zooming didn't cause any ghosting, which could indicate that Amazon has improved the refresh rate for the screen.

What's really great is Amazon has added waterproofing to the Colorsoft, so it's also perfect for traveling with or reading by the pool. You will, however, want to be careful not to expose it to salt water as that could corrode the open USB-C port.

During our testing, we also found the battery life to absolutely excellent – lasting up to 12 weeks, although that will change depending on how much you use the device and how bright you like the screen.

The only disappointment was the build. Our reviewer wasn't quite enthused by the fact that, for its price, the Colorsoft doesn't look premium enough. That might be a deal breaker for some readers looking to upgrade their old Kindle, but there's no denying it is expensive compared to its competition. For example, the Kobo Libra Colour is slightly cheaper and offers stylus support to boot, which the Colorsoft doesn't offer.

Read our full Amazon Kindle Colorsoft review for more details

The best Kindle for note taking

Amazon Kindle Scribe

The best Kindle for a big screen

Specifications

Screen size: 10.2-inch
Screen type: E Ink Carta 1200
Storage: 16GB/32GB/64GB
Resolution : 300ppi
Weight: 433g
Frontlight: yes
Wi-Fi: yes
Battery life: up to 12 weeks

Reasons to buy

+
Good price for a stylus-toting E Ink tablet
+
Finally, a large Kindle screen for reading
+
More pen options and 'write on' books added since launch

Reasons to avoid

-
Few writing features for journaling and doodles
-
You can’t write in the margins of books
-
Not many 'write on' books available yet
Buy it if

✅ You want a big and bright screen: The Scribe has hands-down the best screen an avid reader could ask for – it's bright, with adjustable lighting and it's large too, if you don't mind the 10-inch size.
✅ You use MS Word and PDF files regularly: It's one of the few digital note takers that natively supports Word documents and PDF files for handwritten edits, then export back to your computer.

Don't buy it if

❌ You're not much of a writer: If you aren't going to take full advantage of the Scribe's writing capabilities, this is an expensive ereader.
❌ You'd prefer a cheaper note taker: While it's priced competitively, there are now smaller digital note takers that will save you money and allow you to jot notes or doodle.

The bottom line

It's a hefty investment that looks just as premium, plus the stylus input is the best we've experienced. But if you aren't going to take full advantage of the writing suite on the Kindle Scribe, it's a lot of money to spend on an ereader.

The Kindle Scribe is an amazing device when you realize all that it can do. It's a full-fledged Kindle with the biggest reading screen and far brighter too, although the 2024 Kindle Scribe is lovelier at full brightness. Despite all the new things the 2024 model brings, the original Scribe is still my pick of the best Kindle for note-taking and writing because it's cheaper and, rumor has it, it will get the AI features found on the latest Scribe.

While I think there are better e-paper note-taking tablets from other brands, I think the writing experience on the Scribe is the smoothest in this category. Moreover, Amazon has steadily improved on the writing feature set, which makes the 2022 Scribe worth recommending, especially to a Kindle fan. In fact, I think the native support for MS Word documents might sway several users away from an iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab for editing. It's the same for PDFs too – we found the Scribe to be really handy when it came to filling out and signing documents by hand.

While you can't scribble notes in the margins of all ebooks on the Scribe, Amazon has set up a special section of the Kindle book store with books you can write on if you own this e-paper tablet. The selection is mostly crossword puzzles and semi-blank daily journals, but it's growing and shows a lot of potential.

The Scribe may seem pricey for a Kindle, but it's a great deal for a writing tablet this size, and Amazon does love to put Kindle devices on sale. If you want to take notes, especially if your textbooks are available for Kindle, this is the only Kindle to buy.

Read the full Amazon Kindle Scribe review

The best Kindle alternative

A great option for those who don't want an Amazon device

Specifications

Screen size: 6-inch
Screen type: E Ink Carta 1300
Storage: 32GB
Resolution : 300ppi
Weight: 174g
Frontlight: yes
Wi-Fi: yes
Battery life: up to 4 weeks

Reasons to buy

+
New E Ink Carta 1300 screen
+
Compact, lightweight and waterproof
+
Affordable and repairable

Reasons to avoid

-
No cloud file transfer support
-
Dated, plastic design
-
6-inch screen can be small for some
Buy it if

✅ You want the latest in e-paper screen tech: This little ereader is the first mainstream device to debut the next-gen E Ink Carta 1300 screen, making it more responsive and adding a bit more contrast for better sharpness.
✅ You want an ereader to go the distance: While most ereaders have a lifespan of 6-10 years, this one can be repaired to extend that – from its motherboard to screen and battery.

Don't buy it if

❌ You want a larger screen: It's another 6-inch ereader, and that could get too small for some users who prefer larger font sizes.
❌ You want more features: If you prefer a color ereader or want stylus input, you'll need to look elsewhere.

The bottom line

When it comes to 6-inch entry-level models, the Clara BW is the best you can get because of the screen it uses. It's the sharpest we've seen yet and performs well.

