Category: Amazon

Treat yourself with one of these eye-friendly e-paper devices.

If you want the best e ink tablet today, you’re no longer restricted to choosing from kindles. Although Amazon did democratize this product segment, there are dozens of players offering a wide range of devices these days. Over the last few years, e ink technology (and by extension, the devices that utilize it) has improved by leaps and bounds. We’re talking about faster page refresh times, larger screen sizes, and even color displays!

My top vote goes to the Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C Pro, which comes with a big color display, incredible battery life, and Android 12 with full support for Play Store apps. The 10.3-inch screen even works with a stylus and gives you the feeling of writing on a piece of real paper. You also get a 16MP rear camera, dual-speakers, and much more. Then there’s the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024), which is perfect if you just want a well-rounded tablet for reading and don’t really care about fancy extras. It comes with a high-resolution panel, full Audible integration, as well as an IPX8 rating. 

My love for this product segment and my hands-on experience testing numerous models from many brands, are two very good reasons for you to trust my expertise. With that said, here are some of the best e ink tablets worth checking out.

Best for reading

(Image credit: Amazon)

1. Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024)

The best E Ink tablet for reading, especially poolside

Specifications

Screen:6.8 inches

Storage:8GB/16GB

Battery:Up to 10 weeks

Audio:Via Bluetooth accessories only

Stylus:Not included

Reasons to buy

+IPX8 waterproof rating
+300ppi E Ink screen
+8GB or 16GB of internal storage
+Audible integration
+Unbeatably good battery life
+20% faster than before

Reasons to avoid

-Base model has ads
-No Play Store or third-party apps
-No physical buttons

For many years now, Amazon has dominated the e-reader market with its Kindle line of reading tablets, and for a good reason: Kindle e-readers are excellent devices, and many of them have displays with LED backlighting. The new Kindle Paperwhite (2024) takes over from the 11th-generationKindle Paperwhite, and it is arguably thebest Amazon Kindle e-readerout there.

This 12th-generation Amazon Kindle Paperwhite has many of the same features from before, like an IPX8 waterproof certification and five adjustable LED backlights. There’s a faster processor which enables up to 25 percent quicker page turns, and a new oxide thin-film transistor in the display for richer contrast levels.

Its 6.8-inch 300ppi E Ink screen is a delight to look at and replicates paper very nicely. Audible integration makes it the ideal companion for lazy beach days when you want to sunbathe with your eyes closed. You can also connect a pair of Bluetoothwireless earbudsand listen to audiobooks in peace.

There’s just one 16GB model now of the 2024 Paperwhite, which is enough to store thousands of e-books. The battery life is still excellent, and you get a USB-C charging port. Amazon sweetened the deal by setting a low price, but you’ll need to spend a little extra cash for the ad-free version. In a nutshell, if you’re an avid reader, you’ll love Kindle Paperwhite. Some file formats aren’t supported, althoughAmazon did introduce EPUBcompatibility a while back.

also:ST32 Battery for Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 5

Best overall

(Image credit: Onyx Boox)

2. Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C Pro

The best overall E Ink tablet

Specifications

Screen:10.3 inches Kaleido 3

Storage:128GB, microSD, USB-C OTG

Battery:4,600mAh

Audio:Speaker, Microphone

Stylus:Included

Reasons to buy

+10.3-inch Kaleido 3 color display
+Stylus and keyboard support
+128GB expandable storage
+Android 12 with Play Store
+Fantastic battery life
+USB Type-C fast charging
+Unbelievably slim body
+Fingerprint sensor and 16MP camera

Reasons to avoid

-No IP resistance rating
-E Ink display isn’t bright under the sun
-Keyboard case needs to be bought separately
-Expensive

While most E Ink tablets tend to focus on doing the one thing they’re meant for, the Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C Pro does it all. Successor to theTab Ultra C, the Tab Ultra C Pro can display 4,096 colors on its 10.3-inch Kaleido 3 screen, which is quite unusual for most E Ink tablets. Thanks to the included stylus, you can even draw, highlight, or jot down notes in different shades. The Tab Ultra C Pro’s touch functionality for the stylus is powered by Wacom, the company that makes thebest drawing tablets. It imitates the traditional feel of writing on paper with a pen, making for an awesome experience.

Onyx Boox has really taken things to the next level by adding more under the Tab Ultra C Pro’s hood. This stunningly slim tablet runs Android 12 out of the box, so you can install and use apps from the Google Play Store. It also comes with 6GB of RAM, 128GB of onboard storage, a microSD slot, a 16MP camera, stereo speakers, a mic, and a USB Type-C port that supports fast charging. Amazingly, the 4,600mAh battery can last for a week or two with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth in full use. The Boox Tab Ultra C Pro is the complete package; it’s almost comparable to some of thebest Android tablets, except for a few limitations.

Unfortunately, if you want the complete package, you’ll have to pay for it since this thing isn’t exactly cheap in comparison to “regular” tablets. It also lacks any IP rating water and dust resistance, which is a bummer, and E Ink displays are famously dim under the Sun. We believe you can live with these shortcomings, as the combination of features in the Tab Ultra C Pro is just too good. Unlike competitors like the Kindle Scribe, it provides more value and has a lot more to offer.

Best mid-range

3. Onyx Boox Note Air4 C

The best E Ink tablet for $500

Specifications

Screen:10.3 inches Kaleido 3

Storage:64GB, microSD, USB-C OTG

Battery:3,700mAh

Audio:Speaker, Microphone

Stylus:Included

Reasons to buy

+Extremely thin and lightweight
+Battery-free stylus included
+Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
+Runs Android 13 and has Google Play Store
+Weeks of battery with Type-C charging
+Improved display with quicker response time
+Supports a wider range of file formats than Kindle e-readers
+Keyboard support and color display

Reasons to avoid

-No IP rating
-Keyboard case comes separately

At $500, the Onyx Boox Note Air4 C improves upon the awesomeBoox Note Air3 Cby retaining its value-packed features but bumping up the processing power for better response and a brighter display. Boox tablets beat Amazon, Kobo, and every competitor easily because they all have the Google Play Store support and Android 13.

