Do you want the best eReader? Today in the market there are dozens of electronic books that we can buy, but unfortunately buying an eBook is usually not an easy task and that anyone can do with success. Therefore today through this article we are going to advise you and give instructions to buy the best eBook and not die trying.
If you're thinking about buy the best ereader, take a pen and paper or your tablet, to take note of everything that we are going to show you below and that will help you to a great extent to choose the best electronic book adapted to your needs. If you want to get to the point, take a look at this table:
The best eReaders
Once we have known some of the main aspects that we must take into account when buying an eBook, we will answer the initial question of which is the best eReader. To do this, we are going to review some of the best eReaders that we can find in the market;
Kindle Paperwhite
For many, the Kindle Paperwhite is the perfect electronic book since it combines in a single device everything that is needed to enjoy reading and it can also be purchased for a price that is more or less affordable by any user.
In our humble opinion we are facing an almost perfect device, since as we all know, Amazon eReaders use their own eBook format, which in many things limits our options and in others complicates our stay in the world of digital reading.
Next we are going to do a little review of the main features and specifications of the Kindle Paperwhite;
- 6-inch display with Letter e-paper technology and integrated reading light, 300 dpi, optimized font technology, and 16 gray scales
- Dimensions: cm x 16,9 11,7 cm x 0,91 cm
- Weight: 206 grams
- Internal Memory: 4GB
- Connectivity: WiFi and 3G connection or only WiFi
- Bookerly font, exclusive to Amazon and designed to be easy and comfortable to read
- Inclusion of the Kindle Page Flip reading function that will allow users to flip through books by page, jump from one chapter to another or even jump to the end of the book without losing the reading point
Without a doubt, the Kindle Paperwhite is for many the best eReader on the market.
Basic Kindle
Finally, we couldn't forget about the Basic Kindle, which offers us just what is necessary to be able to read digital books at a very low price and that any user can assume without too much effort. We should not expect too much from this eReader, but if we are looking for something basic that allows us to read, this Kindle may be the perfect solution.
These are the main features and specifications of this basic Kindle;
- Dimensions: 169 x 119 x 10,2 mm
- Weight: 191 grams
- Internal storage: 4 GB
- 1 GHz processor
- Cloud storage: free and unlimited for Amazon content
- Connectivity: WiFi
- Supported formats: Format 8 Kindle (AZW3), Kindle (AZW), TXT, PDF, unprotected MOBI, PRC natively; HTML, DOC, DOCX, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP by conversion
Buy the best eBook It is not an easy task, but we hope that with the advice that we have given you throughout this article and the models that we have shown you, it will be somewhat easier for you. What is the best e-book for you? If you want something cheaper, we also have a selection with the best cheap e-books.
Kindle Oasis
The Kindle Oasis is possibly the best-designed eReader on the market, and with features and specifications that far exceed those of any other device. Manufactured by Amazon, perhaps its only negative point is its price, and that is that it is too high for a more or less normal budget.
Next we are going to review the main specifications of this Kindle Oasis;
- Screen: incorporates a 7-inch screen with letter e-papper technology, touch, with a resolution of 1440 x 1080 and 300 pixels per inch
- Dimensions: cm x 16,2 11,5 cm x 0,76 cm
- Weight: WiFi version 180 grams and 188 grams the WiFi + 3G version
- Internal memory: 4 GB that allows you to store more than 2.000 eBooks, although it will depend on the size of each of the books
- Connectivity: WiFi and 3G connection or only WiFi
- Integrated light
- Higher screen contrast that will allow us to read in a more comfortable and pleasant way
Kobo Clear 2E
Another of the great benchmarks in the market are Kobo devices, which have managed to improve over the years and catch up with Amazon, although at the moment they do not have the reputation and popularity of Amazon. The Kobo Clara 2E is one of the signs that Kobo is doing things very well.
And it is that this electronic book boasts some characteristics, which we will review just below, that will allow us to enjoy digital reading in a more than interesting way.
Woxter E-Book Scribe
If we are looking for an eReader that offers us some interesting specifications and we can also buy it for a more or less reduced price, a great option could be the Woxter EBook Scriba.
The careful design, this device may be perfect for you who have just entered the world of digital reading.
If you still have doubts, we are going to show you a series of characteristics that you should take into account when buying an eBook to start enjoying digital reading.
Best eReaders by brand
Between the best eReaders by brand, we have the following highlights:
Kindle
Amazon has one of the most popular and successful eReader brands. It's about your Kindle, one of the most advanced devices and with the best quality that you can find on the market, in addition to having the Kindle bookstore with more than 1.5 million titles available. And, among the current models, we must highlight:
Kobo
Another of Kindle's great rivals is the Canadian Kobo. This company, now owned by the Japanese Rakuten, also has one of the best-selling and most prized eReaders. The Kobo has magnificent quality and features, and also has a huge library called the Kobo Store to find everything you're looking for.