The first mainstream ereader to get the latest in E Ink screen technology, the Kobo Clara BW boasts a 6-inch Carta 1300 display (all the Kindles on this list use the E Ink Carta 1200 screen). In our testing we found that to translate into a faster, more responsive display than any of the Kindles listed here (they use the E Ink Carta 1200 screen), plus it adds more contrast that makes it a lot easier to read anything on the monochrome screen.

It's other party trick that no Kindle possesses is that it's repairable – Kobo has partnered with iFixit to provide both spare parts and instructions on how to self-repair the ereader, which should extend the life of the device further and keep it out of the landfill. In fact, 80% of this tablet's chassis is recycled plastic, and the packaging is fully bio-degradable, including the ink used to print on it.

Essentially competing with both the base Kindle and the Kindle Paperwhite, the Clara BW gets you IPX8 waterproofing and 16GB of onboard storage, with battery life similar to the base Kindle. The latter was the only disappointment we had when we tested this excellent mid-range ereader – we had hoped Kobo would use a bigger battery in its 2024 upgrade to the Clara line.

While you can use the Kindles to borrow from select public libraries, this option is only available to US customers. Kobo's partnership with Libby, however, expands that to other regions thanks to the baked-in OverDrive support. If you read long-form web articles offline via Pocket, you can access these on the Clara BW by signing into your account. And we think both these features add value to the device.

Audiobook support is also available, although the Kobos can only play those purchased from the Kobo Store or downloaded via a Kobo Plus subscription.

Read the full Kobo Clara BW review

Alternatives to consider

While I've already got one good Kindle alternative listed above, there are a few more worth noting here, including two more Kindles that didn't make the cut for the list above. All the products below have been labeled to explain why they've been recommended as alternatives.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024)
Cheaper Paperwhite

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024)
The standard Paperwhite didn't make the main list of the best Kindles because of its higher price tag and the loss of a whopping 4.5GB of storage space. It's lack of ergonomics and cheap, plastic design also makes it hard to recommend at its price point. However, as a mid-range ereader, it's actually very good, especially since the screen has been upgraded.

Read my full Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024) review

Image
Writing with AI features

Amazon Kindle Scribe (2024)
The older Kindle Scribe is still in our main list as the best Kindle for note-taking as it's a little cheaper to get now. However, if you want more features, like Active Canvas and AI-generated summaries of notes, you'll definitely want to consider the newer model.

Read our full Amazon Kindle Scribe (2024) review)

Kobo Libra Colour
Kindle Colorsoft alternative

Kobo Libra Colour
As the #1 pick in my best ereader guide, this would be at the top of my recommendation list if you asked me what to get, provided you want a full-featured color ereader and have the budget for it. It's per-dollar value is excellent and, even though you have to buy the stylus separately to take advantage of its writing features, it's still easy to recommend.

Read my in-depth Kobo Libra Colour review

Frequently asked questions about Kindles

How to choose the best Kindle for you

Choosing the best Kindle for your needs will firstly be determined by your budget – if it's really tight, you'll probably need to opt for the base Kindle model. And that's perfectly fine as it's a great little ereader, but you have to make sure you keep it away from water. Even its 4-week battery life is fine.

If money is no object, then you have a wider choice, so figuring out which one to choose will depend more on the features you're after. It's it's just reading you're after, the Kindle Paperwhite is the best option, but if you listen more than you read, you might want to consider the Signature Edition just for the additional storage it offers.

The best of the best, though, the 10.2-inch Kindle Scribe. Whether it's reading, writing or listening, it will be your constant companion, but it's not waterproof. However, its size makes it a little less portable than the rest of the Kindle range.

Which Kindle has the best battery life?

Out of the 5 new 2024 Kindles announced in October, the two new Paperwhites stand out in terms of claimed battery life and, in our testing, held on for as long as Amazon claimed.

Both the Kindle Paperwhite (2024) and the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (2024) have claimed battery lives of up to 12 weeks, although Amazon is refusing to reveal the capacity of the battery pack being used.

If you're a voracious reader, I think you'll be able to eke out 9 to 10 weeks from either of them, depending on the screen brightness level. Reading for about 2 hours a day at mid-level brightness got me about 10 weeks of use from a single charge. With the Kindle Scribes, battery life will also depend on how much you use them for writing.

No matter what, though, you can easily take any Kindle on holiday and still get at least 4 weeks out of them, if not more, depending on the model, your personal use case and the device settings.

If you're curious as to how long the other Kindles will last, below is a quick breakdown for all the current Kindles available. The 'tested battery life' listed below is based on the Kindles set at brightness level 8 (warm light switched off where applicable), 2 hours of reading per day, Wi-Fi always on, and screen refresh set to every page turn.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Kindle battery life comparison
Model nameClaimed battery lifeTested battery lifeHeader Cell - Column 3
Amazon Kindle (2024)Up to 6 weeks (reading only - 30 mins per day)Up to 5 weeks (reading only - up to 2 hours per day)Row 0 - Cell 3
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024)Up to 12 weeks (reading only - 30 mins per day)Up to 10 weeks (reading - up to 2 hours per day)Row 1 - Cell 3
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (2024)Up to 12 weeks (reading only - 30 mins per day)Up to 10 weeks (reading - up to 2 hours per day)Row 2 - Cell 3
Amazon Kindle ColorsoftUp to 8 weeks (reading only - 30 mins per day)Up to 6 weeks (reading - up to 2 hours per day)Row 3 - Cell 3
Amazon Kindle Scribe (2022)Up to 12 weeks (reading only - 30 mins per day)Up to 7 weeks (reading and writing - up to 2 hours per day)Row 4 - Cell 3
Amazon Kindle Scribe (2024)Up to 12 weeks (reading only - 30 mins per day)Up to 8 weeks (reading and writing - up to 2 hours per day)Row 5 - Cell 3

What about Kindle Kids, is it worth buying?

