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The Best eReaders for 2020

Whether you're considering joining the digital book revolution, or just want a new device to replace an older one, here are the best ebook readers on the market today.

Alex Colon
By Alex Colon 
Related:
Kobo Libra H2O Review Kobo Clara HD Review Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight 3 Review Sony Digital Paper DPT-RP1 Review Amazon Kindle Voyage Review

Overview

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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks

  • Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

    Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

    4.5 Excellent

    Bottom Line:

    Thanks to a sharp display and fast performance, Amazon's Kindle Paperwhite is the best ebook reader you can buy for the price.

    • Pros

      • Affordable.
      • Sharp, bright screen.
      • Improved performance.
      • Excellent interface.
      • Cloud-based storage.
      • Vast ebook store.

    • Cons

      • No adaptive backlight, waterproofing, or audiobook support.
    Get It Now
    Learn MoreAmazon Kindle Paperwhite Review
  • Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2018)

    Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2018)

    Best for Amazon Readers
    4.5 Excellent

    Bottom Line:

    The waterproof Kindle Paperwhite offers more for your money than any other ebook reader on the market.

    • Pros

      • Waterproof
      • Flat front is easy to clean
      • Plays audiobooks over Bluetooth
      • Long battery life

    • Cons

      • Doesn't support Immersion Reading
    Get It Now
    Learn MoreAmazon Kindle Paperwhite (2018)
  • Kobo Clara HD

    Kobo Clara HD

    Library and Third-Party Ebook Reading
    4.5 Excellent

    Bottom Line:

    The Kobo Clara HD is the best all-around e-reader for anyone who borrows books from public libraries.

    • Pros

      • Leading public library support.
      • Excellent native file format support.
      • Small and light.
      • Color-changing front light.

    • Cons

      • Not waterproof.
    Get It Now
    Learn MoreKobo Clara HD Review
  • Kobo Libra H2O

    Kobo Libra H2O

    Library Borrowers and Manga Fans
    4.5 Excellent

    Bottom Line:

    The Kobo Libra H2O sets the bar for non-Amazon ebook readers with flexible format support and a terrific form factor.

    • Pros

      • Excellent format support.
      • Physical page-turn buttons.
      • Color-changing front light.
      • Light, water-resistant design.

    • Cons

      • No library subscription option.
      • No audiobooks.
      • Can't read Kindle books.
    Get It Now
    Learn MoreKobo Libra H2O Review
  • Onyx Boox Note2

    Onyx Boox Note2

    Best for Large Format eReaders
    4.0 Excellent

    Bottom Line:

    The Onyx Boox Note2 is a large-format E Ink reader that can show pretty much any document you need, and it doubles as an Android tablet and a second monitor.

    • Pros

      • Full Google Play support
      • Solid battery life
      • Note-taking pen
      • Doubles as a secondary monitor

    • Cons

      • Wi-Fi turns off during sleep
      • Some third-party apps don't display correctly
    Get It Now
    Learn MoreOnyx Boox Note2 Review
  • Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2015)

    Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2015)

    4.5 Excellent

    Bottom Line:

    Learn MoreAmazon Kindle Paperwhite (2015)
  • Amazon Kindle

    Amazon Kindle

    4.0 Excellent

    Bottom Line:

    Amazon adds a touch screen to its entry-level Kindle ebook reader, making it a fantastic bargain for $79.

    • Pros

      • Responsive touch screen.
      • Increased storage capacity.
      • Excellent ebook store.

    • Cons

      • No front light.
      • No memory card slot or ePub support.
      • Ads cost $20 to remove.
    Get It Now
    Learn MoreAmazon Kindle Review
  • Amazon Kindle Kids Edition

    Amazon Kindle Kids Edition

    Best for Kids and Budget Buyers
    4.0 Excellent

    Bottom Line:

    No matter your age, the Amazon Kindle Kids is a terrific value for anyone looking to buy an ebook reader.

