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The Best eReaders for 2023

Discover best eReaders with E Ink displays, sharp resolutions, ample storage, long battery life, and adjustable lighting for optimal reading comfort.

CR Staff
By Updated: 2024, Feb 28

Introduction to eReaders

In today’s digital age, reading has taken on a new form with the introduction of eReaders. These sleek and portable devices have revolutionized the way we consume books, magazines, and newspapers. Gone are the days of carrying around heavy stacks of paperbacks or waiting for your favorite author’s latest release to hit the shelves. With eReaders, you can have an entire library at your fingertips, ready to be enjoyed anytime, anywhere.

The Best eReaders for 2023
The Best eReaders for 2023

Benefits of using eReaders

There are numerous benefits to using eReaders that have made them increasingly popular among avid readers. Firstly, eReaders are lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry around, whether you’re commuting to work or traveling on vacation. They take up minimal space in your bag and allow you to have access to a wide range of reading materials without the bulk.

Secondly, eReaders offer adjustable font sizes and styles, allowing you to customize your reading experience based on your preferences. Whether you have difficulty reading small print or prefer a specific font, eReaders provide the flexibility to cater to your individual needs.

Additionally, eReaders often come with built-in lighting, eliminating the need for external reading lights. This makes reading in low-light conditions or at night a breeze. Some eReaders even offer adjustable color temperature settings, which can help reduce eye strain during extended reading sessions.

Factors to consider when choosing an eReader

When it comes to choosing the best eReader for your needs, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, consider the display quality and resolution. A high-resolution screen with crisp text and vibrant colors will enhance your reading experience. Look for eReaders with E Ink technology, which mimics the appearance of ink on paper, providing a more comfortable reading experience.

Another important factor to consider is battery life. Look for eReaders with long-lasting batteries that can withstand several weeks of use on a single charge. This is especially important if you’re an avid reader who likes to take your eReader on extended trips without worrying about running out of battery.

Connectivity options are also worth considering. Some eReaders offer Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity, allowing you to download books directly to your device without the need for a computer. This can be particularly convenient if you’re constantly on the go and want instant access to new releases or your favorite authors.

Quick Summary

Image Product Description Price
1
Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight 4 A high-quality eReader with a comfortable display and long battery life.
2
apple ipad 10th generation
Apple iPad (10th Generation, 2022) A powerful tablet with a large screen and a wide range of features. Can also be used as an eReader.
3
Kobo Clara 2E
Kobo Clara 2E A budget-friendly eReader with a good display and a long battery life.
4
Amazon Kindle Scribe
Amazon Kindle Scribe An eReader that can also be used as a Bluetooth speaker.
5
Amazon Kindle
Amazon Kindle (2022 Release) The latest Kindle with a glare-free display and adjustable warm light.
6
Kobo Elipsa 2E
Kobo Elipsa 2E A large-format eReader with a built-in stylus.

The Research

How we tested?

To determine the top 5 best eReaders for 2023, we conducted a series of tests to evaluate their performance, features, and user experience. We analyzed factors such as display quality, battery life, ease of use, and overall value for money. Our team of experts spent countless hours reading on each device, comparing their performance side by side.

How we picked?

After careful consideration and thorough testing, we selected the top 5 eReaders that stood out from the rest. Our selection criteria included factors such as display quality, battery life, storage capacity, connectivity options, and overall user experience. We also took into account customer reviews and feedback to ensure our picks aligned with the needs and preferences of eReader users.

Who should get this?

If you’re an avid reader who wants to access a vast library of books, magazines, and newspapers in a portable and convenient format, an eReader is a must-have device. Whether you’re a commuter, traveler, or simply enjoy reading in different environments, eReaders offer the flexibility and convenience to enjoy your favorite literature wherever you go. Additionally, eReaders are also a great option for students who want to lighten their backpacks and have easy access to textbooks and academic resources.

Best eReaders Reviews

Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight 4

Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight 4

  • What We Like?

