How to Choose an E-Reader
When shopping for an e-reader, there are three key factors worth paying close attention to.
1. Screen Size and Resolution A 6-inch screen is compact and easy to carry, making it ideal for novels. A 7-inch screen gives you more room for manga and charts. If you want to annotate PDFs or use your e-reader as a digital notebook, look for a 10-inch model. Aim for 300 ppi resolution – at this level, text looks crisp and paper-like.
2. Color E Ink Support Color E Ink models have become increasingly available since 2025. If you want to enjoy color manga pages or magazines, pick a color-capable model. For novel readers, a standard black-and-white screen offers higher contrast and better battery life.
3. Waterproofing and Storage Capacity If you like to read in the bath or by the pool, IPX8 waterproofing is a must. For storage, 8GB holds thousands of novels, but manga readers should go with 16GB or more to avoid running out of space.
E-Reader Comparison Table
| Product | Screen Size | Color | Waterproof | Storage | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kindle Paperwhite (12th Gen) | 7 inches | No | IPX8 | 16GB | ~$150 |
| Kindle (11th Gen) | 6 inches | No | No | 16GB | ~$100 |
| Kindle Colorsoft | 7 inches | Yes | IPX8 | 32GB | ~$280 |
| Kindle Scribe | 10.2 inches | No | No | 16/32/64GB | ~$400+ |
| Kobo Libra Colour | 7 inches | Yes | IPX8 | 32GB | ~$220 |
| Kobo Clara BW | 6 inches | No | IPX8 | 16GB | ~$130 |
Product Details
1. Kindle Paperwhite (12th Gen) – Our Top Pick
The Kindle Paperwhite is the most well-rounded e-reader for the majority of readers. Its 7-inch E Ink display runs at 300 ppi, delivering sharp, clear text that looks just like printed paper. Page turns are noticeably faster than the previous generation, making for a smooth reading experience. IPX8 waterproofing means you can read in the bath without worry, and the battery lasts up to 12 weeks on a single charge. The warm light feature lets you shift the screen to a warmer tone for comfortable nighttime reading.
2. Kindle (11th Gen) – Best Budget Option
At around $100, the entry-level Kindle is the most affordable way to start reading digitally. The 6-inch screen is a comfortable size for novels, and it shares the same 300 ppi resolution as its more expensive siblings. It lacks waterproofing, but if you mainly read on your commute or in bed, the performance is more than adequate. With 16GB of storage, you can carry thousands of books in your pocket. This is the perfect starter device for anyone curious about e-readers.
3. Kindle Colorsoft – Best Color Kindle
The Kindle Colorsoft brings color E Ink to the Kindle lineup. Its 7-inch color display lets you enjoy color manga pages and magazine covers with the eye-friendly characteristics of E Ink technology. The colors are more muted than a tablet LCD, but they look natural under ambient light, and you can read for hours without eye strain. IPX8 waterproofing and 32GB of storage make it a solid choice for manga fans who want a large library and the freedom to read anywhere.
4. Kindle Scribe – Best for Note-Taking
The Kindle Scribe features a large 10.2-inch display and comes with a stylus for handwriting directly on the screen. It doubles as both an e-reader and a digital notebook, letting you annotate PDFs, take notes, and read books on a single device. The big screen also makes it great for technical books and manga. If you want to combine reading and note-taking in one device, the Scribe is the only option in the Kindle family.
5. Kobo Libra Colour – Best Kobo for Color Reading
The Kobo Libra Colour pairs a 7-inch color E Ink display with IPX8 waterproofing and native EPUB support. It features physical page-turn buttons on the side, which makes one-handed reading easy and practical. A stylus (sold separately) is also supported for highlighting and note-taking. If you prefer an ecosystem outside of Amazon or want more flexibility with file formats, this is a strong contender.
6. Kobo Clara BW – Best Budget Kobo
The Kobo Clara BW is a dependable entry-level e-reader with a 6-inch E Ink display and IPX8 waterproofing – a feature its Kindle counterpart at this price point does not offer. With 16GB of storage and a dark mode for nighttime reading, it covers the essentials well. If you want a waterproof budget e-reader with EPUB support, the Clara BW is a smart pick.
Summary
If you can only pick one, go with the Kindle Paperwhite (12th Gen). Its 7-inch high-resolution screen, waterproofing, and marathon battery life give you everything you need for a great reading experience. On a tight budget? The Kindle (11th Gen) is a solid starting point. Want color manga pages? Check out the Kindle Colorsoft. Prefer the Kobo ecosystem? The Kobo Libra Colour is your best bet.