    • Pros

      • Excellent value
      • Parental dashboard lets you monitor your child's reading and control their Amazon product use

    • Cons

      • Not waterproof
      • FreeTime Unlimited pushes picture books that don't look great on the 6-inch screen
    Get It Now
    Learn MoreAmazon Kindle Kids Edition Review
  • Amazon Kindle Oasis (2019)

    Amazon Kindle Oasis (2019)

    Best for Style-Conscious Amazon Fans
    4.0 Excellent

    Bottom Line:

    The latest edition of the slim, waterproof Amazon Kindle Oasis adds a warmth-adjustable backlight for less eye strain, thought most people will be just fine spending nearly half the price on the Paperwhite.

    • Pros

      • Adjustable backlight
      • Slim, striking design
      • Bright, crisp screen
      • Waterproof

    • Cons

      • Expensive
      • Clunky Overdrive compatibility
    Get It Now
    Learn MoreAmazon Kindle Oasis (2019)
  • Amazon Kindle Voyage

    Amazon Kindle Voyage

    4.0 Excellent

    Bottom Line:

    The Amazon Kindle Voyage is one of the nicest best ebook readers available, though most people will still be served just fine by the Kindle Paperwhite.

    • Pros

      • Incredibly sharp display.
      • Adaptive front light.
      • Thin design.
      • Excellent ebook store.

    • Cons

      • Expensive.
      • No memory card slot or ePub support.
    Get It Now
    Learn MoreAmazon Kindle Voyage Review
  • Apple iPad mini 3

    Apple iPad mini 3

    4.0 Excellent

    Bottom Line:

    The Apple iPad mini 3 is a superb small-screen tablet, but you can get essentially the same experience from its predecessor for $100 less.

    • Pros

      • Beautifully built.
      • Fast.
      • Sharp screen.
      • Excellent app options.

    • Cons

      • Pricey.
      • Few reasons to buy over the less-expensive, still-available iPad mini 2.
    Get It Now
    Learn MoreApple iPad mini 3 Review
  • Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight

    Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight

    4.0 Excellent

    Bottom Line:

    The attractively designed Barnes & Noble's Nook GlowLight should please existing Nook and B&N store fans alike, although some may not like its reduced feature set.

    • Pros

      • Beautiful edge-lighting.
      • Classy design.
      • Lighter than the Kindle Paperwhite.
      • Smooth reading experience.
      • No ads.
      • Epub support.
      • In-person support at all B&N store locations.

    • Cons

      • Not quite as svelte or responsive as the Kindle Paperwhite.
      • No more memory card slot or page turn buttons.
      • Some minor issues with speed and font rendering.
    Get It Now
    Learn MoreBarnes & Noble Nook GlowLight Review
  • Kobo Aura HD

    Kobo Aura HD

    4.0 Excellent

    Bottom Line:

    Kobo strikes gold with the well-designed Aura HD, a premium ebook reader with high-quality edge lighting and a super-sharp display.

    • Pros

      • Large, sharp screen.
      • Fast page turns.
      • Soothing edge lighting for dark rooms.
      • Excellent font customization options.
      • Informative current progress display.
      • Plenty of storage plus a memory card slot.

    • Cons

      • Thicker and heavier than competing readers, thanks to the larger screen.
      • Hard plastic housing feels a little flimsy.
      • Inconsistent touch response on occasion.
    Get It Now
    Learn MoreKobo Aura HD Review
  • Amazon Fire HD 6

    Amazon Fire HD 6

    3.5 Good

    Bottom Line:

    The Amazon Fire HD 6 is a well-built, reliable small-screen tablet for under $100, but it really suffers from a lack of storage.

    • Pros

      • Solid.
      • build quality.
      • Bright, sharp screen.
      • Good size for reading.
      • Tons of Amazon streaming content.