The Boox Note Air4 C has a 10.3-inch E Ink Kaleido 3 display that can produce 4,096 colors and has excellent contrast and a lovely crispness to it. It comes with a battery-free stylus that can register up to 4,096 levels of pressure, and you get native optical character recognition (OCR). This is such a vital feature for any tablet, whether it’s an E Ink device or a full-blown traditional Android or iOS tablet. You also get native OCR or handwriting recognition and conversion with the Note Air4 C.

Apart from the stylus and excellent e-paper display, the Note Air4 C has all the advantages of E Ink tablets and e-readers, and some extra goodies. Its 3,700mAh battery provides weeks of battery life, and you get a USB-C port with OTG support as well. Other additions include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth connectivity, support for loads of file formats, built-in speakers, and even a microphone. You can also get a keyboard case separately to enable typing input. There’s now 6GB of RAM instead of 4GB, and the tablet is 10g lighter.

When looking for a writing tablet with an e-paper display, the Onyx Boox Note Air4 C is easily the winner. This is saying something, considering the rivals include devices like theAmazon Kindle Scribe and the ReMarkable 2. If you don’t mind the lack of water resistance and the need to buy the keyboard case separately, this is the E Ink tablet to get for $500.

Best small

4. Onyx Boox Palma 2

The best pocket-sized e-paper tablet

Specifications

Screen:6.13 inches E Ink Carta Plus

Storage:128GB, microSD, USB-C OTG

Battery:3,950mAh

Audio:Speaker, Microphone

Stylus:Not included

Reasons to buy

+Positively tiny and splash-proof
+Fingerprint reader built-in
+Runs Android 13 and has all Play Store apps
+Lovely E Ink Carta Plus B&W display with no ghosting issues
+Lots of onboard storage, USB-C OTG, and a microSD slot
+Unbeatable battery lasts for months

Reasons to avoid

-No stylus support
-No SIM slot

The Onyx Boox Palma 2 is an iterative update to theOnyx Boox Palmaand is more of an E Ink smartphone than a tablet. Its compact form factor enables you to carry it around anywhere in your pocket. The sub-$300 price tag might feel a bit high for the size, and you could easily get a basic entry-level Kindle for less than half that money. However, no Kindle comes with Google Play Store support, and that’s just one of the many enticing draws of the Boox Palma 2.

The Onyx Boox Palma 2 has a microphone, speakers, and all modern connectivity options thatfull-fledged Android tabletshave, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The only connectivity option missing is cellular support. The new version does come with a fingerprint sensor for added security.

You get Android 13, and the Google Play Store pre-installed, granting you access to millions of apps. And because the device uses a B&W E Ink display, the battery lasts for months! The 128GB of native storage is insane, but if that somehow isn’t enough for you, you alsoget a microSD cardslot and USB-C OTG support forUSB-C thumb drives.

It’s hard to find another handheld e-ink device that’s this capable because honestly, there isn’t one! The Palma 2 is one of a kind.

Best entry-level

(Image credit: Amazon)

5. Amazon Kindle (2024)

A great budget e-reader

Specifications

Screen:6 inches

Storage:16GB

Battery:Up to six weeks

Audio:Via Bluetooth accessories only

Stylus:Not included

Reasons to buy

+Adjustable front light
+300ppi display is a joy to read
+Immortal battery backup
+USB-C port
+16GB of internal storage
+Very affordable

Reasons to avoid

-No IP rating
-Doesn’t support third-party apps
-Ads in cheaper model

E Ink tablet lovers out there on a budget can still get one for a nifty price. The entry-level Amazon Kindle (2024) is a budget e-reader sporting a 6-inch 300ppi e-paper display. It doesn’t have many funky features like a waterproof rating or Sudoku, but it can support a healthy number of file formats and looks brilliant too.

It isn’t that bright in sunlight, but the adjustable front light comes in quite handy for reading at night. The basic Amazon Kindle has some more no-nonsense specs such as 16GB of storage, fantastic battery life, Wi-Fi, and audiobook support. If you don’t want to use the Kindle app, you can transfer files to the Amazon Kindle (2024) e-reader from your PC too.

In comparison to almost every other e-paper device out there, the Amazon Kindle is the winner, hands down, when it comes to price. The base model Kindle performs a tad bit slower, and it doesn’t have waterproofing, but it is still the best E Ink tablet for reading on a tight budget.

also:58-000271 Battery for Amazon Kindle PaperWhite4 2018

Best extra large

6. Onyx Boox Tab X

The biggest and baddest e-paper tab

Specifications

Screen:13.3 inches E Ink Mobius

Storage:128GB, USB-C OTG

Battery:6,300mAh

Audio:Speaker, Microphone

Stylus:Not included

Reasons to buy

+Impossibly thin and lightweight for the size
+Premium E Ink Mobius display is a delight to the eyes
+Smooth performance
+Weeks of battery life
+Stylus support and USB-C OTG

Reasons to avoid

-Insanely expensive
-No color output
-No microSD card slot

Onyx Boox has ventured into all corners of the e-paper tablet world, giving us the tiniest of devices like the Boox Palma and the biggest of slabs with theOnyx Boox Tab X. This gigantic 13.3-inch E Ink tablet doesn’t display color, but has a viewing experience that’s sublime nonetheless. This is the most premium Android tablet with an E Ink display made by the brand.

I tested the Tab X and was very impressed by its thin profile and lightweight yet solid build quality. The tablet is quite literally as slim as a tea biscuit! And this narrow waist does not impede the tablet’s performance in any way. Apart from that, the Tab X has all the signature features of Onyx Boox devices like Android, the Google Play Store, a speaker, a mic, and even a stylus.