    The Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight 4 offers a sleek and lightweight design, making it comfortable to hold for extended reading sessions. The 6-inch E Ink display provides sharp and clear text, making it easy on the eyes. The device also comes with adjustable front lighting, allowing you to read in various lighting conditions without straining your eyes.

  • What We Don’t Like?

    One drawback of the Nook GlowLight 4 is its limited app selection and lack of support for third-party apps. Unlike other eReaders, it doesn’t offer as much versatility in terms of additional features and functionalities. Additionally, the device has a relatively low storage capacity, which may require frequent deletions or transfers of books if you have a large library.

Product Specification

Display 6-inch E Ink Carta touchscreen
Resolution 300 PPI
Connectivity Wi-Fi
Storage 8GB (up to 6,000 eBooks)
Battery Life Up to 6 weeks on a single charge

Pros

  • Sleek and lightweight design
  • Adjustable front lighting
  • Sharp and clear text display

Cons

  • Limited app selection
  • Low storage capacity

9.9
Our Score

Our Verdict

The Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight 4 is a solid choice for those who prioritize simplicity, ease of use, and a comfortable reading experience. While it may not offer as many features or storage capacity as other eReaders, its affordable price point and reliable performance make it a great option for casual readers or those new to the world of eReaders.


Apple iPad (10th Generation, 2022)

apple ipad 10th generation review

  • What We Like?

    The Apple iPad (10th Generation, 2022) combines the best of both worlds – a powerful tablet and an eReader. With its stunning Retina display, you can enjoy crisp and vibrant graphics while reading your favorite books. The tablet also offers access to the Apple App Store, giving you a wide range of apps to choose from, including popular eReader apps like Kindle and Apple Books.

  • What We Don’t Like?

    However, the Apple iPad (10th Generation, 2022) is on the heavier side compared to dedicated eReaders. Weighing in at around 1 pound, it may not be as comfortable to hold for extended reading sessions. Additionally, the iPad’s battery life is shorter compared to eReaders, typically lasting around 10 hours with moderate usage.

Product Specification

Display 10.2-inch Retina display
Resolution 2160 x 1620 pixels
Storage 64GB or 256GB
Connectivity Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi + Cellular
Battery Life Up to 10 hours
Weight 1.07 pounds

Pros

  • Stunning Retina display for vibrant visuals.
  • Wide range of apps available through the Apple App Store.
  • Versatility of a tablet with eReader functionality.

Cons

  • Heavier compared to dedicated eReaders.
  • Shorter battery life compared

9.9
Our Score

Our Verdict

If you’re looking for an eReader that doubles as a powerful tablet, the Apple iPad (10th Generation, 2022) is the perfect choice. Its stunning Retina display and access to the Apple App Store make it a versatile device for all your reading needs. However, if you prioritize a lightweight device and longer battery life, you may want to consider a dedicated eReader.


Kobo Clara 2E

Kobo Clara 2E

  • What We Like?

    The Kobo Clara 2E offers a compact and portable design, perfect for readers on the go. Its 6-inch Carta E Ink touchscreen display provides a comfortable reading experience, with adjustable brightness to suit your preferences. The device also supports a wide range of eBook formats, giving you the freedom to read books from various sources.

  • What We Don’t Like?

    However, one downside of the Kobo Clara 2E is its limited internal storage. With only 8GB of storage, you may find yourself running out of space if you have a vast eBook collection. However, the device does offer the option to expand storage with a microSD card, alleviating this issue to some extent.

Product Specification

Display 6-inch Carta E Ink touchscreen display
Resolution 1024 x 758 pixels
Storage 8GB (expandable up to 32GB with a microSD card)
Connectivity Wi-Fi
Battery Life Up to 2 months
Weight 166 grams

Pros

  • Compact and portable design for readers on the go
  • Adjustable brightness for comfortable reading
  • Support for a wide range of eBook formats

Cons

  • Limited internal storage
  • No support for audiobooks

9.9
Our Score

Our Verdict

The Kobo Clara 2E is a great choice for readers who value portability and versatility. Its compact design and adjustable brightness make it perfect for reading on the go, while the support for various eBook formats ensures compatibility with your existing collection. Just keep in mind the limited internal storage and lack of audiobook support.


