Comparison of the best e-readers (September 2023)

Author: Nicolas | Last update:

best ereaders

Here's the comparison of electronic e-book readers (or ereaders) for the year 2023: Kindle, Kobo, Vivlio, Pocketbook, Meebook, etc.

After years of reviewing e-readers, I'm beginning to know a thing or two about them.

So, every month, I compile the latest information, reviews and rumors and deduce which are the best e-readers to buy.

This guide will be very useful when it comes to (buying) a e-reader. By reading this page you should be able to buy the e-reader that suits you best.

What are the latest ereaders?

Here's a selection of the leading e-readers on the market.

This is not an exhaustive selection, but rather a selection of today's main and most popular e-reader models (those that sell best and are easy to find).

For this guide, I've selected the best-known brands widely available in USA: Kindle (Amazon), Kobo, Nook and Pocketbook.

E-reader models that are too obsolete but still available for sale on certain sites are deliberately excluded.

Models not officially available from US retailers are also excluded from this selection (such as ReMarkable, Meebook, Likebook, Onyx, Bookeen, Vivlio or Xiaomi e-readers), as are models that are not of good quality (some Chinese e-readers that we know nothing about and that are very expensive, for example).

The different e-readers are grouped by brand.

Rating /Review: this is a general assessment of the e-reader based on my personal opinion, but also on the ratings of users who have bought the e-reader (e-commerce site) and other sites specializing in digital reading and e-readers.

Kindle e-readers

Kindle e-readers are manufactured and distributed by Amazon.

eReader : Kindle Scribe vs Kindle Oasis vs Kindle Paperwhite vs Kindle
Kindle ScribeKindle OasisKindle PaperwhiteKindle
Imagekindle scribe e-readerkindle oasis e-readerkindle paperwhite 6.8 inch screenkindle e-reader 2022
Screen size10.2"7"6.8"6"
Resolution1860 x 2480 pixels1680 x 1264 pixels1680 x 1264 pixels1448 x 1072 pixels
ColorNoNoNoNo
BacklightYesYesYesYes
WaterproofNoYesYesNo
Storage16 - 64 Go8 - 32 Go8 - 32 Go16 Go
Pen / StylusYesNoNoNo
SD cardNoNoNoNo
Ebook formatsKindle Format 8 (AZW3), Kindle (AZW), TXT, PDF, MOBI unprotected, PRC ; HTML, DOC, DOCX, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP, EPUB (converted)Kindle Format 8 (AZW3), Kindle (AZW), TXT, PDF, MOBI unprotected, PRC ; HTML, DOC, DOCX, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP converti, EPUB (converted)Kindle Format 8 (AZW3), Kindle (AZW), TXT, PDF, EPUB (converted), MOBI, PRC; HTML, DOC, DOCX, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMPKindle Format 8 (AZW3), Kindle (AZW), TXT, PDF, EPUB, MOBI, PRC; HTML, DOC, DOCX, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP
Blue light filterYesYesYesNo
OtherCompatible with Microsoft Office Doc and Docx format (Word software)Black or Blue color
ReviewExpensive eReader with large screen. A device better suited for work as a note taking device ⭐⭐⭐Overall good eReader but too expensive now that there is better alternative in the Kindle lineup⭐⭐⭐Best value for the money Kindle eReader⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Very good ereader at a good price ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Link (where to buy?)Amazon.comAmazon.comAmazon.comAvailable on Amazon.com

Kobo e-readers

Kobo e-readers are manufactured and distributed by Rakuten.

eReader : Kobo Elipsa 2E vs Kobo Sage vs Kobo Libra 2 vs Kobo Clara 2E vs Kobo Nia
Kobo Elipsa 2EKobo SageKobo Libra 2Kobo Clara 2EKobo Nia
Imagekobo elipsa e-readerkobo sage e-readerkobo libra 2 e-readerkobo clara 2ekobo nia e-reader
Screen size10.3"8"7"6"6"
Resolution1872 x 1404 pixels1440 x 1920 pixels1680 x 1264 pixels1448 x 1072 pixels1024 x 768 pixels
ColorNoNoNoNoNo
BacklightYesYesYesYesYes
WaterproofNoYesYesYesNo
Storage32 Gb32 Go32 Go16 Go8 Go
Pen / StylusYesNoNoNoNo
SD cardNoNoNo
Ebook formatsEPUB, EPUB3, PDF, MOBI, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP, TIFF, TXT, HTML, RTF, CBZ, CBREPUB, EPUB3, PDF, MOBI, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP, TIFF, TXT, HTML, RTF, CBZ, CBREPUB, EPUB3, PDF, MOBI, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP, TIFF, TXT, HTML, RTF, CBZ, CBREPUB, EPUB3, PDF, MOBI, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP, TIFF, TXT, HTML, RTF, CBZ, CBREPUB, EPUB3, PDF, MOBI, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP, TIFF, TXT, HTML, RTF, CBZ, CBR
Blue light filterYesYesYesYesNo
OtherA bit expensiveCan read audio book from the Kobo library (bluetooth connection).Can read audio books from Kobo with Bluetooth speaker or headset.
Review⭐⭐⭐Too expensive, the Kobo Libra 2 may be a better alternative ⭐⭐⭐Very good eReader, a must if you want a bigger screen ⭐⭐⭐⭐Best value for the money in the Kobo eReaders lineup ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Good affordable Kobo eReader ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Link (where to buy?)Amazon.comAmazon.comAmazon.comAmazon.comAmazon.com

