Ereaders are ideal if you prefer a print-like reading experience but want to take your entire library with you wherever you go. The number of device makers and reading platforms in this space means there's a lot to consider, so figuring out which one is right for you can be daunting. PCMag has been reviewing ereaders for nearly two decades, since the very first Kindle, so you can trust that our top picks are based on sound analysis. The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite and the nearly identical Paperwhite Kids model currently top our list, as they provide access to a vast digital library, work reliably, and are waterproof. Another model might suit your needs better, however, so it's worth clicking through all our reviews. We also provide some buying advice to help you during your search.
Overview
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![Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024)]()
Best Kindle OverallAmazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024)
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![Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids (2024)]()
Best Ereader for KidsAmazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids (2024)
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![Apple iPad (11th Gen, 2025)]()
Best Tablet for ReadingApple iPad (11th Gen, 2025)
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![Onyx Book Go Color 7 (Gen II)]()
Best Color EreaderOnyx Book Go Color 7 (Gen II)
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![Kobo Clara Colour]()
Best for Library BooksKobo Clara Colour
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![Amazon Kindle Colorsoft]()
Best Color KindleAmazon Kindle Colorsoft
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![Amazon Kindle Scribe (2024)]()
Best Kindle for Taking NotesAmazon Kindle Scribe (2024)
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![Amazon Kindle (2024)]()
Best Cheap KindleAmazon Kindle (2024)
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![Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Kids]()
Best Color Ereader for KidsAmazon Kindle Colorsoft Kids
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![ReMarkable Paper Pro]()
Best for Taking Notes in ColorReMarkable Paper Pro
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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![Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024)]()
Best Kindle OverallAmazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Amazon’s Kindle Paperwhite was last updated in 2024 and remains one of the fastest and most advanced ebook readers available. It's waterproof, the battery lasts for weeks, and the 7-inch 300ppi E Ink display is sharp and easy to read.
Who It's For
Most readers: The Kindle Paperwhite is the best Kindle for most people. It's compact, affordable, and features an auto-adjusting front light that matches the ambient lighting conditions, making it easy on your eyes.
Poolside loungers and bath readers: The Paperwhite is waterproof, so it can take a quick dip in fresh water. That means it's the best ereader to have on hand if you like to read in the bath or near the pool.
Specs & Configurations
Book Formats Kindle Format 8 (AZW3), Kindle (AZW), TXT, PDF, unprotected MOBI, PRC natively; PDF, DOCX, DOC, HTML, EPUB, TXT, RTF, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP through conversion; Audible audio format (AAX) Dimensions 7.0 by 5.0 by 0.3 inches Screen Size 7 Storage Capacity 32 Weight 7.4 Learn More Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024) Review -
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![Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids (2024)]()
Best Ereader for KidsAmazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids (2024)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Kindle Paperwhite Kids uses the same great waterproof hardware as the regular Paperwhite, but has a protective case and an extended warranty. It also includes a six-month subscription to the Amazon Kids+ service, which offers a wide selection of age-appropriate books for them to read.
Who It's For
Young readers: The Paperwhite Kids is one of the least expensive ways to get your tech-savvy kids reading. It's affordable, comes with a case, and includes a trial subscription to Amazon's content library.
Parents: If you want to encourage your kids to read, the Paperwhite Kids is a great place to start. Its foolproof warranty means it's a sound investment, and the age-appropriate selections mean you can relax knowing they won't come across the wrong stuff. Oh, and it's waterproof, making it a great travel companion.
Specs & Configurations
Book Formats Kindle Format 8 (AZW3), Kindle (AZW), TXT, PDF, unprotected MOBI, PRC natively; PDF, DOCX, DOC, HTML, EPUB, TXT, RTF, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP through conversion; Audible audio format (AAX) Dimensions 7 by 5.2 by 0.5 inches Screen Size 7 Storage Capacity 16 Weight 11.6 Learn More Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids (2024) Review -
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![Apple iPad (11th Gen, 2025)]()
Best Tablet for ReadingApple iPad (11th Gen, 2025)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The iPad's color LCD is more suitable for watching movies, playing games, and browsing online than most ebook readers' grayscale E Ink displays. Its eyestrain-inducing backlight isn't ideal for long reading sessions, but its vast selection of apps means you can access all your digital books, regardless of your preferred platform.
