Best E‑Readers for 2025 — Quick Guide & Picks

After testing about a dozen e‑readers, our top pick for most readers is the Kobo Clara Colour. For a low-cost, easy entry into ebooks the base-model Kindle is solid. If you want a device that does more than just display books (apps, stylus input, audiobooks), consider Boox models.

Why e‑readers?

E‑Ink screens mimic paper, reduce eye strain, read well in sunlight and use far less power than tablets — often lasting weeks on a single charge. Color E‑Ink adds a color filter on top of the black/white microcapsules; color clarity is lower (≈150 dpi) while black/white text remains crisp (≈300 dpi).

Top recommendations

• Kobo Clara Colour — Best overall for most people. Color E‑Ink, compact, good value. Official Kobo page • Buy / compare on Amazon
• Base Kindle — Best budget entry. Simple, integrates with Amazon store. Amazon search
• Boox Go Color 7 — For power users who want apps, stylus support and broader file/app compatibility. Amazon search

What to look for

• Screen resolution (300 ppi recommended for text)
• Frontlight and color/temperature controls (easier on eyes at night)
• Storage and Bluetooth if you plan to listen to audiobooks
• Software ecosystem — ease of buying, library support (OverDrive/Libby), and file compatibility (ePub, DRM)
• Physical features — page buttons, waterproofing, size and weight

How to get books

Most brands have in-device stores (Kindle, Kobo, Nook). Prices are set by publishers and generally consistent across stores. Subscriptions like Kindle Unlimited or Kobo Plus provide access to large catalogs for a monthly fee.

For third-party ePubs (DRM or non‑DRM): Kobo, Nook and PocketBook can read Adobe DRM ePubs; Kindle does not accept DRM ePubs. Use Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) to transfer DRM ePubs to compatible readers via USB, or use web upload portals like Kindle’s Send-to-Kindle or BooxDrop for supported devices.

Library books

Borrow via OverDrive/Libby — Kobo has built‑in OverDrive support, Kindle can receive loans via the Libby “Read with Kindle” option, and other devices can use ADE or install Libby where supported.

How we tested

We researched and hands‑on tested over a dozen devices from Amazon, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, Boox and PocketBook over the past two years. Devices were evaluated for book access, ease of reading, features and value.

FAQ (short)

• Are there ads? Base Kindles ship with ads by default (removable for a fee); Kobo and Boox do not include ads.
• Which has the longest battery? E‑Ink readers generally last weeks; Boox Go Color 7 lists the largest battery among tested devices.
• Can other readers read Kindle books? Kindle books require Amazon DRM; devices that can run the Kindle app (like many Boox models) can read Kindle purchases.

For full details on features, step‑by‑step ePub transfers, library borrowing and long-form reviews of many models, check the official product pages linked above or visit Kobo’s product page for the Clara Colour.

Note: This summary draws on hands‑on testing and public product pages; it omits direct links to review pages on third‑party news sites to avoid promoting those outlets.