Kobo Libra Colour
Kindle Paperwhite
Pocketbook Verse Pro Colour
Boox Palma 2 Pro
Woxter Scriba Paperlight TP
The best eReader of 2026
eReaders are not a type of device that renews too often; in fact, the reference brands (Kindle or Kobo) have had the same models in their catalog for quite some time; devices where screen clarity, the possibility of viewing images and texts in color, and the focus on audiobooks are the main bets. Over the past few months, I have tested the most interesting eReaders and analyzed what new features they bring compared to those already on the market.
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How we chose and tested the products
I have always been a great reader and, since my university days — when I started commuting by metro every day with a nearly 3-hour round trip — I began devouring books: I have read between 2 and 3 per week.
This coincided with the release of the first eReaders and very soon I got one: its memory held very few, page turning was very slow… but I found it one of the most useful devices I had tried so far; I could carry any book without it weighing down my bag or backpack.
Although with motherhood and teleworking the time I can dedicate to reading has substantially decreased, it remains one of my great hobbies, and I take advantage of any moment to read a page.
In recent weeks I have done this using the eReaders participating in this comparison, reading both books with only text (I started the Blackwater series, for example), as well as others where illustrations and maps are relevant. I have also tried to read in different environments: in full sunlight, indoors, at night with little or no lighting…
The evaluation criteria are the same as those I considered in previous eReaders comparisons:
- Design. Its aesthetics, materials used in manufacturing, ergonomics, dimensions, and weight.
- Durability. Level of tolerance to water, shocks, dust…
- Screen. Its size and resolution, text clarity, customization capabilities, among others.
- Lighting system. Whether it has one or not and, if so, everything related to light adjustment at different intensities, manual or automatic activation, how it is distributed, and if it is uniform across the screen.
- Connectivity and access to eBooks. How books can be loaded, format compatibility, etc.
- Others. Interface, text customization options and access to statistics, accessory compatibility… and additional functions or features.
Why should you trust me?
I am a journalist with almost 20 years of experience in the technology sector and, during this time, I have produced reports, articles, and all kinds of content related to various aspects of technology. Additionally, in recent years I have specialized in product analysis and have had the opportunity to review hundreds for different media, including El País: from the most affordable smartphones to the most advanced models on the market, computers, sound systems, televisions… Also devices related to personal care or home. My commitment to the reader is simple: independence, rigor, and usefulness. Independence, because my opinions are not influenced by brands or commercial interests. Rigor, because each product is tested under real conditions, for the necessary time to detect both its virtues and limitations. And usefulness, because the ultimate goal is not to impress with specifications, but to help make informed decisions.
More than reading: Kobo Libra Colour
Who is it for: people who like to take notes in their books or highlight passages, as well as those who regularly consult manuals.
Why we recommend it: it is the first eReader from the brand with a color screen: with 7 inches, it has E Ink Kaleido 3 technology, which makes it possible to read comics or view illustrations in books and manuals without losing the benefits of electronic ink screens. Overall, it reminded me a lot of the experience with other eReaders from the brand in its design and also in its menu, which shows books organized on the main screen and includes a shortcut to the Kobo bookstore, where books and audiobooks can be purchased individually or subscribed to the Kobo Plus service for access to all of them.
Undoubtedly, what I liked most is the ability to transform the eReader into something more like a notepad. For this, you have to use a stylus sold separately but which I was also able to try, and which is used to make annotations in books and even highlight: at all times I could choose which color to use, as if I were using traditional highlighters.
It also has an app that works like a notebook with templates to make tables, lists, or write and draw freely.
Also noteworthy is that I was able to use the reader to listen to audiobooks; in this case, since it has no built-in speakers but does have Bluetooth, I paired my wireless headphones and enjoyed them with loud and clear sound.
Its weak points: the stylus, the most special feature of this model and what differentiates it from the rest, is sold separately.
Fly: Kindle Paperwhite
Who is it for: avid readers who mainly read books daily, seeking maximum autonomy and total clarity in texts.
Why we recommend it: it is my favorite among the 2025 Kindles. It is very fast: I think I had never tried an eReader that turned pages so quickly. But beyond that, the overall reading experience is great. Its 7-inch screen is very comfortable, and texts look very sharp both in natural light (even in the sun) and at night, thanks to its lighting adjustment system that allows choosing both intensity and tone.
The setup is also very convenient: when turned on for the first time, you can choose to configure it from the device itself or using the mobile app Kindle. I did it that way, and followed the instructions step by step, getting it ready in just a few minutes. And not only that, but I was able to sync the library with my previous Kindle, having exactly the book I was reading on the same page.
I tried it in black, but it is also available in raspberry and jade green colors. It is water-resistant, has 16 GB of internal storage, and its battery lasts up to three months.
Its weak points: nothing remarkable, it is a very balanced model.
Read aloud: Pocketbook Verse Pro Colour
Who is it for: reading enthusiasts who, at certain times, have switched to audiobooks.
Why we recommend it: although more and more eReaders are compatible with audiobooks, this one is especially so. Because with it I have been able to enjoy them from the most popular platforms — always linking my wireless headphones or a Bluetooth speaker, since it has none built-in —; but it also has a function that automatically transforms any written book into a spoken one.