Pocketbook e-readers

Pocketbook e-readers are manufactured and distributed by Poketbook an european company.

6" screen Pocketbook e-readers:

eReader : Pocketbook Touch Lux 5 vs Pocketbook Color
Pocketbook Touch Lux 5Pocketbook Color
Imagepocketbook touch lux 5pocketbook color
Screen size6"6"
Resolution758 x 1024 pixels1072 x 1448 pixels (for greyscale)
ColorNoYes
BacklightYesYes
WaterproofNoNo
Storage8 GB16 GB
Pen / StylusNoNo
SD cardmicroSD memory card slot (up to 32 GB)memory card up to 32 GB
Ebook formatsEPUB, PDF, FB2, FB2.ZIP, TXT, DJVU, HTM, HTML, DOC, DOCX, RTF, CHM, TCR, PRC (MOBI), JPEG, BMP, PNG, TIFFEPUB, PDF, FB2, FB2.ZIP, TXT, DJVU, HTM, HTML, DOC, DOCX, RTF, CHM, TCR, PRC (MOBI), JPEG, BMP, PNG, TIFF + audio : M4A, M4B, OGG, OGG.ZIP, MP3, MP3.ZIP
Blue light filterYesNo
OtherE Ink Kaleido™ HD screen, which displays 4096 colors. Text-to-speech.
Review⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Link (where to buy?)Amazon.comAmazon.com

7"+ screen Pocketbook e-readers:

eReader : Pocketbook Inkpad 4 vs Pocketbook Era vs Pocketbook InkPad X vs Pocketbook InkPad 3 Pro vs Pocketbook InkPad Lite vs Pocketbook InkPad Color 2
Pocketbook Inkpad 4Pocketbook EraPocketbook InkPad XPocketbook InkPad 3 ProPocketbook InkPad LitePocketbook InkPad Color 2
ImagePocketbook InkPad 4 e-readerpocketbook era e-readerpocketbook inkpad x e-readerPocketbook InkPad 3 Pro e-readerpocketbook inkpad lite e-readerpocketbook inkpad color e-reader
Screen size7.8"7"10.3"7.8"9.7"7.8"
Resolution1404 x 1872 pixels1264 x 1680 pixels1404 x 1872 pixels1404 x 1872 pixels825 x 1200 pixels1404 x 1872 pixels (greyscale) 468 x 624 pixels (color)
ColorNoNoNoNoNoYes
BacklightYesYesYesYesYesYes
WaterproofYesYes (IPX8)NoYes (IPX8)IPX8
Storage32 GB16 - 64 GB32 GB16 GB8 GB32 GB
Pen / StylusNoNoNoNoNoNo
SD cardNoNoNoNomemory cards up to 32 GBmemory cards up to 32 GB
Ebook formatsAZW, EPUB, DOC, DOCX, FB2, CBR, CBZ, HTML, PDF, RTF, RXT (compatible with Adobe DRM), MP3, OGG, M4AEPUB, PDF, FB2, FB2.ZIP, TXT, DJVU, HTM, HTML, DOC, DOCX, RTF, CHM, TCR, PRC (MOBI), JPEG, BMP, PNG, TIFFEPUB, PDF, FB2, FB2.ZIP, TXT, DJVU, HTM, HTML, DOC, DOCX, RTF, CHM, TCR, PRC (MOBI), JPEG, BMP, PNG, TIFF + audio : MP3, M4B, and OGG formatsEPUB, PDF, FB2, FB2.ZIP, TXT, DJVU, HTM, HTML, DOC, DOCX, RTF, CHM, TCR, PRC (MOBI), JPEG, BMP, PNG, TIFF + audio : mp3 and m4bEPUB, PDF, FB2, FB2.ZIP, TXT, DJVU, HTM, HTML, DOC, DOCX, RTF, CHM, TCR, PRC (MOBI), JPEG, BMP, PNG, TIFFEPUB, PDF, FB2, FB2.ZIP, TXT, DJVU, HTM, HTML, DOC, DOCX, RTF, CHM, TCR, PRC (MOBI), JPEG, BMP, PNG, TIFF + audio : M4A, M4B, OGG, OGG.ZIP, MP3, MP3.ZIP
Blue light filterYesYesYesYesNo
OtherSpeaker, BluetoothBuilt-in speaker & Bluetooth, Text-to-speechBluetooth for audioColor screen : E Ink Kaleido™ Plus color screen capable of displaying 4096 colors.
Review⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Very good but a little bit expensive)⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐One of the best color e-reader, but colors are not so good ⭐⭐⭐
Link (where to buy?)Amazon.comAmazon.comAmazon.comAmazon.comAmazon.comAmazon.com

