So, what’s the greatest e-reader for 2026? I am frequently testing new e-readers (and tablets) and biking via totally different fashions to remain updated on the most effective choices obtainable. So, if you happen to’re gearing as much as learn extra books this 12 months, I can advocate a mannequin you may love.
Different e-readers we have examined
From left to proper: Kindle Paperwhite, Nook GlowLight 4 Plus, Kindle Scribe
Credit score: Samantha Mangino / Mashable
The most recent e-readers I examined had been the Kindle Scribe (2025) and Kindle Scribe Colorsoft. Beforehand, Kindle Scribes had been disappointing e-readers, however Amazon made main enhancements on these units, and now, they’re worthy of your consideration. We have included the Kindle Scribe (2025) on this listing as a result of it is a greater worth, even when the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft is technically extra spectacular. For extra particulars on the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft, you may learn our full evaluation.
We have additionally examined the Outstanding PaperPro and Onyx Boox Go 7 as contenders for this listing. 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, Outstanding’s tablets will all the time pop up within the search outcomes, however sadly, it is exhausting to acquire ePUB information on the Outstanding. With Outstanding, you may entry information inside Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive. In case you have any locked ePUB information — like from Libby — you will not be capable of entry them on a Outstanding pill. So, after testing the Outstanding 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 possibility than the Outstanding. It is the identical dimension because the Kobo Libra or Amazon Kindle, nevertheless it actually lags on processing pace. To learn ePUB information 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 significant ache in comparison with Kindle or Kobo’s integrations. The Boox Go 7 lagged and took ages to load information. I used to be most trying 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 is now obtainable for buy. We’re making an attempt out some newer names within the e-reader recreation, together with the Xteink X4 and DuRoBo Krono.
What in regards to the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Version?
Should you’re aware of the Kindle lineup, it might come as a shock that the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Version is not on this listing. Do not get me unsuitable, 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 listing?
By way of big-name e-readers, you may discover one omission from this listing: the Barnes & Noble Nook. I’ve examined this e-reader, and it was beforehand featured on this listing. Nonetheless, after testing extra units, it not makes the lower. 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 without spending a dime
When you get an e-reader, it is time to fill it up with books, and that does not essentially imply spending cash. In reality, you may load up your e-reader with out spending a dime; you simply should be a bit resourceful.
One of the simplest ways to learn practically any e-book — a basic or sizzling new launch — is with Libby. I’ve learn tons of of free books with the Libby app — I would not have been capable of take a look at 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 technique 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 trying to uncover a treasure misplaced to time, a web-based useful resource like Undertaking Gutenberg has greater than 75,000 books within the public area that you may obtain and skim on an e-reader.
