So, what’s the finest e-reader for 2025? I am often testing new e-readers (and tablets) and biking by means of totally different fashions to remain updated on the most effective choices out there. So, in case you’re gearing as much as learn extra books this summer time or fall, I can advocate a mannequin you will love.
Different e-readers we have examined
From left to proper: Kindle Paperwhite, Nook GlowLight 4 Plus, Kindle Scribe
Credit score: Samantha Mangino / Mashable
Most lately, we have examined the Exceptional PaperPro and Onyx Boox Go 7 as contenders for this record. After a number of weeks of testing, each units proved to be fairly good however not fairly list-worthy.
Everytime you seek for e-readers, Exceptional’s tablets will at all times pop up within the search outcomes, however sadly, it is arduous to acquire ePUB recordsdata on the Exceptional. With Exceptional, you’ll be able to entry recordsdata inside Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive. If in case you have any locked ePUB recordsdata — like from Libby — you will not be capable to entry them on a Exceptional pill. So, after testing the Exceptional pill myself, it proved to be a greater doc reader or digital journal than an e-reader.
The Onyx Boox Go 7 is a greater e-reader choice than the Exceptional. It is the identical dimension because the Kobo Libra or Amazon Kindle, but it surely actually lags on processing velocity. To learn ePUB recordsdata from Libby required downloading the Adobe Digital Editions app onto the Boox Go 7, and there was a lot lag whereas opening and shutting the app. Whereas it was a better course of than getting library books on a Nook, it was nonetheless a serious ache in comparison with Kindle or Kobo’s integrations. The Boox Go 7 lagged and took ages to load recordsdata. I used to be most wanting ahead to testing this Boox due to its page-turning buttons, however sadly, I discovered that they did not work on my system.
An e-reader we have not gotten round to testing is the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft, which simply debuted on Sept. 30, 2025. As of Nov. 2025, it is not out there for preorder but, however as soon as we get a mannequin to check, we’ll replace this information with our suggestions.
What in regards to the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Version?
Should you’re acquainted with the Kindle lineup, it could come as a shock that the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Version is not on this record. Do not get me incorrect, it is nice, however I feel there are higher choices. The Signature Version is an upgraded model of the Paperwhite, and we have in contrast the units head-to-head. The brief model? The Paperwhite is a greater worth, even with the SE’s added options like auto-adjusting brightness and 32GB of storage.
If you’re ready to spend $200 on an e-reader, although, I say skip the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Version and go for the Kobo Libra Color.
The place’s the Nook on this record?
By way of big-name e-readers, you would possibly discover one omission from this record: the Barnes & Noble Nook. I’ve examined this e-reader, and it was beforehand featured on this record. Nonetheless, after testing extra units, it now not makes the reduce. Compared to any of the Kindles or the Kobo Libra, the Nook has sloth-like efficiency, making it irritating to make use of.
Plus, getting my library books onto the Nook was a nightmare, because it was a multi-step course of that required downloading to a pc earlier than importing to a Nook. Its solely redeeming high quality was the buttons on both facet of the system, which made web page turning a breeze. Nonetheless, until you’re a loyal purchaser of Barnes & Noble books, I like to recommend steering away from the Nook.
The place to get e-reader books totally free
When you get an e-reader, it is time to fill it up with books, and that does not essentially imply spending cash. In truth, you’ll be able to load up your e-reader with out spending a dime; you simply have to be a bit resourceful.
The easiest way to learn practically any e book — a traditional or scorching new launch — is with Libby. I’ve learn a whole lot of free books with the Libby app — I would not have been in a position to check for this information with out it. It connects along with your library card, permitting you to borrow out of your native library’s digital assortment. Plus, each Kobo and Kindle have distinctive Libby integrations.
One other strategy to construct your library is thru Stuff Your Kindle Day occasions. These are 24-hour alternatives led by authors that make books discounted or free.
Should you’re a fan of the classics or seeking to uncover a treasure misplaced to time, an internet useful resource like Mission Gutenberg has greater than 75,000 books within the public area you can obtain and browse on an e-reader.