    • Cons

      • Very little internal storage, with no memory card slot.
      • Sometimes laggy.
      • Mediocre battery life.
      • Lacks Mayday button for instant help.
    Get It Now
    Learn MoreAmazon Fire HD 6 Review
  • Amazon Kindle (2019)

    Amazon Kindle (2019)

    Best for Budget-Minded Readers
    3.5 Good

    Bottom Line:

    The latest low-cost Kindle improves night reading with its front light, but the slightly more expensive Paperwhite offers better overall value for most readers.

    • Pros

      • Front light
      • Similar performance to other Kindles

    • Cons

      • Not waterproof
      • Relatively low-resolution screen
      • Dated design
    Get It Now
    Learn MoreAmazon Kindle (2019)
  • Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight 3

    Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight 3

    Barnes & Noble Readers
    3.5 Good

    Bottom Line:

    The Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight 3 illuminates your reading with a warm, color-changing light, but can't get past Amazon's superior ebook selection.

    • Pros

      • Sharp screen.
      • Color-changing front light goes from blue to yellow.
      • Physical page turn buttons.
      • ePub support.

    • Cons

      • Sluggish UI.
      • Limited store selection.
      • Awkward for library books.
    Get It Now
    Learn MoreBarnes & Noble Nook GlowLight 3 Review
  • Kobo Forma

    Kobo Forma

    Waterproof Third-Party and Library Ebook Reading
    3.5 Good

    Bottom Line:

    Kobo's top-of-the-line ebook reader is great if you feel other options are too cramped, but it's more device than most people need.

    • Pros

      • Big screen is great for large type and manga.
      • Light for its size.
      • Waterproof.
      • Public library integration.
      • Handles many file formats.

    • Cons

      • Expensive.
      • Not pocketable.
      • Materials don't feel premium.
    Get It Now
    Learn MoreKobo Forma
  • Kobo Nia

    Kobo Nia

    Best for Smallest Form Factor
    3.5 Good

    Bottom Line:

    The entry-level Kobo Nia is a cute, compact way to read library books and EPUB files, but we think it's worth spending a bit more for waterproofing.

    • Pros

      • Small and light
      • Excellent public library integration

    • Cons

      • No audiobooks
      • No subscription-based reading services
    Get It Now
    Learn MoreKobo Nia Review
  • LG G Pad 7.0

    LG G Pad 7.0

    3.5 Good

    Bottom Line:

    The LG G Pad 7.0 strikes a nice balance between price and features, making it a good starting point for entry-level Android tablets.

    • Pros

      • Affordable.
      • Flexible multitasking.
      • Good battery life.

    • Cons

      • Uninspired design.
      • Limited internal storage.
    Get It Now
    Learn MoreLG G Pad 7.0 Review
  • Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight Plus (2019)

    Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight Plus (2019)

    Waterproof Barnes & Noble Reading
    3.0 Good

    Bottom Line:

    Barnes & Noble's Nook GlowLight Plus ebook reader has great hardware for the price, but its software and services are limited and buggy.

    • Pros

      • Big screen.
      • Bright, color-changing front light.
      • Waterproof.

    • Cons

      • Poor software.
      • Questionable long-term support.
    Learn MoreBarnes & Noble Nook GlowLight Plus (2019) Review
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 Nook

    Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 Nook

    3.0 Good

    Bottom Line:

    The Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 Nook is an average Android tablet that isn't a very good value, even with Barnes & Noble's bundled content.

    • Pros

      • Smooth performance.
      • Runs Android 4.4.
      • Compact and lightweight.

    • Cons

      • Relatively expensive.
      • Multiple redundant app stores.
      • Low-pixel-density display.
    Learn MoreSamsung Galaxy Tab 4 Nook Review

Buying Guide: The Best eReaders for 2020

Not Just Kindles

With prices starting below the $100 mark, it's a great time to buy an ebook reader. But before you settle on a single device, you have some decisions to make. As you can see, Amazon's Kindle line makes up the bulk of our top picks, and for many people will be the perfect choice. But it isn't the only choice. Here's what you should consider when shopping.

