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Android Authority
24-05-2025
- Android Authority
The Kobo Libra Colour is my favorite Kindle alternative for one key reason
Kobo Libra Colour The Kobo Libra Colour is a versatile e-reader that combines a color display, standard reading features, and an open ecosystem, while also offering handy physical buttons for extra-tactile page turning. While the stylus and writing experience can use some refinement, the Libra Colour is a strong alternative to Amazon's Kindle lineup. I've been a long-time Kindle user, but when offered the chance to try the $219 Kobo Libra Colour, I was intrigued. Lured by the prospect of physical buttons, a color display, and a more open ecosystem, I wanted to see if this Kobo could compete with the Kindle experience I've been accustomed to for years. A concerning number of dragon-themed books later, I can confidently say that it's a worthy alternative, especially if you're after a tactile page-turning experience with a unique selling point the Kindle no longer has: physical buttons. Turn the page, with buttons! Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority Like many E-Ink tablets, the Kobo Libra Colour (yes, that's officially Colour, not Color in Kobo land) has a clean, minimalist design that's lightweight (just under 200 grams) and comfortable for long reading sessions. Compared to the similarly sized Kindle Paperwhite, though, the Libra has a wide side bezel with a slight curve. For me, this makes it easier to grip single-handedly (even when lethargy loosens my hold half an hour into my book). And as I already alluded to, unlike the Paperwhite, the Libra Colour also features physical page-turn buttons. Physical page-turning buttons, which can't be found on Amazon's current readers, make the Kobo Libra Colour an incredibly pleasant device to read on. Fans of the Kindle Oasis will already know the benefits of this feature, but as someone who's primarily used touchscreens for years, I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed the tactile experience. Using the buttons is considerably more convenient and seamless than my standard habit of navigating through pages with one hand and holding my e-reader with the other. In bed, it allows me to keep more of my limbs comfortably under the blanket. On the couch, it leaves one hand free for my cup of emotional support tea. Since Kindle officially shuttered the Oasis line (which was the brand's only remaining model with buttons) the Kobo device stands out. The buttons are even customizable so you can determine what makes the most sense for you. I learned that, like playing with inverted controller settings on Xbox, my brain expects the exact opposite functionality as my partner. The reading rainbow Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority The Libra Colour's headline feature is, of course, right in its name. Kobo uses a Kaleido 3 color E-Ink touchscreen display with a 1264 x 1680 resolution to add subdued but meaningful pops of color to all the device's content, from book covers and menus to highlights and annotations. To be clear, it's not vibrant like a tablet, the hues are muted to almost pastel saturation. Still, it makes perusing my library significantly more engaging. Though subdued, color enhances the Kobo Libra Colour's UI, from navigating menus to engaging with content. On that front, the interface is intuitive, offering a user-friendly experience whether you're new to e-readers or a longtime Kindle convert like me. The subtle color accents give the UI a fresh, modern feel without being distracting and transitions are generally smooth, though there can be a slight lag when handling especially content-dense pages. I did fumble a few taps here and there, but never enough to pull me out of a reading session. My absolute favorite discovery was that I could adjust the display's brightness on-demand, with a simple slide of my finger down the left edge of the screen. Now, I want to see the same tool added to the right side for text size. Overall, the UI feels thoughtfully designed. Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority Compared to black-and-white-only tablets, it's fantastic for comics and graphic novels, as well as for children's books. With a ten-hour flight in my child's near future, I love the prospect of loading the Libra with classics. There is, however, some significant flashing between pages that gives me pause. I imagine it's low risk but could be a concern for kids with visual sensitivity. The color display is also helpful when reviewing notes in nonfiction titles; the ability to color-code highlights brought a sense of structure that's hard to get from monochrome screens. With that said, the Libra's display seems to have slightly less contrast in pure text than other devices. For hard specs, the device offers 300 PPI when displaying black-and-white content (like regular text) and 150 PPI when displaying color. In practice, I haven't had any issues reading on it, and again, the Libra's color support makes it far more versatile. It also offers adjustable warmth (like most devices) and the brand's ComfortLight PRO feature automatically reduces blue light exposure for evening reading. The Libra Colour is especially great for graphic novels, comics, and kids books. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed reading on the device. The 7-inch display is amply sized while keeping the overall build small. It also packs in 32GB of storage, which I really appreciate for audiobooks in particular. Meanwhile, its IPX8 waterproofing meant I could also take it to the beach and poolside without stress, which I did begrudgingly, of course, for the sake of the review. The Libra Colour's display looks great in virtually direct sunlight, though the colors did mute out slightly more. Perfect and imperfect add-ons Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority Color isn't the only perk of the Libra, it also supports note-taking via the Kobo Stylus 2, which is sold separately for $69.99. Hot off testing the Kindle Scribe (2024), I was curious to see how well these tools compare. In the end, the stylus/writing compatibility of the Libra is a thoughtful addition, but far from perfect. Writing on the Libra's E-Ink screen feels notably slower, and the stylus often misses strokes. There's also a noticeable lag, and the eraser is hard to use with any precision. I like the variety of color and tool options, but the experience is too finicky to be used for much beyond quick jots. Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority The stylus itself is slightly awkward to hold, and I constantly accidentally hit the tool swap button. It also needs to be recharged via USB-C, which isn't as convenient as those that charge magnetically. It's fine for highlighting passages or making small notes, but I definitely wouldn't rely on it for longer writing sessions or detailed sketching. If handwriting is a priority, shoppers might be better off with a third-party stylus or even a more specialized device. The Kobo Libra Stylus needs refinement across the board. In other words, the Libra is no replacement for a reMarkable Paper Pro or an iPad, but if you're just looking to mark up while you read, it gets the job done. It's certainly satisfying to underline a sentence or leave a quick note in the margin and see soft color among grayscale pages. Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority As for other accessories, I also tested the official Kobo SleepCover (available for $39.99), which, unlike many third-party covers, feels like it was actually designed with the device in mind. It snaps on magnetically, folds into a stand, and automatically wakes or sleeps the device when opened or closed. It's not flashy, but when no more than three blinks short of passing out at night or groggily trying to squeeze in a few pages in the morning, not having to fumble with buttons or a lock screen is a mini luxury. An open-door approach Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority One of the biggest differences between the Kobo Libra Colour and Amazon's Kindle is each brand's ecosystem. The Libra doesn't come locked into a proprietary store, though the Kobo store is built into the device. I was able to purchase from my Libra instantly but I could also easily load EPUB files and PDFs without any hassle. Kobo's integration with Overdrive/Libby makes it easy to borrow eBooks directly from the library. Emphasis on direct. I love that I can instantly download free books without needing a second device. Most importantly, the Kobo Libra Colour supports an open ecosystem and features seamless Libby integration. For my audiobooks, the Kobo Libra Colour also features Bluetooth support, so I could pair up my own wireless headphones. Unfortunately, Kobo audiobooks are fine audio quality-wise, but the selection is limited compared to Audible, which is owned by Amazon. Likewise, the device isn't integrated with Goodreads, another popular service owned by Google. If you use Goodreads to keep track of your read and rated books, you'll have to do a little more heavy lifting. As of now, the device also supports limited internet browsing, but the feature is still in beta. I am interested to see how this is developed going forward and how that might round out the tablet even further. Kobo Libra Colour review: The verdict Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority If you're deep into the Amazon ecosystem, the Kobo Libra Colour might feel like a step away from the convenience of Kindle's integration across apps and devices. However, if you're looking for an alternative to Amazon that offers the novelty of physical buttons, combined with plenty of file support and a color screen, the Libra Colour has a lot to offer. It's not without flaws (the optional stylus could