If the 128GB of onboard storage isn’t enough for all your files, e-books, mangas, and apps, then the USB-C OTG feature should help you expand the storage even further. There’s no microSD slot, but that shouldn’t be a big issue, all things considered. The one major drawback here is the extremely expensive price tag. But if you can afford it, you won’t have much to complain about.

How to choose

After staring at bright screens day in and day out, your eyes really need a break. The best E Ink tablet not only provides relief but also lets you carry out various tasks. Pick one based on your specific needs. If you intend to read basic e-books, an entry-level e-reader should be fine. But if you intend to do more like drawing and taking notes, take those use cases into consideration before making a final choice.

The Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C Pro is the best E Ink tablet due to its fabulous soft colors, extremely sleek and lightweight build, and multitasking capabilities. It isn’t limited to just being an e-reader, but if you want, you can use it for that purpose. However, if the need be, you can also use it to take down notes, sketch some lovely drawings, or underline passages of text.

Let’s also not forget that you get native optical character recognition with the Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C Pro, enabling you to convert your handwriting into digital text in real-time, whether it’s to use the search bar in the Google Play Store or to use the search function in your handwritten notes. This alone is a remarkable feat for any decent tablet with a stylus.

The Tab Ultra C Pro accommodates office use as well as home use. You don’t have to sacrifice battery life or connectivity. It even has stereo speakers and a mic, which no other electronic ink tablet on this list offers. What’s even more brilliant is its ability to run almost anyAndroid app. You can actually use it as a full-blown tablet for most tasks related to reading and writing. The Tab Ultra C Pro pushes the boundaries of an E Ink tablet in the best sense, which is why it’s the best one to buy right now.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 2024

“The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 2024 is the best Kindle for most people, with its gloriously sharp screen making it really enjoyable to read books on.”

Pros

• Sharp, high-contrast E Ink screen
• Adjustable warmth
• Slick performance for ease of use
• Dark Mode
• Long battery life
• Water-resistant

Cons

• Screen attracts smudges
• Rear gets easily scuffed

I went from reading on the Amazon Kindle Colorsoft to reading on the 12th-generation Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 2024, thus giving up the color screen for the monochrome life. The latest Paperwhite is neatly positioned in terms of price between the basic Kindle and the all-new Colorsoft.

Would the Paperwhite turn out to be the best of all worlds or an awkward in-between device that’s hard to recommend? I’ve been finding out.

>>>ST32 Battery for Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 5

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 2024 specs

Size	127.5 x 176.7 x 7.8mm
Weight	211g
Display	7-inch, front-lit300ppi, 16-level greyscale
Storage	16GB
Battery life	Up to 12 weeks
Charging	9W wired
Durability	IPX8
Colors	Black, Raspberry, Jade

The new Paperwhite has an ordinary design

I’m reviewing the black version of the Kindle Paperwhite, and unfortunately, it’s not the most exciting-looking piece of tech I’ve used. Choose the Jade or Raspberry versions, or put it in some kind of case if you want to give its looks a bit of life. You’d be wise to use a case right from the start anyway, as even after 10 days of normal use — at home and on the move, so in and out of backpacks and pockets — the soft-touch rear has picked up some unsightly scuffs.

That gets the main negative about the 2024 Kindle Paperwhite’s design out of the way. At 7.8mm thick and 128mm wide, it’s a joy to hold. The 211-gram weight is just right to keep the device balanced without introducing fatigue, and it has an IPX8 water resistance rating. However, I appreciatethat it’s right for my hands and recognize that those with smaller hands may struggle with the overall size a little. Thebasic Kindleisn’t as wide and only a tiny bit thicker, so it may be the better choice for some.

A reason for the change in width comes from the 7-inch screen, up from the 6-inch screen on the Kindle, and an increase from the previous 11th-generation Kindle Paperwhite’s 6.8-inch screen too. A larger screen means more text can be displayed and there are fewer page turns. It’s the same size as the Kindle Colorsoft, so there were no differences for me to spot, but it’s a significant enough change for owners of older Paperwhite models with a 6-inch screen to consider upgrading.

I did notice the slight weight reduction from the 219-gram Colorsoft to the 211-gram Paperwhite, with the color reader feeling more substantial due to it. The Paperwhite’s rear panel also has a slightly different texture and more of a matte finish compared to the Colorsoft. It’s more of a traditional Kindle look and feel and isn’t quite as high quality. The power button is on the bottom of the e-reader, and I find I press it by accident, especially when I put it in my pocket — yes, it fits in my jeans pocket — or bag.

>>>58-000271 Battery for Amazon Kindle PaperWhite4 2018

New and improved screen

The 12th-generation Kindle Paperwhite has a new high contrast e-ink screen with a 300 pixels-per-inch (ppi) density, plus internal performance improvements mean page turns are supposed to be 25% faster than on the previous generation. If there is a difference in page turn speed, it’s very hard to spot, but the Paperwhite does move along at a decent enough pace, so it’s never frustrating to use.

The screen is responsive when pulling down the menu, changing the font size, and swiping between pages. I can’t see any difference in performance between it and the Kindle Colorsoft when reading books. Text and magazines, but not comics so much, look brilliant on the Paperwhite’s sharp, bright screen, and any accompanying monochrome images get the point across, just not as vibrantly as on the Colorsoft.

Comparing the Colorsoft’s screen to the Paperwhite’s showed an unexpected difference. The Paperwhite has a lovely warm glow to it, with astonishingly sharp letters and a tone most would associate with real paper. The Colorsoft’s screen is far cooler and has a tangible yellowness (no, notthatyellowness) to the screen when set at maximum brightness and warmth. Reduce the warmth setting to zero, and the Paperwhite’s screen still has a paper quality to it, while the Colorsoft’s screen has what I’d call a “daylight” tone. It’s not harsh. It’s just not quite as friendly as the Paperwhite’s screen.