What Screen Type and How Big?

Basic ebook readers use monochrome, E Ink screens to display text. E Ink looks a lot like paper, and it's easy on your eyes when reading for long periods. On the least expensive models, it's not backlit, so you'll need light to see the text, just as you would with a printed book. But most ebook readers now include edge lighting that lets you see in the dark. With each model, you can vary the intensity of the brightness from barely there to flashlight-bright. On the lowest settings, you can read in the dark while your partner sleeps peacefully next to you.

In all cases, E Ink is much easier to read in bright sunlight, while color touch screens on tablets tend to wash out, and their glossy displays can show distracting reflections.

The industry seems to have settled on six inches as the optimal display size for E Ink readers; this is what you'll find on most of Amazon's Kindles, for example. There are exceptions, though: Kobo's Forma is significantly larger, at 8 inches. And if it's clarity you're after, you're in luck: 300 pixels per inch seems to be the new standard among most recent ebook readers (aside from the base model Kindle).

The Best eReader Deals This Week*

*Deals are selected by our partner, TechBargains

Manufacturers are also improving the quality of these E Ink displays. A few years ago, page refreshes were sluggish, the entire screen flashed black with each page turn, and some early ebook readers had problems with text contrast, which made for difficult reading. That's all history. The latest readers have crisp, clear text, and employ caching schemes that almost never refresh the full page; most of the time, only the letters fade out and back in again. The page refreshes themselves are much faster than before.

Meanwhile, touch screens have an innate advantage: On-screen keyboards make it easy to take notes or run searches within the text of your books. Also, maneuvering a massive online bookstore on a device with a touch screen is a lot easier.

So E Ink is great for reading books, but tablet screens offer a bevy of other benefits. Their color screens mean you can read much more than books: magazines and comic books are just two examples. Best of all, even lower-cost tablets like the Fire 7 can browse the web, stream video from Netflix, Hulu or other sources, play music, and run apps.  

Will You Read on the Beach?

If you like to read in the bath, by the pool, or on the beach, you might want to consider buying a waterproof ebook reader. You have a few options. The Amazon Kindle Oasis, the latest Kindle Paperwhite, the Kobo Forma, and the Kobo Libra H2O are all rated to withstand submersion in water to some degree. The Kindle Oasis even has page turn buttons so you can easily flip between pages when your hands are wet.

What Kind of Wireless Connection Do You Need?

An always-on cellular radio lets you buy and download books from anywhere, over the air, for free (aside from the cost of the book itself, of course). Most devices offer Wi-Fi as the base level wireless connection—at a much lower cost—with 3G cellular data only available as part of a more-expensive model.

As long as you don't mind waiting until you're at home or near a hotspot to shop for new books, Wi-Fi should work for you. A select few may still prefer to pony up for 3G to buy a new book while, say, on a long train trip, or lounging at the beach.

Internal storage capacity is not much of a concern. Most every ebook reader you can buy today can store more than 1,000 books, with some offering room for thousands more titles. And if you have more books than that, each of the major vendors offers cloud storage, letting you download books to your device whenever you need them, assuming you're connected to Wi-Fi hotspot (or anywhere you have a cell signal, if you have a 3G-capable model).

How About the Books?

This is where things get a little complex, so bear with us for a moment. There's no single universal ebook format; essentially, when you choose an ebook reader, you're making a decision up front as to which ecosystem you'll support.

With free, public domain books, you have some more flexibility, but it's actually more complicated. For example, Google offers over a million free books in the popular, open ePub format, which many public libraries now use for lending books. However, Kindles don't support ePub. Amazon launched its own public library lending tie-in, which differs on a branch-to-branch basis. Amazon also has the Kindle Owners' Lending Library, which lets you borrow a book a month from a selection of over one million titles, but only if you pay $99 a year for the Amazon Prime service. It also gives you unlimited access to Amazon's Prime Reading library. FreeTime Unlimited Unlimited starts at $2.99 per month, and is great for children—you get a free year of it when you buy the Kindle Kids Edition.