And it works great: when I was reading a text and had to leave it but wanted to continue with the story, I just had to open the menu at the bottom, select the voice option and start listening. I tried it both in English and Spanish with fantastic results in both cases. Also, it works in 24 other languages and you can choose between different voice tones, both male and female.
Its screen is 6 inches, the standard size, and offers E Ink Kaleido 3 technology, so it shows comics or books with color illustrations. The tones appear somewhat muted, as in the Kobo model, but this comes with the technology itself. Overall, the reading experience is excellent.
I also highlight that, although the screen is touch-sensitive, it also has physical buttons and I find this most useful for turning pages without having to move the hand.
Its weak points: the screen is somewhat smaller than other competing models (although 6 inches has traditionally been the standard), and I noticed some synchronization issues between the device and the cloud, where books can be stored. So in the end, I always stored them in its internal memory.
Pocket size: Boox Palma 2 Pro
Who is it for: readers looking for a very compact model to always carry with them to take advantage of any moment to read.
Why we recommend it: its compact size, similar to a modern smartphone, has made it possible for me to always carry it. In fact, during the weeks I tested it, I read more than ever: whenever I was waiting outside the house or had some free time, I took it out of my pocket or fanny pack instead of my phone, and read instead of checking social media. It has a 6.13″ color electronic ink screen with Kaleido 3 technology that reads quite well in full light and limits the typical visual fatigue of traditional screens. Its pixel density of about 300 ppi in black and white makes reading text comfortable even without zoom, and although the color representation is around 150 ppi — and I noticed it looks somewhat grainy in graphics or comics —.
It has three features worth highlighting. The first is that it can be used with a stylus to take notes or make sketches on the screen. I tried it several times to make quick summaries after meetings or to mark relevant passages of long texts. Overall it works well, but it does not offer the same natural fluidity as more advanced devices. The second is that it has 5G connectivity, like phones. Although it is not a function I have used continuously, since I do not have an additional SIM card besides my personal and work lines, I have tried it and it is great to be able to sync the library without relying on Wi-Fi. Finally, it runs on Android OS, so you can install all kinds of apps to use them from the phone. Personally, I do not make much use of this because the screen is not prepared for many of them.
Its weak points: the magnetic case I tested, although practical, tends to come off easily, and there is no place to safely store the stylus, so I usually do not carry it to avoid losing it.
Affordable: Woxter Scriba Paperlight TP
Who is it for: occasional readers who want to try eReaders for the first time without spending much money.
Why we recommend it: it is a very affordable model that has the basics to read comfortably and without eye strain on a device. Its screen is 6 inches (the smallest in the comparison) and although it is not the clearest, it has sufficient resolution. All reading control and the menu are done with its touch screen, which responds adequately to finger touches. It is complemented by the classic button panel; my preference for turning pages.
In the settings section, it is possible to change the screen orientation or customize line spacing and font type and size, among other options. Specifically, I was able to choose among six sizes, and the most comfortable for me was identified as L. In its menu, margins can also be modified, night mode activated…
It is also possible to add bookmarks on the pages of the book you are reading, which are stored in its 4 GB internal memory (seems little, but it can hold about 2,000 books).
Its weak points: being so basic and affordable, it lacks functions that others do have: screen lighting, cloud connection, water resistance…
Other interesting ‘eReader’ models
If you are looking for a basic model: the new Kindle
If you are looking for an eReader with a large screen: the Kobo Elipsa 2E
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an eReader and a tablet?
An eReader uses electronic ink (E Ink) screens, which do not emit direct blue light and offer a more paper-like experience. This reduces eye strain and improves battery life, which can last weeks. In contrast, a tablet like the iPad is designed for multimedia consumption, browsing, and apps, but its battery lasts less and it may be less comfortable for long reading sessions.
Which book format is better: EPUB or MOBI?
In 2026, the standard format is EPUB. Platforms like Rakuten Kobo use it natively. Amazon has also adopted EPUB for sending to its Kindle devices (although internally it converts it to its own format). MOBI is practically obsolete.
How many GB do I need in an eReader?
For traditional reading, 8 GB or 16 GB are more than enough (they can store thousands of books). If you plan to listen to audiobooks or read heavy comics and PDFs, it is advisable to opt for 32 GB or more.
Is an eReader with a color screen worth it?
New models with E Ink Kaleido or Gallery technology have greatly improved in contrast and saturation, and are recommended if you read comics, illustrated books, or manuals with graphics. However, for traditional novels, the difference compared to a black and white screen is smaller and the price is usually higher.
Can you read books bought outside Amazon on a Kindle?
Yes, although it requires sending them to the device via the “Send to Kindle” function or by email. EPUB files are converted automatically. Not all formats are directly supported.
What screen size is best?
It depends on the intended use. 6-7 inches is more portable and lightweight (ideal for travel); 7-8 inches offers the best balance between comfort and text size; and 10 inches or more is ideal for PDFs, study, or note-taking.
How long does an eReader battery last?
Most current eReaders offer between 4 and 10 weeks of battery life with moderate use (30 minutes a day with integrated light on). Actual duration depends on brightness, Wi-Fi, and audiobook use.
Is it better to buy an eReader with ads or without ads?
Some Amazon models include offers on the lock screen in exchange for a lower price. They do not affect reading but may be annoying for some users. The price difference is usually 10 to 20 euros.
*All purchase prices included in this article are updated to May 5, 2026.
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