The e-book readers category covers E Ink devices made for long reading sessions without eye strain, from small pocket-sized models to larger readers running Android with note-taking support. Our range includes readers from PocketBook, Onyx Boox, Kindle and Kobo, with over 30 models in total.
How to choose an e-book reader
Screen size. A reader with a screen of around 6 inches fits in a jacket pocket and can be held in one hand. If you often read PDFs, textbooks or magazines, a 7 or 8 inch model is easier on the eyes, and screens of 10 inches and above suit documents and handwritten notes.
Display and lighting. Most modern readers have an E Ink screen with a built-in front light, so you can read in the dark. Adjustable warm light is a useful extra for evening reading. Colour E Ink screens suit comics and illustrated books, but text on them is usually a little less sharp than on a black and white screen.
Formats and book source. Check which files the reader supports before buying: EPUB, PDF, FB2, MOBI. Kindle readers are most closely tied to the Amazon store, while PocketBook and Kobo generally make it easier to use books from other sources, such as libraries.
Operating system. Simple readers with a closed system are fast and their batteries last longer. Readers based on Android let you install extra apps, such as several bookstore or note-taking apps, but they use more power.
Storage, battery and water resistance. A few gigabytes are enough for text books, while audiobooks and large PDFs call for more storage. The battery on an E Ink reader typically lasts weeks rather than hours. If you read in the bath or by the pool, look for a model with water protection.
E-book reader brands in our range
- PocketBook: the largest part of our range, known for supporting many file formats without conversion and for models with physical page-turn buttons.
- Onyx Boox (ONYX, ONYX BOOX): readers running Android, so you can install extra apps, with some models offering larger screens and a stylus for notes.
- Kindle: Amazon readers built around the Amazon bookstore and known for a simple, easy-to-use system.
- Kobo: a Rakuten-owned maker whose readers open EPUB files without conversion, with some models resistant to water.
E-book reader FAQ
Is an e-book reader better than a tablet for reading?
For reading, yes. An E Ink screen does not glare like a tablet display and stays readable in sunlight, and the battery lasts weeks, while a tablet usually needs charging every few days. A tablet is the better choice for video and games.
Are e-book readers good for reading PDFs?
They can be, but it depends on screen size. On a small 6 inch screen you have to zoom or reflow the text, so a 7 inch or larger model is better for documents. Some readers also have a display mode designed for PDFs.
What size of e-book reader should I choose?
A 6 inch reader is enough for novels, as it is light and fits in a pocket. For documents, academic articles or magazines, a screen of 7 inches or more is worth considering. Larger models are heavier, so holding them in one hand for long can be uncomfortable.
Can I read books that are not from the manufacturer's store?
Usually yes, as long as the reader supports the file format, such as EPUB or PDF. This is simplest on PocketBook, Kobo and Onyx Boox readers. Kindle readers are most closely tied to the Amazon store, so files from other sources may need extra preparation.