Who It's For
Entertainment seekers: Because the iPad features a standard LCD and a powerful processor, it's far more capable than many e-readers and can support gaming, movies, shows, and even productivity apps.
Specs & Configurations
Battery Life Up to 10 hours CPU Apple A16 Dimensions 9.79 by 7.07 by 0.28 inches Operating System IPadOS 18 Screen Resolution 2,360 by 1,640 pixels Screen Size 11 Storage Capacity 128 Weight 1.05 Learn More Apple iPad (11th Gen, 2025) Review -
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![Onyx Book Go Color 7 (Gen II)]()
Best Color EreaderOnyx Book Go Color 7 (Gen II)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The second-generation Onyx Boox Go Color 7 is small and impressive. Its 7-inch display uses the same color E Ink tech as more expensive Boox models, and its two physical page-turn buttons on the side make for easy one-handed reading. It also boasts fast performance, intuitive software, and broad app compatibility through the Google Play Store, making it more versatile than most e-readers. Lastly, it adds support for a stylus, making it a fine tool for taking notes on the go.
Who It's For
People who want it all: The Go Color 7 (Gen II) is designed for avid readers who seek broad app compatibility and physical page-turning buttons in a compact, portable design.
Note-takers: More and more ereaders are adding note-taking capabilities, and the Go Color 7 is among them. Boox's new software is powerful enough to make the Go Color 7 (Gen II) a powerful ereader and notebook hybrid.
Specs & Configurations
Book Formats All (through apps) Dimensions 6.1 by 5.4 by 0.25 inches Screen Size 7 Storage Capacity 64 Weight 6.9 Learn More Onyx Boox Go Color 7 (Gen II) Review -
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![Kobo Clara Colour]()
Best for Library BooksKobo Clara Colour
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Kobo Clara Color is a compact, waterproof color ebook reader with deep library integration that makes borrowing books simple. It doesn't support Kindle content, but you can access your local library's digital collection through Kobo's partnership with OverDrive. In testing, it worked flawlessly with the New York Public Library system.
Who It's For
Library enthusiasts: Consider buying this ebook reader if you primarily read through your local library using OverDrive.
Tinkerers: The Clara Colur is one of the very few ereaders that owners can self-repair. Kobo's partnership with iFixit allows you to buy spare parts and replace them yourself if needed.
Specs & Configurations
Book Formats EPUB, EPUB3, FlePub, PDF, MOBI, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP, TIFF, TXT, HTML, RTF, CBZ, CBR, Kobo Audiobooks Dimensions 6.3 by 4.4 by 0.4 inches Screen Size 6 Storage Capacity 16 Weight 6.1 Learn More Kobo Clara Colour Review -
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![Amazon Kindle Colorsoft]()
Best Color KindleAmazon Kindle Colorsoft
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Comic and magazine readers will want to reach for the Amazon Kindle Colorsoft, which has less storage than the Signature Edition and drops the wireless charging, but costs $30 less. We appreciate its sharp, full-color display, waterproof design, wireless charging capabilities, and ad-free experience.
Who It's For
Comic lovers: There's something to be said for color E Ink. If reading in grayscale doesn't do it for you, or you're a big fan of comic books or graphic novels, you'll want the additional razzle-dazzle afforded by the Colorsoft's display.
Specs & Configurations
Book Formats Kindle Format 8 (AZW3), Kindle (AZW), TXT, PDF, unprotected MOBI, PRC natively; PDF, DOCX, DOC, HTML, EPUB, TXT, RTF, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP through conversion; Audible audio format (AAX) Dimensions 7 by 5 by 0.3 inches Screen Size 7 Storage Capacity 16 Weight 7.6 Learn More Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Review -
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![Amazon Kindle Scribe (2024)]()
Best Kindle for Taking NotesAmazon Kindle Scribe (2024)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Amazon Kindle Scribe is the company's large-screen E Ink tablet for reading and writing notes. It was updated last year with a slightly larger 11-inch screen and a sleeker design, but little else to justify the pretty big price hike it received over its predecessor. The 10.2-inch 2024 version is still available, and for a good $100 less. It remains the best way to add handwritten notes to your Kindle books.