No, not if you already have a library of books for your kids, or if you have specific books in mind you want them to read. It isn't worth the premium just for the colorful cover, so make sure you'll put the Kindle Kids Unlimited library to good use, or else it's worth buying the non-Kids version.

We're not including the Kindle Kids options on this list because the Kindle you get isn't different if you buy the 'Kids' version. If you get the Kindle Paperwhite Kids, you get the exact same Kindle Paperwhite, just with a kid-friendly case.

Where can you get books for a Kindle?

Every single Kindle device gives you access to the Kindle Store, you just need to sign in with your Amazon account to access it. The Kindle Store is a great place to purchase titles from, and they're typically cheaper than other online bookstores too. We've got a handy guide to how to buy books on Kindle too.

If you happen to be a Prime member or have an existing subscription to Kindle Unlimited, you can access them both directly from any of the Kindles. In fact, all the current Kindle models have Bluetooth connectivity and, if you have an Audible account, you can listen to audiobooks too via pair of wireless headphones.

Better yet, Kindle users in the US can take advantage of borrowing from a local library if you already have a card. You'll be able to browse their digital catalog on the Kindle and borrow ebooks or magazines.

You can also sideload ebooks from an existing library you might have, but you will need to make sure that the file format is natively supported. Read more about how to send an ebook to Kindle.

What is Kindle Unlimited and is it worth subscribing to?

Kindle Unlimited is Amazon's subscription service catering to the avid reader. For a monthly cost of $9.99 / £7.99 / AU$13.99, you get access to millions of titles – including some audiobook versions of the ebooks – and you're allowed to 'borrow' no more than 10 at a time. That means you can't have more than 20 'saved' titles in total in your library.

Whether it's worth the monthly subscription will depend on how much you read and what you like to read. There are some popular titles and authors in the catalog but it can be a little skewed towards romance and self-published content. This can be great for someone who keeps needing new things to read all the time, but if you're after something specific, Kindle Unlimited may not be for you. Find out more in our in-depth Kindle Unlimited review.

Can I do more than just read on a Kindle?

While most Kindles are meant to be digital readers, the Kindle Scribe is the only Amazon e-paper device that will also let you write on it. However, all Kindles have some useful features that you can take advantage of.

For example, you can enable Word Wise in the device settings that will display short definitions of words in small text between the lines of an ebook. You can then tap on the definition to be forwarded to a longer definition either from a dictionary – you have the choice between the Oxford English Dictionary or the New Oxford American Dictionary – or a Wikipedia page. You can even get translations sometimes, but note that this feature doesn't work for all ebooks.

A screen reader called VoiceView is also available on all Kindles, which is accessible via Settings > Accessibility, and is handy for the visually impaired. Given all Kindles are Bluetooth-enabled, you can connect a set of the best wireless headphones or best wireless earbuds to listen. In a similar vein, there's a specific font available on all Kindles – called OpenDyslexic – to help making reading easier for people with dyslexia.

You can even connect your Goodreads account, if you have one, to a Kindle and this will allow you to post reviews or browse your bookshelf on the device itself.

When is a good time to buy a Kindle?

Given these Amazon devices, the best time to pick up a Kindle would be during one of the retail giant's big sales. Kindles are invariably discounted during Prime Day and Amazon's Black Friday sale.

How we test the best Kindles

We read. We read a lot, and we read every day. We use our Kindle devices to read books from Amazon, and we also use accounts from our local libraries to load free ebooks onto our Kindle. We also have a selection of documents and files that we use to test the clarity of the Kindle display, and the ease of transferring our own files.

We are also avid audiobook fans, and keep a subscription to Audible that feeds us new books monthly. We use our Kindle for listening to books, and occasionally for reading and listening at the same time, depending on content.

We read at all times of day, on the train, by the bed, in the bath, and wherever we find the time. We love to read, and we test our Kindle devices doing what we love.

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Sharmishta Sarkar
Managing Editor (APAC)

While she's happiest with a camera in her hand, Sharmishta's main priority is being TechRadar's APAC Managing Editor, looking after the day-to-day functioning of the Australian, New Zealand and Singapore editions of the site, steering everything from news and reviews to ecommerce content like deals and coupon codes. While she loves reviewing cameras and lenses when she can, she's also an avid reader and has become quite the expert on ereaders and E Ink writing tablets, having appeared on Singaporean radio to talk about these underrated devices. Other than her duties at TechRadar, she's also the Managing Editor of the Australian edition of Digital Camera World, and writes for Tom's Guide and T3.

With contributions from