The top 10 e-readers to consider in 2025

Introduction

The e-reader landscape in 2025 is more vibrant and diverse than ever. With advancements in E Ink technology, improved battery life, and a growing focus on eco-friendly materials, e-readers have become indispensable for book lovers, students, and professionals alike. Whether you’re a casual reader, a comic enthusiast, or a note-taking power user, there’s an e-reader tailored to your needs. This guide brings together the top 10 e-readers to consider in 2025, integrating insights from multiple expert sources and highlighting what makes each device stand out.

What to Look for in an E-Reader in 2025

Before diving into our top picks, consider these essential features:

Display Quality: Look for sharp text (300 PPI or higher), glare-free E Ink Carta 1200/1300, and color E Ink (Kaleido 3 or newer) if you enjoy comics or magazines.
Front Light & Color Temperature: Adjustable warm and cool lighting for comfortable reading day or night.
Battery Life: Most e-readers last weeks on a single charge, but color screens and heavy note-taking can reduce this.
Storage: 8GB is standard, but 16GB or 32GB is preferable for audiobooks or large files.
Waterproofing: IPX8 is common in mid- to high-end models, perfect for reading by the pool or bath.
Ecosystem & File Support: Kindle, Kobo, and PocketBook each offer unique libraries and file compatibility (EPUB, MOBI, PDF, CBZ/CBR).
Note-Taking & Stylus Support: Increasingly popular, especially on larger screens.
Audiobook Support: Bluetooth connectivity is a plus for audiobook lovers.

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Top 10 E-Readers for 2025

1. Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (2025 Model)

A perennial favorite, the latest Paperwhite Signature Edition offers a 6.8-inch glare-free E Ink Carta 1300 display, wireless charging, 32GB storage, and IPX8 waterproofing. Its seamless integration with Amazon’s Kindle Store and long battery life make it ideal for most readers.

Pros: Excellent screen, wireless charging, robust ecosystem.
Cons: Primarily tied to Amazon’s ecosystem, limited native EPUB support.
Learn more

2. Kobo Libra Colour

Kobo’s Libra Colour brings vibrant color E Ink to the mainstream, making it perfect for comics, illustrated books, and color-coded notes. Its ergonomic design, physical page-turn buttons, and OverDrive integration for library borrowing set it apart.

Pros: Color display, ergonomic, broad file support.
Cons: Color E Ink has lower resolution for color content.
Explore Kobo Libra Colour

3. Onyx Boox Note Air 3

A powerhouse for students and professionals, the Note Air 3 features a 10.3-inch color E Ink display, advanced note-taking with stylus, Android 12 with Google Play, and split-screen multitasking.

Pros: Versatile, excellent for PDFs and note-taking, Android flexibility.
Cons: Premium price, shorter battery life with heavy app use.
Discover Onyx Boox Note Air 3

4. Amazon Kindle Scribe (2nd Generation Anticipated)

The Kindle Scribe is Amazon’s answer to digital note-taking, offering a large 10.2-inch display and a premium pen for natural handwriting. Expect improved integration and writing experience in the anticipated 2025 refresh.

Pros: Large screen, natural writing feel, Kindle library access.
Cons: Note-taking features less versatile than Android competitors.
Check for updates

5. Kobo Elipsa 2E

Kobo’s Elipsa 2E is a direct competitor to the Kindle Scribe, with a 10.3-inch screen, included stylus, and superior PDF handling. It supports a wide range of file formats and integrates with Dropbox for easy file management.

Pros: Excellent for PDFs, stylus included, broad format support.
Cons: Large size, premium price.
Kobo Elipsa 2E overview

6. PocketBook Era Pro

The PocketBook Era Pro offers a robust 7-inch glare-free screen, support for 29 file formats, built-in speakers, and Text-to-Speech. Its Dropbox and cloud integration make it accessible for visually impaired users and tech enthusiasts.

Pros: Extensive format support, audio features, cloud sync.
Cons: Interface may feel less polished than Kindle or Kobo.
PocketBook Era Pro details

7. Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight 4 Plus

A favorite among US readers, the Nook GlowLight 4 Plus features a comfortable 7.8-inch display, waterproof design, and physical page-turn buttons. It’s a solid choice for those who prefer the Barnes & Noble ecosystem.

