Reading is sometimes lazy, or maybe you have vision problems and you can't do it as you would like, and even if you are busy doing something else, or you are the little one in the house who has not yet learned to read. Whatever your case, the eReader models with audiobook They are the solution, since they will allow you to enjoy your favorite stories, stories or books through narrations, listening, without having to read.
Are you interested in these devices? Well let's see everything you need to know in this guide...
The best eReader models with audiobooks
Between The best eReader models compatible with audiobooks We recommend the following models:
Kobo Wise
The Kobo Sage is one of the best audiobook-capable eBook readers. It has an 8-inch touch screen, type E-Ink Carta HD anti-reflective. It is a model with adjustable front light in warmth and brightness, with blue light reduction technology and waterproof (IPX8).
It also has powerful hardware, 32 GB of internal capacity, and has WiFi and Bluetooth wireless connectivity, so you can connect your favorite wireless headphones so you don't have to depend on cables to listen to your audiobooks.
Kobo Elipsa Bundle
You also have this option Kobo Elipsa Pack, an eReader with a 10.3-inch touch screen, e-Ink Carta type, anti-reflective treatment and a resolution of 300 dpi. Of course, it includes the Kobo Stylus pen for writing and taking notes, and SleepCover protection.
It has adjustable light brightness, contains a capacity of 32 GB of internal memory, powerful hardware, and also has WiFi wireless Internet and Bluetooth connectivity technology for wireless speakers or headphones.
Kindle Oasis
The next product that we recommend is the new generation Kindle Oasis, with a 7-inch e-Ink Paperwhite screen and a 300 dpi resolution. It also has adjustable light in warmth and brightness, and a capacity of up to 32 GB of internal flash storage.
In addition, it also offers IPX8 water protection, Amazon Kindle services and Kindle Unlimited, as well as compatibility for Audible audiobooks.
PocketBook e-Book Reader Era
Next on the list is this PocketBOok Era, one of the best known on the scene along with the Kobo and Kindle. This European brand offers a 7-inch high-resolution e-Ink Carta 1200 touch screen, SmartLight, 16 GB of internal storage, and a multitude of functions.
Of course, it has the PocketBook Store, great support for different formats, and the ability to play audiobooks. It also has WiFi and Bluetooth.
Onyx BOOX Nova2
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Finally, another option is the Onyx BOOX Nova2. A 7.8-inch audiobook-capable eReader model. With a high-resolution e-Ink screen, pencil included, and Android operating system with the possibility of installing additional apps from Google Play.
The hardware includes a powerful ARM Cortex processor, 3 GB RAM, 32 GB storage, long-lasting 3150 mAh battery, USB OTG, WiFi and also Bluetooth.
Best Audiobook Compatible eReader Brands
As for the best brands Of the eReaders compatible with audiobooks, we highlight:
Kindle
One of the best brands and the models that have swept the most is the Amazon Kindle. These eReaders offer everything you can expect from these devices, they are quality, have reasonable prices, and offer the enormous advantage of having Kindle as one of the stores with the most books, and also compatibility with Amazon Audible, to buy audiobooks.
However, Kindle eReaders with Bluetooth that support audiobooks are Kindle 8th Gen, Kindle Paperwhite 10th Gen and up. It is something to keep in mind. Here is a list of models supported by Audible:
- Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (11th Gen)
- Kindle Paperwhite (10th Gen)
- Kindle Oasis (9th Gen)
- Kindle Oasis (8th Gen)
- Kindle (8th Gen)
- Kindle (1st and 2nd Gen)
- kindle touch
- kindle keyboard
- Kindle DX
- Kindle Fire (1st and 2nd Gen)
- Kindle Fire HD (2nd and 3rd Gen)
- Kindle Fire HDX (3rd Gen)
Kobo
Kobo is a Canadian firm that is Amazon's biggest competitor. Its Kobo are very popular, and quite similar in terms of quality and features to the Kindle. Therefore, if you are looking for an alternative to Amazon, these are the best. Currently Kobo has been bought by the Japanese Rakuten, but they continue to design them in Canada and manufacture in Taiwan.
Most of their current eReader models support audiobooks, which you can also find in the Kobo Store. In addition, they also have Bluetooth turned on to use wireless headphones, speakers, etc.
