E-readers have come a long way in providing a paper-like reading experience paired with cutting-edge technology. In 2025, these devices will continue to evolve with advanced features like color E Ink displays, note-taking functionality, and improved portability. Whether you’re an avid reader, a student, or a professional looking for a productivity tool, there’s an e-reader to suit your needs. Here’s a guide to the best e-book readers available in 2025, along with the latest trends and recommendations for various users.

Popular Models in 2025

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024)

Best for Most Readers

The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite remains one of the gold standards for e-readers. Updated in 2024 with a 7-inch E Ink Carta 1300 screen, the Paperwhite offers darker blacks, crisper text, and faster page turns. Lightweight and waterproof (IPX8 rating), it’s perfect for reading by the pool or on a beach. Its long battery life—lasting weeks on a single charge—and glare-free screen make it a top choice for bookworms.

Pros

  • Affordable mid-range option.
  • Sharp 300ppi resolution for easy reading.
  • Access to Amazon’s vast library with features like Kindle Unlimited.

Cons

  • Limited to Amazon’s ecosystem.
  • Design may feel less premium with its plastic build.

The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is an ideal pick for those who want a reliable, high-quality e-reader that offers great value for money.

Kobo Libra Colour

Best Color E-Reader

For readers who love color content, such as comics or illustrated books, the Kobo Libra Colour is an excellent choice. Its 7-inch E Ink Kaleido 3 display offers vibrant colors while maintaining the clarity expected from grayscale screens. The device supports OverDrive for borrowing library books, and its sideloading flexibility ensures compatibility with a wide range of file formats.

Pros

  • Full-color display for enhanced visuals.
  • Lightweight, waterproof, and easy to hold single-handed.
  • Eco-friendly build made from recycled materials.

Cons

  • Stylus sold separately for note-taking.
  • Color depth may not rival tablets.

The Libra Colour is perfect for readers wanting more than just text-based e-books, offering an engaging and versatile reading experience.

Onyx Boox Go Color 7

Best for Versatility

Onyx Boox devices are known for their flexibility, and the Go Color 7 is no exception. This 7-inch e-reader features a color E Ink display, support for the Google Play Store, and physical page-turn buttons for added convenience. It’s an excellent choice for those who want access to more than just e-books, with Android app compatibility opening the door to productivity tools and multimedia content.

Pros

  • Colorful E Ink screen with great performance.
  • Access to apps via the Google Play Store.
  • Long battery life.

Cons

  • Back-panel materials feel less premium.
  • Some features are limited to the default reading app.

The Go Color 7 shines as a multipurpose device, making it more than just an e-reader—it’s also a lightweight productivity tool.

New Trends in E-Reader Technology

Color E Ink Displays

2024 marked a turning point for color E Ink technology, and 2025 builds on this momentum. Devices like the Kobo Libra Colour and Amazon Kindle Colorsoft bring vibrant displays that are great for comics, magazines, and graphic novels. While color depth on E Ink still lags behind traditional LCD screens, the technology offers a unique blend of eye comfort and visual appeal.

Writing and Note-Taking Features

E-readers are no longer just for reading. Devices like the Kobo Elipsa 2E and Amazon Kindle Scribe (2024) integrate note-taking functionality with stylus support. These models cater to students, researchers, and anyone who enjoys journaling, offering features like handwriting recognition, advanced notebooks, and document annotations.

Sustainability and Repairability

Eco-conscious readers can now opt for devices made with recycled materials. Brands like Kobo and PocketBook have prioritized sustainability, and some devices come with repair kits through partnerships with companies like iFixit, adding to their longevity and reducing e-waste.

Recommendations by User Needs

Best Budget-Friendly Option

Kobo Clara BW

For readers on a tight budget, the Kobo Clara BW is a standout choice. It features a 6-inch E Ink Carta 1300 display with crisp resolution and snappy performance. It’s also waterproof, lightweight, and repairable, making it great value at a lower price point.

Best for Students and Professionals

Kobo Elipsa 2E

The Elipsa 2E is perfect for those looking for a large screen and comprehensive note-taking tools. With a 10.3-inch display, advanced notebooks, and seamless handwriting-to-text conversion, it’s the ideal study and work companion. Its eco-friendly build and support for diverse file formats add to its appeal.

Pros

  • Versatile writing and annotation tools.
  • Large screen for comfortable reading and writing.
  • Supports library lending and file syncing via Google Drive.

Best Premium Model

Amazon Kindle Scribe (2024)

For a luxurious reading and writing experience, the Kindle Scribe (2024) impresses with its large 10.2-inch screen, advanced AI handwriting tools, and exceptional brightness. While it’s expensive, the Scribe is a dream device for those who want top-notch performance and aesthetics.

Pros

  • Bright, high-quality display.
  • Smooth and pleasurable writing experience.
  • Seamless integration with Amazon’s e-book ecosystem.

Cons

  • Limited to Amazon’s platform for books.
  • Pricey compared to competitors.

Best Compact E-Reader

Onyx Boox Palma

For readers who prefer a more compact device, the Onyx Boox Palma is a phone-sized e-reader with Android app compatibility. It’s highly portable and offers plenty of storage, but its size may not suit every user.

Pros

  • Small, phone-like design for travel convenience.
  • Access to Google Play apps.
  • Spacious 128GB storage with additional microSD expansion.

Cons

  • Screen size may feel restrictive for some.
  • Price is high for its niche features.

E-readers in 2025 are pushing the boundaries of what these devices can do. Whether you’re after an affordable reading companion, a color-rich visual experience, or a productivity powerhouse, there’s a device to fit your needs. The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite remains a solid all-rounder, while the Kobo Libra Colour and Onyx Boox Go Color 7 expand the possibilities of what an e-reader can be. For students and professionals, the Kobo Elipsa 2E and Kindle Scribe lead as versatile tools.