eReaders have been popular for many years because they allow you to easily store and read thousands of books all in a neat, handheld device. Whether you're looking for light entertainment on your commute to work or something to keep you occupied on your holidays, there's an eReader for everyone.
Nowadays there are hundreds available, so we’ve put together a guide that covers the most common questions to help you bookworms out. After that, we’ll share our favourites. From textbook or PDF capable gadgets for students to large screens for manga or seniors, along with backlight options for tired eyes, we’ve got it all, including plenty under £100.
Quick List - Top eReaders
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There are several different variations when it comes to eReader size. If you're constantly on the move or intending to use it a lot outside of your home, it might be better to look out for a minute 6 inches eReader that's more portable and ideal for the commute.
There is something else to consider if your eyesight isn't perfect or you struggle with small text, though. Whilst many eReaders offer the option of changing the font size, it’s unquestionably going to be easier to read if you have a bigger screen, to begin with. A mammoth 10 inches eReader will save you from straining your eyes as it lets you see the text more clearly.
Save yourself from the eye strain and pick up some reading glasses.
Each eReader has direct access to a certain eBook store, much like each smartphone has its own app marketplace. The brand you choose determines which books are available, and when.
For example, Nook and Kobo link up with the Barnes and Noble and Borders eBook stores respectively, while Kindle’s are linked with Amazon’s store. The Kindle is the most popular because Amazon store seems to have the largest selection of books.
E-book files come in different formats, so it's vital to consider which formats your e-reader supports. The AZW and AZW3(KF8), which are variants of MOBI, are the primary formats for Kindle, while Nook is built on EPUB format. EPUB is the most widely adopted format, but Kindles cannot read it natively unless converted into a supported Kindle file format.
Also, as well as text files, most readers work with formats like PDF, JPG and HTML – good news for textbook or graphic novel viewers. However, things do become more complicated if you’re upgrading to a new eReader, as each store uses their own combination of formats.
If this is the case and you want to re-read the content you already have (without paying for them again), then we'd recommend sticking to the same brand. Otherwise, you’ll be jumping through hoops trying to get your eBooks to your new device, and this isn’t always possible.
For a standard eReader that's going to be used simply for books and no other multimedia, a device with 4 GB of memory will provide space for several thousand books. However, if you’d like a device that allows access to other types of multimedia too, then picking up a device with storage closer to 32 GB is advised as files like audio and video are much larger.
It’s now possible to pick up an eReader that'll also play music or audiobooks and allow for web browsing. If you don’t have much other portable technology, this could be a nifty 2-in-1 deal for you.
However, they don’t always function at the same speed as an actual tablet, which can lead to a slightly frustrating experience. But if you'd like it for small tasks, such as checking the football results, it should easily manage the job.
Listen to audiobooks with the best budget over ear headphones or wireless earbuds.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Rakuten Kobo Clara HD | ![]() | A Great Alternative to the Amazon Kindle | |
2 | Amazon Kindle Paperwhite|11th Generation | ![]() | Super Sharp eReader With Adjustable Shade | |
3 | Amazon Kindle Touch | ![]() | Basic 4 GB eReader for an Affordable Price | |
4 | Rakuten Kobo Libra H20 | ![]() | Outstanding Waterproof Design for Reading in the Bath | |
5 | Amazon Kindle Kids Edition | ![]() | Ideal First eReader for Kids With Parental Controls | |
6 | Amazon Kindle Oasis | ![]() | High-End eReader With Colour-Adjustable Backlight and IPX8 Waterproof Rating | |
7 | Onyx Boox Note 2 | ![]() | A Large 10.3” Screen for Digital Note Taking |
We think the Rakuten Kobo Clara HD is a well-respected adversary to Amazon's latest Kindle, and while it's difficult to separate the two, we did find some factors that tilted us toward the Kobo. Firstly, it weighs considerably less, making it easier to hold for long periods of time.
And while there is no discernible quality difference in the text, the Kobo clearly has much better resolution with images. It also has a much more comforting orangey backlight that many reviewers preferred when winding down with a book before bed, especially older readers. For these reasons and more, this eReader takes our top spot!
The latest portrait of the Paperwhite from Amazon has kept many of the most-loved features from the original. It's the same size and shape, making it perfect for around the house or your commute. However, there are some under-the-hood upgrades, such as a grippy outer material, and a flush instead of raised screen.
Moreover, the text display is super sharp and much more well-lit than the older version. The display is also easy on the eyes with adjustable warm light to change the screen shade from white to amber. It's 10% brighter than the previous generation, making it the model with the sharpest display in the whole range.
The smallest, lightest and most affordable Kindle is the OG of the Amazon family. The latest version of the classic has now introduced a credible backlight, and this simple addition makes it much more difficult to justify buying a fancier and more expensive eReader if you only plan on using it occasionally.
The 10th generation model has a clear and precise display, and all the features that made the previous models such a hit. It's a great design and size for holding whilst you're being swung about on the train or bus, and although we've chosen the white design here, it's available in a more classic black colourway too.
Looking to enjoy your next book in the bath? Then the Kobo Libra h20 can join you without fear of the book getting wet and the words running off the pages – or you breaking your new fancy gizmo, thanks to its IPX8 rating. Also, like the Forma, this model has a handle to create a realistic reading affair.
It comes in slightly smaller than the Forma too, and is overall a much better design. The materials used aren't as fancy as the Kindle range, but if you're planning on picking up a cover that isn't going to be much of a problem. Also, it's what's on the inside that counts, right?
Next, an eReader aimed at children, because we think they deserve nothing but the best. It's available in either blue, pink, or a couple of patterned designs, and while the specs aren't mind-blowing (though definitely still adequate), that isn't what Amazon are aiming at you here.
Instead, they're focusing on safety and bundle packaging. The safety comes in the form of a case that offers protection and a 2-year 'no questions asked' warranty should any accidents happen. Furthermore, in the UK you'll get 1-year ad-free, and 1-year Amazon Fire access to over 1000 books, for up to 4 children.
The most expensive and luxurious in Amazon's arsenal of eReaders, the latest Oasis has incorporated some new features whilst keeping the favourites from its previous models. The big new feature is its colour-adjustable backlight that changes in accordance with the sun or light you're reading in.
Moreover, it's rated IPX8, which means it will survive 60 minutes underwater at 2 metres, plenty of time to get the truth from the kids about where they've put your books! The downside is that with all of this luxury comes a luxurious price tag, but if you've got the money you're not going to be disappointed.
This baby is not only an eReader but also a digital note-taking device, which makes it ideal for students and people who need to annotate files. It's also one of the largest eReaders around, so it's easier for those who have trouble viewing smaller fonts.
It's not for everyone though – at over 10", it isn't exactly going to fit in your pocket. Also, if you're looking solely for a reader then spending the best part of £700 could be a bit much. Think of all the actual books you could buy with that!
No. 1: Rakuten|Kobo Clara HD
No. 2: Amazon|Kindle Paperwhite|11th Generation
No. 3: Amazon|Kindle Touch
No. 4: Rakuten|Kobo Libra H20
No. 5: Amazon|Kindle Kids Edition
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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