PocketBook
PocketBook is a multinational dedicated to eReaders. This brand founded in Ukraine and with its headquarters in Switzerland, has managed to gain a foothold among the greats. Among the highlights of these eReaders we find their quality (manufactured by Foxconn), technology, and the great PocketBook Store.
Onyx boox
La Chinese Onyx It has also broken into the eReader market with force, based on quality, innovation and premium features with its Boox models. This firm puts years of experience at your disposal with models as prestigious as the ones you have on these lines.
meebook
Meebook is a Danish brand very focused on the world of digital education and which has also wanted to enter the eReader market with force. This may be another of the best choices you make, with a premium product with everything you need at your fingertips.
Tolino
No products found.
La Tolino alliance It arose in 2013 when booksellers such as Club Bertelsmann, Hugendubel, Thalia and Weltbild, together with Deutsche Telekon, decided to create these devices for Germany, Austria and Switzerland. However, they soon began to spread to other countries due to their quality and functionality. In fact, these eReaders are developed by Kobo itself.
Best eReaders by Type
Best eReader with Wi-Fi
The eReaders with WiFi wireless connectivity They allow you to be connected to the Internet to be able to access online bookstores to buy and download your favorite books without having to connect cables between your PC and your eReader. In addition, they also allow you to implement other additional functions, such as uploading your eBooks to the cloud so that you never lose them.
Best eReader with color screen
Have an eReader with color display It can be a great advantage for those who want to enjoy full color book illustrations or to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of color comics.
Best eReader for Audiobooks
On the other hand, we must not forget that eReaders with ability to play audiobooks They are also a great alternative for those who want to enjoy the most exciting stories while doing other activities, or for people with reading difficulties. In addition, we must highlight those that have Bluetooth to connect wireless headphones and be able to listen with total freedom.
Best eReader with light
The eReaders with integrated light allow you to read in any lighting condition, you can even read in the dark without disturbing anyone thanks to the light source of these devices. If you are looking for one of the best models with light, then we recommend the ones that are just above.
Best large screen eReader
There are eReaders with very large screens, perfect for those who want to enjoy reading in higher dimensions or for those people who may have some type of visual problem and who need to read text in a larger size.
Best Android eReaders
On the other hand, you also have eReaders with Android operating system, which usually offer more features than other more limited eReaders, for example, with some additional apps beyond reading.
How to choose the best eReader?
EReader display
How could it be otherwise, the screen is one of the fundamental aspects of any electronic book, and it is that reading from it we will spend great times every day. For this, it is essential that you have a screen of an adequate size, with an optimal resolution and that, as far as possible, has built-in light since it will allow us to read comfortably and without tiring or straining our eyes almost anywhere.
It is also important that we look at the time of buying one or another electronic book in the kind of electronic ink that it uses. E-ink Pearl technology is the most advanced on the market and is present in most of the most prominent devices on the market, but it is never necessary to make sure of this aspect since it will allow us to read comfortably and also have a battery life much longer than with other types of technologies.
Another very important point regarding the screen is the resolution and pixel density or dpi. The quality and sharpness of the image will depend on it. Therefore, you have to pay attention to them. The resolution is important to be high to achieve good image quality, especially on models with larger screens. And this directly infers the pixel density, since the lower the resolution and the larger the screen, the worse the density they will have, which means that the sharpness of the image will be lower, especially if you look closely. You should always look for eReaders with high density, such as 300 dpi.
As to screen size, we can differentiate between two large groups:
- compact screens: These screens are usually between 6 and 8 inches. They have the advantage of being compact and lightweight, perfect for taking from one place to another or for those who like to read on trips, as well as ideal for the little ones in the house.
- big screens: range from 10 to 13 inches. These other eBook Readers have the advantage of being able to see the contents in a larger size, this reduces their mobility somewhat, but they can be ideal for the elderly or people with vision problems.
Finally, and as you probably know, there are eReaders with an e-Ink screen. in black and white (grayscale) or in color. In principle, to read most books color is not necessary. On the other hand, if it is about illustrated books or comics, perhaps it is worth having a color screen to see all that content with its original tone. This is a matter of tastes and preferences of each user.
The screen is the heart of the electronic book so it is undoubtedly one of the characteristics that you should take into account the most when choosing the best eReader.
writing capacity
Some models of eReaders also allow use of electronic pens like the Kobo Stylus, or the Kindle Scribe (basic and premium). With them you can also draw or enter text, for example, to add notes, write documents, etc.
