The best e-readers for 2024.

There are two main types of e-readers: those designed exclusively for ebooks and audiobooks, and others that resemble small tablets with E Ink screens. In the first category, competition is mainly between Amazon's Kindle devices and Rakuten's Kobo readers. The devices in the second group include options from Onyx Boox, PocketBook, and a few smaller brands. It is important to note that any smartphone or tablet can function as an e-reader, but this focus is on devices with E Ink screens that simulate paper. After evaluating more than a dozen e-readers, my top recommendation is the latest Kobo model, the Clara Colour. However, there are situations where a Kindle might be more suitable, while the Boox options are ideal for those seeking more features than simple reading.

The best e-readers for 2024 include the Kobo Clara Colour. This device features a 6-inch screen that supports both black-and-white and color E Ink, with a resolution of 300 dpi for black-and-white text and 150 dpi for color. It has a storage capacity of 16 GB and a battery life that lasts for weeks. Additionally, it has an IPX8 waterproof rating, allowing it to be submerged in six feet of water for 60 minutes, and a warm light that makes reading at night easier.

The evolution of the Kobo Clara Colour compared to its predecessor, the Clara 2E, is remarkable. The new model not only introduces the ability to read in color but also benefits from a faster processor, all at a slightly higher price. The color reading technology comes from E Ink, using a Kaleido 3 module that employs a color filter layer over the black-and-white microcapsule layer. While color is not a fundamental aspect, it does add a touch of vibrancy to book covers, graphics, and tables in non-fiction books.

Another significant advancement is the dual 2 GHz processor, which provides a noticeable speed improvement, making page-turning and menu navigation almost instantaneous. The adjustable front light is also a bit warmer than on the previous model. Although Kobos don’t allow saving groups of viewing settings like the Kindle does, they offer enough options to customize the reading experience.

The Kobo Clara Colour costs $150, which is slightly more than the basic Kindle model, but its waterproof construction, warm light, and responsive controls justify the price. Furthermore, it is designed to be user-repairable through a collaboration with iFixit, which is a positive aspect for those who value the right to repair their devices.

Amazon also offers the Kindle Paperwhite, which is priced at $160 and has been updated with a more powerful processor and E Ink technology that enhances text speed and clarity. While Amazon has its own color model, the Colorsoft, it is priced higher at $280.

As for the Kobo Libra Colour, which was also recently released, it presents an exciting option. In addition to having the same color technology and an improved processor, it includes stylus support, making it a hybrid between an e-reader and an E Ink tablet. Although it costs $220, the premium reading experience and new functionalities justify the investment.

Kobo is also launching a new edition of the Kindle Paperwhite Signature, which offers a superior reading experience with sharp text and a premium design. This version features automatically adjustable warm front lights and lasts up to 12 weeks on a single charge, along with a storage capacity of 32 GB.

On the other hand, Boox readers, like the Go Color, have begun to integrate color screens and more open operating systems, allowing for an experience closer to that of a tablet, although this may complicate setup and usage for beginners.

When choosing an e-reader, it is essential to consider the type of screen and the technology used, as this affects reading comfort and battery life. And while there are multiple options available, each offers specific features that cater to different reading preferences.