Not much has changed in the way we acquire literary information, reading is still the best. Books, however, are not the most cost-effective solution anymore, and neither are smartphones since they’re bad for your health. You need something in-between, you need the best eReaders in 2023.
These devices are more specialized tablets that can store thousands of books– a whole library at your fingertips and they don’t emit too much harmful radiation that can deteriorate your eyesight or ruin your sleep.
For more practical purposes, such as traveling or alleviating your back pain (because books are heavy), consider the following best eReaders in 2023.
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Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB)
PROS
- 10 weeks of battery life, woah
- Waterproof
- Huge library
- Amazon ecosystem integration
CONS
- Screen bleeding issues
- Protruding power button
Features:
- 6.8” display
- 300 ppi glare-free display
- USB-C charging
- Adjustable warm light
Amazon is ahead of the curve and the competition already with its Kindle series and lineup. The Paperwhite lineup, in particular, is one of the most popular Readers right now and it’s only improving with each new iteration.
It’s somewhat affordable and gives you access to over 2 million titles and thousands of audiobooks. So do your eyes a favor and switch to this one instead of squinting at your smartphone and your computer monitor.
Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB)
Apple iPad Mini (6th Generation)
PROS
- Versatile and can serve other purposes
- Better for audiobooks
- Apple Pencil gives off a traditional notepad feeling
- Beautiful Retina screen
- Camera is handy for scanning documents
CONS
- Expensive if you're going to treat it as an eReader exclusively
- Expensive regardless
- Terrible battery life for an eReader
Features:
- A15 Bionic chip
- 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display
- Lots of apps that can function like eReaders
- Versatile
Okay, we’re cheating a bit here, but the iPad’s screen is so clear and crisp that you usually won’t have a problem looking at it for prolonged periods. Of course, there’s the added benefit of being able to use it for other purposes.
We chose the iPad Mini specifically for easier operation since it’s lighter. You can use it with one hand when you’re just reading compared to the bulkier iPads. It also comes with Apple Pencil in case you want to use it for highlighting in a traditional sense.
Apple iPad Mini (6th Generation)
NOOK GlowLight 4 Plus
PROS
- Larger screen compared to the Kindle
- Lighter
- Larger storage
- Waterproof
CONS
- Pricey for an eReader
- More limited book selection
Specs:
Features:
- 7.8″ screen
- 300-ppi display
- 32GB
If you want something more heavy-duty than the Kindle Paperwhite and comes with a larger screen, then the NOOK GlowLight 4 Plus from Barnes & Noble offers a bit more.
It has the same PPI, but has a higher storage and is surprisingly lighter despite having a larger screen. However if your electronics ecosystem already involves a lot of Amazon, you might want to go for the Kindle instead.
NOOK GlowLight 4 Plus
Kobo Libra 2
PROS
- Ink technology is better for reading manga and comic books
- Larger storage
- Waterproof
- Better file type compatibility
CONS
- More limited book selection
Features:
- 7″ display
- Ink screen tech
- 32GB
If clarity and screen sharpness are what you’re after, the Kobo Libra 2 makes a strong case as a competitor for the Kindle Paperwhite. The screen is marginally easier on the eyes compared to Amazon’s Kindle Paperwhite and the ink technology is quite underrated.
For one, it’s great for reading manga and comic books. Everything else is about on par with the Kindle Paperwhite though again, you get more book options with Amazon and better ecosystem integration.
Kobo Libra 2
Kindle Kids Essentials
PROS
- Compact
- More affordable
- Amazon ecosystem integration
- Huge library
- Age content control
CONS
- Smaller screen
- Lacks warm light adjustment
- Not waterproof
Features:
- 6-inch screen
- 300 ppi display
- 16GB
The funny thing about Kindle Kids is that it’s not really just for kids. Adults who want a more affordable Kindle Paperwhite might want to pick this one instead as it’s an unofficial budget version of that device.
The difference is the smaller screen, the lack of warm light adjustment, and the waterproofing. Everything else is a similar experience to the Kindle Paperwhite. Oh, it also comes in funky colors.
Kindle Kids Essentials
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are eReaders better on the eyes?
Yes. They were made with specific PPI configurations in mind and emit less light and radiation. -
Are eReaders better than books?
Absolutely. They're more practical. Even if you value traditional books for their sentimental value and are an avid collector, then just know that the Kindle Paperwhite can help you preserve those books since you don't have to open or crease them.