be more responsive, and the audiobook store is limited), but overall, it's worthy of serious consideration for casual readers and serious bibliophiles alike. With that said, the e-reader market is a crowded one. If you just want a dedicated color e-reader, the Kobo Clara Colour ($149.99 at Amazon) is a great portable alternative that drops stylus support and buttons but still offers a nice 6-inch color screen. Anyone committed to Kindle might want to check out the Kindle Colorsoft ($279.99 at Amazon) or the ever-popular 2024 Kindle Paperwhite ($159.99 at Amazon) instead, though you won't find buttons or stylus support on board, and the latter doesn't have a color screen. For more detailed note-taking, the 2024 Kindle Scribe ($419.99 at Amazon) pairs reading and writing nicely, but doesn't support any color. It's also quite bulky if reading is your primary goal. Kobo Libra Colour MSRP: $219.99 Reading in color, page turning with buttons. The Kobo Libra Colour is a versatile e-reader that combines a color display, standard reading features, and an open ecosystem, while also offering handy physical buttons for extra-tactile page turning. See price at Amazon Positives Physical buttons streamline navigation Physical buttons streamline navigation Portable, ergonomic build Portable, ergonomic build Color enhances the user interface and reading experience Color enhances the user interface and reading experience Open ecosystem offers versatility Open ecosystem offers versatility Waterproof Cons Kobo Stylus 2 costs extra and needs refinement Kobo Stylus 2 costs extra and needs refinement Online access still in beta
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Yahoo
Best E-Reader for 2025: Ditch Those Paper Books for Good
Whether you're an avid reader or someone who is trying to read more in 2025, a great e-reader can make a huge difference. Easily getting your hands on new books alone makes it more likely that you'll read more, not to mention the enhanced portability an e-reader offers. While it can be easy to fall into the trap of thinking that Amazon's Kindle lineup is the only viable option, you might be surprised by how many alternatives there are. I've been reviewing e-readers since 2007 when the first Kindle was released. Most e-readers use E Ink, which is an energy-efficient display technology designed to resemble printed paper. As a result, these e-readers look great when you're using them outdoors on a sunny day, unlike phones and tablets with screens that can get washed out in direct sunlight. E Ink displays used to be exclusively monochromatic, but now there are E Ink color displays, available in some e-readers like the new Kindle Colorsoft and Kobo Libra Colour. If you're looking to shop new e-readers, Amazon still has the best digital "ecosystem" for ebooks and many of the best e-readers out there. The recently refreshed Kindle Paperwhite (2024) is our current favorite e-reader, and it's the best option for the money if you find it on sale. If you want a more basic model, however, Amazon's slightly improved entry-level Kindle (2024) is a great choice. For those who want to opt for non-Amazon e-readers, the Kobo models on this list are excellent options. Read more: How to Get Free E-Books From Your Local Library Kobo makes a couple of color e-readers. The smaller Clara Colour has a 6-inch screen and costs $150, while the larger Libra Colour ($230) has a 7-inch screen and is compatible with Kobo's Stylus 2 (available separately for $70), which allows you to store handwritten notes on the device. The larger screen makes more sense for color, especially if you're viewing graphic novels or comic books (even a 7-inch screen is a little small for reading those types of content). You can also highlight text in different color options like you can with the Kindle Colorsoft. The Libra Colour uses E Ink Kaleido 3 display technology (300 ppi black and white/150 ppi color) and like the Kindle Colorsoft, it comes with 32GB of storage and is fully waterproof. While I think the color is a tad more vibrant on the Kindle Colorsoft, the Libra Colour has physical page turn buttons, which some people really appreciate. The overall footprint of the Libra Colour is a little larger than the Kindle Colorsoft, but for those who haven't bought into Amazon's ecosystem and are looking for a color e-reader alternative, the Libra Colour is a good choice. See at Rakuten The Kobo Clara BW is the slightly upgraded version of the earlier Kobo Clara 2E, which was equipped with E Ink's previous-gen Carta 1200 display. Priced at an affordable $140, it's equipped with a 6-inch E Ink Carta 1300 touchscreen with a 1,448x1,072-pixel resolution (300 ppi), is powered by a 1GHz processor and comes with 16GB of storage. It's also fully waterproof with an IPX8 rating, which means it can be fully submerged in up to 2 meters of water for up to 60 minutes. With the waterproofing, this feels like an enhanced