You can get an idea of the difference in the example photo above, but the camera does make its own adjustments for the difficult conditions, and the actual real-world view isn’t quite as severe. I really enjoyed reading on the Colorsoft and was surprised at the difference between the two devices, so I don’t see it as a negative. I don’t think one is more pleasurable to look at than the other, but if all you’ll ever do is read books without pictures, the Paperwhite will give you a more paper-like experience.

>>>58-000049 Battery for Amazin Kindle PaperWhite 2nd Gen 6″

Forget the comparisons for a moment

While it’s important to note these considerable differences between the Paperwhite and Colorsoft, I want to talk about what it’s like to use and read only on the Paperwhite for a bit. I stopped buying physical books, for the most part, years ago because I didn’t have the space needed for them (I hoard, unfortunately), and the Kindle took over. It took a bit to adjust, but only in terms of in-hand feel and performance and not because of the text on the page. Reading on the Paperwhite is lovely, from holding the device to scanning the words on the screen.

The Paperwhite’s additional speed improves the experience as there’s barely a pause between page turns, but more importantly, it’s also smoother with less flicker and sudden dimming. It’s easier on the eyes and makes reading more pleasurable. This is ultimately what I want. Words on a Kindle book page may not be as solid and “romantic” as words on a paper page for some people, but once you get past the fact that it’s digital and not physical, reading on a Kindle is really enjoyable. Adding speed and flicker-free performance minimizes the electronic barriers.

I also really like the Dark Mode setting. Many will be familiar with this from their smartphone, and it works in the same way on the Kindle Paperwhite. It replaces the color inverter setting, where the black and white colors were reversed, and applies systemwide. The black background is deep and text is very sharp, plus because it’s part of the software itself, it looks entirely natural and doesn’t suffer from any white color bleeding like the old color inverter setting could.

The Paperwhite 2024 does not have an auto-adjustment for the front light, and you have to pay even more for the Paperwhite Signature Edition to get it. After wrangling with the often unreliable auto-brightness on the Colorsoft and eventually resorting to just setting it myself, I haven’t missed it and certainly wouldn’t pay more for the feature on its own. I love the Paperwhite’s flat screen and its matte, glare-free finish, but it does attract smudges.

Low maintenance

What I like most, and really the most important thing to understand about the Kindle in general, is its incredibly low maintenance. Once you’ve got the settings how you like, there’s almost no need to ever visit the settings page again, leaving you free to pick it up and read when you want. This convenience even extends to waking the Kindle up with the power button, which immediately puts you back on the page where you left off. There’s no opening apps or dealing with cloud-loading times here.

You can purchase books directly from the Kindle store on your Kindle, but even if you use Amazon online on your laptop, your purchases sync practically straightaway. The Paperwhite’s Wi-Fi has been utterly reliable, the initial setup is easy and mostly performed through the Kindle app on your phone, and there’s Bluetooth to pair headphones and listen to audiobooks. Unlike your phone or tablet, once you’re done setting everything up, there’s not much else to do apart from reading on it, as there are no notifications to interrupt you either.

I’ve been reading on the Paperwhite for 10 days, usually for about an hour a day, and the battery has dropped from 100% to 85%. Amazon suggests you’ll get 12 weeks of use out of a single charge, and this seems achievable. It’s recharged using a USB-C cable plugged into the bottom of the device. At a mere 9 watts, it won’t charge as fast as your phone — expect it to take two-and-a-half hours — but seeing as you’ll only do it every few months rather than each day, it’s unlikely to be an issue. All of this means the Kindle Paperwhite is a relaxing device to own and use, making it perfect for quietly enjoying a book.

Is the Paperwhite the Kindle to buy?

The Kindle Paperwhite has long been the sweet spot for Kindle buyers, with the desirable front light and adjustable display, durability, and higher-contrast screen making it more practical for not much more money than thestandard Kindle. The slicker performance and larger screen of the latest version make it even more modern and more pleasurable to use.

You are paying another $50 over the basic $110 Kindle for these features, and although the $160 price is higher than it has ever been, the Paperwhite is still going to please most people. While the basic Kindle is also better than ever, it is still a compromise, and we’d recommend spending just a little more to get the Paperwhite so you can enjoy reading books everywhere you go, at all times.

Amazon’s extensive Kindle range means you can spend more on your e-readers, too. Unfortunately, the Kindle Colorsoft looks like a pretty poor value when you understand that having the color screen will mean you’ve got to spend$280 for the pleasure. I recently switched from one to the other and can tell you I’ve hardly missed the color screen. I really only thought about it when I glanced at the library page, where seeing a splash of color was always nice.

Amazon makesa second Paperwhite model, which it calls the Signature Edition, and it comes with 32GB of internal storage rather than 16GB, wireless charging, and auto-brightness. Reviewing the Colorsoft definitely showed me how an e-reader doesn’t always greatly benefit from frills, and the Signature Edition is the Paperwhite with frills you probably don’t really need.

What all this means is that the Paperwhite is still the Kindle you should buy, but if you’d rather spend less, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with the basic Kindle. What I don’t think you need to do is spendmoreon a Kindle, though. It’s best to keep reading a relatively no-frills affair.

Do unlimited reading with Amazon’s most impressive lineup yet.

All the popular models have gotten a big makeover, along with a surprise new addition. The Kindle brand name has long been synonymous with e-readers, and it’s easy to see why Amazon dominates the category.

Amazon is finally embracing color as it adds its first-ever color Kindle to the lineup, called theKindle Colorsoft Signature Edition. For most readers though, the new Kindle Paperwhite (12th Gen) is a fantastic starting point if you’re looking to get your feet wet with an e-reader.