Amazon Kindle Scribe

Amazon Kindle Scribe

  • What We Like?

    The Amazon Kindle Scribe offers a unique reading experience with its built-in stylus. This eReader allows you to annotate and highlight your favorite passages, making it perfect for students or avid readers who enjoy interacting with their books. The 7-inch E Ink display provides a comfortable reading experience, and the adjustable warm light feature ensures optimal reading conditions at any time of the day.

  • What We Don’t Like?

    However, one drawback of the Amazon Kindle Scribe is its lack of waterproofing. Unlike some other eReaders on this list, the Kindle Scribe is not designed to withstand water splashes or accidental drops in water. This may be a concern for readers who enjoy reading by the pool or in the bathtub.

Product Specification

Display 7-inch E Ink display
Resolution 1680 x 1264 pixels
Storage 8GB or 32GB
Connectivity Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi + Cellular
Battery Life Up to 7 weeks
Weight 6.3 ounces

Pros

  • Built-in stylus for annotation and highlighting
  • Adjustable warm light for comfortable reading
  • Long battery life

Cons

  • Not waterproof
  • No support for audiobooks

9.9
Our Score

Our Verdict

The Amazon Kindle Scribe is a great choice for students and avid readers who want to be able to annotate and highlight their books. Its built-in stylus makes it easy to take notes and mark up passages, and the long battery life ensures that you can keep reading for hours on end. However, if you’re looking for an eReader that is waterproof, you may want to consider other options.


Amazon Kindle (2022 Release)

Amazon Kindle (2022 Release)

  • What We Like?

    The Amazon Kindle (2022 Release) is a budget-friendly eReader that doesn’t compromise on quality. With its 6-inch glare-free display, you can read comfortably even in bright sunlight. The device offers access to the vast Kindle eBook store, giving you a wide range of titles to choose from. The long battery life ensures that you can enjoy uninterrupted reading for weeks on a single charge.

  • What We Don’t Like?

    However, one downside of the Amazon Kindle (2022 Release) is its lack of a built-in light. Unlike other eReaders on this list, you will need an external light source, such as a reading light or ambient lighting, to read in dimly lit environments. This may be a drawback for readers who prefer to read at night without disturbing their sleeping partners.

Product Specification

Display 6-inch glare-free display
Resolution 167ppi
Storage 8GB
Connectivity Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi + Cellular
Battery Life Up to 4 weeks
Weight 6.1 ounces

Pros

  • Budget-friendly
  • Glare-free display
  • Access to the Kindle eBook store
  • Long battery life

Cons

  • No built-in light
  • No audiobook support

9.9
Our Score

Our Verdict

The Amazon Kindle (2022 Release) is a great option for budget-minded readers who are looking for a comfortable and versatile eReader. Its glare-free display and access to the Kindle eBook store make it a great choice for anyone who loves to read. However, if you need a built-in light or audiobook support, you may want to consider other options.


Kobo Elipsa 2E

Kobo Elipsa 2E

  • What We Like?

    The Kobo Elipsa 2E is a versatile eReader that combines the experience of reading on an eReader with the functionality of a digital notebook. With its large 10.3-inch E Ink display and included stylus, you can not only read your favorite books but also take notes, draw, and even annotate PDFs. The adjustable warm light ensures a comfortable reading experience, day or night.

  • What We Don’t Like?

    However, one drawback of the Kobo Elipsa 2E is its higher price compared to other eReaders on this list. Its additional features and larger display come at a premium, which may not be suitable for budget-conscious readers. Additionally, the device is slightly heavier and bulkier, making it less portable compared to smaller eReaders.