version of Amazon's entry-level Kindle, which is not fully waterproof, although the Paperwhite is. See at Kobo I used Kobo's original jumbo e-reader, the 10.3-inch Elipsa, and now Kobo has a new, slightly upgraded version of that model called the Elipsa 2E. The previous model came with a cover and stylus as part of an Elipsa Pack (you can still buy it for $350), but now you get the new Stylus 2 and have to buy a cover separately. The screen is pretty sharp and easy to read with an E Ink Carta 1200 touchscreen with a density of 227 ppi and a dark mode. The Scribe has a sharper 300 ppi screen. You get Kobo's upgraded ComfortLight Pro with adjustable brightness and color temperature and a 2GHz (up from 1.8GHz) quad-core processor with 32GB of storage. Even with the slight speed boost, an E Ink device like this still feels relatively sluggish compared to an iPad (using an Apple Pencil). The performance is decent enough and battery life remains a big strong point for E Ink devices. Like other e-readers, the Elipsa's battery life is rated in weeks rather than hours. The Elipsa supports 15 file formats natively (EPUB, EPUB3, FlePub, PDF, MOBI, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP, TIFF, TXT, HTML, RTF, CBZ and CBR). It weighs in at 13.5 ounces, plus the cover (if you purchase it) adds additional weight, making this a pretty heavy e-reader. You can use the case to prop up the e-reader so you don't have to hold it while reading, taking notes or reviewing and marking up documents. Big e-readers aren't for everybody, but if you like to see a lot of words on a page or bump up the font size, this Kobo e-reader is an appealing option. They're also good for looking at PDF files. See at Kobo Kobo Sage: With a larger 8-inch high-resolution screen, the Kobo Sage is the bigger sister to Kobo's Libra 2. It represents a good option for someone who wants a larger e-reader but doesn't want to go up to a jumbo tablet-sized e-reader. It's a little too pricey at its list price of $270. The big question for a lot of folks is simply whether to go with an Amazon e-reader (and Amazon's ebook ecosystem) or not. Amazon does dominate the e-reading market but there are alternatives, including Kobo, Barnes & Noble and other "open" e-readers that allow you to import both DRM, meaning copy-protected, and DRM-free file formats. Amazon now lets you . Naturally, you'll want to figure out how much you're willing to spend on a new e-reader. Amazon's new-for-2024 entry-level Kindle is the most affordable with a list price of $110, and should see price drops of $25 off during flash sales. Larger "tablet" e-readers like the Kindle Scribe cost over $300. Some people are fine with smaller e-readers with 6-inch screens; others prefer them a little bit larger. The Kindle Paperwhite has a 6.8-inch screen, but you can also step up to a jumbo model with a 10.3-inch screen if you want a more tablet-like experience. The bigger e-readers do weigh more, however. If you plan on using your e-reader in the tub, around the pool or at the beach (or any body of water), you may want to consider getting a model that is rated as fully waterproof. Some of the more advanced lighting schemes feature more LED lights and the ability to adjust both brightness and color temperature. Even entry-level e-readers now come with so-called "HD" E Ink displays so you don't have to worry so much about having a crisp enough screen with sharp text. The key spec to look for is pixel density. 300 pixels per inch is what you ideally want, although some larger displays don't offer that. New color E Ink readers currently offer 300 ppi for black and white and 150 ppi for color. Most e-readers now have touchscreens, so you can turn pages by simply touching or swiping the screen. Some e-readers do have physical buttons that you can press to turn pages. Some people like having those physical page-turn buttons. We test e-readers based on four key criteria: design, performance, features and value. Design: We assess the look and feel of the device along with its build quality and ergonomics. We also note if the e-reader has physical page-turn buttons and whether it's made out of premium materials such as aluminum and what the texture of its finish is. Screen resolution and pixel density (how crisp text appears on the screen) also go into the design evaluation. And if the e-reader is rated as being waterproof, we fully submerge the e-reader to confirm that. Performance: Performance not only includes how zippy/responsive the e-reader is but also how often the screen flashes to prevent ghosting of text and images (every so often the display essentially resets itself to wipe away any E Ink artifacts so to speak). We also take a look at the quality of the integrated light and how uniformly the light splays across the display. With e-readers that include support for a stylus, we check how much latency there is when using the stylus. We don't try to get