There are plenty of other great picks available at various price points. If you’re in the market for thebest E Ink tablet, here are some of our top choices when it comes to the best e-readers that Amazon makes.

Best overall

(Image credit: Amazon)

1. Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (12th Gen, 2024)

Best overall

Specifications

Display:7-inch Paperwhite display, 300 ppi, 16-level gray scale

Weight:211g

Dimensions:127.6 x 176.7 x 7.8 mm

Storage:16GB

Battery life:Up to 12 weeks

Waterproofing:IPX8

Colors:Black, Raspberry, and Jade

Reasons to buy

+300ppi E Ink screen
+IPX8 water resistance
+Thin and light, with USB-C port
+20% faster than before
+Audible integration
+Slight larger display

Reasons to avoid

-No physical buttons

The Kindle Paperwhite set the benchmark for affordable e-readers for a long time, and the latest model adds even more compelling features to the mix. The highlights of the Paperwhite (12th Gen) model include a faster processor which is said to deliver 25% quicker page turns, and a new oxide thin-film transistor in the display for a higher contrast ratio. The screen size is also slightly larger at 7 inches, and it’s the thinnest Paperwhite device yet. What’s impressive, is the (up to) three-month long battery life.

Like the previous model, the 2024 Kindle Paperwhite has IPX8 water resistance, which lets you take your e-reader to the pool. The Paperwhite can survive up to two meters of water for an hour, giving you much more flexibility. There’s only a single storage variant now with 16GB, allowing you to store thousands of books at a time. The Paperwhite also get an adjustable warm light so you can adjust the screen’s color temperature based on the ambient lighting around you. It comes in three neat colors; Black, Raspberry, and Jade.

Just like the11th Gen Signature Edition, there’s a new Paperwhite Signature Edition (12th Gen) too which has all of the features from the standard model, but with 32GB of storage, wireless charging, and auto-adjusting light sensors for roughly $50 more.

also:ST32 Battery for Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 5

Best entry-level

(Image credit: Amazon)

2. Amazon Kindle (11th Gen, 2024)

Best entry-level

Specifications

Display:6-inch display with built-in light, 300 ppi, 16-level gray scale

Weight:158g

Dimensions:157.8 x 108.6 x 8.0 mm

Storage:16GB

Battery life:Up to six weeks

Waterproofing:No

Colors:Black, Matcha

Reasons to buy

+Great value
+Front light is nifty
+Audible integration
+Lightweight design
+Bluetooth and USB-C charging

Reasons to avoid

-No water resistance

The entry-level Amazon Kindle is the perfect stepping stone if you’ve taken up reading as a hobby. The 2024 refresh comes in a fun Matcha shade, and it’s very compact and light weighing just 158g. It shares many of the features with the new Paperwhite like a 300 ppi display, 16GB of storage, Audible audiobook playback via Bluetooth, and the same max brightness of 94 nits. It does miss out on some features like the waterproofing, adjustable warm light, and has nearly half the battery life of up to six weeks. 

The 2024 Amazon Kindle features faster page turns, and a front light that’s 25% brighter at max settings. Just like before, you can get it with or without lockscreen ads.  

also:58-000271 Battery for Amazon Kindle PaperWhite4 2018

Best for kids

(Image credit: Amazon)

3. Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids (12th Gen, 2024)

Best for kids

Specifications

Display:7-inch Paperwhite display, 300 ppi, 16-level gray scale

Weight:329g

Dimensions:132.2 x 178 x 13.2 mm

Storage:16GB

Battery life:Up to 12 weeks

Waterproofing:IPX8

Colors:Black Kindle with Starfish, Cyber City, or Diary of a Wimpy Kid cover

Reasons to buy

+Same great features of the standard Paperwhite
+Excellent value
+Two-year warranty
+Cover included
+USB Type-C port

Reasons to avoid

-Heavier device
-Only six months of Kids+ subscription (down from 1-year)

There’s never been a better device with a screen to hand to your kids than the Kindle Paperwhite Kids. This 12th Gen 2024 model gets all the same upgrades as the standard 2024 Paperwhite, but with a bundled cover and two years of “worry-free” warranty from Amazon. The latter entitles you to a ‘no-questions-asked’ replacement of the device in case it gets damaged through regular wear and tear. There are three new themes for the covers on the 2024 kids edition, which are Cyber City, Starfish, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

One of the other advanatge of getting the Kids edition of the Paperwhite is the six month subscription to Amazon Kids+. This used to be one year on the previous model, so its a bit of a downgrade actually. With this subscription though, your child will be able to read thousands of kid-friendly books for free. You can even restrict access to certian types of books for your child via the Amazon Kids+ Parent Dashboard app for Android and iOS.

also:MC-354775-03 Battery for Amazon Kindle Paperwhite EY21 2012 Gen 1

Best for writing

(Image credit: Amazon)

4. Amazon Kindle Scribe (2024)

Best for writing

Specifications

Display:10.2-inch Paperwhite display, 300 ppi, 16-level gray scale

Weight:433g

Dimensions:196 x 230 x 5.7 mm

Storage:16GB, 32GB, 64GB

Battery life:Up to 12 weeks

Waterproofing:No

Colors:Black, Matcha

Reasons to buy

+Premium Pen included
+10.2-inch 300ppi e-paper display
+Improved design
+Amazing battery life with USB-C port
+16GB, 32GB, and 64GB memory variants

Reasons to avoid

-Not waterproof
-Large size can be uncomfortable to hold for long durations
-Expensive

The new Kindle Scribe (2024) comes with a redesigned display with evenly thick white borders all around it. The e-reader has the same 10.2-inch glare-free display as the firstKindle Scribe, and with the paper-like texture makes it feel like you’re writing on an actual piece of paper. The new design looks a lot more modern and the added color option is welcomed. Amazon has addressed ourbiggest complaint with the Scribe, and the 2024 model has something called Active Canvas which lets you annotate directly within the pages of the book. Not only that, your notes stay anchored to the text and adapt to the change in layout or font size. This is a fantastic new addition, which should make it easier to read your written notes. 