Battery
The battery is usually something secondary in electronic books, since thanks to electronic ink its duration is measured in weeks, but we should not forget about it either. Without relying too much on the advertising that all manufacturers make that the battery of your device lasts at least 8 weeks, We must closely monitor the mAh of the battery and check the opinions of other users on the Internet.
It is also interesting to check what type of charge the eReader has since if it has a fast charge it will allow us to charge the device in a short time. This can be really useful if we travel a lot with our e-book.
Along with the screen, the battery is another fundamental aspect in the face of choose the best eReader.
Audiobook support
You should also consider whether the eReader has the ability to play audiobooks or audiobooks. These audiobooks allow you to enjoy the content without reading, as a voice will narrate the stories while you can perform other tasks, such as traveling in the car, cooking, exercising, etc. In addition, it can be ideal for people who have vision problems.
Processor and RAM
The processor and RAM also influence performance, which can offer a smooth experience, without waiting or jerks. In general, most of these devices run quite well, but it would be recommended that they have at least 4 ARM processing cores and a RAM of 2GB or more.
Storage
As you know, another of the key points to choose an eReader is storage, or the capacity they have. These devices have a internal flash memory, and can go from 8 GB to 32 GB, which allows you to store between 6000 and 24000 eBook titles respectively. However, there are also premium models that can reach 64 GB or more. It must be taken into account that the number of books is an average, and it is not exact, since depending on the number of pages in the book and the format, the size may vary. In addition, audiobooks in formats such as MP3, M4B, WAV, etc., also tend to take up more space, even several megabytes.
It is true that storage should not be a major problem, since many services include cloud storage so that you can upload your titles to it and they do not take up space in your memory. In addition, there are also models that accept expanding the internal memory through microSD memory cards, which is a very positive thing.
Operating System
Some eReaders are based on Linux kernel operating systems. Although, at present, Android has become popular, and many current models use some version of Google's operating system to work. This can allow for more feature richness, but it's also important that you receive regular updates so you're always up to date with patches.
WiFi, Bluetooth, 3G or LTE connectivity
For most users this will be a not very interesting option, but for a few it will be essential. And is that If the eReader has WiFi or 3G connectivity, we can easily access digital libraries or even to our library that we have in the cloud.
If, on the other hand, our new eReader does not have any type of connectivity, our possibilities when it comes to acquiring or obtaining digital books will be greatly reduced. It is clear that if we look for the best eBook, the connectivity must be complete.
Today's eReaders have also added wireless connectivity capability for different purposes. We have to differentiate between:
- Wi-Fi/LTE: most models come with WiFi connectivity, so you can connect to the Internet wirelessly and thus be able to access online book stores. On the other hand, some models can also include LTE connectivity for 4G, which means that with a SIM card with a data rate you can be connected wherever you go.
- Bluetooth: BT technology is included in eReaders that support audiobooks. And this will help you to be able to link wireless speakers or headphones, to be able to listen to these books without the need for cables and with freedom to move up to a radius of 10 meters.
Design and ergonomics
We could say that in the background we must take into account aspects such as design or ergonomics. Regarding the design we can take into account that it does not have very pronounced corners or that do not allow us to read comfortably.
It would also be advisable to test the device before acquiring it, for example on a large surface, to check that it is comfortable in hand and that it will not be so uncomfortable that it will not allow us to read, enjoying each page.
Integrated dictionary
It depends on what we read, it is more than possible that we need to have a dictionary nearby to be able to look up and understand some words. Some e-books already have a built-in dictionary, so if you are a friend of dictionaries and use them every time you read, keep a close eye on whether the e-book you are going to buy has this function.
Autonomy
eReaders have built-in Li-Ion batteries that can supply power for long periods of time thanks to the efficiency of e-Ink displays. These batteries usually have enough capacity (mAh) to reach up to several weeks on just one charge.
Finish, weight and size
Also rate these other aspects, since they influence:
- Finished: Depending on the materials and finishes, it can be a more or less robust device. In addition, it is important that it has an ergonomic design to provide the greatest comfort.
- Weight and size: It is important in terms of mobility, so that it is easy to hold and carry from one place to another. In addition, children will also be able to hold a light eReader without getting as tired, so the lightest ones are perfect for them.
Library
It is important that behind the eReader there is a good shelf of books, that is, a good bookstore to buy all the titles you are looking for. In this case, the two best are Amazon Kindle and Kobo Store, both have a large number of titles available, with 1.5 million and 0.7 million respectively. However, some also allow you to sync with local libraries to easily rent books.
