E-readers changed how we read books. And guess what? There are plenty of great options beyond the Kindle.
Think about it. One small device can hold more books than your shelves at home. You can read at the beach, on the bus, and even in bed with the lights off.
The Kindle isn’t the only game in town anymore. Other e-readers might have what you want. Some are cheaper. Others have bigger screens.
Ready to find your perfect reading buddy?
We’ve put together the best Kindle alternatives on the market today. No fancy tech talk—just honest info about what works best for different kinds of readers.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which e-reader deserves a spot in your backpack or on your nightstand.
Why Look for a Kindle Alternative?
Kindles have some real limitations. They don’t work with many book formats and struggle with EPUB files, which most libraries use.
This means you often can’t read books from places other than Amazon. Many Kindle features also try to get you to pay for monthly plans.
Other e-readers fix these problems—many work with more types of files, allowing you to read books from anywhere.
The right e-reader makes reading more fun and less of a hassle. You might find cool features you didn’t know about – like color screens, water protection, or batteries that last for weeks.
When you pick the perfect alternative, you can read what you want, when you want, with no extra problems.
The Best Alternative to Kindle
When choosing an e-reader, consider screen size, battery life, file support, and price. These basics can make a big difference in daily use.
Kobo, Onyx Boox, and PocketBook are the top brands that make great Kindle alternatives. Each offers unique features that might work better for your reading style.
Let’s check out the top devices that could become your new reading companion.
1. Kobo Sage
A high-end e-reader built for serious readers who want a premium experience. It supports audiobooks and accessories, making it versatile for reading and listening.
- Display: 8″ E Ink Carta 1200 touchscreen
- Dimensions: 181.4 x 160.5 x 7.6 mm
- Resolution: 1440 × 1920 (300 PPI)
- Storage: 32GB (no expandable storage)
- Weight: 240g
- Battery & Charging: USB-C, weeks of battery life
- Other Features: Waterproof (IPX8), Bluetooth for audiobooks, stylus compatibility
Learn more about Kobo Sage and buy it here now!
2. Kobo Libra 2
A well-balanced e-reader with an ergonomic design, perfect for extended reading sessions. Its page-turn buttons provide a physical alternative to swiping.
- Display: 7″ E Ink Carta 1200 touchscreen
- Dimensions: 161.6 x 144.6 x 9 mm
- Resolution: 1264 × 1680 (300 PPI)
- Storage: 32GB
- Weight: 215g
- Battery & Charging: USB-C lasts for weeks
- Other Features: Waterproof, Bluetooth for audiobooks, physical page-turn buttons
Learn more about Kobo Libra 2 and buy it here now!
3. Kobo Clara HD
A compact and lightweight e-reader designed for those who prioritize portability. It features a glare-free screen that’s easy on the eyes.
- Display: 6″ E Ink Carta touchscreen
- Dimensions: 157 x 111 x 8.3 mm
- Resolution: 1072 × 1448 (300 PPI)
- Storage: 8GB
- Weight: 166g
- Battery & Charging: Micro-USB, lasts weeks
- Other Features: Adjustable warm light, supports multiple file formats
Learn more about Kobo Clara HD and buy it here now!
4. Onyx Boox Note Air 3
An advanced e-reader designed for professionals and students who need note-taking capabilities. It runs on Android, allowing app installations.
- Display: 10.3″ E Ink flexible screen
- Dimensions: 226 x 193 x 5.8 mm
- Resolution: 1872 × 1404 (227 PPI)
- Storage: 64GB
- Weight: 420g
- Battery & Charging: USB-C, weeks of battery life
- Other Features: Android OS, stylus support, split-screen mode
Learn more about Onyx Boox Note Air 3 and buy it here now!
5. Onyx Boox Nova Air C
It is a great choice for an e-reader with color support. It’s ideal for reading comics, magazines, and visually rich content.
- Display: 7.8″ Kaleido Plus color E Ink screen
- Dimensions: 194 x 136.5 x 6.3 mm
- Resolution: 1872 × 1404 (black & white), 624 × 468 (color)
- Storage: 32GB
- Weight: 245g
- Battery & Charging: USB-C, weeks of battery life
- Other Features: Stylus support, Android OS, color screen
Learn more about Onyx Boox Nova Air C and buy it here now!
6. PocketBook Color
It is a budget-friendly option with a color screen, making it a good choice for users who want variety without spending too much.
