5 Best E-Readers to Buy in 2023, According to Tech Experts
Whether you're looking to dive into a new library book, or just need a budget-friendly buy for your favorite classics.
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E-readers are perfect for bookworms who are blowing through paperbacks and need a more convenient way to easily get new reads. But like everything else you buy, you'll need to look at all of the item's features when deciding on the best e-reader for you. The help narrow down the options, the Good Housekeeping Institute researched and evaluated a top e-readers to find the best models overall. We look at ease of operation, ease of reading in bright or dark lit rooms, size, battery life, storage capacity, speed while using (turning on, downloading books, and page turns), and resistance to fingerprints.
Before you dive into our picks for the best e-readers of 2023, remember these tips below when selecting your digital reader.
How to buy an e-reader:
- Screen type: Traditional e-readers use e-ink, but more “tablet” like e-readers use LCD screens. Some styles feature a hybrid that offers both. E-ink models have a more paper-like experience with users reporting less eye strain, and comparably, are usually more lightweight with a longer battery life. E-readers with LCD screens likely have more features besides reading books.
- Portability: Take into account the screen size and weight of the device. Many e-reader models are 6” wide, whereas tablet styles are available in larger sizes.
- Waterproof: Look for IP ratings to ensure the e-reader is waterproof if reading poolside or at the beach – at least IPX7 is preferred. Note that a waterproof rating does not mean they're sand-proof, so always be careful with your e-reader on the beach.
- Book access: Each model of e-reader has different options to access books. Kindle has their own library and doesn’t support ePub, which is what many public libraries use.
- Built-in lighting: Most high-quality e-readers have a built-in light, so it’s easy to read in the dark, perfect for in-bed reading without waking up your partner.
- Resolution: The pixel density can help you determine the screen quality. Opt for 300 dots per inch (ppi) for crisp text and images.
And now, take a look at our top 5 e-book readers based on quality, sizes, and book availability:
Amazon Kindle Oasis
For the ultimate bookworm, the Kindle Oasis is the top of the line for e-readers. The newest model features a color adjusting front light, designed to be easier on the eyes when reading at night. There are also page turning buttons for easy reading and an IPX8 waterproof rating. You can choose an upgraded model with free cellular connectivity to download new books on the go without a WiFi connection.
Kobo Clara HD eReader
This e-reader makes it easy to use ePub for access to your public library's eBook selection. The bright screen will reduce blue light as the day goes on for more comfortable night time reading. It has a simple touch screen display that's easy to use and navigate. We love that it's a more affordable model at $120.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
The Kindle Paperwhite is the best value Kindle on the market as it's super lightweight, waterproof, and has a 300ppi display for easy reading – for less than $130. This model can connect to Bluetooth headphones to listen to audiobooks too. It weighs less than half a pound and is only 0.3" thick, taking up barely any space when traveling.
When reclining by the pool or on the beach, you want it to be easy to flip pages. This model from Kobo has page turner buttons on the side. It includes 11 different font types and 40 different sizes for easy reading in bright light. It's also IPX8 rated, so it's waterproof if it accidentally gets wet.
To keep up with your little readers, the Kindle Kids can hold picture books and chapter books as they learn. The parental dashboard lets you control what books your child can download, while watching their progress. Kids can also click on words they don't know and a definition will appear. Plus, all the words they look up will go into a "vocabulary builder" for parents to review with them later on.
Emma Seymour (she/her) is the associate director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.
Rachel Rothman was the chief technologist and executive technical director of the Good Housekeeping Institute for over 15 years, overseeing testing methodology, implementation and reporting for all GH Labs. She also managed GH's research division and the analysis of applicants for the GH Seal and all other testing emblems.
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