Ultimate Guide to eBook Readers: Top Picks for 2025
In 2025, the world of eBook readers is more exciting than ever. Whether you're an avid reader or a casual bookworm, choosing the right eBook reader can elevate your reading experience, offering convenience, comfort, and access to thousands of titles at your fingertips. With so many options on the market, it can be challenging to determine which device best suits your needs.
Top 10 Best eBook Readers for 2025
These are some of the best eReaders you can consider buying.
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Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2018)
Best for: Amazon readers
Price: $ 129.99
Screen Size: 6
Weight: 6.4
Storage Capacity: 32
Pros:- Waterproof
- Long battery life
- Allows playing audiobook over Bluetooth
- Flat front enables easy cleaning
Cons:
- No support for immersion reading
If you want to buy a waterproof e-reader, then this is the least expensive one in the market. It is available in three models, i.e., a default 8 GB one, the one with a lot of audiobooks, and another one with a cellular-enabled unit.
Rating: 4.5
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Kobo Libra H2O
Best for: Comic book lovers, Library book borrowers
Price: $ 169.99
Screen Size: 7
Weight: 6.8
Storage Capacity: 8
Pros:- Light-weight
- File format support
- Water-resistant design
- Front light that changes color
- Buttons for page turn
Cons:
- No audiobook support
- No option for library subscription
- Doesn’t support Kindle eBook reading
It is basically the perfect e-reader you could ever find. It is hand-sized and contains design elements that are quite similar to Kobo Forma. Unlike Kindle devices that read only Kindle or MOBI format eBooks, Kobo devices can read a variety of eBooks in different formats.
Rating: 4.5
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Kobo Clara HD
Best for: Library & Third-party eBook reading
Price: $ 129.99
Screen Size: 6
Weight: 5.9
Storage Capacity: 8
Pros:- Small and light-weight
- Offers support for the native file format
- Access to the public library
- Front light that changes color
Cons:
- Not waterproof
The Clara HD e-reader enables the borrowing and reading of books from US-based libraries. However, the libraries must use the Overdrive software. You can read books and documents of various formats, mainly PDF, EPUB, CBZ, CBR, JPEG, RTF, text files, etc.
Rating: 4.5
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Onyx Boox Note Air
Best for: Academic eBook reading
Price: $ 479.99
Screen Size: 10.3
Weight: 14.81
Storage Capacity: 32
Pros:- Beautiful with a premium build
- Broad format
- Pen with a magnetic attachment
- Application support
Cons:
- Pens work only in the first-party application
- Cannot work as an external monitor
- Not waterproof
This is an extremely well-built and reasonably-priced E Ink tablet. It is an excellent choice for anyone who works with dense reading assignments, professional literature, or letter-sized documents. The restful and eye-friendly screen also makes it comfortable to use for the readers.
Rating: 4.5
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Apple iPad 32 GB (8th Generation)
Best for: Budget-friendly iPad buyers, students, casual users
Price: $ 329.00
Screen Size: 10.2
Weight: 1.08
Storage Capacity: 32
Pros:- Fast
- Access to the app library
- Affordable
- A great alternative to Chrome book
Cons:
- Single user operating system
- Outdated design
- Dull front-facing camera
This eighth-generation iPad has the lowest cost as compared to other iPad models. It features a retina display and comes with built-in support for learning, hearing, vision, mobility, etc. It is an excellent alternative for Chromebooks.
Rating: 4.0
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Amazon Kindle Kids Edition
Best for: Kids or budget-friendly buyers
Price: $ 109.99
Screen Size: 6
Weight: 10.2
Storage Capacity: 8
Pros:- Good value on investment
- Parental dashboard
Cons:
- Picture ebooks don’t look good
- Not waterproof
Even though a kid’s edition, it offers excellent value to anyone who loves reading digital books. It comes without ads and employs existing hardware. It has four cute case options, i.e., a pink one, a blue one, the one with birds on a wire, and another one with tiny creatures.
Rating: 4.0
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Amazon Kindle Oasis (2019)
Best for: People preferring stylish Amazon eBook readers
Price: $ 249.99
Screen Size: 7
Weight: 6.8
Storage Capacity: 32
Pros:- Waterproof
- Beautiful and slim design
- Crisp and bright screen
- Backlight adjustment
Cons:
- Pricey
- Heavy and old-fashioned overdrive
This is an advanced and one of the most expensive e-readers sold by Amazon. It has a unique design and has an asymmetrical body. It weighs the same as Paperwhite but is a little wider than that. Due to its large size, it is easier to hold and carry around.
