Our picks at a glance
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Best overall Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB, 2024 release) Best for most readers · Typically $134–$169Check Price at Amazon
- Check Price at Amazon
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Best for library books Kobo Clara BW Best for library borrowers and EPUB readers · Typically $129–$139Check Price at Amazon
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Best color e-reader Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition Best for comics and cookbooks · Typically $249–$279Check Price at Amazon
Paid link: buttons go to the retailer. Prices change often, so we link to the current price instead of listing one.
Comparison table
| Feature | Best overallAmazon Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB, 2024 release) | Best budgetAmazon Kindle (16 GB, 2024 release) | Best for library booksKobo Clara BW | Best color e-readerAmazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verdict | Recommended | Recommended | Recommended | Worth considering |
| Typical price | $134–$169 | $89–$109 | $129–$139 | $249–$279 |
| Best for | Most readers | Budget and compact | Library borrowers and EPUB readers | Comics and cookbooks |
| Key feature | Bigger, faster 7-inch waterproof screen | Pocketable 6-inch 300 ppi screen | OverDrive built in and native EPUB support | Color E Ink with wireless charging |
| Screen | 7-inch, 300 ppi | 6-inch, 300 ppi | 6-inch, 300 ppi | 7-inch, 300 ppi black and white, 150 ppi color |
| Waterproofing | IPX8 | — | IPX8 | IPX8 |
| Battery | Up to 12 weeks (Amazon rating) | — | — | — |
| Storage | 16GB | 16GB | 16GB | 32GB |
| Weight | — | 5.6 oz | — | — |
| Where to buy | Check Price at Amazon Paid link | Check Price at Amazon Paid link | Check Price at Amazon Paid link | Check Price at Amazon Paid link |
Amazon · E-Readers
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB, 2024 release)
Waterproof, fast and easy on the eyes.
- Buy it if
- You read often and want a fast, waterproof e-reader with warm light and weeks of battery life.
- Skip it if
- You mostly read EPUB files from other stores; Kobo handles those natively.
Pros
- 7-inch 300 ppi glare-free screen
- Adjustable warm light
- IPX8 waterproof
- Libby library borrowing via Kindle in the US
Cons
- Lock-screen ads unless you pay to remove them
- No page-turn buttons
Key specifications
- Screen
- 7-inch, 300 ppi
- Waterproofing
- IPX8
- Battery
- Up to 12 weeks (Amazon rating)
- Storage
- 16GB
Amazon · E-Readers
Amazon Kindle (16 GB, 2024 release)
Pocket-size with a sharp screen.
- Buy it if
- You want the cheapest good Kindle and like a small reader that fits in a jacket pocket.
- Skip it if
- You read in the bath or by the pool; this one isn't waterproof.
Pros
- Small and light
- 300 ppi screen
- Low price
- USB-C charging
Cons
- Not waterproof
- No warm light
Key specifications
- Screen
- 6-inch, 300 ppi
- Storage
- 16GB
- Weight
- 5.6 oz
Kobo · E-Readers
Kobo Clara BW
OverDrive and EPUB built in.
- Buy it if
- You borrow lots of library e-books, own EPUB files or want an alternative to Amazon's store.
- Skip it if
- You already own a big Kindle library; those books won't open on a Kobo.
Pros
- Borrow library books right on the device
- Reads EPUB natively
- IPX8 waterproof
- Warm light
Cons
- 6-inch screen is smaller than Paperwhite
- Kobo store is smaller than Amazon
Key specifications
- Screen
- 6-inch, 300 ppi
- Waterproofing
- IPX8
- Storage
- 16GB
Amazon · E-Readers
Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition
Color E Ink for comics and cookbooks.
- Buy it if
- You read comics, cookbooks or children's books and want color without the eye strain of a tablet.
- Skip it if
- You read mostly novels; color adds nothing and black-and-white text looks slightly less crisp.
Pros
- Color for covers, comics and highlights
- Wireless charging
- Auto-adjusting warm light
- 32GB storage
Cons
- Expensive for an e-reader
- Colors are muted compared with a tablet
Key specifications
- Screen
- 7-inch, 300 ppi black and white, 150 ppi color
- Storage
- 32GB
- Waterproofing
- IPX8
Compare more e-readers on Amazon Paid link
Who this guide is for
The best Kindle and Kobo e-readers for novels, library books and comics, chosen from specs, ecosystem fit, owner feedback and typical US prices. We focus on what each pick does best, what it typically costs and who should skip it.
How we chose
We compared manufacturer specifications, documentation, warranty terms and typical US prices, then gave each product a clear Buy, Consider or Skip verdict. Our verdicts are based on this research, not on lab testing.
What to look for
- Pick your store first: Kindle books stay on Kindle, and EPUB files are easiest on Kobo.
- Waterproofing is worth it if you read in the bath, by the pool or at the beach.
- Warm light makes bedtime reading more comfortable.
- A 7-inch screen fits more text per page; 6-inch models are easier to pocket.
Buying tips for smart shoppers
Kindles are discounted most during Prime Day, Prime Big Deal Days in October and Black Friday. Amazon often bundles Kindle Unlimited trials with new devices. Check whether your public library uses Libby before deciding between Kindle and Kobo.
Frequently asked questions
Can I borrow library books on a Kindle?
Yes in the US. Borrow through the Libby app or your library website and send the book to your Kindle. Kobo readers can borrow directly on the device.
Is the Kindle Paperwhite worth it over the basic Kindle?
For most readers, yes. You get a larger screen, waterproofing and warm light for around $60 more.
Do I need the ad-free version?
No. Ads only appear on the lock screen and home screen, never inside books. You can pay to remove them later.