So, what is the best e-reader for 2026? I’m regularly testing new e-readers (and tablets) and cycling through different models to stay up to date on the best options available. So, if you’re gearing up to read more books this year, I can recommend a model you’ll love.
Other e-readers we’ve tested
From left to right: Kindle Paperwhite, Nook GlowLight 4 Plus, Kindle Scribe
Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable
The latest e-readers I tested were the Kindle Scribe (2025) and Kindle Scribe Colorsoft. Previously, Kindle Scribes were disappointing e-readers, but Amazon made major improvements on these devices, and now, they’re worthy of 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 technically more impressive. For more details on the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft, you can read our full review.
We’ve also tested the Remarkable PaperPro and Onyx Boox Go 7 as contenders for this list. After several weeks of testing, both devices proved to be pretty good but not quite list-worthy.
Whenever you search for e-readers, Remarkable’s tablets will always pop up in the search results, but unfortunately, it’s hard to obtain ePUB files on the Remarkable. With Remarkable, you can access files within Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive. If you have any locked ePUB files — like from Libby — you won’t be able to access them on a Remarkable tablet. So, after testing the Remarkable tablet myself, it proved to be a better document reader or digital journal than an e-reader.
The Onyx Boox Go 7 is a better e-reader option than the Remarkable. It’s the same size as the Kobo Libra or Amazon Kindle, but it really lags on processing speed. To read ePUB files from Libby required downloading the Adobe Digital Editions app onto the Boox Go 7, and there was so much lag while opening and closing the app. While it was an easier process than getting library books on a Nook, it was still a major pain compared to Kindle or Kobo’s integrations. The Boox Go 7 lagged and took ages to load files. I was most looking forward to testing this Boox because of its page-turning buttons, but unfortunately, I found that they didn’t work on my device.
An e-reader we haven’t gotten around to testing is the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft, which is now available for purchase. We’re trying out some newer 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 like auto-adjusting brightness and 32GB of storage.
If you are prepared to spend $200 on an e-reader, though, I say skip the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition and go for the Kobo Libra Colour.
Where’s the Nook on this list?
In terms of big-name e-readers, you might notice one omission from this list: the Barnes & Noble Nook. I have tested this e-reader, and it was previously featured on this list. However, after testing more devices, it no longer makes the cut. In comparison to any of the Kindles or the Kobo Libra, the Nook has sloth-like performance, making it frustrating to use.
Plus, getting my library books onto the Nook was a nightmare, as it was a multi-step process that required downloading to a computer before uploading to a Nook. Its only redeeming quality was the buttons on either side of the device, which made page turning a breeze. However, unless you are a loyal buyer of Barnes & Noble books, I recommend steering clear of the Nook.
Where to get e-reader books for free
Once you get an e-reader, it’s time to fill it up 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 bit resourceful.
The best way to read nearly any book — a classic or hot new release — is with Libby. I have read hundreds of free books with the Libby app — I wouldn’t have been able to test for this guide without it. It connects with your library card, allowing you to borrow from your local library’s digital collection. Plus, both Kobo and Kindle have exceptional Libby integrations.
Another way to build your library is through Stuff Your Kindle Day events. These are 24-hour opportunities led by authors that make books discounted or free.
If you’re a fan of the classics or looking to discover a treasure lost to time, an online resource like Project Gutenberg has more than 75,000 books in the public domain that you can download and read on an e-reader.
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