TL;DR
E-readers still offer a quieter, less straining reading experience than phones and come in models tuned for waterproofing, color displays, or note-taking. The Verge's roundup names the Kindle Paperwhite (2024) as the top Kindle, the Kobo Libra Colour as the best non‑Amazon option, a $90 Kindle as the budget pick, and the Kobo Elipsa 2E for note-taking.
What happened
The Verge published an updated buyer's guide to e-readers that evaluates several recent models and recommends devices for different use cases. The review process involved using each reader as the writer’s primary reading device for at least a week, buying books through device stores, borrowing via OverDrive, and testing sideloading and note features. The Kindle Paperwhite (2024) is recommended as the best Kindle for most people, praised for its 7‑inch 300 ppi display, adjustable warm frontlight, IPX8 water resistance, and improved responsiveness; its Signature Edition adds auto‑adjust lighting and wireless charging. The Kobo Libra Colour is the top non‑Amazon pick, offering a seven‑inch monochrome 300 ppi display with an optional color mode, physical page buttons, and stylus support. The guide also highlights a $90 base Kindle as the best budget option and the Kobo Elipsa 2E for those who prioritize handwriting and annotations.
Why it matters
- Dedicated e-readers reduce distractions and eye strain compared with reading on phones.
- Hardware and software choices affect what bookstore ecosystems and file formats you can access.
- Features like waterproofing, physical page buttons, color E Ink, and stylus support change how and where you can use a device.
- Price differences reflect tradeoffs between display quality, storage, and extra features such as wireless charging or ad-free lock screens.
Key facts
- Kindle Paperwhite (2024) recommended as the best Kindle starting at about $160.
- Paperwhite specs noted: 7‑inch screen, 300 ppi, 16GB storage, IPX8 water resistance, Bluetooth audio support.
- Paperwhite Signature Edition costs about $199.99 and adds auto‑adjusting frontlight, wireless charging, and no lockscreen ads.
- Base Paperwhite includes a warm white frontlight; the cheaper base Kindle uses a cool white frontlight.
- Kindles do not natively support the EPUB open ebook format; Amazon’s formats are proprietary.
- Kobo Libra Colour (32GB, ad‑free) priced around $230, with a 7‑inch display that is 300 ppi in monochrome and 150 ppi in color mode.
- Kobo Libra Colour includes physical page‑turn buttons, Kobo Stylus 2 support, waterproofing, and Bluetooth audio support.
- Best budget pick listed is the Kindle (2024) at about $90 with ads; lockdown ads on Kindles can be removed for an extra fee.
- Kobo Elipsa 2E is highlighted as the best for note‑taking; it’s offered around $400 at major retailers.
What to watch next
- Product updates and new e-reader models under the article’s “What’s coming next” header — not confirmed in the source.
- Advances in color E Ink and note-taking workflows for small‑screen readers — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- E Ink: A display technology used in most e-readers that mimics ink on paper and consumes minimal power.
- IPX8: A water‑resistance rating indicating a device can withstand immersion under specified conditions.
- EPUB: An open, widely used ebook file format supported by many e-readers and bookstores.
- Frontlight: A low‑power lighting system built into e‑reader displays that illuminates the screen for reading in the dark.
Reader FAQ
Which e-reader does the guide recommend as the best overall Kindle?
The Kindle Paperwhite (2024) is named the best Kindle for most people.
Why choose an e-reader over a phone for reading?
E-readers reduce distractions and are designed to lower eye strain, with features like adjustable frontlighting.
Do Kindles read EPUB files?
No — Kindles use Amazon’s proprietary formats and do not natively support EPUB.
Which device is best for handwriting and notes?
The Kobo Elipsa 2E is highlighted as the best e-reader for note‑taking.
TECH ENTERTAINMENT GADGETS The best e-reader to buy right now Whether you want to read in the bath or scribble notes in the margins, there’s an e-reader for just about…
Sources
- The best e-reader to buy right now
- Best E-Readers to Buy in Spring 2025: Top 8 Picks for Every Reader
- The Best Ereaders We've Tested for 2026
- The 3 Best E-Readers of 2026 | Reviews by Wirecutter
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