The 10 Best E-Readers of 2020

Most Popular: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (7th Generation)

4

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The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite offers a whopping eight-week battery life on normal use and a reading experience that far exceeds that of a tablet. The latest Kindle Paperwhite matches Amazon’s flagship Kindle Voyage at 300ppi. The black and white screen is noticeably crisper than previous iterations, with a more pronounced contrast, and there’s no glare even under direct sunlight. For late-night reads, turn on the four built-in LED lights.

The new system font Bookerly has been designed from the ground up to reduce eyestrain while allowing for faster reading. This is not merely advertising fodder; the font is legitimately crisp, modern and easy to read. The typesetting engine has also received an update, so there are fewer awkward misplaced letters or words that plagued earlier models.

The relatively plain Kindle Paperwhite can’t compete with the more expensive Kindle Voyage’s design. At nearly half a pound, it is a little on the heavy side, and there’s no microSD slot. However, with 4GB of internal storage there’s enough space to store thousands of books.

The Kindle bookstore is arguably the best online bookstore available, with over four million titles on offer. It’s a little slow to navigate on the Paperwhite itself, but you can always browse the store on a laptop and send the e-book wirelessly to your device. The Kindle Paperwhite, at its lowest price point, has the right to show you advertising for unfettered access to the Amazon network via Wi-Fi. While these ads are unobtrusive, they might deter readers in search of a more traditional experience.

Best Overall: Amazon Kindle 2019

4.5

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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 very closely approximates what it’s like to read an actual book. The newest 2019 version brings a lot of specs to the table.

First off, Amazon has included a brand-new front light that allows you to read in the dark, something that was 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 really close to words on an actual page.

There’s 4GB of storage built in which is enough storage for thousands of books. It connects via Wi-Fi and even offers Bluetooth connectivity so you can listen to audiobooks as well as read. The battery is big enough to provide around four weeks of reading time, depending on things like light usage and how long you spend actually reading in a given session. Plus at only 0.34 inches thick, weighing only 6.1 ounces, and for a really affordable price, it is supremely portable, perfect for tossing into your beach or travel bag.

Best Waterproof: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 2018

4.5

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Ever since Amazon first introduced the Kindle Paperwhite back in 2012, it’s had a special place in our hearts. It radically improved on the original Kindle's readability and versatility with an improved screen and backlighting. The newest Kindle Paperwhite continues in the tradition of the first Paperwhite with another round of updates. This model has a six-inch, glare-free screen with five LED lights behind the screen so you can read it anywhere. It’s also super portable at just 6.4 ounces and (finally) waterproof, with an IPX8 rating. That means you can read on the beach or by the pool without worrying about water damage.

The Kindle Paperwhite comes with a few configuration options. You’ll have to choose either 8GB or 32GB of storage, depending on how many books, magazines, comics, and audiobooks you need to store. Secondly, you’ll have to choose between having just Wi-Fi connectivity or Wi-Fi and free cellular connectivity from AT&T. Most people will be fine with just Wi-Fi, but heavy readers may prefer the ability to get more books while on the go. Lastly, you’ll have to choose whether to receive ads on your device or no ads. (Amazon calls ads “Special Offers.”) If you go ad-free, it will cost you $15 more.

Best for Audiobooks: Amazon Fire HD 8 Tablet

3

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If you want the best of the eBook and tablet world, it’s going to be hard to beat the Amazon Fire HD 8. With over millions of eBooks, individual Kindle titles cost as little as $2.99 a month, but 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 it comes to 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 that allows for a pleasing nighttime reading experience that doesn’t fatigue the eyes. And when you’re tired of reading, you can instantly switch over to listening mode. Just ask Alexa to read aloud and it’ll take over. With dual stereo mode speakers powered by Dolby Atmos, books sound loud and clear.

When you’re done with books altogether, 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 kind of 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 instead 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 storage of either 8GB or 32GB, 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 Budget: Barnes & Noble Nook 7"

3.2

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While the Barnes and Noble Nook may not have the prominence of the Amazon Kindle in the e-reading world, it’s worthy of consideration because of two major factors: low prices and many in-store locations in the U.S. where you can get real-life support. The newest Nook 7-inch tablet costs about half the price of a Kindle and offers an extensive ebook library with more than one million titles that cost $5 or less. This base model has 16GB of internal storage, but you can add up to 128GB in additional storage with a microSD card. The Nook also comes pre-installed with the Barnes and Noble Browsery app, where you can discuss your favorite books with their online community and get recommendations for titles you might like. For those that need to take a break from books now and again, you can also access the Google Play store on your Nook and download apps, games, movies, and more. If you prefer a larger screen, Barnes and Noble also offers a 10.1-inch Nook tablet (although that model is more expensive).

