What’s the best e-reader for 2026? I regularly evaluate new e-readers and tablets, trying out different models to stay updated on the top choices available. If you’re intending to dive into more books this year, I can recommend a model that you’ll appreciate.
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Other tested e-readers
From left to right: Kindle Paperwhite, Nook GlowLight 4 Plus, Kindle Scribe Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable
The most recent e-readers I assessed were the Kindle Scribe (2025) and Kindle Scribe Colorsoft. Earlier versions of the Kindle Scribe didn’t meet expectations, but Amazon has made significant enhancements to these devices, making them worthy of your consideration. We’ve included the Kindle Scribe (2025) on this list as it offers better value, even though the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft is technically more sophisticated. For additional information on the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft, you can view our complete review.
We’ve also evaluated the Remarkable PaperPro and Onyx Boox Go 7 as potential entries for this list. After a few weeks of use, both devices performed adequately but didn’t quite earn a spot.
When you look for e-readers, Remarkable’s tablets will consistently show up in search results, but regrettably, it’s challenging to acquire ePUB files on the Remarkable. With Remarkable, you can access documents from Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive. If you possess any locked ePUB files — such as those from Libby — they won’t be accessible on a Remarkable tablet. Thus, my experience with the Remarkable tablet revealed that it functions better as a document reader or digital journal than an e-reader.
The Onyx Boox Go 7 presents a stronger e-reader alternative than the Remarkable. It shares dimensions with the Kobo Libra or Amazon Kindle, yet it falls short in processing speed. To read ePUB files from Libby, I needed to download the Adobe Digital Editions app on the Boox Go 7, and there was significant lag when opening and closing the app. Although it was less complicated than obtaining library books on a Nook, it was still a considerable hassle compared to the seamless integrations of Kindle or Kobo. The Boox Go 7 showed delays and took a long time to open files. I had high hopes for this Boox due to its page-turning buttons, but sadly, they didn’t function on my device.
An e-reader we haven’t tested yet is the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft, which is now available for buying. We’re also trying some newer brands in the e-reader market, including the Xteink X4 and DuRoBo Krono.
What about the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition?
If you’re aware of the Kindle lineup, it may surprise you that the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is absent from this list. Don’t misunderstand me, it’s excellent, but I believe other options are superior. The Signature Edition is an enhanced version of the Paperwhite, and we’ve compared the two directly. In short, the Paperwhite offers better value, even with the SE’s additional features like auto-adjusting brightness and 32GB of storage.
If you plan to spend $200 on an e-reader, I suggest bypassing the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition and opting for the Kobo Libra Colour instead.
Where’s the Nook on this list?
Regarding well-known e-readers, you might notice the absence of the Barnes & Noble Nook from this list. I have tested this e-reader, and it was previously included. However, after evaluating more devices, it no longer qualifies. Compared to any of the Kindles or the Kobo Libra, the Nook performs sluggishly, making it aggravating to use.
Additionally, transferring my library books onto the Nook was a hassle, as it involved a multi-step procedure that required downloading to a computer before uploading to the Nook. Its sole redeeming feature was the buttons on either side of the device, which facilitated page turning. However, unless you’re a devoted purchaser of Barnes & Noble books, I would advise avoiding the Nook.
Where to find free e-reader books
Once you’ve acquired an e-reader, it’s time to populate it with books, which doesn’t necessarily mean spending money. Actually, you can fill your e-reader without spending a cent; you just need to be a little clever.
The best approach to read virtually any book — whether a classic or a trendy new release — is through Libby. I have enjoyed hundreds of free books using the Libby app — I wouldn’t have been able to put together this guide without it. It connects with your library card, enabling you to borrow from your local library’s digital collection. Moreover, both Kobo and Kindle have excellent Libby integrations.
Another method to expand your library is through Stuff Your Kindle Day events. These are 24-hour opportunities organized by authors that enable