In the case of audiobooks, there are also some outstanding online bookstores, such as Audible, Storytel, Sonora, etc.
Lighting design
eReaders also have additional light sources, such as the front LEDs that will also allow you to choose the level of illumination of the screen and also the warmth in some cases. In this way, they adapt perfectly to the light conditions of each moment, allowing you to read even in the dark. As for the warmth, it can serve to get a more pleasant reading for your eyes.
Waterproof
Some models of premium eReaders have IPX8 protection certificate. This means that the model is waterproof or waterproof. These models resist complete immersion, that is, if you submerge your device under water it will not fail. These waterproof devices will allow you to enjoy reading while taking a relaxing bath, while enjoying the pool, etc., without fear of it falling into the water and getting damaged.
Supported formats
The support of file formats They are also essential when choosing your eReader, since the amount of content it can reproduce will depend on it. For example, we have formats like:
- DOC and DOCX documents
- plaintext TXT
- Images JPEG, PNG, BMP, GIF
- HTML web content
- eBooks EPUB, EPUB2, EPUB3, RTF, MOBI, PDF
- CBZ and CBR comics.
- Audiobooks MP3, M4B, WAV, AAC,…
Is it worth investing a little more in an eReader?
If you want an eReader for occasional reading, the truth is that it is not worth paying more to get the best models. For that, we recommend you go to our eReaders section with the best value for money. On the other hand, if you are passionate about reading and you do it frequently, the truth is that investing a little more in your model could make a big difference in your experience. And this is because the premium models usually have extra functions that will make their use much easier.
Tablet or eReader for reading
If you are still wondering whether to buy a tablet to read or an eReader, the truth is that there is no point of comparison. The eReaders are far superior for reading, and they will also save you visual problems in the long run. In this table you can see some of the differences that will help you choose:
Characteristics | Tablet | eReader | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Type of screen | LCD (backlit) | E Ink (electronic ink) | The e-Ink experience is more similar to reading on paper and will cause less eye strain than an LCD screen. In addition, LCDs can generate more discomfort such as glare. |
use in the dark | Yes | Yes | Most eReaders have LEDs for reading in the dark. The tablets have a backlit screen, so it can also be read perfectly in the dark. |
Autonomy | Hours | Days | Thanks to the efficiency of the e-Ink screen, eReaders can last for days on a single battery charge. Some models guarantee up to 1 month with an average daily reading of 30 min. On the other hand, a tablet has a range of hours, having to charge it every day or every two or three days depending on how you use it. |
Weight : | Heavier | Very light | While tablets are heavier, eReaders are extremely light, ranging from 100 grams to 200 grams in weight. |
Hardware | More powerful | Less powerful | While a tablet can run all kinds of apps, in an eReader the system is more limited and focused on the functions that are really needed in this type of device, so its hardware will be less powerful, but also more efficient. |
Software (apps) | Millions | Limited | A tablet allows you to run a multitude of apps and video games because it is made for that. In the case of an eReader the number of apps is limited. |
Uses | Multipurpose | Reading books, audiobooks, taking notes | A tablet can be used to browse the Internet, office automation, communicate, gaming, reading, etc. While an eReader focuses more on reading eBooks, playing audiobooks, and in some cases, they also allow you to write. |
Half life | a few years | Many years | While tablets can last a few years, an eReader can last you up to a decade. |
Price | From 60 to 1000 euros | From 80 to 500 euros | High-end tablets like iPads can be very expensive, while high-end eReaders don't usually go above €300-500. |
Where to buy the best eReaders?
Finally, it must be said that the best eReaders at a good price you can buy them at:
Amazon
The American platform is one of the best places to find all the makes and models you are looking for. In addition, you will have purchase and return guarantees, as well as a secure payment service. And if you're a Prime customer, you also have free and faster shipping.
Media Markt
The German tech chain also has some premium eReader models, though not as many as Amazon. Of course, you can choose between the online purchase modality through its website or go to any of its nearest points of sale.
El Corte Ingles
We also have the possibility to buy from their website and have it sent to your home or go to the nearest center to buy it in person. The Spanish chain ECI also has a limited number of brands and models, and its prices do not stand out as being the cheapest, although there are offers such as Tecnoprecios.
Carrefour
The French Carrefour is also another possibility to find some models that we have talked about. Of course, you can go to any of its points of sale throughout the Spanish geography or buy directly through its official website.
You have not taken into account the formats of books they can read, in this respect the kindle is very poor.
There are other interesting brands, like the PocketBook, that you have cruelly ignored.
Finally, a personal comment: Android readers are more flexible, but, at least for the average user, more complicated to use (and less perfect) than a device designed solely for reading.