exact battery life numbers (because e-readers are often rated for having weeks of battery life), but we do use the e-reader for several days, first with WiFi on and then with WiFi Most e-readers have a baseline set of features, but some have added features that we take into consideration. Value: We determine value after considering the strength of the e-reader against all these criteria and what it's able to deliver compared to other e-readers. Sure, you can read an ebook on your phone or tablet (there are plenty of ebook apps, including Amazon Kindle, iBooks and Kobo), but it can be hard to read on a phone or tablet screen in direct sunlight, and you can get distracted by incoming emails, texts and notifications. Using a dedicated e-reader is more like reading a printed book. E-readers also have great battery life. Yes, you can set up an account with your library to read books on your e-reader for free. Note that there's often a wait time for popular ebooks at your local library. Yes, some do, including all Kindles. You don't want to use the built-in web browser because it's such a sluggish and underwhelming experience thanks to the sluggish nature of E Ink. The main use of the web browser is so you can get onto a public Wi-Fi network (or a hotel Wi-Fi network) that requires some sign-in process through the internet. Yes, most e-readers are compatible with a variety of file formats, including PDF and Word files as well as some image files (although the images will only be shown in monochrome, unless you get one of the few new color e-readers). You can also read digital comic books, but they will not appear in color. E-readers that are waterproof tend to have an extra layer over the display that provides some protection, making you less likely to crack the screen. You can indeed damage your screen if you drop your e-reader. You can buy a protective cover that will greatly reduce the probability of your e-reader getting damaged but it does add a little weight to the e-reader. Since ebook files are small, even 8GB of storage allows you to store hundreds if not thousands of ebooks on your device. Even the entry-level Kindle now comes with 16GB of storage, which is more than enough. Larger format e-readers tend to come with 32GB of storage because people tend to load up those devices with larger files (PDFs and whatnot) that use up more storage space.
National Geographic
20-02-2025
- National Geographic
Best e-reader for traveling in 2025
By clicking on the featured links, visitors will leave and be directed to third-party e-commerce sites that operate under different terms and privacy policies. As a participant in multiple affiliate marketing programs, National Geographic will earn a commission for certain purchases. See full disclaimer below.* The touch and smell of a physical book is hard to beat. But for long journeys or a day spent at the beach, there's no denying the convenience of an e-reader. 'Having an e-reader on the go is one of the most effective ways to ensure I'm never without a book,' says Bridget Raymundo, social media producer at CBC Books who also creates book-related content on TikTok . 'An e-reader is easier for commuting and packing for longer trips, and it gives me the option of switching to a different book if I'm not enjoying my current read.' Aside from easy access to multiple books, an e-reader has other travel benefits. For one thing, you can spare fellow travelers from the glare of a plane's overhead light or a camping headlamp. The ability to adjust elements on the page is another perk. 'I can't read a normal 12-point font book without my glasses on, but an e-reader means I can change the font and give my eyes a little break,' says Raymundo. It's important to note that while many e-readers use e-ink, or 'electronic ink' technology that mimics the look of ink on a page, some devices still emit blue light, albeit less so than a phone or tablet. 'Any type of light exposure before sleep can be detrimental,' says Charles Czeisler, director of the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School. An e-reader that lets you adjust light intensity and wavelength, or tone, is the best option for helping to maintain your sleep pattern, especially if you're already dealing with jet lag. After analyzing a number of options, we think the Kobo Libra Colour e-reader will appeal to most travelers because of its look and feel, technological features, and sustainable materials. Below are all our favorite e-readers for every travel style, all of which use partially recycled materials in their construction, according to brands. The best travel e-readers Whether you're looking for a device that can handle a few poolside splashes or a color e-reader that allows for plenty of note-taking, you're bound to find the right e-reader for you here. We looked at the pros and cons of each e-reader below and spoke with pro travelers for real-world experience. Here are