The Best E-Readers for Book Lovers in 2025

Reading books has changed. In the past, you had to choose between a heavy paper book or a black-and-white screen that was a bit slow. But in 2025, everything is different. The new electronic readers (e-readers) are faster, they have beautiful color screens, and some even let you write notes just like on real paper.

If you love reading, this is the best year to buy a new device. But with so many choices from Amazon, Kobo, and other brands, it can be hard to pick the right one. Some are made for reading comics in color, while others are perfect for reading at the beach.

In this guide, we will look at the best e-readers you can buy right now. We will explain why they are good using simple words so you can choose the perfect one for your reading style.

1. The Best All-Around Choice: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024 Edition)

If you just want a device that works perfectly every time, the new Kindle Paperwhite is the best choice for most people. It was updated in late 2024, making it the main model for 2025. It is faster and smoother than any Kindle before it.

Why It Is Great

This e-reader has a 7-inch screen that is very sharp. The text looks crisp, almost like a printed page. The biggest change is the speed. When you turn a page, it happens instantly. You do not have to wait for the screen to flash or load.

It is also completely waterproof. You can take it to the pool, the beach, or even read in the bath without worrying. If you drop it in the water, it will be fine.

Who Should Buy It?

• Daily Readers: The battery lasts for weeks, so you don’t need to charge it often.
• Travelers: It is thin and light, making it easy to pack in a bag.
• Amazon Fans: If you already buy books from Amazon, this device connects to your library instantly.

2. The Best for Color & Buttons: Kobo Libra Colour

For a long time, e-readers were only black and white. Now, color is the big trend for 2025. The Kobo Libra Colour is our top pick if you want to see book covers and comics in color.

A Splash of Color

This device uses a special screen called “Kaleido 3.” It shows thousands of soft, pastel colors. It is not as bright as a phone screen, but it looks much more like printed paper. This is perfect for highlighting text in different colors (like yellow for important ideas and blue for quotes) or reading graphic novels.

Buttons Make It Better

Unlike the standard Kindle, the Kobo Libra Colour has physical buttons on the side. You can press a button to turn the page instead of tapping the screen. Many people find this much more comfortable when holding the device with one hand.

It also works with a stylus (a special pen). You can write notes directly on the pages of your books. This makes it a great tool for students or people who like to study while they read.

3. The Premium Color Experience: Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition

Amazon has finally joined the color revolution with the Kindle Colorsoft. This is a high-end device for people who want the absolute best screen quality in the Amazon ecosystem.

Why It Is Different

The Colorsoft is designed to make colors look bright and lively. While other color e-readers can sometimes look a bit dark or gray, the Colorsoft has a special light that makes the screen look whiter and the colors pop more. It is excellent for viewing cookbook photos, travel guides, and comics without losing that “paper” feel.

It also has wireless charging and an auto-adjusting light that changes based on how bright your room is. However, it is more expensive than the regular Paperwhite or the Kobo Libra Colour.

A Note on “The Rainbow Effect”

Some color e-readers have a small issue where the screen looks a little grainy or has a “rainbow” sparkle. Tests show that the Kindle Colorsoft handles this better than most other devices, keeping the text sharp and easy to read.

4. Best for Taking Notes: reMarkable Paper Pro

Some people want an e-reader that feels like a notebook. The reMarkable Paper Pro is the best device for writing. It is large, thin, and feels incredibly premium.

Digital Paper

Writing on the Paper Pro feels just like writing on real paper with a pencil. The screen has a rough texture that gives you control. In 2025, reMarkable added color ink technology. Now, you can write your notes in red, blue, or green, which is great for organizing your thoughts.

It also has a front light, so you can finally write and read in the dark—something the older models could not do.

Focused Work

This device is not for playing games or browsing the web. It is for thinking. It does not have distracting notifications. If you are a writer or a thinker who wants to focus, this is the best tool for you.

5. Best for Tech Lovers: Onyx Boox Go Color 7

If you feel limited by Amazon or Kobo because they only let you use their own stores, you will love the Onyx Boox Go Color 7. This device runs on Android, the same system used by many phones.

Freedom to Choose

Because it runs Android, you can install apps from the Google Play Store. This means you can download the Kindle app, the Kobo app, and library apps like Libby all on one device. You are not stuck with just one book store.

It also has physical page-turn buttons and a color screen. It is a powerful mini-tablet that still uses electronic ink to save your eyes. However, because it does so much, the battery might not last as long as a simple Kindle.

6. The Best Budget Option: Kobo Clara Colour

You do not need to spend a lot of money to get a great modern e-reader. The Kobo Clara Colour is small, affordable, and still gives you a color screen.

Small and Mighty

This device has a 6-inch screen, which is the perfect size to fit in a jacket pocket or small purse. Even though it is cheaper, it is still waterproof and has the same “ComfortLight PRO” that reduces blue light at night to help you sleep.

It is also very eco-friendly. Kobo uses recycled plastic to build the body, so it is a good choice for the planet. If you want to save money but still want 2025 features, this is the winner.

Buying Guide: What Matters Most?

Before you buy, here are three simple things to check:

1. The Ecosystem: Think about where you buy your books. If all your books are on Amazon, a Kindle is the easiest choice. If you borrow books from the public library often, Kobo devices have the best built-in support for that.
2. Screen Size: Do you read at home or on the bus? A 6-inch screen (like the Kobo Clara) is best for travel. A 7-inch screen (like the Paperwhite) is a nice middle ground. A 10-inch screen (like the reMarkable or Kindle Scribe) is best for desk work and note-taking.
3. Waterproofing: If you like to read in the bath or by the pool, make sure the device is “IPX8” rated. This means it is safe in water. The Kindle Paperwhite, Colorsoft, and Kobo Libra/Clara all have this.

Conclusion

The year 2025 is an exciting time for readers. We finally have devices that combine the battery life of e-readers with the beauty of color screens.

• For the best overall experience, get the Kindle Paperwhite.
• For color and buttons, choose the Kobo Libra Colour.
• For writing notes, pick the reMarkable Paper Pro.
• For total freedom, go with the Onyx Boox Go Color 7.

No matter which one you choose, you are carrying a whole library in your hands. Happy reading!