So, what is the best e-reader of 2026? I’m always testing new e-readers (and tablets) and testing different models to keep up to date with the best options available. So, if you’re getting ready to read a lot of books this year, I can recommend a model you’ll love.
Some e-readers we’ve reviewed
From left to right: Kindle Paperwhite, Nook GlowLight 4 Plus, Kindle Scribe
Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable
The most recent e-readers I tested were the Kindle Scribe (2025) and the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft. In the past, Kindle writers have been disappointing e-readers, but Amazon is making huge improvements to these devices, and now, they deserve your attention. We’ve included the Kindle Scribe (2025) on this list because it’s a better value, even if the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft is more impressive. For more details on Kindle Scribe Colorsoft, you can read our full review.
We also tested the Remarkable PaperPro and the Onyx Boox Go 7 as contenders for this list. After a few weeks of testing, both devices proved to be very good but not worthy of the list.
Whenever you search for e-readers, Remarkable tablets will always appear in the search results, but unfortunately, it is difficult to find ePUB files in Remarkable. Notably, you can access files within Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive. If you have any ePUB files locked – like in Libby – you won’t be able to access them on the remarkable tablet. So, after testing the remarkable tablet myself, it turned out to be a better document reader or digital journal than an e-reader.
The Onyx Boox Go 7 is a better e-reader choice than the Remarkable. It’s on par with the Kobo Libra or Amazon Kindle, but lags in processing speed. To read ePUB files on Libby required downloading the Adobe Digital Editions app on the Boox Go 7, and there was a significant delay when opening and closing the app. While it was an easier process than getting library books on the Nook, it was still a huge pain compared to the Kindle or Kobo integration. The Boox Go 7 was laggy and took ages to load files. I was looking forward to testing this Boox because of its page opening buttons, but unfortunately, I found that it didn’t work on my device.
An e-reader we haven’t tested yet is the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft, which is now available for purchase. We’re experimenting with new names in the e-reader game, including the Xteink X4 and DuRoBo Krono.
What about the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition?
If you’re familiar with the Kindle lineup, it may come as a surprise that the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition isn’t on this list. Don’t get me wrong, it’s great, but I think there are better options. The Signature Edition is an upgraded version of the Paperwhite, and we’ve compared the devices head-to-head. The short version? The Paperwhite is a better value, even with the SE’s added features such as auto-adjusting brightness and 32GB of storage.
If you’re willing to spend $200 on an e-reader, though, I say skip the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition and go for the Kobo Libra Color.
Where is the Nook on this list?
As far as big-name e-readers go, you might notice one left off this list: the Barnes & Noble Nook. I tested this e-reader, and it was already included in this list. However, after testing multiple devices, it no longer made the cut. Compared to any Kindles or Kobo Libra, the Nook has a sloth-like performance, which makes it frustrating to use.
Also, getting my library books onto the Nook was a nightmare, as it was a multi-step process that required downloading to the computer before uploading to the Nook. Its only redeeming quality was the buttons on both sides of the device, which made page turning a breeze. However, unless you are a loyal buyer of Barnes & Noble books, I recommend avoiding the Nook.
Where to get free e-reader books
Once you’ve got an e-reader, it’s time to fill it with books, and that doesn’t necessarily mean spending money. In fact, you can load up your e-reader without spending a dime; you just need to be a little smarter.
The best way to read almost any book – classic or hot new – is with Libby. I’ve read hundreds of free books through the Libby app — I couldn’t have checked out this guide without it. It connects to your library card, allowing you to borrow from your local library’s digital collection. Also, both Kobo and Kindle have exclusive Libby integration.
Another way to build your library is through Stuff Your Kindle Day events. These are 24-hour author-led opportunities that make books discounted or free.
If you’re an antiquarian or want to find a treasure lost in time, an online resource like Project Gutenberg has over 75,000 books in the public domain that you can download and read on an e-reader.