all the details about our top picks. Best e-reader overall: Kobo Libra Colour Photograph courtesy Amazon Kobo Libra Colour Buy it now on Amazon Why we like it: A color e-reader offers a more dynamic experience than a monochrome one, especially if you're reading a graphic novel or a children's book. Compatible with the Kobo Stylus, this e-reader lets you mark up pages and highlight passages. The design is ergonomic and waterproof in up to six feet of water. We also appreciate the dark mode, which can help reduce eye strain, as well as ComfortLight Pro, which offers adjustable brightness, temperature, and blue light for comfortable reading in the evening. The screen's matte finish makes flipping pages feel similar to a physical book, says Raymundo. 'I also prefer having two buttons on the side to flip pages in addition to the touch screen, in case it lags,' she adds. Customers also noted the long battery life on this model. 'At full charge, I can read without having to plug it in for at least a week,' says Raymundo. Keep in mind: Color e-readers come at a slightly higher price. Some customers note occasional software glitches on this model. Product details: Display: 7-in. E-Ink Kaleido 3 display with FastGLR and dark mode | Storage: 32 GB | Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, USB-C | Battery: Up to 40 days | Dimensions: 5.7 x 6.4 x 0.3 in. | Weather protection: Waterproof up to six feet | Materials: Recycled and ocean-bound plastic, according to company ( These 12 books will inspire your next trip ) Best e-reader for library books: Kobo Clara BW Photograph courtesy Amazon Kobo Clara BW Buy it now on Amazon Why we like it: This classic black-and-white e-reader is streamlined and simple, yet offers waterproofing, as well as dark mode and ComfortLight Pro for easier reading. Some readers may prefer the slightly smaller dimensions of this model and its longer battery life. In addition to unlimited e-books and audiobooks with a Kobo Plus membership, you can read saved articles with Pocket and borrow e-books from your library's digital collection with Kobo's built-in OverDrive service. Like all Kobo e-readers, the Clara BW is made with recycled and ocean-bound plastic, according to the company Keep in mind: This style is not compatible with the Kobo Stylus, so you won't be able to add handwritten notes or highlight pages. Product details: Display: 6-in. glare-free E-Ink Carta 1300 HD touchscreen with dark mode | Storage: 32 GB | Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, USB-C | Battery: Up to 53 days | Dimensions: 4.4 x 6.3 x 0.36 in. | Weather protection: Waterproof up to six feet | Materials: Recycled and ocean-bound plastic, according to the company Best Android e-reader: Boox Palma 2 Why we like it: The Boox Palma 2 has the portability and feel of a smartphone but with none of the distracting notifications. It also rivals Kobo and Kindle designs with its e-ink display and slew of apps from Android's Play Store, including music streaming. Readers can operate this device with one hand and easily slip it into a jacket pocket or a carry-on bag. Screen brightness automatically adjusts to your environment, but you can also manually set color and temperature. Text is crisp, clear, and easy to highlight, annotate, or translate. This e-reader packs a ton into a slim, compact design. Keep in mind: If you're looking for an e-reader that's similar in size and shape as a physical book, this isn't it. It's closer to a smartphone. The battery life is short, compared to other e-readers. Product details: Display: Carta 1200 monochrome screen 300 PPI | Storage: 6 GB+128 GB, expandable with a microSD card slot | Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, USB-C | Battery: Up to two weeks | Dimensions: 6.1 in. | Weather protection: Water-repellent | Materials: 75 percent post-consumer recycled plastics, 90 percent recycled magnesium internal structure, according to company ( Here's how to survive a flight delay or cancellation ) Best affordable e-reader: Amazon Kindle Why we like it: This best-selling Kindle is Amazon's lightest and most compact design, making it a great entry-level e-reader at an affordable price. The latest version has a brighter front light, higher-resolution screen, and a faster page-turn rate. Customers say the crisp resolution and intuitive operating system make this a solid option for the price. Keep in mind: This model isn't waterproof, so we wouldn't bring this e-reader to the beach or pool, where there's a chance of getting splashed. Product details: Display: Built-in light, optimized font technology, 300 PPI | Storage: 16 GB | Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth | Battery: Up to six weeks | Dimensions: 6.2 x 4.3 x 0.3 in. | Weather protection: Not waterproof | Materials: 29 percent recycled materials, 90 percent recycled magnesium internal structure, according to the company Best waterproof