Jane
E-readers have become a must-have for book enthusiasts, blending portability with convenience. Whether you’re a casual reader, an avid bookworm, or someone who enjoys comics and graphic novels, there’s an e-reader tailored to your needs. A guide to the 12 best e-readers of 2025 highlights top options for passionate readers and tech enthusiasts. Included are insights, pros, cons, and key features.
Your Guide to the 12 Best E-Readers of 2025
1. Best Overall Kindle: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024)
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024) remains a standout e-reader, earning its spot as the best overall Kindle. Its sharp 7-inch, 300ppi display delivers an almost paper-like reading experience, ideal for readers of all genres. The adjustable warm light ensures comfortable reading in any lighting condition, whether in bed or outdoors. Waterproofing adds versatility, making it safe to use in places like the bathtub or poolside without worry.
A sleek design and USB-C charging make this device modern and user-friendly, appealing to tech-savvy readers. However, including ads on the lock screen can be a downside unless you pay for their removal. Despite this, its excellent battery life, responsive performance, and seamless integration with the Amazon library make it a must-have for any book enthusiast.
2. Best E-Reader for Kids: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids (2024)
The Kindle Paperwhite Kids (2024) is specifically designed to nurture young readers with its durable, kid-friendly features. It has a sturdy protective case and a 2-year worry-free warranty, ensuring parents’ peace of mind. This model also offers six months of Amazon Kids+, providing access to various age-appropriate books. The ad-free lock screen eliminates distractions, helping children stay focused on their reading. With adjustable warm light, young readers can enjoy their favorite stories comfortably, whether it’s daytime or bedtime. While its book selection is slightly limited compared to the standard Paperwhite, it is still substantial enough for most children. Overall, this e-reader is an excellent tool for introducing children to the joys of reading.
3. Best Multipurpose Device: Apple iPad (10th Generation)
The Apple iPad (10th Generation) isn’t just an e-reader—it’s an all-in-one device perfect for anyone seeking versatility. Its vibrant Retina display makes reading e-books pleasurable, with crisp text and vivid visuals. Unlike dedicated e-readers, the iPad lets users easily switch between e-reading, streaming, browsing, and even productivity tasks. It supports multiple e-reading apps, including Kindle and Apple Books, offering access to extensive digital libraries. However, the iPad’s multifunctionality can also be a drawback, as notifications and app distractions may detract from the reading experience. Its higher price point than traditional e-readers may also make it less appealing for those focused solely on reading. The iPad delivers in spades for those seeking a balance between entertainment and productivity.
4. Best Color E-Reader: Onyx Boox Go Color 7
The Onyx Boox Go Color 7 is a game-changer for readers of graphic novels, comics, and illustrated books. Its color E Ink display brings illustrations to life with vibrant visuals while retaining the eye-friendly benefits of traditional E Ink. The device supports Android, allowing users to access apps through the Google Play Store for even greater versatility.
It features an adjustable front light for comfortable reading in various lighting conditions and boasts an ergonomic design for extended use. While its default reading app limits some features, most users’ overall performance remains impressive. The long battery life ensures you can enjoy hours of uninterrupted reading, whether at home or on the go. For those who value color in their reading experience, the Onyx Boox Go Color 7 is an excellent choice.
5. Best Kindle for Taking Notes: Amazon Kindle Scribe (2022)
The Amazon Kindle Scribe (2022) is perfect for those who want more than just an e-reader—it’s a powerful tool for note-taking and annotations. This Kindle features a large screen, allowing readers to jot down notes directly on the page using its included pen. Its responsive stylus and smooth interface make writing on this device feel natural, akin to pen on paper. The Scribe’s design includes adjustable warm light, ensuring a comfortable reading and writing experience in any setting.
However, while it excels at basic annotations, it lacks advanced drawing tools, making it less ideal for artists. Its bulky size can be awkward for one-handed use during long reading sessions. Still, the Kindle Scribe is a top contender for readers who value a seamless integration of reading and writing.
6. Best Color E-Reader (Amazon): Amazon Kindle Colorsoft
The Amazon Kindle Colorsoft elevates e-reading with its vibrant color display, making it perfect for comics, magazines, and illustrated books. Its waterproof design adds a layer of practicality, allowing for worry-free use near water. This premium device supports wireless charging, adding to its convenience and sleek aesthetic. While the Colorsoft delivers stunning visuals, it comes at a higher price point, making it less accessible for budget-conscious readers. Inconsistent lighting in some scenarios may detract from the reading experience. Additionally, the absence of physical page-turning buttons may disappoint readers who prefer tactile controls. Despite these drawbacks, its integration with Amazon’s extensive e-book library makes it an excellent choice for dedicated Kindle users.