The new Kindle Scribe lets you highlight text for the first time. There’s also an AI-driven summary feature that’ll come as an update next year, which is said to be able to summarize pages or the notes taken in the hideable side panel. The second generation Scribe has the same three storage variants, and starts at the same price too of $399.99. The e-reader ships with the Premium Pen which is weighted to feel like an actual pen and sticks magneticallly to the side of the Scribe. It even has a soft-tip eraser for erasing written notes.

Best color Kindle

(Image credit: Amazon)

5. Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition

Best color Kindle

Specifications

Display:7-inch Colorsoft display, 300 ppi B&W, 150 ppi color, 16-level gray scale

Weight:219g

Dimensions:127.6 x 176.7 x 7.8 mm

Storage:32GB

Battery life:Up to eight weeks

Waterproofing:IPX8

Colors:Metallic Black

Reasons to buy

+7-inch color display
+Up to eight weeks of battery life
+Same features as Paperwhite Signature Edition
+Supports wireless charging

Reasons to avoid

-Only comes in one color
-Pricey

This bold new addition to the Kindle family finally lets you read your graphic novels in full color. Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition is essentially the Paperwhite Signature Edition but with a new color display. The screen can show black and white content at 300 ppi, but also color at 150 ppi. This version also lets you highlight text in different colors. The paper-like colors should make browsing your library more vibrant and comic books more fun to read. The new Kindle Colorsoft has dedicated child profiles too, so you can share your Kindle with your kids.

The Colorsoft has a claimed battery life of up to eight weeks, which is pretty respectable for a color display. It’s only available in a single Metallic Black though, which means you’ll have to get a case for it if you want a different look. This is Amazon’s first attempt at a color Kindle, which it hopes will keep customers looking for a color e-reader from going to the competition like Onyx Boox. The Kindle Colorsoft only comes in one storage variant, and it’s a bit on the pricey side.

How to choose

Which is the best overall?

The Kindle Paperwhite (12th Gen) is the best e-reader for most people, and it is an absolute steal for what’s on offer. The superb features — in the form of water resistance, a bigger display, and a warm light setting — represent a significant step up from the base Kindle, making the Paperwhite 2024 a no-brainer if you’re in the market for a new e-reader. If you’re simply looking to upgrade from an older device, like a 11th Gen Paperwhite, then this might not be a massive upgrade for you.

What if I’m looking for some extra features?

The Signature Edition of the Paperwhite (12th Gen) tablet is worth looking at if you need more storage and wireless charging, on top of the slew of features already included with the base version.

Which is the best for writing?

The new Kindle Scribe 2024 is currently the best option if you’re looking for anE Ink tabletsporting the Kindle brand. The improved note-taking abilities and upcoming AI-integration makes it a no-brainer over the first model. It is quite expensive though which means you need to make sure you’ll use all its features before making this commitment.

Why should I buy the Kids Paperwhite over the standard version?

If you have a child and you want to get them their own Kindle, you may be wondering why the Kids version of the Paperwhite is a better option than the non-Kids Paperwhite. While the ordinary Paperwhite is certainly a viable pick for a child, the Kids version comes with the Amazon Kids+ trial, along with the Vocabulary Builder and Word Wise tools. A range of cases more suitable for children makes the Kids’ edition of the Paperwhite potentially more appealing visually as well.

What if I want a color e-reader?

In the world of Kindle, you only have one choice right now and that’s the newly launched Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition. It’s essentially the Paperwhite Signature Edition but with a color display and a higher price tag. If you’re reading regular books, this might not be of great value. But if you have a vast comic book or graphic novel collection, viewing them in color would be an infinitely better experience.

Which of the biggest names in ereaders works best for you?

(Image credit: Amazon / Kobo)

Digital reading has gained popularity so much that ereaders are now one of the most popular tablets people are buying. It’s not uncommon to see someone on public transport staring at aKindleor someone scribbling away on an e-paper tablet at the airport lounge while waiting to catch a flight.

And while the name ‘Kindle’ is still synonymous with ‘ereader’, there’s a lot of competition coming from one other brand – Kobo. There are currently five Kobo ereader models to choose from, compared to seven Kindles, but how exactly do the two differ and does it really matter which one you choose?

Well, both brands have ereaders that are quite similar to each other, but they offer something a little different in terms of features. To help you make the best buying choice possible, we’ve put together this little guide to help you answer the ereader conundrum of Kindle vs Kobo – which is best.

Kindle, of course, is owned by Amazon, while Japanese company Rakuten owns Kobo. Both make exquisite e-paper tablets to suit all types of readers and budgets, but they are cut from different cloth. There are other players in the ereader market, of course, with the likes of Onyx Boox, Barnes & Noble’s Nook ereaders and even PocketBook offering alternatives, but their availability around the world is limited and, even though they can be imported, they could cost you a pretty penny to do so.

That leaves Kindles and Kobos as the main choice, so here’s what you need to know before you buy.

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Kindle vs Kobo design, display and features

When it comes to screen technology, both Kobo and Kindle ereaders arealmostthe same for the black-and-white models. The entry-level 2024 Kindle still uses the old hardware, so retains the E Ink Carta 1200 display, but the Kobo Clara BW and the two 2024 Paperwhites now use the E Ink Carta 1300 screen tech.

The next-gen in e-paper technology has a slight edge over the previous 1200 generation as it offers even better contrast than before. That means text on the page appears darker, so easier to read, and also sharper. It’s also a marginally more responsive screen, which makes page turns on the new Kindles remarkably quick.