e-reader: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Photograph courtesy Amazon Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Buy it now on Amazon Why we like it: Think of this model as an upgrade to the basic Amazon Kindle. If you're looking for a more refined user experience, this latest iteration features a slightly larger screen, quicker page-turn rate, and faster, more responsive design overall. You can also adjust warmth and brightness to make bedtime reading more comfortable. With a battery life of up to 12 weeks and 32 GB in the Signature Edition, you'll never have to worry about being stranded on a flight without a good book. Travelers don't have to worry about reading in the hotel bath or pool—this style is waterproof, a feature that's enhanced by a matte, grippy back. Keep in mind: Some customers have noted that the lighting and screen on this style have an overly yellow tint. Product details: Display: Paperwhite display technology with built-in light, optimized font technology, 300 PPI | Storage: 16-32 GB | Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, USB-C | Battery: Up to 12 weeks | Dimensions: 5 x 7 x 0.3 in. | Weather protection: Waterproof in up to six feet for an hour | Materials: 29 percent recycled materials, 90 percent recycled magnesium internal structure, according to the company ( Pack essentials and then some with these light, yet mighty daypacks ) Best color e-reader: Kobo Clara Colour Photograph courtesy Amazon Kobo Clara Colour Buy it now on Amazon Why we like it: 'I wanted a Kobo Clara Colour when it came out because I wanted to be able to read graphic novels digitally and for less of a cost,' says Raymundo. 'There's also a notebook feature, which is fun to doodle on with a stylus. It reminds me of using my Nintendo DS when I was a kid.' Because this style is compatible with the Kobo Stylus, traveling readers can highlight and annotate books to their heart's content. The Kobo Clara Colour has all the standout Kobo features, such as ComfortLight Pro, dark mode, and waterproof materials but at a lower price point than the Kobo Libra Colour. Keep in mind: This style has half the storage capacity as the Kobo Libra Colour. Product details: Display: E-Ink Kaleido 3 display with FastGLR and dark mode | Storage: 16 GB | Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, USB-C | Battery: Up to 42 days | Dimensions: 4.4 x 6.3 x 0.4 in. | Weather protection: Waterproof up to six feet | Materials: Recycled and ocean-bound plastic, according to the company Best e-reader for kids: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids Photograph courtesy Amazon Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids Buy it now on Amazon Why we like it: This e-reader shares most of the attributes of the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite but integrates features that have proved popular with parents and kids. Parental controls—such as time limits and educational goals—are automatically enabled in the Parent Dashboard. It's ad-free and includes a durable, colorful graphic case. This style also comes with a free six-month subscription to Amazon Kids+ and it's fully waterproof so you can rest easy about spilled juice or poolside splashes. Keep in mind: Some customers note it's difficult to transfer content to this e-reader. Product details: Display: Paperwhite display technology with built-in light, optimized font technology, 300 PPI | Storage: 16 GB | Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, USB-C | Battery: Up to 12 weeks | Dimensions: 5.2 x 7 x 0.3 in. | Weather protection: Waterproof in up to six feet for an hour | Materials: 29 percent recycled materials, 90 percent recycled magnesium internal structure, according to the company ( Here's how to pack light for an international trip ) Best e-reader for notetaking: Kobo Elipsa 2E Photograph courtesy Amazon Kobo Elipsa 2E Buy it now on Amazon Why we like it: The Kobo Elipsa 2E was designed for annotating books and jotting down notes on the go. It's bundled with the Kobo Stylus, so unlike the Kindle Scribe, you can mark up any book on the device, not just the ones you buy through Kobo. You can easily import and export documents by signing in to Dropbox or Google Drive and sync annotations with tools like Roam, Notion, and Evernote. We appreciate the texturized, matte back, which makes it easy to keep a grip on the device while using the stylus. Keep in mind: The extra features on this e-reader and included Kobo Stylus make it one of the most expensive on the market. This style isn't waterproof. Product details: Display: E-Ink Carta 1200 touchscreen 227 PPI with dark mode | Storage: 32 GB | Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, USB-C | Battery: Weeks of battery life Dimensions: 7.5 x 9 x 0.3 in. | Weather protection: Not waterproof | Materials: Recycled and ocean-bound plastic and recycled magnesium alloy, according to the company How we chose the best