10 Best Ebook Readers 2025 in the United States

The Amazon Kindle Scribe stands out as a hybrid device combining a high-quality ebook reader with a digital notebook, making it ideal for users who want to read and write on one device. Its 10.2-inch Paperwhite display offers a sharp 300 ppi resolution, ensuring crisp text and images with a glare-free, front-lit screen that works well in various lighting conditions, including outdoors and dim environments. The battery life is impressive for reading—up to 12 weeks on a single charge—and still very good for writing at around 3 weeks, which supports longer use without frequent charging. Storage options up to 64 GB provide ample space for thousands of books and plenty of notes or documents. Connectivity via Wi-Fi (both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) is reliable for downloading content, though there’s no cellular option. Weighing about 15.3 ounces, this device is slightly heavier than typical ebook readers but still comfortable to hold for reading and note-taking.

The included Premium Pen requires no charging or setup, allowing easy and natural handwriting that feels like paper, enhanced by a soft eraser and shortcut button. It supports a wide range of file formats including Kindle native formats, PDFs, Microsoft Word files, EPUBs, and more, which is great for versatile use. The built-in AI features for converting handwriting to text and summarizing notes add valuable productivity support. The Kindle Scribe is more expensive and bulkier than standard Kindle models, and its focus on writing means it sacrifices some simplicity and portability. It also lacks features like audio playback or app support beyond reading and note-taking. This device best suits avid readers who also want to annotate documents, journal, or organize notes digitally in one place, rather than users seeking a purely lightweight ebook reader.

The All-new Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB) is a top-tier ebook reader with a number of impressive features. Its 7-inch glare-free display offers high contrast and sharp text, making it easy to read in various lighting conditions. The adjustable lighting from white to amber is particularly useful for comfortable reading both in bright sunlight and in the dark. The device is also lightweight and ultra-thin, enhancing portability for travel or daily commutes. With its waterproof design (IPX8 rating), you can safely use it by the pool or in the bath without worry.

Additionally, the Kindle Paperwhite stands out for its extensive battery life, lasting up to 12 weeks on a single charge, which is ideal for avid readers who don't want the hassle of frequent recharging. The 16 GB storage capacity allows you to store thousands of books, and the free cloud storage for Amazon content ensures you won’t run out of space. Connectivity is robust with support for both 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz Wi-Fi networks, although it does not support peer-to-peer connections. The absence of social media and other distracting apps helps maintain focus on reading.

The device supports a wide range of ebook formats including AZW3, AZW, TXT, PDF, and more, although converting some formats might be necessary. One potential downside is that audiobook streaming over Bluetooth can significantly reduce battery life. Additionally, while the device includes accessibility features like the VoiceView screen reader and adjustable fonts, it may have limited appeal for users who rely heavily on audiobooks due to the battery trade-off. This Kindle is ideal for dedicated readers looking for a high-quality, distraction-free reading experience with excellent battery life and storage capacity. It is less suited for those who prefer a multifunctional device or are heavily reliant on audiobooks.

The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (32 GB) excels in several key areas important for ebook readers. With a 7-inch Paperwhite display and 300 ppi resolution, it provides a clear and comfortable reading experience. The auto-adjusting front light is a standout feature, allowing you to read in various lighting conditions without manual adjustments. Bluetooth support for the VoiceView screen reader and text-to-speech further enhance accessibility.

The device is waterproof with an IPX8 rating, making it ideal for reading by the pool or in the bath. Adding to its convenience, it supports wireless charging and has a remarkable battery life of up to 12 weeks, although heavy use of wireless features may reduce this time. The 32 GB storage is ample, accommodating thousands of books and some audiobooks. However, the format support is somewhat limited to Amazon's ecosystem, which could be a drawback if you prefer other formats.

It lacks cellular connectivity, restricting content download to Wi-Fi. Additionally, while the quick charge feature is handy, the wireless charging dock is sold separately, which might be an extra cost to consider. The Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is particularly well-suited for avid readers who appreciate a lightweight, durable, and versatile device. Its distraction-free environment, free of notifications and social media, makes it perfect for immersing oneself in a book.