Best Amazon Tablet: Amazon Fire 7 Tablet

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Amazon’s Fire 7 is so 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, there are plenty of features that make this device attractive to avid readers.

First off, its gorgeous seven-inch, 1024 x 600 IPS display has high contrast, vivid colors and sharp text to make 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 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 the fact that the Fire 7 is highly durable. (It was rated as twice as durable than the iPad mini 4, not to mention, 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 seven-​incher to be a good balance between function and portability.

Best Apple Tablet: Apple iPad 10.2-inch (7th Generation 2019)

4.8

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Apple’s iPad has been a great choice for e-reading for a long time due to its large display and incredible versatility. We've picked the newest version of the iPad with a 9.7-inch screen as the best option. While this is definitely a more expensive option in the e-reader space, you’re getting a full-featured tablet on top of the reading functionalities. The iPad allows you to browse the web, work on projects on the go, draw with the Apple Pencil, play games, and use millions of apps from the App Store. The iPad is also uniquely suited for reading magazines, comic books, and regular books that are full of color (most designated e-readers are black and white). One other reason the iPad is great for e-reading is that you can use various apps for e-reading including Apple Books, Kindle, Bookari, Scribd, Google Play Books, and more, so no matter where you like buying ebooks, you can read them.

Best for Kids: Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition

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In the realm of e-readers specifically meant for children, there isn't much to choose from — designated e-readers are generally made with adult audiences in mind. Fortunately, the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition is technically a tablet, but it's so versatile that it also makes a great e-reader for kids.

At its core, the Fire HD 8 Kids Edition is a basic Fire HD tablet with an eight-inch display, 32GB of internal storage, a 1.3GHz quad-core processor, and 1.5GB of RAM. It has up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge, so it can get through a whole day (or two!) without being plugged in. But this model adds a few features specifically for kids, including a blue or pink “kid-proof” case that protects it from drops and a two-year guarantee that it will survive whatever your kids to do it. This tablet also comes with one free year of Amazon FreeTime Unlimited, which gives you access to thousands of kid-friendly books, movies, and TV shows through Amazon. FreeTime Unlimited also gives kids the ability to listen to Audible audiobooks like Beauty and the Beast, The Snow Queen, Peter Pan, and more.

Best for Work: Sony DPT-RP1/B Digital Paper

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If you’re looking for an e-reader that is more suited for work tasks — including reading documents, drawing, or taking notes — you need to take a look at the Sony DPT-RP1/B Digital Paper. This device is one of the most interesting products on this list because it is so clearly meant for a future-facing work environment where you read and mark up documents on a single touch-screen reader (and it isn't an Apple, Google, or Amazon product). First and foremost, the Digital Paper is thin and claims to be “as thin as 30 sheets of paper,” so it’s easy to carry around to all your important meetings. The touchscreen, which can be either 10 inches or 13 inches in size, has high contrast and no glare, which means it's easy to read even in direct sunlight. When you pull up documents on the Digital Paper, you can highlight, annotate, or erase on them just like you’d do with physical pen and paper. To transfer documents, you can do so via USB, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth. In terms of battery life, it can last up to three weeks on a single charge.

Best Design: Kobo Libra H20

4.6

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We like the Kobo Libra H20 for its unique, asymmetrical design, which can be used in either landscape or vertical orientation. It’s a quality, easy to use e-reader with both form and function. Users will appreciate the page-turn buttons, high-resolution display, and the choice of a black or white color scheme. Pages turn quickly, and the interface is easy to learn and use. Like all Kobo tablets, you’ve got access to OverDrive, allowing you to borrow ebooks from your participating library.

With a slightly larger screen size of 7”, it uses Kobo’s Comfortlight PRO to adjust to all lighting conditions, reduce glare, and is designed not to interfere with your circadian rhythm. It’s also waterproof, rated to IPX8, making it useful for the pool, bath, or beach. Wi-Fi is also built-in, although it’s lacking Bluetooth, ad 8GB of included storage is enough to store close to 3,000 ebooks. For something a bit different, or if you love reading in landscape mode, consider the Libra H20.

Runner-up, Best Overall: Kobo Clara HD

4.1

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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 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 for you. 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 overall a top choice and a great alternative to the main competitors in the field.