The 6 Best E-Readers of 2023

Best Overall

Amazon Kindle

4.8

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The Amazon Kindle has become a force in the portable electronics space—not because it has the flashiness of an iPad or the versatility of a flagship smartphone. It claims market share because the screen closely approximates what reading an actual book is like.

First, Amazon has included a brand-new front light that allows you to read in the dark, previously only available on the more expensive Kindle Paperwhite. You’ll also get a decently crisp 167 PPI resolution, so not only can you read in the dark, but it’ll look close to words on an actual page.

There’s 8GB of storage built in, enough storage for thousands of books. It connects via Wi-Fi and even offers Bluetooth connectivity, so you can listen to audiobooks and read. The battery is big enough to provide around four weeks of reading time, depending on light usage and how long you spend reading in a given session. Plus, at only 0.34 inches thick, weighing only 6.1 ounces, and for an affordable price, it is supremely portable, perfect for tossing into your beach or travel bag.

Best for Audiobooks

Amazon Fire HD 8 Tablet

4.2

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If you want the best of the eBook and tablet world, it will be hard to beat the Amazon Fire HD 8. With millions of eBooks, individual Kindle titles cost as little as $2.99 a month. Still, you can also sign up for Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited plan for $9.99 a month to read whatever you want for as long as you renew your subscription.

When reading on the Fire HD 8, Amazon has done its best to create a comfortable screen experience. The tablet has a specialized Blue Shade feature for backlight optimization, allowing for a pleasing nighttime reading experience that doesn’t fatigue the eyes. And when you’re tired of reading, you can instantly switch to listening mode. Just ask Alexa to read aloud, and it’ll take over. Books sound loud and clear with dual stereo mode speakers powered by Dolby Atmos.

When you’re done with books, there’s so much more the Fire HD 8 can do. Stream millions of TV shows or movies with Netflix, HBO, or other favorite services. The Amazon app store offers hundreds of thousands of apps, including sports, news, games, weather, and productivity for any content you want.

Best Splurge

Amazon Kindle Oasis 2019

4.2

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The Amazon Kindle Oasis 2019 aims to be the most advanced "dumb" electronic you can find. Rather than trying to compete in a crowded field of multitasking smart devices, it helps you disconnect from tech by providing access to millions of books in an amazingly book-like package. 

Continuing the same trend Kindles have been following for a while, the 2019 Oasis, with either 8GB or 32GB storage, aims to recreate the feeling of reading a physical text with a comfortable, ergonomic design, page turn buttons, and new e-ink technology. The 7-inch, 300 PPI Paperwhite display's shade is adjustable for all lighting conditions. Night mode automatically tints the screen amber for midnight reading. Its waterproof IPX8 rating means it can survive a spill in the tub or pool, and you can enjoy Audible books by streaming through Bluetooth-enabled devices.

Best Amazon Tablet

Amazon Fire 7 Tablet

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Amazon’s Fire 7 is much more than just an e-reader – it’s also a full-fledged tablet equipped with Alexa. While you might not need all of its bells and whistles, plenty of features make this device attractive to avid readers.

First, its gorgeous seven-inch, 1024 x 600 IPS display has high contrast, vivid colors, and sharp text, making reading for hours on end comfortable and enjoyable. Secondly, it boasts eight hours of battery life, so you won’t need to charge up between chapters. Thirdly, the Fire OS has an exclusive Blue Shade feature that automatically optimizes the backlight for a better reading experience in dim lighting. And last but not least, Family Library links your Amazon account to that of your relatives to let you conveniently share books.

If you’re an on-the-go reader who doesn’t hesitate to toss your e-reader in your tote, you’ll also love that the Fire 7 is highly durable. (It was rated twice as durable as the iPad mini 4, and it’s cheaper, too!) For $30 more, you can upgrade to the eight-inch Fire tablet, which will score you a larger reading screen and four more hours of battery life, but we find this model to be a good balance between function and portability.

Best Value

Kobo Clara HD

4.2

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The impressive Kobo e-readers are giving Kindle a run for their money- we love the Clara HD for its affordable price point, quality build, and great lighting. The Clara HD’s Comfortlight PRO lighting system uses eight white LED lights and seven oranges, which work to create the perfect lighting based on the time of day. The high-resolution, six-inch screen is also easy to read at night or in low light, thanks to Comfortlight PRO.

If you’re a frequent library user, all Kobo e-readers are great choices. They have built-in access to OverDrive. As long as your library uses that system, you can log in to your account and borrow books to read on your tablet, just as you would at the local library. Frequent readers will love this, and it saves money from constantly buying new titles.

While the device is slightly let down by its lack of waterproofing and incompatibility with audiobooks, the Clara HD is a top choice and a great alternative to the main competitors in the field.