Who It's For
Note-takers: The 2024 Kindle Scribe includes a premium pen stylus, a textured screen that offers a paper-like feel when writing on it, and AI enhancements include the ability to sum up your own notes. It's for notetakers who enjoy reading and annotating on the go.
Specs & Configurations
Book Formats Kindle Format 8 (AZW3), Kindle (AZW), TXT, PDF, unprotected MOBI, PRC natively; PDF, DOCX, DOC, HTML, EPUB, TXT, RTF, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP through conversion; Audible audio format (AAX) Dimensions 9.0 by 7.7 by 0.22 inches Screen Size 10.2 Storage Capacity 16 Weight 15.3 Learn More Amazon Kindle Scribe (2024) Review -
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Credit: Sarah Lord
![Amazon Kindle (2024)]()
Best Cheap KindleAmazon Kindle (2024)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
This is Amazon's most affordable ereader, and it has everything you need to carry your library with you. It features an even front light, ample storage, and a compact design. These all make it an easy item to toss in your bag and take with you for a no-hassle reading experience.
Who It's For
Readers on a budget: If you're looking to grab an ereader with a minimal investment, this is the ereader to pick. It's Amazon's most affordable model, and it still provides a good reading experience despite its limitations.
Specs & Configurations
Book Formats Kindle Format 8 (AZW3), Kindle (AZW), TXT, PDF, unprotected MOBI, PRC natively; PDF, DOCX, DOC, HTML, EPUB, TXT, RTF, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP through conversion; Audible audio format (AAX) Dimensions 6.2 by 4.3 by 0.32 inches Screen Size 6 Storage Capacity 16 Weight 5.56 Learn More Amazon Kindle (2024) Review -
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![Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Kids]()
Best Color Ereader for KidsAmazon Kindle Colorsoft Kids
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Kindle Colorsoft for Kids is a shrewdly repackaged version of the Kindle Colorsoft, which includes a case, a trial subscription to Amazon's kid-focused content service, and a bulletproof warranty against damage. It is also among the only color ereaders available for kids, and if your young reader prefers comics and other visual books to long reads, this is the Kindle to get.
Who It's For
Kids who love comics: Most comics are colorized, and reading them on grayscale screens is simply no fun. The Colorsoft for Kids has a color E Ink display that brings comics to life in a way that gray screens simply cannot.
Parents who want peace of mind: This ereader's age-appropriate content, preinstalled case, and warranty all mean parents can rest easy. Not only will your kids be able to find the content they want, but the device itself is protected from breakage.
Specs & Configurations
Book Formats Kindle Format 8 (AZW3), Kindle (AZW), TXT, PDF, unprotected MOBI, PRC natively; PDF, DOCX, DOC, HTML, EPUB, TXT, RTF, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP through conversion; Audible audio format (AAX) Dimensions 7 by 5.2 by 0.5 inches Screen Size 7 Storage Capacity 16 Weight 11.8 Learn More Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Kids Review -
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![ReMarkable Paper Pro]()
Best for Taking Notes in ColorReMarkable Paper Pro
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The ReMarkable Paper Pro is expensive, but its color E Ink display gives it an advantage over grayscale competitors. It also has a stylus for handwriting notes and annotating unprotected ebooks and PDFs. Although it’s not compatible with many file formats, it has some of the best digital note-taking templates and features we’ve seen on a color E Ink device.
Who It's For
Note-takers who prefer color: If you are looking for a robust E Ink tablet for marking up PDFs and taking handwritten notes in color, then the ReMarkable Paper Pro is the ereader for you.