Nook e-readers

Nook is a Barnes&Noble e-reader brand.

eReader : Nook Glowlight 4 Plus
Nook Glowlight 4 Plus
ImageNook Glowlight 4 Plus e-reader
Screen size7.8"
Resolution1404 x 1872 pixels
ColorNo
BacklightYes
WaterproofYes
Storage32 GB
Pen / StylusNo
SD cardNo
Ebook formatsEPUB, PDF
Blue light filterYes
OtherBluetooth, 3.5mm Jack : listen to audiobooks
Review
Link (where to buy?)Nook official Website

Should you buy a e-reader in september 2023?

Yes !

A number of new e-readers (6" screen and over) have been released in recent months:

  • Kobo Clara 2E
  • Kindle
  • Kobo Elipsa 2E
  • Kindle Paperwhite
  • Kindle Paperwhite Signature

If you want a good, inexpensive 6" e-reader, there's plenty to choose from at Amazon Kindle, Pocketbook and Kobo, with great models like the new Kindle, Kobo Nia or the Pocketbook Touch Lux 5.

If you want a large-format Kobo, the Kobo Libra 2 is available. It's a 7-inch, waterproof, touch-sensitive e-reader with lighting. All at an excellent value for money.

But if you're thinking of settling for an 8-inch e-reader, the Pocketbook InkPad 4 is an excellent choice. The same goes for the Kobo Forma, an excellent high-end e-reader.

So don't forget to check for "Bargains" (on e-commerce websites) for the latest discounts and bargains.

What's the best ereaders?

Here are the e-readers you should consider if you're looking to make a purchase.

This selection presents the best e-readers of the moment (in my opinion), not necessarily the cheapest or most popular:

eReader : Pocketbook Inkpad 4 vs Pocketbook Touch Lux 5 vs Kobo Libra 2 vs Kobo Clara 2E vs Kindle Paperwhite vs Kindle
Pocketbook Inkpad 4Pocketbook Touch Lux 5Kobo Libra 2Kobo Clara 2EKindle PaperwhiteKindle
ImagePocketbook InkPad 4 e-readerpocketbook touch lux 5kobo libra 2 e-readerkobo clara 2ekindle paperwhite 6.8 inch screenkindle e-reader 2022
Screen size7.8"6"7"6"6.8"6"
Resolution1404 x 1872 pixels758 x 1024 pixels1680 x 1264 pixels1448 x 1072 pixels1680 x 1264 pixels1448 x 1072 pixels
ColorNoNoNoNoNoNo
BacklightYesYesYesYesYesYes
WaterproofYesNoYesYesYesNo
Storage32 GB8 GB32 Go16 Go8 - 32 Go16 Go
Pen / StylusNoNoNoNoNoNo
SD cardNomicroSD memory card slot (up to 32 GB)NoNoNoNo
Ebook formatsAZW, EPUB, DOC, DOCX, FB2, CBR, CBZ, HTML, PDF, RTF, RXT (compatible with Adobe DRM), MP3, OGG, M4AEPUB, PDF, FB2, FB2.ZIP, TXT, DJVU, HTM, HTML, DOC, DOCX, RTF, CHM, TCR, PRC (MOBI), JPEG, BMP, PNG, TIFFEPUB, EPUB3, PDF, MOBI, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP, TIFF, TXT, HTML, RTF, CBZ, CBREPUB, EPUB3, PDF, MOBI, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP, TIFF, TXT, HTML, RTF, CBZ, CBRKindle Format 8 (AZW3), Kindle (AZW), TXT, PDF, EPUB (converted), MOBI, PRC; HTML, DOC, DOCX, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMPKindle Format 8 (AZW3), Kindle (AZW), TXT, PDF, EPUB, MOBI, PRC; HTML, DOC, DOCX, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP
Blue light filterYesYesYesYesYesNo
OtherSpeaker, BluetoothCan read audio books from Kobo with Bluetooth speaker or headset.Black or Blue color
Review⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Very good eReader, a must if you want a bigger screen ⭐⭐⭐⭐Best value for the money in the Kobo eReaders lineup ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Best value for the money Kindle eReader⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Very good ereader at a good price ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Link (where to buy?)Amazon.comAmazon.comAmazon.comAmazon.comAmazon.comAvailable on Amazon.com

Kindle

Kindle ereader

Kindle: this e-reader is an entry-level model available from Amazon.

