Switching from physical books to electronic books can be a little daunting at first, but once you take a chance, there’s no turning back. If you are an avid book reader, you know that having your books on the go really adds to the reading experience. However, the reading experience on a smartphone or tablet is not the easiest to use and, if you really take your books seriously, you will need to buy an eBook reader right away.
We all know that the e-reader market is dominated by Amazon’s Kindle line, but there are a few other e-readers that are also worth a look. In addition, it can be a little difficult to choose from all Kindle devices. So, here’s our list of the best e-book readers you can buy:
1. Kindle Paperwhite
The Kindle Paperwhite may not be the most powerful or distinguished Kindle, but it is, undoubtedly the most valuable for the e-reader and that’s what makes it the best-selling Kindle. The latest version of Kindle Paperwhite features a 6-inch (1440 x 1080p; 300 ppi) high-resolution E-Ink Letter backlit display, which is the same beautiful display used on the most sophisticated Kindle Voyage.
The device has 4 GB of storage (in addition to free cloud storage from Amazon), a battery that works for weeks and is available in the normal Wi-Fi version, in addition to a WiFi + 3G version. In addition, who can forget that the Amazon ecosystem remains ahead of the competition.
Purchase : (starts at $ 119.99)
2. Kindle Oasis
The newly launched Kindle Oasis e-reader can be expensive, but it’s also the best Kindle from Amazon to date . The device has a slim design (3.4 mm at its thinnest point) and light weight (131 grams) and brings the best screen we’ve seen in an e-reader. While the screen size and resolution remain the same at 6 inches (1440 x 1080p; 300 ppi), there are 10 LEDs back on the display lighting, which makes up for an incredible experience. In addition, Oasis has physical page turning buttons along with the usual touchscreen controls.
The device includes 4 GB of storage and has 2 weeks of battery backup on its own, but the included leather charging cover extends the battery life to up to 9 weeks. So you basically have months of battery life on your device. Like other Kindles (except for the basic version), Kindle Oasis is available in both WiFi and WiFi + 3G versions.
Buy : (starting at $ 289.99)
3. Kobo Glo HD
You may not have heard of Kobo, but trust us when we say that Kobo e-readers are slowly and steadily gaining popularity. Kobo has a line of e-readers very similar to Amazon and its Glo HD is what Paperwhite is for the Kindle. The Kobo Glo HD features a 6-inch Carta E-Ink (1430 x 1080p; 300 ppi) screen, which has an adjustable backlight for better optimization at night. Other specifications include 4 GB of storage, Wi-Fi connectivity and a solid, elegant design.
In general, Kobo e-readers may not have an extensive catalog like Amazon or Nook, but software customization, support for file formats like cmz, cmr (comics) makes an interesting proposal for buyers.
Purchase : ($ 129, 99)
4. Nook Glowlight Plus
Barnes & Noble may have reduced the frequency of new tablets and e-readers from Nook, but its Glowlight Plus still manages to shine thanks to some exclusive features. What makes it really unique is its water resistant compactness with IP67 certification (can be submerged up to 1 meter for 30 minutes), which means you can get reading in your pool without worrying about your e-reader. In addition, the e-reader features a 6-inch display (1430 x 1080p; 300 ppi), 4 GB of storage (along with Nook’s free cloud storage) and 6-week battery life. The device is only available in a WiFi version and, with Nook Glowlight Plus, you have access to Free Wi-Fi at Barnes & Noble stores and at major AT&T locations in All country.
Purchase : ($ 129, 99)
5. Kobo Aura H20
If you want a premium e-reader with water resistant features and a larger screen, the Kobo Aura H20 is the way to go. Kobo’s highly popular e-book reader has a beautiful 6.8-inch (1430 x 1080p; 267 ppi) display with adjustable backlight, 4 GB of storage, support for different file types like other Kobo readers and connectivity Wi-Fi. In addition, as mentioned, the Aura H20 has an IP67 certified water resistant body (when the door is closed). Another thing about Aura that impresses us is the battery life, which is rated to last a few months.
Purchase : ($ 179.99)
6. Trip to the Kindle
Kindle Voyage may not be the best Kindle (Oasis occupies that spot), but it’s still an incredible e-reader to buy if you’re willing to pay a little more than Paperwhite, but not as much as Oasis. The Kindle Voyage has the same 6-inch display (1440 x 1080p; 300 ppi), but with 6 LEDs, along with an adaptable light sensor for better contrast and a great reading experience when indoors. In addition, the device uses a built-in glass screen, which accounts for better responsiveness, in addition to dedicated PagePress buttons.
The Kindle also has the usual 4 GB storage, a battery that works for weeks. It is available on Wi-Fi, as well as WiFi + 3G versions and, although it is a bit expensive, you can get it if you want a premium e-reader.
Purchase : (starts at $ 199, 99)
7. Kindle 7 Gen
The basic Kindle remains the choice of many, thanks to its incredible price and decent features for an e-book reader. The affordable e-reader is packaged in a 6-inch (800 x 600p; 167 ppi) E-Ink Pearl monitor, which is non-backlit, a 4-week battery, 4 GB of storage and Wi-Fi connectivity . Besides that, you get the Amazon eBook ecosystem at a great price . So, if you are planning to buy a Kindle for the first time, the basic Kindle may be a good choice.
Purchase : (starting at $ 79.99)
8. Kobo Touch 2.0
The Kobo Touch 2.0 is almost identical to the basic Kindle model from Amazon, when it comes to hardware specifications. Even the Touch 2.0 has a 6-inch un-illuminated E-Ink Pearl (800 x 600p; 167 ppi), 4 GB of storage and Wi-Fi connectivity. However, it claims to bring better battery life with its battery rated for use for 8 weeks, support for file formats like ePub, cbz and cbr and an ad-free experience, like other Kook and Nook devices. So, if you want an affordable and basic e-reader, your choice will come down to the Amazon ecosystem with the basic Kindle or Kobo Touch 2.0.
Purchase : ($ 89.99)
Ready to buy your next eBook reader?
Whether you are planning to buy your first eBook reader or upgrade from your old one, these are great options to have. We are all well aware of Kindles, but you may have noticed that Kobo and Nook devices are also not sloppy. So, make your choice and let us know about it in the comments section below. Happy reading!