Specs & Configurations
Book Formats EPUB Book Formats PDF Dimensions 10.8 by 7.8 by 0.24 inches Screen Size 11.8 Storage Capacity 64 Weight 1.16 Learn More ReMarkable Paper Pro Review -
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Rating |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
3.5 Good |
3.5 Good |
3.5 Good |
3.5 Good |
3.5 Good |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.0 Excellent |
Best For | Best Kindle Overall | Best Ereader for Kids | Best Tablet for Reading | Best Color Ereader | Best for Library Books | Best Color Kindle | Best Kindle for Taking Notes | Best Cheap Kindle | Best Color Ereader for Kids | Best for Taking Notes in Color | Best Kindle Overall | Best Ereader for Kids | Best Tablet for Reading |
Dimensions | 7.0 by 5.0 by 0.3 inches | 7 by 5.2 by 0.5 inches | 9.79 by 7.07 by 0.28 inches | 6.1 by 5.4 by 0.25 inches | 6.3 by 4.4 by 0.4 inches | 7 by 5 by 0.3 inches | 9.0 by 7.7 by 0.22 inches | 6.2 by 4.3 by 0.32 inches | 7 by 5.2 by 0.5 inches | 10.8 by 7.8 by 0.24 inches | 7.0 by 5.0 by 0.3 inches | 7 by 5.2 by 0.5 inches | 9.79 by 7.07 by 0.28 inches |
Weight | 7.4 | 11.6 | 1.05 | 6.9 | 6.1 | 7.6 | 15.3 | 5.56 | 11.8 | 1.16 | 7.4 | 11.6 | 1.05 |
Screen Size | 7 | 7 | 11 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 10.2 | 6 | 7 | 11.8 | 7 | 7 | 11 |
Storage Capacity | 32 | 16 | 128 | 64 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 64 | 32 | 16 | 128 |
Book Formats | Kindle Format 8 (AZW3), Kindle (AZW), TXT, PDF, unprotected MOBI, PRC natively; PDF, DOCX, DOC, HTML, EPUB, TXT, RTF, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP through conversion; Audible audio format (AAX) | Kindle Format 8 (AZW3), Kindle (AZW), TXT, PDF, unprotected MOBI, PRC natively; PDF, DOCX, DOC, HTML, EPUB, TXT, RTF, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP through conversion; Audible audio format (AAX) | All (through apps) | EPUB, EPUB3, FlePub, PDF, MOBI, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP, TIFF, TXT, HTML, RTF, CBZ, CBR, Kobo Audiobooks | Kindle Format 8 (AZW3), Kindle (AZW), TXT, PDF, unprotected MOBI, PRC natively; PDF, DOCX, DOC, HTML, EPUB, TXT, RTF, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP through conversion; Audible audio format (AAX) | Kindle Format 8 (AZW3), Kindle (AZW), TXT, PDF, unprotected MOBI, PRC natively; PDF, DOCX, DOC, HTML, EPUB, TXT, RTF, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP through conversion; Audible audio format (AAX) | Kindle Format 8 (AZW3), Kindle (AZW), TXT, PDF, unprotected MOBI, PRC natively; PDF, DOCX, DOC, HTML, EPUB, TXT, RTF, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP through conversion; Audible audio format (AAX) | Kindle Format 8 (AZW3), Kindle (AZW), TXT, PDF, unprotected MOBI, PRC natively; PDF, DOCX, DOC, HTML, EPUB, TXT, RTF, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP through conversion; Audible audio format (AAX) | PDF, EPUB | Kindle Format 8 (AZW3), Kindle (AZW), TXT, PDF, unprotected MOBI, PRC natively; PDF, DOCX, DOC, HTML, EPUB, TXT, RTF, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP through conversion; Audible audio format (AAX) | Kindle Format 8 (AZW3), Kindle (AZW), TXT, PDF, unprotected MOBI, PRC natively; PDF, DOCX, DOC, HTML, EPUB, TXT, RTF, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP through conversion; Audible audio format (AAX) |
Buying Guide: The Best Ereaders for 2026
What's the Best Ereader Screen Type and Size?
Basic ebook readers use monochrome E Ink screens to display text. E Ink, or digital ink (often manufactured by the E Ink company), looks a lot like paper, but it's easier on your eyes to read over long periods than text on a traditional LCD. Most now include adjustable edge lighting. At the lowest settings, you can read in the dark while your partner sleeps undisturbed beside you.
In all cases, E Ink is much easier to read in bright sunlight—glossy color touch screens on traditional tablets tend to wash out and show distracting reflections.