PocketBook
This firm was founded in Ukraine, later moving its base to Lugano, in Switzerland. This European brand stands out for its quality, designing in Europe and manufacturing in Taiwan, with manufacturers as prestigious as Foxconn, which also manufactures for Apple, among other major brands.
In addition to the quality and great functionality of these devices, you will have options such as Text-to-speech to transform text into audio, and support for audiobooks, with Bluetooth technology for wireless headphones.
How to Choose the Best eReader for Audiobooks
To choose a good eReader model with audiobook it's not much different than choosing any other eReader model. Therefore, you should pay special attention to the following technical sections:
Screen
For most eReaders it may seem like the most important thing, but in this case it could be the least important of all. Let me explain, if you have chosen an eReader with audiobooks for blind people, children who cannot read, or to always use it in audiobook mode and only eventually for ebooks, then the screen becomes completely secondary.
On the other hand, if you are going to use it for both ebooks and audiobooks, in equal parts, then it is important choose a good screen:
- Panel type: For a good reading experience, with no discomfort and less eye strain, you should always choose e-Ink displays.
- Decision: If you are looking for a good screen that provides sharpness and image quality, then it is best that you always opt for screens with 300 dpi. Also, if it is an eReader for people with vision problems, having a large screen could be a good idea, and in these larger sizes is where a good resolution is most noticeable.
- Size: If you are going to use it almost always for audiobooks, then I would recommend one with a compact screen, 6-8 inches, since that allows you to have a device with a lighter weight, more compact, and with less consumption. Instead, to use it for reading, especially for people with vision problems, perhaps a large screen would be interesting, such as 10-13 inches.
- Color vs. B/W: This is something you shouldn't be too concerned about for audiobooks, as it won't affect the experience too much, to say the least. Therefore, if you have the possibility of buying one with a black and white or grayscale screen, the better, since it will be cheaper and with better autonomy.
Autonomy
Keep in mind that when you have Bluetooth on or sound on, this consumes more power than an ebook. Therefore, it is important that you choose a model with a good autonomy, at least that lasts a few weeks on a single charge, and that it does not leave you halfway with the narration.
Bluetooth connectivity
This is especially important when it comes to an eReader with support for audiobooks, since in addition to listening to it through the speaker that some models can integrate, it will also allow you to link the device with speakers or wireless headphones to give you greater freedom, without cables.
Storage
In this case, something must be made clear, and that is that audiobooks come in formats such as OGG, MP3, WAV, M4B, etc., which usually take up more space than conventional ebooks. Therefore, the size of your eReader becomes more important if you want to have a large library ready to play offline. Therefore, you should choose models of at least 16 GB or more.
Much better if you have the ability to expand using microSD memory cards, or compatibility with cloud services to upload your titles when they take up too much local memory.
Library and formats
Of the libraries or online bookstores and the supported formats depend on the wealth of content that the eReader with light can reproduce. Always look for eReaders with the largest possible book libraries, such as Audible, Storytel, Sonora, etc.
Other aspects to consider
Other technical aspects that are not as critical as the previous ones, but that should not be despised either:
- Processor and RAM: It is important that it has a good processor and a good RAM memory capacity, for example with at least 4 processing cores and 2 GB of RAM so that it offers the most fluid experience possible, without crashes or jerks.
- Operating System: This is not so important for audiobooks, because whether it is an embedded Linux or Android, you will be able to play audiobooks without any problem. However, if you want more functionality, perhaps Android opens up more opportunities for you.
- WiFi connectivity: Of course, a modern eReader must have WiFi connectivity to connect to the Internet to buy and download your favorite audiobooks.
- Integrated: It is not so important, since being an eReader with support for audiobooks you will not have to constantly hold it, just place it in a place to listen.
- writing capacity: It is totally optional, since it is not important at all in these cases, much less if the device will be handled by someone who is blind or has serious vision problems.
- Waterproof: Some models support IPX8 protection certification, which allows the eReader to be submerged deeper and longer without suffering damage. This is perfect to avoid accidents, but it is not as important as when you choose an eReader to read eBooks. For example, if you are in the bathtub listening to an audiobook, you should not have it near the water, you can leave it away.
Price
Finally, eReaders capable of audiobooks do not usually raise the price as much as in other cases. For this reason, you will find models that can start from just over € 100 up to 300 or something more in some other cases.