e-readers for travel We chose our top travel e-readers based on extensive research, product testing, and expert reviews and insights. Research: We combed through comprehensive customer reviews and online forums to determine the best e-reader in each category. Product testing: Our writer and experts have put these products to the test on trips of varying length and style to see how battery life and materials hold up in different scenarios. Expert reviews: We consulted avid e-reader users, medical professionals, and product experts to get their insights on what makes the overall best e-reader in each category, considering user design, potential health and sleep impacts, and technological features. Tips for buying a travel e-reader Features and design One of the best parts of using an e-reader is being able adjust settings to reduce eye strain. 'Zooming in, changing the light tone and intensity, and the ability to change your font is super helpful for my vision,' says Raymundo. 'There are also font options made specifically for people with dyslexia on my e-reader.' It's important to consider your reading habits and preferences when purchasing an e-reader for the first time. 'Screen size is a key factor,' says Ramesh Mantha, senior vice president of product at Rakuten Kobo. 'Smaller screens [six-seven inches] are more portable and ideal for casual readers and travelers, while larger screens [larger than eight inches] are better for those who read PDFs, comics, or prefer larger text.' Mantha also recommends considering extra features like note-taking or audiobook support. If possible, test the device's weight and feel in your hands to ensure it's comfortable for long reading sessions. Screen type One of the main differentiators between e-readers such as Kobo and tablets, is that they use e-ink technology for the screens. 'This reduces eye strain compared to smartphone and tablet screens, as does the glare-free display—even when reading in direct sunlight,' says Mantha. Even so, it's important to purchase an e-reader with adjustable light intensity and tone, especially blue light. 'Exposure to light after dusk is one of the biggest drivers of sleep deficiency,' says Czeisler, who recommends powering down any light-emitting devices at least an hour before bed. 'E-readers are very convenient,' says Czeisler. 'It's just a question of when you turn it all off so you can give the brain and body time to recover.' Battery life 'A good battery life for an e-reader is typically measured in weeks rather than hours or days, which is one of the key advantages of e-readers,' explains Mantha. 'Depending on how often you're reading, you can enjoy weeks of worry-free reading with a single battery charge.' On average, e-readers should last at least a week without recharging. Frequently asked questions Is it easy to borrow library books on an e-reader? Yes, most e-readers integrate access to your library's digital collection of e-books. Kobo and Kindle offer this through OverDrive and the Libby library app. How does an e-reader differ from reading on a phone or iPad? Unlike phones, e-readers are distraction-free, with no notifications or other interruptions. 'They are also optimized for long-form reading, with features like adjustable lighting and ergonomic designs that make them more comfortable to use for hours at a time,' says Mantha. 'Additionally, e-readers have significantly longer battery life compared to phones, lasting weeks on a single charge, making them a more reliable option for avid readers.' Is it bad for my sleep to use an e-reader before bed? E-readers emit some blue light, so it's important to look for a model with adjustable settings. 'You want a long wavelength and low intensity if you're reading in the several hours before bed,' says Czeisler. 'You could also try a reverse display so that you're reading white letters against a black background.' This is called dark mode on most devices. Chloe Berge is a freelance journalist based in Vancouver, Canada, covering travel, environment, and adventure. An avid reader, you can often find her with her nose buried in a book—or e-reader—whether she's on a flight or at home. Follow her on is a freelance journalist based in Vancouver, Canada, covering travel, environment, and adventure. An avid reader, you can often find her with her nose buried in a book—or e-reader—whether she's on a flight or at home. Follow her on Instagram *Although we are sharing our personal opinions of these experiences or products with you, National Geographic is not endorsing these experiences or products on behalf of anyone. It has not performed product safety testing on any of these products, did not manufacture them, and is not selling, or distributing them and is not making any representations about the safety or caliber of these products or experiences for individual consumers. Prices and availability are subject to change from the date of publication.