7. Best Budget Kindle: Amazon Kindle (2024)
The Amazon Kindle (2024) offers an affordable option for readers who want the essentials without breaking the bank. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry wherever you go, making it a great companion for commuting or travel. Its 300ppi display ensures clear and crisp text, even in smaller fonts, for a pleasant reading experience. The device features even white lighting, providing uniform brightness across the screen for comfortable reading.
However, its lack of waterproofing and slower performance compared to premium Kindles may be a tradeoff for the low price. It’s ideal for new e-reader users or those who prefer a minimalist approach to digital reading. For anyone on a tight budget, the 2024 Kindle delivers outstanding value.
8. Best for Library Books: Kobo Libra Colour
The Kobo Libra Colour is a standout choice for readers who love borrowing books from their local library. With excellent integration with OverDrive, it simplifies the process of accessing library books directly from the device. Its color E Ink display enhances the reading experience for illustrated content while maintaining eye comfort. Physical page-turning buttons add a tactile element that many readers appreciate. The device is also waterproof, making it a versatile outdoor and poolside reading option. While the stylus is sold separately and note-taking features are limited, the overall performance remains strong for traditional reading. For readers who prioritize library access and colorful content, the Kobo Libra Colour delivers in style.
9. Best for Taking Notes in Color: ReMarkable Paper Pro
The ReMarkable Paper Pro combines premium design with a stellar note-taking experience, making it a favorite among professionals and students. Its color display and front light make reading and writing pleasurable, even in dim lighting. The device offers lag-free handwriting, creating a natural writing experience for detailed notes and annotations. Its sleek and lightweight design makes it portable in a lecture hall or a meeting. However, limited format support and the need for a subscription for cloud syncing may be drawbacks for some users. This device is a worthwhile investment for those who value intuitive note-taking over reading features. With its combination of style and functionality, the ReMarkable Paper Pro stands out in its niche.
10. Best Budget Color E-Reader: Kobo Clara Colour
The Kobo Clara Colour offers an affordable way to enjoy the benefits of a color E Ink display without sacrificing portability. Its compact size makes it easy to carry, whether in a purse or backpack, and it is perfect for readers on the go. The device provides a vivid display for graphic novels, comics, and illustrated books, enhancing the visual experience.
While it lacks physical page-turning buttons and stylus support, its affordability makes up for these omissions. The Clara Colour’s long battery life ensures you can enjoy extended reading sessions without frequent recharges. It’s an excellent entry point into the world of color e-readers for budget-conscious users. The Kobo Clara Color is hard to beat for those seeking a mix of value and performance.
11. Best for Android Users: Boox Go 10.3
The Boox Go 10.3 caters to tech-savvy readers who appreciate the flexibility of an Android-powered e-reader. With access to the Google Play Store, this device allows users to download various apps, from e-reading platforms to productivity tools. Its large screen and excellent note-taking features make it a versatile choice for reading and writing. However, its Android interface may require a steeper learning curve for those unfamiliar with the platform. The ability to multitask and customize the device sets it apart from traditional e-readers. While app distractions can detract from the reading experience, the Boox Go 10.3 is versatile. This device perfectly fits Android enthusiasts seeking an e-reader and tablet hybrid.
12. Best for Barnes & Noble Users: Nook Glowlight 4 Plus
The Nook Glowlight 4 Plus is an excellent choice for readers loyal to the Barnes & Noble ecosystem. Its physical page-turning buttons provide a tactile experience that enhances immersion in your favorite books. The device boasts good display quality, offering sharp text and even lighting for extended reading sessions. However, slower performance compared to its competitors may frustrate some users. With limited app support, it is best suited for those purchasing books from Barnes & Noble. Despite its limitations, the Glowlight 4 Plus is a reliable e-reader for traditionalists. This device is a comfortable and familiar option for fans of the Nook platform.
Choosing the Right E-Reader
When selecting an e-reader, the key is to prioritize what matters most to you. Here’s how to narrow down your options:
- Budget: E-readers range from under $100 to over $600. Decide how much you will invest and balance your choice between cost and features.
- Reading Habits: Do you enjoy reading in bed or outdoors? Waterproof models like the Kindle Paperwhite or Libra Colour are great for the latter.
- Use Case: Are you a casual reader, or do you need a device for note-taking, sketching, or reading graphic novels? Models like the Kindle Scribe or ReMarkable Paper Pro cater to more diverse needs.
- Ecosystem: Where do you usually buy your books? Kindle ties you to Amazon, while Kobo is more library-friendly.
Find Your Ideal E-Reader for a Tailored Reading Experience
The e-reader market has never been more diverse, with something for everyone. Whether on a tight budget, looking for color capabilities, or seeking a multipurpose device, 2025 has plenty to offer. Remember to weigh your priorities and pick the e-reader that best fits your lifestyle.
