Top E-Readers to Buy in 2025 – Expert Picks
▼ Summary
– Ebook readers offer a distraction-free, book-like experience with features like adjustable lighting, waterproofing, and physical buttons, unlike phones.
– The Kindle Paperwhite (12th-gen) is the best Kindle for most users, featuring a sharp 7-inch display, warm lighting, and waterproofing, but lockscreen ads require an extra fee.
– The Kobo Libra Colour is the top non-Amazon e-reader, with color display, EPUB support, and stylus compatibility, but costs more than the Kindle Paperwhite.
– The base-model Kindle ($109.99) is the best budget option, with a 300ppi screen and USB-C, but lacks waterproofing and physical buttons.
– The Kobo Elipsa 2E is the best e-reader for note-taking, offering intuitive annotation and handwriting conversion, though its display is less sharp than competitors.
Finding the perfect e-reader in 2025 means balancing features, comfort, and budget. While smartphones can store countless books, dedicated e-readers provide a distraction-free experience with eye-friendly displays, adjustable lighting, and specialized functions like waterproofing or note-taking. After years of testing various models, from mainstream Kindles to niche competitors, here’s a breakdown of the top choices for every type of reader.
The Best Kindle: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (12th Gen)
The Kindle Paperwhite remains the gold standard for Amazon loyalists. Its crisp screen and blue-light-reducing warm lighting make nighttime reading easier on the eyes. The Signature Edition ($199.99) adds wireless charging and an auto-adjusting frontlight, but the base model delivers excellent value.
Pros:
- Seamless integration with Amazon’s vast ebook ecosystem
- Frequent discounts for Prime members
- Long battery life and durable build
Cons:
- Lockscreen ads unless you pay extra
- No support for EPUB files, limiting non-Amazon content
- Slightly bulky for one-handed use
Best Non-Amazon E-Reader: Kobo Libra Colour
For readers who prefer avoiding Amazon’s ecosystem, the Kobo Libra Colour shines. Its Kaledio color screen brings book covers and comics to life, while stylus support (sold separately) enables note-taking. Unlike Kindles, it natively supports EPUB files and integrates with Overdrive for library loans.
Pros:
- No lockscreen ads
- Wider format compatibility
- Intuitive physical buttons
Cons:
- Higher price than the Paperwhite
- Color resolution isn’t as sharp as B&W
- Limited access to Amazon’s Kindle store
Best Budget Pick: Amazon Kindle (Base Model)
The entry-level Kindle is ideal for casual readers or kids. Its compact size makes it highly portable, and the 300ppi screen outperforms similarly priced rivals. The Kids Edition ($129.99) adds parental controls and a durable case.
Pros:
- Affordable without sacrificing display quality
- Lightweight and pocket-friendly
- Easy access to Amazon’s ebook deals
Cons:
- No waterproofing
- Smaller screen feels cramped compared to 7-inch models
- Ads unless you pay extra
Best for Note-Taking: Kobo Elipsa 2E
The Elipsa 2E excels as both an e-reader and digital notebook. Unlike the Kindle Scribe, its annotation tools feel natural, with features like math equation solving and diagram insertion. The large screen is perfect for textbooks or PDFs.
Pros:
- Superior note-taking compared to Kindle
- Warm frontlight for nighttime reading
- No lockscreen ads
Cons:
- Lower resolution than some competitors
- Bulky for casual reading
- No native Kindle support
(Source: The Verge)