Rating: 4.0
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Onyx Boox Note2
Best for: Large format e-book reading
Price: $ 549.99
Screen Size: 10.3
Weight: 13.3
Storage Capacity: 64
Pros:- Long battery life
- Pen available for taking notes
- Supports Google Play
- Can work as a secondary monitor
Cons:
- Third-party apps don’t display correctly
- Wi-Fi turns off during sleep
This device can act both as an Android device as well as a second monitor. It is widely popular as a large-format e-ink reader, where you can read documents of any size. Aside from that, you can also use it for taking notes and e-ink browsing.
Rating: 4.0
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Amazon Kindle (2019)
Best for: Budget-friendly buyers
Price: $ 89.99
Screen Size: 6
Weight: 6.1
Storage Capacity: 4
Pros:- Front light that changes color
- Similar features like other Kindles
Cons:
- Outdated design
- Not waterproof
- Low-resolution screen
Amazon Kindle is one of the popular eBook readers for Windows, Android, and Mac. It is a bit expensive than Paperwhite but does offer more value. The device comes in black or white, includes advertisements on its lock-screen, and has more contrast than earlier Kindle models.
Rating: 3.5
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Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight 3
Best for: Barnes & Noble eBook reading
Price: $ 119.99
Screen Size: 6
Weight: 6.7
Storage Capacity: 8
Pros:- Buttons for page turn
- ePUB format support
- Sharp screen
- Front light that changes color
Cons:
- Limited selection for store
- Unappealing UI
Its interface is not as polished as the Kobo or Kindle eBook readers. It has a wide, plastic body and the store only contains a few books. The most impressive feature of this eReader is GlowLight, which automatically changes from cool blue to warm yellow as per the internal clock of the device.
Rating: 3.5
How to Select the Best eBook Reader
Picking the perfect eBook reader can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market. But if you know what to look for, finding the right device can be a straightforward and enjoyable process. How to select an eBook reader? Here are some key factors to consider when choosing the best eBook reader for your needs:
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Screen Size
The size of your eReader’s screen can make a big difference in reading comfort. Standard 6-inch screens are compact and highly portable, ideal for readers who prioritize a lightweight device. If you enjoy reading graphic novels, technical books, or PDFs with detailed visuals, consider larger screen options (7-10 inches), which provide a more spacious view of each page without frequent zooming or page-turning. Also, some eReaders offer features like adjustable warm lighting, which can be easier on the eyes during nighttime reading sessions.
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File Format Compatibility
Different eBook readers support different file formats, so it’s essential to think about where you’ll get your books. For example, Amazon Kindles work seamlessly with Kindle formats but don’t natively support the popular EPUB format, which is standard for many other eReaders. Devices like Kobo and Nook support a wider range of file types, including EPUB, so if you’re looking to buy or borrow books from multiple sources, a more format-flexible device may be best for you.
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Battery Life
The majority of the eReaders mentioned in our list are known for their impressive battery life, often lasting several weeks on a single charge, thanks to their e-ink screens. However, the battery life can vary depending on screen size, usage, and added features like lighting. If you’re someone who reads often or plans to take the device on long trips without frequent charging opportunities, you might want to prioritize a model with extended battery life.
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Storage Capacity
Storage is another factor to consider, though most eReaders today offer more than enough space for thousands of books. If you plan on reading mostly text-heavy books, even a smaller capacity (4–8 GB) is a good choice. However, if you’re interested in storing magazines, graphic novels, or PDFs, which require more storage, it is best to consider an eReader with expandable storage or a larger built-in memory.
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Ecosystem and Content Availability
Each eReader brand is often part of a larger content ecosystem. For example, Kindle offers easy access to Amazon’s vast eBook store, while Kobo offers a similar experience but is often favored by users looking for a more open ecosystem. Think about which ecosystem suits your reading style, as this may impact how easily you can find and purchase content.
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Build Quality and Ergonomics
Since you’ll likely be holding your eReader for long periods, it’s important to find a device that feels comfortable in your hands. Some eReaders have ergonomic designs, textured backs, or even page-turn buttons for easier handling. Premium models like the Kindle Oasis even have an asymmetrical design that makes one-handed reading more comfortable.
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Additional Features
Extra features can add a lot to your reading experience. For example, waterproofing is a popular feature in devices like the Kindle Oasis and Kobo Libra, making them perfect for poolside or beach reading. Similarly, adjustable front lighting is essential if you like to read in both bright and dim environments. Some eReaders, like the Kindle Scribe and Kobo Elipsa, even come with note-taking capabilities, making them great for students or professionals who want to annotate their reading materials.
Summary
When it comes to finding the best ereaders, the things that matter the most are your personal reading style, budget, and what features matter most to you. From screen type to file compatibility and special features, each of these factors plays a role in helping you get the most from your reading experience. Make sure to consider these aspects and choose the best eBook reader that’s just right for you. Happy reading!
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