Best ereaders for 2024, tried and tested

Ereader FAQs

What screen size do you need?

The most common screen size of choice is often 6in (15cm), with the likes of Amazon’s paperwhite and Kobo devices abiding by this industry standard.

Do you need a colour screen?

If you’re using your ereader for anything other than reading books, for example, magazines and comic books, a colour screen may be a better choice, so you can see the images more clearly.

Benefits of an ereader vs a tablet

At first look, an ereader and tablet look fairly similar in terms of their rectangular shape, but there are some major differences. As the name suggests, an ereader is ideal for those who just want to read on a device, as they’re designed for downloading books, magazines and newspapers.

As for their benefits, they’re usually smaller and lighter than tablets, making them more portable, they also have an anti-glare screen, making them better for reading in bright light, while some devices are also waterproof – an ideal solution for holidays. Another pro is that they are often more affordable than tablets.

What ereaders can you listen to audiobooks on?

Since the second-generation Kindle oasis was released in 2017, all new Kindle models, including the paperwhite and kids edition, support audiobook listening on Amazon’s Audible.

Similarly, some Kobo ereaders support wireless Bluetooth technology to connect to Kobo Audiobooks and read you a story when your hands are tied.

Do you need a waterproof ereader?

The benefits of opting for a waterproof ereader mean you can take it on holiday and not have to worry about it breaking if it gets wet by the pool or on the beach. Similarly, if you enjoy reading in the bath, a waterproof ereader is a safe bet.

What kind of wireless connection do you need for an ereader?

Depending on your device, your ereader will require wifi to download books, magazines and newspapers. For some models, including the Amazon Kindle oasis (£229.99, Amazon.co.uk) and Amazon Kindle paperwhite (£149.99, Amazon.co.uk), you can use 4G, meaning you won’t be limited to a wireless connection, and can download books on the go.

The verdict: Ereaders

While Amazon still dominates the market, and its Kindle paperwhite is really exceptional (gaining the top spot in this round-up), there are now strong alternatives, such as the Kobo Clara colour and its monochrome sibling, the Kobo Clara BW. Meanwhile, the large screen and stylus capability of the Amazon Kindle scribe make it another standout.

For more portable devices to keep you entertained, we’ve rounded up the best tablets for drawing, gaming and films