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 Colorsoft is a unique ebook reader that stands out with its 7-inch color display, which makes book covers and illustrated content more lively and engaging compared to traditional black-and-white screens. Its screen offers 300 ppi sharpness in black and white and 150 ppi in color, giving a paper-like feel but with added color highlights. This makes it a good choice for readers who enjoy graphic novels, children’s books, or magazines in color. The adjustable warm light allows comfortable reading both in bright sunlight and at night, reducing eye strain.

Battery life is excellent, lasting up to 8 weeks on a single charge when used moderately, which is typical for Kindles and great for long trips or heavy reading without frequent charging. The 16 GB storage is ample for thousands of books, giving plenty of space even if you like to keep many titles on your device. Connectivity includes dual-band Wi-Fi for fast downloads, though it doesn’t support peer-to-peer networks, which suits the needs of most users.

The Kindle Colorsoft is also waterproof (IPX8), meaning you can read by the pool or in the bath without worry. At 7.6 ounces, it’s light enough for comfortable holding over long reading sessions. It supports a wide range of ebook formats, including native Kindle formats, PDFs, and converted EPUBs, covering most reading needs. One trade-off is that the color filter layer slightly changes how the screen looks compared to the classic Kindle Paperwhite, with a different texture and brightness level that might not please all traditional e-reader users. This Kindle is an excellent choice for readers who want the convenience and eye comfort of an ebook reader but also want to enjoy color content without switching to a tablet. If you mostly read text-only novels, a standard black-and-white Kindle might still be a better fit, but for color-rich books, the Kindle Colorsoft offers a fresh and enjoyable reading experience.