The Best E-Readers of 2025: Kindle vs. Kobo and More
Are you an avid reader looking to embrace the digital age? Or perhaps you're setting a reading goal for the new year? An e-reader might just be the perfect investment. Experts suggest that e-readers minimize distractions and reduce eye strain, making them ideal for commutes, lunch breaks, or cozy nights at home. Team NBC Select and other reviewers have been putting various e-readers to the test, and here's a comprehensive overview of the top contenders for 2025.
What Makes an E-Reader Stand Out?
According to Nick Tanzi, Assistant Director of the South Huntington Public Library, e-readers typically employ an e-ink screen, simulating the look of ink on paper. This technology is gentler on the eyes than LCD screens and consumes significantly less battery. Rakuten Kobo's Senior Vice President of Product, Ramesh Mantha, highlights that most e-readers lack access to other apps, minimizing distracting notifications.
Key Considerations When Choosing an E-Reader:
- Screen: Screen size and resolution are paramount. Larger screens enhance readability, while higher resolutions (PPI) result in crisper text.
- Storage: Measured in gigabytes (GB), storage capacity determines the number of titles your device can hold. Graphic novels and illustrated books require more storage.
- Battery Life: E-readers boast weeks-long battery life, but features like backlights and note-taking can drain the battery faster.
- Store Access: Compatibility with e-book stores varies. Kindle users are limited to the Amazon store, while Kobo devices use the Kobo bookstore.
Top E-Reader Picks for 2025:
Best Overall: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024)
The Kindle Paperwhite remains a staff favorite. NBC Select commerce editor Lindsay Schneider raves, "Using a Kindle single-handedly changed the way I read." It excels in bright sunlight with its glare-free screen. The latest model offers adjustable brightness and warm light settings for comfortable nighttime reading. It also supports audiobook listening via Bluetooth.
Best Color E-Reader: Rakuten Kobo Libra Colour
The Kobo Libra Colour stands out with its color display and note-taking capabilities. Maria Cassano, an NBC Select contributing writer, praises its detailed color touchscreen and precise page-turning buttons. It's also compatible with the Kobo Stylus 2 for annotating and note-taking.
Best Budget: Amazon Kindle (2024)
For those hesitant to fully commit, the basic Amazon Kindle offers a compact and affordable entry point. Like the Paperwhite, it features a glare-free screen for easy outdoor reading. However, it lacks waterproofing and an adjustable warm light screen.
Best Kindle Alternative: Rakuten Kobo Clara BW
The Kobo Clara BW presents a compelling alternative with its glare-free screen, lightweight design, and weeks-long battery life. It also supports borrowing books from local libraries via the Libby/Overdrive app and is IPX8防水(waterproof).
Editors’ Pick: Onyx Boox Palma 2
The Boox Palma 2 is favored by NBC Select commerce editor Jordan Bowman for its flexibility. It functions like a minimalist phone with an e-ink display, allowing access to almost any app. "The written word is your oyster," says Bowman, highlighting its versatility.
Best for Note-Taking: Amazon Kindle Scribe (2024)
If note-taking is a priority, the Kindle Scribe is worth considering. Former NBC Select production coordinator Kelsey Fredricks praised its responsive screen and the included Scribe Premium Pen, which feels akin to writing with pen and paper.
Deals and Considerations
Keep an eye out for deals on Kindle and Kobo devices, especially during events like Black Friday. Amazon also offers a Trade-In scheme for qualifying devices.
Choosing between a Kindle and a Kobo ultimately depends on your personal preferences. Kobo models offer features like ComfortLight Pro, while the latest Kindles are made from recycled materials and boast a vast Kindle subscription library.
Beyond Reading: The E-Reader Ecosystem
E-readers have evolved beyond simple book consumption. They offer a focused reading experience, reducing distractions from notifications and other apps. Some, like the Kobo Libra Colour and Kindle Scribe, incorporate note-taking functionality, blurring the lines between reading and productivity.
The Future of Reading is Here
Whether you're a seasoned e-book enthusiast or a curious newcomer, the current e-reader market provides a diverse range of options to suit every need and budget. Which e-reader features are most important to you? Share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments below!
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