All the current ereaders available from both Amazon and Kobo have a 300ppi screen resolution for grayscale displays, with the sole exception of the 10.3-inch Kobo Elipsa 2E, which gets a slightly lower 227ppi resolution. That, however, doesn’t diminish how well text and writing appears on the display. However, in terms of design, every Kobo screen is covered in plastic, while Kindle has a couple of models that’s topped with glass, giving them a premium look.

When it comes to screen size, though, Kobo has Kindle beat – covering 6 inches all the way to 10.3 inches, there’s even options for 7 and 8 inches. With Amazon, you get 6 inches, 7 inches and 10.2 inches.

IPX8 water resistance is available from both, (except on the entry-level Kindle and the 10-inch models from both brands), as are adjustable illuminated displays for reading in the dark. Most of the higher-end models also allow you to change the hue (or temperature) of the light from cold to warmer yellow for nighttime reading. However, only the 2024 Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition and the 2024 Kindle Scribe have a front light with an ambient light sensor that auto-adjusts its brightness. The former is also capable of wireless charging, which Kobo doesn’t offer at all.

An increasingly popular feature available from both Kobo and Kindle is Bluetooth, great for pairing wireless earphones, primarily for listening to audiobooks, although Amazon has disabled Audible support for Australia.

Amazon has also discontinued its one and only asymmetric ereader (the Oasis), which means Kobo is the only one to still offer physical page-turn buttons on select devices for better ergonomics when holding a device single-handed.

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Kindle vs Kobo storage and connectivity

Current ereaders from both Kobo and Kindle go from 16GB through to 64GB (the high-end Kindle Scribe) of onboard storage, with all Kobo models from the Libra Colour and bigger offer 32GB as default. We’re not convinced that internal storage is hugely important unless you intend to cram an insane number of audiobooks onto your ereader as, otherwise, the base 16GB can hold hundreds of ebooks, if not thousands.

Kobo devices offer basic Wi-Fi across the entire range, which will suffice for most users, and that’s true on most Kindles, too, although dual-band Wi-Fi is now available on the newer Paperwhite models.

Amazon used to give Kindle users cellular connectivity for downloading ebooks too (and checking email) while away from Wi-Fi, though that no longer seems to be case in any market.

Kindle vs Kobo software, side-loading and storefronts

The most important differences between the Kindle and Kobo are in their software. Both devices are slick enough, especially since Kindle revamped its OS in 2021. Since then, it’s become very Kobo-like.

Depending on which ereader model you buy from either brand, your home screen setup will appear differently, with the number of tabs at the bottom changing if you have a note-taking ereader. Kobo’s OS is a bit more comprehensive here, with multiple tabs for ebooks, notes and Kobo’s own store. We found that the Kindle’s home screen can look comparatively more cluttered than on a Kobo, but it’s still easy to navigate.

Both brands offer direct access to their own online stores hosting many millions of ebooks. The major difference between Kindle and Kobo is that the former is locked to the Amazon store and the latter offers a more widely accessible experience. Kindles are best for those happy to download ebooks (and Audible audiobooks where support is available) to their device only from Amazon, whether via one-time downloads or while usingKindle Unlimitedand/orAmazon PrimeReading.

File format support is quite good from both brands, and that includes the Kindles now playing nice with EPUBs, which are natively supported. That said, you cannot plug in a Kindle directly to your PC to transfer files via a wired connection – you need to use the Send To Kindle platform.

On the other hand, Kobo offers unlimited reading viaKobo Plusin some markets, while its ereaders natively support all kinds of file formats from EPUB and MOBI to PDF and CBZ and CBR Comic Book formats, all of which can be side-loaded either via a wired connection or via cloud sync on the more premium models. Kobo will also allow you to side-load custom fonts too, including Amazon’s own (and rather popular) Bookerly.

In short, Amazon Kindles suit anyone willing to get tied up in a closed ecosystem, while Kobo is a little more open. The only exception that Kobo makes is audiobooks, which will play on it Bluetooth-enabled models when only purchased from the Kobo Store – no side-loaded audiobooks will work on a Kobo.

Kindle vs Kobo note-taking

It’s not much talked about, but ereaders from Kindle and Kobo allow users to highlight passages of text and type notes by pressing, holding and dragging a finger across text. On a Kindle those notes are fully searchable within an online notebook and accessible via the Kindle app on a smartphone.

However, full-featured note-takers are now gaining popularity and Amazon now has two Kindle Scribe models available for purchase. Kobo gives you a bit more variety, with stylus support on the Libra Colour, the Sage and the Elipsa 2E, so it covers different screen sizes. The last model is the only one that ships with the Kobo Stylus 2, but it can be purchased separately for use with the others.

Notes are accessible via the Kindle or Kobo apps, but you can email them to yourself on the Kindle Scribe, or sync toGoogleDrive or Dropbox on one of the Kobos.

While you can scribble in the margins of ebooks on a Kobo Libra Colour, Sage or Elipsa 2E, it works a little differently on the new Kindle Scribe. The latter uses afeature called Active Canvas(which the older Kindle Scribe will get in 2025), that automatically adds a box around your squiggles and indents the adjoining lines to reformat the page, wrapping text around your annotation.

You can create notes/notebooks of various kinds on note-taking ereaders from both brands, although the pen types and ink shades are far better on a Kobo. Moreover,Kobo’s Advanced Notebooksoffer a staggering number of tools that include handwriting recognition for converting your notes to text, plus the capability of inserting drawings, diagrams and formulae into your notes.

There are someAI features on the new Kindle Scribe, but currently available only to US customers. These include a summary option and handwritten conversion.

Borrowing library books

If you live in the US, your options to borrow ebooks from your local public library are much more. Both Kindle and Kobo ereaders will work, with the latter using OverDrive support to do so.

However, if you live outside the US and you wish to borrow library books, then Kobo should be your port of call. Every single Kobo ereader has OverDrive baked in, so you can check with your local library if support is available. After that, you just need a library card to get set up. Kobo is available in select countries, so you will need to check on library support in your local area before deciding to purchase – in Australia, for example, most public libraries now offer OverDrive support.