Many E Ink readers of the past were limited to 6-inch screens, but panel sizes are slowly growing. We've found that one-handed reading on devices with screens larger than 7 inches may cause balance issues.
Screen resolutions and quality also vary. Some older Kindles use 167ppi displays that appear rough and jagged compared with the 300ppi displays on modern models. Amazon and Kobo's latest readers go one step further with Carta 1200 technology, which enables faster page turns and even better contrast.
If you haven't updated your ebook reader in several years, the responsiveness of the latest E Ink readers might surprise you.
The Best Color Ereaders
Suppose you need to read more than books; tablets with color screens provide many other benefits. Magazines and comic books look great on larger tablets. Even low-cost tablets let you browse the web, stream video from services like Hulu and Netflix, play music, and run apps. Due to its high-quality screen and overall power, we recommend the base-model iPad for most people who want to read rich, full-page color content.
We've recently seen a breakthrough in color E Ink displays, with several readers implementing the E Ink Kaleido or E Ink Kaleido Plus technologies. We've tested a few, and while they aren't perfect, they show some of the exciting possibilities of color E Ink.
The Best Ereaders for the Beach
If you like reading in the bath, by the pool, or on the beach, consider a waterproof ebook reader. Amazon and Kobo both offer models that can withstand some degree of submersion, and we note these ratings in each of our reviews. Not all ereaders are as resilient.
The Best Ereaders for Taking Notes
All ebook readers let you highlight or tag particular phrases for later reference. Some models include digital pens that allow you to take notes directly on the screen. In general, they let you annotate PDFs and other kinds of documents, as well as take freehand notes on a blank page. We detail which file formats each model supports in our reviews. A larger screen usually works best for annotating documents.
The Best Ereaders for Audiobooks
Sometimes, you'd rather listen than read. Sometimes, you'd like to read and listen simultaneously. Kindles can now connect to Bluetooth headphones to play Audible audiobooks, and many Amazon books can synchronize with Audible audiobooks on Kindle ebook readers. Kobo uses a proprietary audiobook format for comparison.
Recommended by Our Editors
Where Can You Get Ebooks?
The ebook reader you choose determines which ecosystem you can use.
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo all use copy protection on most of their books, which prevents you from reading titles on other brands' ebook readers. Removing the copy protection is possible, but it may also result in the loss of features such as formatting and character summaries. It's also become much harder to strip the protection from Amazon books in recent years. Ereaders with access to the Google Play Store are convenient because they allow you to download and use the reading apps of your choice on a single device.
Amazon's Kindle Unlimited has more than five million ebooks for $11.99 per month. Amazon Prime subscribers can access a smaller library as part of Prime Reading at no additional cost. For kids, the Amazon Kids+ subscription service unlocks a lot of children's books and starts at $5.99 per month for Prime members or $7.99 a month for non-members. You get a six-month trial subscription for free when you buy the Kindle Kids Edition.
For public library lending, Libby has mostly replaced Overdrive. If you have a Kobo device with built-in OverDrive support, however, you can continue to borrow and read books as usual. Libby allows you to send books to Kindles and other devices that support Adobe Digital Editions.
Book selection, size, and pricing vary from store to store. Books by major publishers typically appear in Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo stores. However, Amazon also has exclusive authors and imprints, and it definitely has the advantage in terms of quantity.
For more, see our article on how to put free ebooks on your Amazon Kindle. For an in-depth comparison of supported formats across various ebook readers, check out Wikipedia's article comparing ebook formats.
How Much Should You Spend on an Ereader?
If you're reading mainstream fiction or nonfiction books, the sweet spot right now is $100 to $150 for a good 6- or 7-inch Amazon or Kobo device. You can get a low-end model that costs less or a larger model that costs more, but ebook readers at this price point tend to strike the best balance between screen quality and size.
Onyx's tablet-sized readers cost considerably more than other ebook readers. But they're also much more powerful and let you run multiple reading apps, annotate PDFs, and read large-format documents on big screens. We see these primarily for academics, lawyers, and doctors.
If you're getting a Kindle, check out our Amazon Kindle tips every reader needs to know. And if you prefer a device that can also handle your entertainment needs, head over to our top tablet picks.
Sarah Lord contributed to this story.