Advantages of the eReader with audiobook
All the and advantages of having an eReader with an audiobook are quite evident, highlighting:
- It allows the little ones in the house, who still can't read, to have fun with their favorite stories and fables.
- It will allow you to enjoy your favorite stories while you exercise, cook, drive, or relax.
- It is perfect for those who are lazy to read, thus allowing them to consume culture without having to read.
- Ideal for people with vision problems or blindness.
- They allow stories to be shared among several family members, without having to be uncomfortable sharing the screen to read.
- You will have greater wealth, being able to choose between eBooks and audiobooks compared to other eReaders that only accept text format.
- If it has a Text-to-Speech function, you will not only be able to enjoy narrations from your favorite books, but you can also use this function to read any other text or document.
- Perfect for students as they can play the book recordings over and over again to memorize.
- A good ally for those moments when you are tired of looking at screens and prefer to let your vision rest for a moment.
- You will be able to listen to something more than audiobooks, they also allow the reproduction of podcasts of all kinds.
What is an audiobook and how does it work?
Un audiobook is a recording of a book read aloud. That allows you to enjoy literary or other content without having to read on the screen. These books can be narrated in several languages, and with voices that sometimes correspond to famous people who lend their voice to it.
In addition, they are not only limited to reading as an artificial intelligence or Text-To-Speech software could do, they also give it an intonation to be able to better transmit sensations and emotions, with the right pauses, and even with ambient music in the background. to do it more immersive experience. What's more, by not having to be reading, they will let your imagination run wild while you immerse yourself in the story.
These recordings can also move forward or backward to go to the point you want, pause them momentarily, leave them stopped at one point to continue at another time, etc. That is, the same as you would do with an ebook.
Where can you listen to audiobooks for free?
You have several options to be able to listen to free audiobooks, as well as for free ebooks. However, where you will find the largest number of titles is on subscription payment platforms such as Audible (although you can try free for 3 months from this link), Storytel, Sonora, etc. However, if you want sites where to find free audiobooks, here is a list:
- The Whole Book
- AlbaLearning
- PlanetBook
- Librivox
- Google Podcast
- Loyal books
- Project Gutenberg
What is better audiobook or eBook?
Both the audiobook and the eBook have their pros and cons that you should know You cannot choose one so lightly, since you have to analyze what these characteristics of one and the other are so that you can evaluate it according to your preferences:
Advantages of the audiobook vs eBook
- They allow you to enjoy your favorite stories without having to read.
- You can enjoy literature or podcasts while doing other tasks.
- It is a form of accessibility for people who cannot read or have vision problems.
- They can help you improve the richness of your vocabulary.
- You will not damage your vision by reading on the screen.
Disadvantages of audiobook vs eBook
- They can take up more space in memory.
- They also consume more battery than eBooks.
- They will not allow you to develop skills such as reading comprehension, spelling, etc.
- Reading can be better for your brain, for example to prevent Alzheimer's.
Where to buy an eReader with audiobook
Finally, you also have to know where you can buy eReaders with audiobook at a good price. And this happens through stores like:
- Amazon: The Amazon platform has the largest selection of eReader brands and models with the ability to play audiobooks, in addition to various offers. It also provides you with all the purchase and return guarantees, with secure payments and if you are a Prime customer, also with some exclusive advantages for you.
- El Corte Ingles: ECI is the Spanish sales chain that also has some eReader models with audiobook capacity. They are not characterized by variety or prices, but it is also a reliable place to buy. In addition, you will have the option to choose between buying online from their website or in person.
- Carrefour: The French supermarket chain also has a technology and electronics section where you can find eReaders with audiobooks. It doesn't have a great variety either, but you can find some. And you can also choose between having it sent to your home or going to any of its nearby points of sale.
- Media Markt: This German retail chain is also an option to find eReaders with audiobooks. They usually have good prices, although not as much variety. Of course, you can choose to buy through their website or go to any of the points of sale throughout the main cities.
- PC Components: Finally, PCComponentes from Murcia is also a great place to find a wide variety of eReaders at a good price, and with good support. Deliveries are usually fast, and you can choose only the online purchase method in most cases, unless you live in Murcia and can go to the store to pick up your package.