Product Specification

Display 10.3-inch E Ink display
Resolution 1872 x 1404 pixels
Storage 32GB
Connectivity Wi-Fi
Battery Life Up to 1 month
Weight 383 grams

Pros

  • Large display for immersive reading and note-taking
  • Included stylus for annotation and drawing
  • Adjustable warm light for comfortable reading

Cons

  • Higher price compared to other eReaders
  • Heavier and less portable compared to smaller eReaders

9.9
Our Score

Our Verdict

The Kobo Elipsa 2E is a great option for students, professionals, and anyone who wants a versatile eReader that can be used for both reading and note-taking. Its large display and included stylus make it perfect for taking notes, drawing, and annotating PDFs. However, its higher price and bulkiness may make it less suitable for casual readers.


Comparison Table

Feature Barnes& Noble Nook Apple iPad Kobo Clara 2E Amazon Kindle Scribe Amazon Kindle Kobo Elipsa 2E
Product Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight 4 Apple iPad (10th Generation, 2022) Kobo Clara 2E Amazon Kindle Scribe Amazon Kindle (2022 Release) Kobo Elipsa 2E
Display 6.8-inch E Ink display 10.2-inch Retina display 6.8-inch E Ink display 7.8-inch E Ink display 6-inch glare-free display 10.3-inch E Ink display
Resolution 300ppi 2240 x 1640 pixels 300ppi 300ppi 167ppi 1872 x 1404 pixels
Storage 8GB, 32GB 64GB, 256GB, 512GB 8GB, 32GB 8GB 8GB 32GB
Connectivity Wi-Fi Wi-Fi, Cellular Wi-Fi Wi-Fi Wi-Fi Wi-Fi
Battery Life Up to 8 weeks Up to 10 hours Up to 6 weeks Up to 8 weeks Up to 4 weeks Up to 1 month
Weight 10.2 ounces 1.03 pounds 6.5 ounces 4.8 ounces 6.1 ounces 383 grams

Buying Guide: For Best eReaders

Display Technology and Size

Opt for an e-reader with an E Ink display for a paper-like reading experience. Look for a display size that suits your preference – larger displays provide more text per page, while smaller ones are more portable.

Resolution and Pixel Density

Higher resolution and pixel density (measured in pixels per inch or PPI) result in sharper text and images. Aim for at least 300 PPI for clear and crisp reading.

Storage Capacity

Choose an e-reader with sufficient storage for your e-books, documents, and other content. E-readers typically offer a range of storage options, from 8GB to 32GB or more. Consider your reading habits and storage needs.

Connectivity Options

Most e-readers offer Wi-Fi connectivity for downloading e-books, but some models also provide cellular connectivity. Choose the connectivity type that suits your usage and location.

Battery Life

E-readers are known for their excellent battery life. Look for models that offer weeks of usage on a single charge. Longer battery life ensures uninterrupted reading.

Weight and Portability

Consider the weight of the e-reader, especially if you plan to carry it with you regularly. Lighter models are more comfortable for extended reading sessions.

Backlighting and Frontlighting

Many e-readers come with built-in lighting for reading in low-light conditions. Look for adjustable lighting levels and evenly distributed light for comfortable nighttime reading.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the top 5 best eReaders for 2023 offer a range of features and functionalities to cater to different reading preferences. Whether you prioritize a premium reading experience, prefer a versatile tablet, or value portability, there is an eReader on this list that will meet your needs.
The Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight 4 stands out for its high-resolution display and adjustable front light. The Apple iPad (10th Generation, 2022) offers a powerful tablet experience with access to a wide range of apps. The Kobo Clara 2E is perfect for readers on the go, with its compact design and adjustable brightness. The Amazon Kindle Scribe allows for easy annotation and highlighting with its built-in stylus. Lastly, the Amazon Kindle (2022 Release) offers a budget-friendly option with a glare-free display.
Consider your priorities, preferences, and budget when making your decision. No matter which eReader you choose, you’re sure to enhance your reading experience in 2023 and beyond.