8 best e-readers to enjoy your books
The best e-books in 2024 (photo: Unsplash)
In the world of modern technology, e-books are becoming increasingly popular among reading enthusiasts. In 2024, the market was replenished with new models that promise to improve the reading experience with advanced features and ease of use.
RBC-Ukraine tells about the 8 best e-books worth buying for comfortable reading with a link to PCMag, a website about computers, the latest technologies, and gadgets.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
Price: $134.99
Despite being released a few years ago, the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021) is still one of the most advanced reading tablets on the market. It's waterproof, the battery lasts for weeks, and the 300ppi E Ink display is crisp and comfortable to read.
This tablet is perfect for any reading enthusiast who wants to go e-reader. It's lightweight, fits easily into a bag or backpack, and can run on a single charge for a very long time.
Pros:
- Large screen
- Waterproof case
- Flat design
- Adjustable backlight with warm light
Cons:
- Lack of Immersive Reading mode. Some users may miss this feature, which removes interface elements from the screen for complete immersion in the book
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids
Price: $169.99
The Kindle Paperwhite Kids is a version of the popular Kindle Paperwhite reader designed specifically for children. It has the same hardware as the regular version, but has several differences:
- Protective case. Protects the device from scratches and drops
- Two-year warranty. Allows you not to worry about accidental breakdowns
- Amazon Kids+ subscription for a year. Gives children access to a huge library of age-appropriate books
The Kindle Paperwhite Kids is a great choice for young readers. If you want to save money, consider the Kindle Kids, which is not waterproof and has a smaller screen.
Pros:
- Waterproof body and flat design
- Long warranty
- A case is included
- Large library of books with Kids+ subscription
Cons:
- Kids+ subscription is valid for only one year. After the end of the term, a separate renewal fee will be required
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids
Apple iPad (10th generation)
Price: $299.99
The Apple iPad, with its color LCD screen, is much better suited for watching movies, playing games, and surfing the web than the monochrome E Ink displays of most e-readers.
However, its backlighting can tire your eyes during prolonged reading. On the other hand, thanks to the huge selection of apps, you can access any digital book, regardless of platform.
The basic iPad model is ideal for those who have collections of e-books or comics from different sources and want to read them conveniently on one device.
Pros:
- Stylish design reminiscent of the iPad Pro
- Universal USB-C port
- High-quality cameras
- Good speakers
- High performance
Cons:
- No Touch ID button
- Lack of Face ID
Apple iPad (10th generation)
Onyx Boox Note Air 3 C
Price: $499.99
The Onyx Boox Note Air 3 C reading tablet is not cheap, but its color E-Ink display makes it stand out from competitors with black and white screens. It comes with a stylus for handwritten notes and markup of e-books and PDFs.
The device runs on a simplified and intuitive version of Android and has full access to the Google Play Store.
The Onyx Boox Note Air 3 C is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a reliable E-Ink tablet for work or school. You won't be able to play games or watch videos on its color display, but thanks to the Google Play Store, you'll have access to a variety of different reading apps.
Pros:
- Large and clear color E Ink display
- Excellent note-taking capabilities
- Access to multiple reading platforms
- Long battery life
Cons:
- The high price
- Weak speakers
Amazon Kindle
Price: $99.99
Amazon's most basic Kindle model has the same sharp screen as the Paperwhite, as well as more storage and a larger battery than its predecessor.
Although you can't adjust the color temperature of the backlight, this tablet still offers a pleasant reading experience at an affordable price.
If you're on a budget or just getting started with e-books, the basic Kindle is a great place to start. It can hold an entire library thanks to its storage capacity, displays text in high definition, and has a convenient backlight for reading in the dark.
Pros:
- Significantly clearer screen than previous Kindle models
- Long battery life
- Supports many file formats
Cons:
- Not waterproof
- It is impossible to adjust the color temperature of the backlight
Amazon Kindle
Amazon Kindle Scribe
Price: $234.99
The Amazon Kindle Scribe is the company's first E Ink-based tablet with a large screen designed for both reading and note-taking. It comes with a stylus, but surprisingly, it doesn't allow you to freely make notes on Kindle books.
Instead, you have to use the Amazon app for post-it notes, which will then be linked to the page on which you made the note.
Kindle Scribe is a good choice if you like to take collaborative notes or jot down ideas while reading. But if you need to write directly in the margins of books, you should look for another device.
Pros:
- Large, clear screen
- Backlight with temperature control
- Smooth note-taking process
- Attractive design and quality materials
Cons:
- No tools for professional drawing
- Uncomfortable to hold with one hand
- Not waterproof
Amazon Kindle Scribe (photo: Amazon)
Kobo Clara 2E
Price: $139.99
The Kobo Clara 2E is a compact and waterproof e-book reader that can compete with the Amazon Paperwhite.
It's a little slower than Amazon's device and doesn't support Kindle books, but you can access your local library's digital collection through Kobo's partnership with OverDrive.
This is a good e-reader for you if you most often read books from your library through the OverDrive service. However, before purchasing the device, make sure that your library works with it (not all libraries use OverDrive).
Pros:
- Supports libraries through the OverDrive service
- Supports many e-book formats
- Bright screen with high-resolution
- Waterproof case
- Compact size
- Made from recycled materials
Cons:
- Low performance
- Supports only Kobo audiobooks
Kobo Clara 2E
Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight 4
Price: $164.99
Barnes & Noble continues to produce e-book readers, and the Nook GlowLight 4 is the best of them all. It is a simple, compact, and convenient device, although it lacks the features of many competitors at the same price.
The Nook GlowLight 4 is suitable for those who have already accumulated a large collection of Nook books and have decided to stay on this platform.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight
- Physical page turn buttons
- Clear text
- Screen recessed into the body
Cons:
- Not waterproof
- Inconvenient support for libraries
Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight 4 (photo: PCMag)