It's very easy to use, thanks to the system set up by Amazon, and is very reasonably priced, making it a very good e-reader for beginners, with all the classic options, including a useful light for reading at night.

👉 See the Kindle e-reader on Amazon

Kindle Paperwhite

Kindle Paperwhite

The new Kindle Paperwhite with a large screen is available (you can order it on Amazon) and looks simply excellent with its large screen and very affordable price.

It's a waterproof e-reader with a beautiful, illuminated 6.8-inch touchscreen.

👉 See the Kindle Paperwhite e-reader on Amazon

Pocketbook Touch Lux 5

Pocketbook Touch Lux 5

The Pocketbook Touch Lux 5 offers excellent value for money, with its illuminated touch screen and blue light filter.

👉 See the Pocketbook Touch Lux 5 e-reader

Kobo Libra 2

Kobo libra 2 ereader

Slightly more expensive, the Kobo Libra 2 also has a larger 7-inch screen, compared with 6 inches for previous readers.

It's one of the best e-readers around, and the one I use every day to read novels.

👉 See the Kobo Libra 2 e-reader

Kobo Clara 2E

Kobo clara 2E ereader

The new Kobo Clara 2E e-reader offers great features in a compact 6-inch format. Although it's a little more expensive than the competition, it has everything it takes to be the best 6" available today (audiobook reading and waterproof).

👉 See the Kobo Clara 2E e-reader

Pocketbook Inkpad 4

Pocketbook Inkpad 4 ereader

With its large 8-inch screen and numerous functions, this e-reader is one of the best in its category, despite its rather high price.

👉 See the Pocketbook Inkpad 4 e-reader

How do I choose my e-reader?

Choosing your e-reader is quite simple:

Choosing the screen

ereaders size comparison

The standard e-reader screen size is 6 inches, but today you'll find models of 7 inches (or 6.8), 7.8 inches and even 10 inches and more for some professional models.

Today, all e-readers use the same electronic ink technology. The only difference is size.

So this is an important parameter. If you want a screen bigger than 6 inches, you'll have less choice. That's why I advise you to look at the Kobo Libra 2 (7 inches) or the Kindle Paperwhite (6.8 inches) for a good-looking e-reader without breaking the bank.

You can learn more about ereader size here.

Choose your e-reader options

All e-readers feature a touch screen, which simplifies use and ergonomics.

Even the cheapest Kindle on Amazon offers lighting.

However, there are a few differences: some readers offer lighting with color temperature adjustment to filter out blue light (see Kobo and Vivlio, or Amazon's Kindle Oasis and Kindle Paperwhite).

Others offer a text-to-speech function (Pocketbook Color, InkPad 4 and Touch HD Plus for example).

If you're planning to take your e-reader everywhere, I'd also advise you to choose a waterproof model that will protect it from water, snow, sand and dust.

Some models also have an expansion port to add a micro-SD card to increase the e-reader's storage capacity (if you only intend to read books like novels, however, this shouldn't be a criterion).

Of course, all these options add a little to the price of the e-reader.

Choosing your e-reader brand: Kindle or Kobo?

Choosing the brand of e-reader comes down to choosing which file formats the e-reader will support:

All e-reader brands support more or less the same ebook file formats, except that the Kindle cannot read the EPUB format, and other brands cannot read the AZW format.

Since the EPUB format and Kindle e-readers are popular, we can still make the two cohabit in this way:

  1. Buy the e-reader from Amazon, but make sure you buy a large proportion of your ebooks from online stores that offer DRM-free editions in EPUB format (the digital book standard).

  2. You'll then have EPUB ebooks that you can transfer to your e-reader using Calibre software (which converts file formats for you).

  3. So, if in the future you need to change your e-reader and you don't get one from Amazon, your ebooks will be compatible with your Kindle using software like Calibre.

Why buy a e-reader? What is an e-reader?

E-readers are devices that allow you to read books on a screen with electronic ink that doesn't tire your eyes.

As a result, reading comfort and ergonomics are similar to those of a paper book. Unlike conventional screens, you can read in direct sunlight without any problem.

E-readers have a large storage capacity, enabling them to carry hundreds of books. They are now all touch-screen, and most (if not 100% of models) have built-in lighting for reading in the dark with blue light filter.

You can see why you should buy a e-reader in this article.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Author

nicolas lorenzon

Recognizing the need for an informed and reliable source for eReader-related content, Nicolas created MyEreader.net, where he currently serves as the lead writer. His well-crafted articles cover a wide range of topics, including eReader reviews, comparisons between various devices, tips for optimizing reading experiences, and discussions on the future of digital reading. Read more here

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