I tested this e-reader for 3 months — can it replace my Kindle?

NBC News

24-04-2025

The beauty of reading, for me, has always been the physical act — turning a page, folding a dog ear to mark my spot or slipping off a hardcover's dust jacket. But while I love physical books, I can't deny the convenience of an e-reader.
I've owned several versions of the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite over the last five or six years. It's a great device, but I always dreamed of something more flexible — something not so tethered to the Amazon ecosystem. That's what drew me to the Onyx Boox Palma 2.
I tested the Boox Palma 2 for over three months, using it to read books, flip through manga, listen to podcasts and even scan documents. Picture an e-ink display packed into a smartphone-sized body — that's the Palma 2. Here's everything you should know before switching to this e-reader.
What is the Boox Palma 2?
Onyx Boox Palma 2
The Boox Palma 2 is far more than a traditional e-reader. It can browse the web, play music and podcasts, and download any app available in the Google Play Store — making it less of a dedicated e-reader and more of a distraction-free smart device. It's also roughly the size of an iPhone 16 Pro Max, compact enough to fit in the palm of your hand.
The Palma 2 is versatile and easy to use. I could read through multiple books and comics because of how comfortable it felt in my hand. My Kindle, while lightweight, could often feel cumbersome to hold for longer reading sessions; the Palma 2 alleviated that issue — it weighs only six ounces. The battery life was also excellent. I could get anywhere from one to two weeks between charges during my testing. You can also pair the Boox Palma to a keyboard and type up notes.
If you want a device that can pull double duty as a semi-smart phone without distracting notifications or constant alerts, you will see the beauty of the Palma 2 design.
How I tried the Boox Palma 2
Boox sent me the Palma 2 to test, and I used it extensively for three months. I read multiple books, streamed music and podcasts and explored its full app functionality. I used it alongside my Kindle Paperwhite to compare refresh rates, UI smoothness and battery performance.
My experience with the Boox Palma 2
What I like
Display and reading experience
The Palma 2's e-ink screen is crisp and clear — especially noticeable when reading visually rich content like comics or manga. I loved being able to switch between Libby, the Kindle app and even uploaded PDF and EPUB files. The device is format-agnostic, which means you're not locked into one ecosystem — a huge plus over most e-readers.
Portability and design
What sets the Palma 2 apart is its portability. It's about the size of a phone, weighs just six ounces, and easily fits into your back pocket or jacket. While the Kindle is also lightweight, the Palma's slim form factor and added functionality make it feel more practical for daily use.
The Palma 2 also includes a fingerprint sensor and customizable side buttons. I programmed mine to quickly launch my notes app or open a web browser — features you won't find on a Kindle or Kobo.
Audio and connectivity
The Palma 2 has built-in Bluetooth, so connecting headphones was a breeze. I listened to Spotify, Audible, and podcasts without any issues. I also connected a Bluetooth keyboard for note-taking — the pairing process was seamless.
Battery life
I was consistently impressed by the battery. I could go one to two weeks without needing a charge, even while streaming music and reading daily. Compared to my Kindle, it held its own — and it even helped conserve my phone's battery since I used it instead of doom-scrolling.
Apps and Android flexibility
Because the Palma 2 runs on Android, you can download any app from the Play Store — including Gmail, TikTok (yes, I tried it), Google Docs and more. After I had a device filled with my favorite productivity and reading apps, it essentially helped me replace my smartphone — it was basically a distraction-free phone.
Potential drawbacks to keep in mind
The Palma 2's $280 price tag is steep and arguably its biggest downside. While it's packed with features, it's more expensive than a standard Kindle or Kobo. If you value flexibility and portability, then it's worth it.
The device's plastic body also feels flimsy compared to the Kindle Paperwhite, which has a more premium, sturdy build. That said, this didn't significantly affect my overall experience — the trade-off is its featherlight design.
Who is the Boox Palma 2 for?
If the idea of a smaller smartphone-sized e-reader that does more than just display books interests you, the Boox Palma 2 will immediately become appealing to you. The Boox Palma 2 can't replace my love for paperback books, but I must admit this is one of the most enjoyable e-readers on the market.
Why trust NBC Select?
I am an editor at NBC Select who writes and edits stories on various topics including tech, fitness, home and more. I have covered major shopping holidays and other events for over five years. For this article, I tested the Boox Palma 2 for months alongside the Amazon Kinlde Paperwhite.