Let's say it is true that kindle does not handle all formats, it is also true that transforming a book like Tolstoy's war and peace from epub to Azw or mobi takes about 23 seconds with caliber and on my PC that I have an old amd 2-core
You have to be careful with the Kindle because it seems that they have programmed obsolescence and it is difficult for them to reach two years of life. After one year (when the guarantee they give ends), they tend to give many operating problems, until it is permanently blocked and thrown away. Search the internet for "kindle lock" and you will see.
CAN THE CONVERSION BE DONE BACKWARDS? THAT IS FROM AZW TO EPUB? THANK YOU.
At home we still have a first-generation Kindle, bought at Christmas 2007, running.
Also a Kindle 4 that we bought Christmas 2011 and, finally, two Kindle paperwhite bought in 2012 and 2013 respectively.
The use that the whole family give it is intensive and only one of the paperqwhites crashed a couple of times that were fixed following the instructions on the phone from Amazon (a phenomenal service and very fast). Shortly after, there was a system update and there have been no problems again.
On the other hand, other ebooks (Papyre and others of its generation) that we have been buying have in the end gone to the green point by stopping working and being replaced by the Kindle.
The concept of "planned obsolescence" should not be abused. There is a lot of urban legend behind that statement.
There are very few cases in which a kindle crashes permanently, the problem is usually solved quickly. In fact and given its complexity, most of today's electronic equipment can have a blocking problem that can be solved with a simple reboot.
Which is the best to read pdf? I had between my eyebrows the new Kobo Aura one but I have seen tests on YouTube and it is disappointing ...
There are very few, no. I was also happy with the Kindle 3 and was of a similar opinion to yours, until this week it suddenly died to me, having taken good care of it and having not intensive use, I probably read a book a month and that is a use of low intensity. When searching for my problem online, I have found hundreds of thousands of similar cases, including quite a few companies that specialize in fixing it. They do not seem to me to be "rare" or "specific" cases. You find fewer crash or sudden death issues on any other popular electronic item than on Kindles. Given the avalanche of cases similar to mine that I have encountered, I have doubts about the quality of Amazon's Kindle. At the moment nothing has solved my problem, so I have opted to buy a new battery and pray that that is the problem. In case I am forced to buy a new one, it will not be a Kindle product, I have been shown that its quality is doubtful.
I think right now it's hard to beat the price / quality ratio that the kindle Paperwhite offers. It is true that from the outset it cannot read all formats ... but using Calibri they can be easily converted to a format compatible with the Kindle.
Hi good day. Was your problem solved by buying a new battery?
You have not only forgotten the formats, also the audio. None is used to listen to an audiobook or music while reading and, frankly, if I am going to need to carry a mobile phone or a tablet to connect to the internet, an mp3 player for music and an ereader for books ... I have plenty of ereader and I unify everything with a tablet
I have problems with the battery charge of my ebook papyre 6.1 and the screen has been checked in the index, I would like to know where I can bring the electronic book for review
Hi
You can tell me that electronic books are used to connect you to the public network of national libraries and download them directly.
Thank you
Hola!
I want to buy an e-reader, as cheap as possible, that allows me to read pdf (not as an image but as text) and epub and, if possible, have the option of audiobooks.
I do nothing more than read reviews but nothing has just been clear to me from people's comments. For example, normally the Kindle reviews say that it is great for the price it has and that they read pdf and such, but then most users say that they give a lot of problems, that pdfs read them only as images so or you leave the view reading something tiny or you have to be going right and left to fit the image to the page.
I have also read that the TAGUS are good but it seems that they are not compatible with the amazon books ...
Anyway, I'm very lost and I want an ereader because I'm always loaded with a lot of books: ')
THANKS!
No ereader is going to give you satisfactory results with PDF's. The best option is always to convert PDF to ePub from PC.
I was looking for something similar and in the end I think I'm going to opt for the Mars de Boyue likebook. Booxes are great too, but the price is too high.
Why in each evaluation of e-readers that is made, it is omitted to specify that the largest number of works that are on the network are in e-pub format, incompatible with Kindle?
Why does it not stand out that therefore, and being the specific kindle format only the one that he admits, one is forced to buy only works of the Kindle format, which are sold by Amazon, and which, of course, cannot be downloaded free internet?
I know that all the necessary conversions can be made on the Caliber site, but why submit to that nuisance, if you can read directly in e-pub?
Because basically you can with Caliber convert ebooks in epub format to mobi or azw3 format, which are the ones that Kindle accept.
For that reason, in many reviews they do not even mention it, because with Caliber the Kindle format problem is partly "solved".