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Takeaway

There was a time when a Kindle was the better-value device but given Amazon’s penchant for price increases with each new release, it’s getting harder to justify a Kindle. That’s more so because in some markets, Amazon isn’t even offering Audible support on the Kindles anymore.

Kobo, on the other hand, has managed to balance price and features much better and, despite some models costing more, offers better value for money now. From waterproofing for its entry-level model (Kobo Clara BW) to adopting the latest screen tech, Kobo has stayed ahead of the curve.

Moreover, all the 2024 Kobo ereaders are repairable, which is a gold star in our books.

Moreover, if you really want to tinker with the parameters of the text, bring in ebooks and documents in several different formats and arrange them in custom collections, then you should be looking at a Kobo ereader. That goes double if you live outside the US and are keen on borrowing library books.

However, if you’re a bit less demanding and you’re fine with just downloading books from Amazon, a Kindle is probably going to be the most convenient option for you. Or if you live in the US, where there’s wider library support for Kindles.

Build out the smart home that fits your everyday needs rather than focus on specs

(Image credit: Future)
The best smart speakers are powered by one of three smart assistants: Amazon Alexa, Apple’s Siri, or the Google Home Assistant. Alexa remains the most popular as it works with the widest variety of smart home devices and its excellent speakers don’t break the bank. Amazon’s value focus only gets better when you account for its ease-of-use and versatility to play nice with both Android and Apple households.

The Google Home Assistant is a tidbit-lover’s dream. Thanks to the search giant’s wealth of data, it’s more knowledgeable when providing information. Its more human-like speaking cadence and ability to understand multi-part commands stands out from the competition. If you happen to use Google’s services it also offers much tighter news briefings, pulls up more personalized music content, and can even read your emails.

HomePod speakers provide the best sound quality and secure, local processing of all the systems. They’re best for those in the Apple ecosystem. However, Siri isn’t as smart when conversing or giving information. It’s meant primarily for controlling home devices and syncing things like calendar events and messages with your iPhone.

Alexa and Google have traditionally been the more popular platforms due to their wider range of compatible devices. Although each platform supports Matter, its arrival has been most beneficial for Apple’s HomeKit. Matter provides HomeKit with more parity since it now has more smart home devices to choose from and you can transfer Matter devices between platforms.

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Amazon

(Image credit: Future)
Amazon’s Echo was the first smart speaker to hit the market. These speakers offer the best value by balancing affordability with impressive sound. From the easy-to-use Alexa app, even a smart home newbie can build out complex routines to automate tasks. Thanks to understandable “If” and “when” building blocks, you can tell your devices like smart lights to turn on, but only if it’s at certain times on certain days.

Echos are also the most smart-home-oriented devices since they come loaded with sensors and work with the largest number of devices. Even the budget Echo Dot smart speaker can detect motion and temperature changes to trigger automations. Plus, with Alexa, you can even change the wake word, whereas you’re stuck with “Hey Google” or “Hey Siri” with the other two options.

The Alexa assistant experience sits between Google’s brainiac helper and Siri’s more bare-bones nature. It can consult the web for information and have basic conversations about the status of your smart home. Google Assistant fleshes out its answers and provides more context to your questions. For example, ask about an actor’s birthday and you’ll get a whole biography. However, Alexa’s skills (essentially audio apps) allow it to evolve its abilities over time.

Alexa is the most universal platform and is best for most people. But suppose you’re in Apple or Google’s ecosystems. In that case, the other assistants have stronger ties to your accounts in their services, as well as better integration handing off content between either your iOS (Siri) or Android (Google) phone. With Android Auto and Apple CarPlay that means you have those assistants at home, while you drive, and on your phone for the tightest integration possible.

Google

(Image credit: Future)
Google’s Assistant is seriously smart and I consider it more of a “lifestyle” helper than the smart home-centric Alexa. Voice Match customizes your device to offer personalized calendars, flights, payments, photos and more; you can even set your own default media services. On top of that, it handles everyday tasks like booking a reservation or making recommendations better.

The Nest smart speaker lineup isn’t as forward-thinking as Amazon or Apple’s since it lacks built-in smart home sensors to trigger routines. In our faceoff between Alexa and Google Assistant, Amazon’s smart assistant controls devices faster, too. That said, Google Home can still make advanced routines. Plus it’s not as obnoxious with recommendations or attempting to upsell you on a service like Alexa does.

Google knows things. Alexa does them. If you want to get information fast, like directions for how to use a gadget or find a nearby take-out spot, Google Assistant is the way to go.

Apple HomeKit

(Image credit: Future)
Apple’s HomeKit prioritizes seamless connectivity between iOS devices and your smart home. It’s a polished experience with enhanced privacy and security since it encrypts and processes commands locally. Plus, it banks on you always having an iPhone or Apple Watch on hand for a physical universal smart home controller.

Like the rest of Apple’s hardware, you pay a premium for a powerful device that “just works.” HomePods offer unrivaled sound with better woofers and tweeters than Alexa or Google’s speakers, and they tune themselves to the acoustics of the room they’re placed in automatically. If you’re in the Apple ecosystem, this is great for handing off content like calls and music with a press (or you can simply tap your iPhone against it).

Siri still isn’t as smart as Alexa or Google when you ask it questions, deferring to say “Here’s what I found on the web” while taking you to links. We’re hoping to see the assistant evolve with the arrival of Apple Intelligence. Of course it’s quick to remind you about upcoming appointments or set alarms. But at the moment it excels at commands like controlling smart home devices or playing content. You’ll still need to use a third-party app to manage devices like robot vacuums until they arrive in the next HomeKit Matter update. Over time this platform has the potential to be the best, but priciest option.