To make things even murkier, the ebook stores themselves aren't all the same. Book selection, size, and pricing varies from store to store. The best way through this thicket of digital underbrush is to spend a little time browsing ebook stores before you commit to a device. You can access Amazon's, Barnes & Noble's, and Kobo's ebook stores online to see which carries most of the books, magazines, and newspapers you want to read. Or, if you're planning to borrow ebooks from the library, check your local branch to see what format is in use, and then make sure the reader you want supports it. If it uses Overdrive, Kobo is your best bet.

For more, see How to Get Free (or Cheap) New Ebooks and How to Put Free Ebooks on Your Amazon Kindle. And for an in-depth comparison of supported formats across various ebook readers, check out Wikipedia.

What About Ebook Apps?

One saving grace is that many of the major ebook reader vendors have developed an entire ecosystem of apps around their chosen format. For example, you can start reading a book on your Kindle Paperwhite at home; then, while waiting in line at the grocery store, you can fire up your iPhone's Kindle app and pick up exactly where you left off in the same book, but on your phone.

The size of the app ecosystem varies by format. The Apple iPad and iPhone both run iBooks, a flexible app that looks great, but doesn't have quite the same book selection as Amazon for digital books. Amazon also makes iPad apps, along with versions for iPhone, Android, and other devices; in addition it has a Cloud Reader that works on the iPad with a direct link to the Kindle Store, and several vendors also make PC and Mac apps.

In short, if you plan to read digital books on multiple gadgets, be sure to read our product reviews, and note each manufacturer's list of supported devices.

How Much Should You Spend on an eReader?

This is one place where there's nothing but good news: Prices for ebook readers have fallen considerably across the board. You've got plenty of good options for much less than $200.

With that in mind, these are our favorite dedicated ebook readers you can buy today. If you're getting a Paperwhite, check out our 13 Paperwhite Tips Every Reader Needs to Know. And if you'd rather do your reading on a color screen, head over to our top tablet picks.

Where To Buy

Compare SpecsThe Best eReaders for 2020
Our Pick
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2018)
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2018)
Kobo Clara HD
Kobo Clara HD
Kobo Libra H2O
Kobo Libra H2O
Onyx Boox Note2
Onyx Boox Note2
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2015)
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2015)
Amazon Kindle
Amazon Kindle
Amazon Kindle Kids Edition
Amazon Kindle Kids Edition
Amazon Kindle Oasis (2019)
Amazon Kindle Oasis (2019)
Amazon Kindle Voyage
Amazon Kindle Voyage
Editor's Rating
Editors' Choice
4.5 Excellent
Review
Editors' Choice
4.5 Excellent
Editors' Choice
4.5 Excellent
Review
Editors' Choice
4.5 Excellent
Review
Editors' Choice
4.0 Excellent
Review
4.5 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
Review
4.0 Excellent
Review
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
Review
Weight
6.45.96.813.310.26.8
Storage Capacity
328864832
Screen Size
66710.367
Screen Resolution
1,872 by 1,404 pixels
Operating System
Android 9.0
Dimensions
6.6 by 4.6 by 0.3 inches6.6 by 4.3 by 0.3 inches5.7 by 6.3 by 0.3 inches9.84 by 7 by .27 inches6.4 by 4.7 by 0.5 inches6.3 by 5.6 by 0.3 inches
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 625
Book Formats
HTML, MOBI, PDF, TXTTXT, CBR, CBZ, EPUB, RTF, HTML, PDFPDF, TXT, CBR, CBZ, EPUB, RTF, HTMLPDF, TXT, CBR, CBZ, EPUB, RTF, HTML, MOBIHTML, MOBI, PDF, TXTHTML, MOBI, PDF, TXT
Battery Life
Up to 4 weeks (standby mode)
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About Alex Colon

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