Pros: Waterproof, physical buttons, adjustable color temperature.
Cons: Limited to Barnes & Noble’s ecosystem.
Nook GlowLight 4 Plus info

8. PocketBook InkPad Color 2

For comic and magazine lovers, the InkPad Color 2’s 7.8-inch color E Ink display is a game-changer. It supports a wide range of formats and offers long battery life despite its color capabilities.

Pros: Color display, great for illustrated content, extensive format support.
Cons: Color vibrancy still developing in E Ink.
Learn About PocketBook

9. reMarkable 3 (Hypothetical)

The reMarkable 3 is expected to refine its best-in-class writing feel with a 10.3-inch CANVAS display and ultra-low latency stylus. It’s ideal for distraction-free note-taking and sketching.

Pros: Unparalleled writing feel, minimalist OS.
Cons: Limited e-reading features, subscription for full cloud features.
Visit reMarkable

10. Amazon Kindle (Basic 2025 Model)

The entry-level Kindle remains a fantastic value, now likely featuring a 6-inch 300 PPI display, USB-C charging, and increased storage. It’s perfect for budget-conscious readers and first-time buyers.

Pros: Affordable, lightweight, access to Kindle ecosystem.
Cons: Lacks premium features like waterproofing or warm light.
Amazon Basic Kindle

Comparison Table

E-Reader	Display Size	Storage	Battery Life	Waterproof	Notable Features	Price Range
Kindle Paperwhite Signature	6.8"	32GB	10 weeks	Yes	Wireless charging, warm light	$159–$189
Kobo Libra Colour	7"	32GB	6 weeks	Yes	Color E Ink, OverDrive	$189–$219
Onyx Boox Note Air 3	10.3"	64GB	2 weeks	No	Android, stylus, split-screen	$499+
Kindle Scribe	10.2"	16–64GB	3 weeks	No	Premium pen, note-taking	$339+
Kobo Elipsa 2E	10.3"	32GB	4 weeks	No	Stylus, Dropbox, PDF support	$399+
PocketBook Era Pro	7"	32GB	6 weeks	Yes	Audio, TTS, cloud integration	$229+
Nook GlowLight 4 Plus	7.8"	32GB	6 weeks	Yes	Physical buttons, waterproof	$199+
PocketBook InkPad Color 2	7.8"	16GB	4 weeks	No	Color E Ink, format support	$279+
reMarkable 3	10.3"	8GB	2 weeks	No	Best writing feel, minimal OS	$399+
Kindle (Basic 2025)	6"	16GB	6 weeks	No	Affordable, compact	$99+

How to Choose the Right E-Reader

Reading Habits: Heavy readers may prefer premium models with better displays and longer battery life, while casual readers can opt for basic models.
Ecosystem: Kindle offers the largest selection, Kobo excels in library integration and open formats, and PocketBook provides maximum flexibility.
Note-Taking: If you annotate or sketch, choose a device with stylus support.
Budget: E-readers range from under $100 to over $500. Factor in accessories and book costs.

For more on staying focused and minimizing digital distractions, see How to stay focused when distractions take over and The benefits of taking a digital detox for your mental and physical health.

The Future of E-Reading

2025 is an exciting year for e-readers, with trends like improved color displays, enhanced note-taking, and sustainable materials shaping the market. Whether you’re drawn to the versatility of the Onyx Boox Note Air 3, the eco-friendly Kobo Clara 2E, or the reliable Kindle Paperwhite, there’s a perfect device for every reader.

If you’re interested in other digital devices for creativity or entertainment, check out:

Final Thoughts

The best e-reader is the one that fits your reading style, ecosystem preference, and budget. Visit a store to handle different models if possible, as the feel and interface can greatly impact your experience. With the right device, you’ll enjoy countless hours of immersive reading—anytime, anywhere.

"Reading is a conversation. All books talk. But a good book listens as well." – Mark Haddon

Happy reading!