What to Look For in an eReader

Are you ready to make theswitch from physical to eBooks?

Finding the right eReader for you is fairly straightforward.

No matter what eReader you choose, all of them share a key featureportability.

Rockbox on an iPod Nano

Outside of that, you want to consider a handful of key features.

You should also be concerned about brightness levels.

You’ll also notice that eReaders list a spec called “PPI” or “pixels per inch.”

Coffee mug on a candle warmer.

It’s a measure of image quality; the higher it is, the clearer the image.

Since these are eReaders, anything about 150 PPI is fine, though 300 PPI is the sweet spot.

Most of the picks on this list have a PPI of 300.

8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller on a table surrounded by gaming items.

One last thing to keep in mind about eReader displays, and that’s color.

In fact, having adigital comic subscriptionwould pair wonderfully with a color eReader!

Although its strictly a black-and-white eReader, thats the point.

The Kindle Paperwhite SE (Gen 12)

Andrew Tarantola / How-To Geek

The contrast ratio is particularly strong, making text pop against the white pages and appear sharper.

Lastly, the battery life on the Amazon Kindle Paper White is impressive.

You rarely have to charge it, assuming you arent reading for hours on end, at high brightness.

amazon kindle paperwhite 2024

Amazon

With the right options, you could get up to 12 weeks of battery life!

It even supports Bluetooth devices for setting aside the eReader and enjoying audiobooks through headphones or earbuds.

First, the anti-glare display is a little smaller6 inches as opposed to 7 inches.

amazon kindle 2024

Amazon

Thats a minor trade-off and ultimately makes it easier to store, anyway.

If you dont feel like reading, the Amazon Kindle, like the Paperwhite model, has Bluetooth support.

TheKobo Libra Colouris the perfect eReader for expanding your tastes.

kobo libra colour

Kobo

The 7-inch color display is impeccable and matches the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite beat for beat.

The Kobo Libra Colour’s extra features make it so comfortable to use.

It also packs the latest display tech in the color E Ink space.

The Kobo Elipsa 2E eReader with a marked-up page.

Giving you the ability to take notes!

When you arent writing notes, the Kobo Elipsa 2E is still a fantastic eReader.

The 10.3-inch display feels massive compared to the Kindles 6-inch and 7-inch models.

rakuten kobo clara colour ereader

Kobo

Luckily, theKobo Clara Colourfits the bill beautifully.

And if they arent in the mood to read, theres still Bluetooth support for audiobooks.

Lastly, and most importantly, the Kobo Clara Colour has an IPx8 water resistance rating.

nook glowlight 4 plus ereader

Barnes & Noble

Luckily, theNook GlowLight 4 Plusis an incredible deal and still nearly as affordable as the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite.

That small uptick in price isnt just for brandingyou get a few extra features that the Paperwhite doesnt have.

That way, you dont have to use Bluetooth headphones or earbuds to listen to audiobooks.

samsung galaxy tab a 8.4-inch model

Samsung

you’ve got the option to use wired headphones if you want!

Its both a functional eReader and an entertainment machine, all wrapped in one.

Its easy to get lost in shows, movies, and books with the Samsung Galaxy Tab A.

Amazon kindle paperwhite in a hand

Amazon

The 8.4-inch display looks fantastic at its 1920x1200 resolution.

After all, plenty of books get made into movies and TV shows!

FAQ

Can eReaders play audiobooks?

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With a 7-inch display, high contrast, and sharp image quality, the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite will help you fall in love with eReaders. It even supports Bluetooth devices for setting aside the eReader and enjoying audiobooks through headphones or earbuds.

Yes, but it is not a guarantee.

What is E Ink?

What is the difference between an eReader and a tablet?

amazon kindle 2024 model, in persons hand, searching personal library

Amazon

An eReader is strictly for reading.

Do eReaders emit blue light?

Yes, but just like with the ability to play audiobooks, not all eReaders emit blue light.

Hand holding the Kobo Libra Colour

Tyler Hayes / How-To Geek

Amazon Kindles, for example, emit blue light.

Can I read library books on my eReader?

Yes, you could absolutely read library books on your eReader!

The Kobo Elipsa 2E in landscape mode.

Joe Robinson / How-To Geek

Amazon Kindles let youborrow eBooks from libraries, but this ability isn’t limited to Kindles.

Other brands such as Kobo and Nook also let you borrow eBooks.

The Kobo Clara Colour in sleep mode.

Jerome Thomas / How-To Geek

nook glowlight 4 plus reader on table with food, next to pool

Barnes & Noble

samsung galaxy tab a 8.4-inch model against a blue background

Samsung