- Display: 6″ Kaleido Plus color E Ink screen
- Dimensions: 161.3 x 108 x 8 mm
- Resolution: 1072 × 1448 (black & white), 624 × 468 (color)
- Storage: 16GB (expandable via microSD)
- Weight: 160g
- Battery & Charging: Micro-USB, weeks of battery life
- Other Features: Supports 19 formats, color display, physical buttons
Learn More about Pocketbook Color and buy it here now!
7. PocketBook Era
A sleek and modern e-reader with high storage capacity. It supports multiple formats, making it an excellent alternative to Kindle.
- Display: 7″ E Ink Carta 1200 touchscreen
- Dimensions: 134.3 x 155.7 x 7.8 mm
- Resolution: 1264 × 1680 (300 PPI)
- Storage: 16GB or 64GB
- Weight: 228g
- Battery & Charging: USB-C, lasts weeks
- Other Features: Waterproof, Bluetooth, physical buttons
Learn more about PocketBook Era and buy it here now!
8. Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight 4 Plus
A simple yet effective reading device with a large display and warm lighting for a comfortable reading experience.
- Display: 7.8″ E Ink Carta touchscreen
- Dimensions: 198.2 x 146.6 x 8.2 mm
- Resolution: 1872 × 1404 (300 PPI)
- Storage: 32GB
- Weight: 277g
- Battery & Charging: USB-C, weeks of battery life
- Other Features: Warm light adjustment, physical page-turn buttons
Learn more about Nook GlowLight 4 Plus and buy it here now!
9. Meebook P78 Pro
A flexible Android-based e-reader that allows you to install different reading apps, giving you more control over your library.
- Display: 7.8″ E Ink Carta screen
- Dimensions: 187.8 x 138.2 x 7.9 mm
- Resolution: 1404 × 1872 (300 PPI)
- Storage: 32GB
- Weight: 267g
- Battery & Charging: USB-C, lasts weeks
- Other Features: Android-based, supports apps, stylus included
Learn more about Meebook P78 Pro and buy it here now!
10. Remarkable 2
A minimalist e-reader designed primarily for writing and note-taking. It mimics the feel of paper, making it a great tool for creative professionals.
- Display: 10.3″ monochrome E Ink
- Dimensions: 187.8 x 138.2 x 7.9 mm
- Resolution: 1872 × 1404 (226 PPI)
- Storage: 8GB
- Weight: 403g
- Battery & Charging: USB-C, up to 2 weeks
- Other Features: Paper-like writing, stylus support, cloud storage
Learn more about Remarkable 2 and buy it here now!
Kindle Alternatives Compared: Which One is Right for You?
| E-Reader | Price | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kobo Sage | $269.99 | Large screen, sharp text, audiobook support | Expensive, slightly heavier than competitors |
| Kobo Libra 2 | $189 | Comfortable grip, responsive screen, good battery life | No support for stylus input |
| Kobo Clara HD | $119.99 | Affordable, easy to carry, clear text display | No waterproofing, lacks audiobook support |
| Onyx Boox Note Air 3 | $399 | Versatile functionality, excellent for annotations, large screen | Heavy, higher price tag |
| Onyx Boox Nova Air C | $429.99 | Color display enhances visuals, smooth navigation, and good storage space | Colors appear less vibrant compared to LCD screens |
| PocketBook Color | $579 | Expandable storage supports multiple file formats, lightweight | Limited contrast on the color screen |
| PocketBook Era | $219 | High storage options, stylish design, waterproof | There is no option for expandable memory |
| Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight 4 Plus | $199.99 | Good display size, responsive touch, well-built | Limited customization options compared to competitors |
| Meebook P78 Pro | $207 | Open ecosystem, smooth reading experience, supports various formats | No waterproofing, slightly heavier than similar models |
| Remarkable 2 | $449 | Best for handwritten notes, ultra-slim design, distraction-free reading | No backlight, limited eBook support |
What Is Alternative Software for Kindle?
You don’t need a special device to read ebooks on your phone, tablet, or computer. Many apps are great for this.
Caliber is a free program for managing your ebook collection. It supports almost all ebook formats and lets you convert files between different types. It’s perfect for those with books from various sources.
Adobe Digital Editions works well for library books. Many libraries use it for their ebook loans, and it’s free to download. It also tracks when books need to be returned.
Other good options include Moon+ Reader for Android phones, Apple Books for iPhones and iPads, and Libby for borrowing from public libraries.
Each has simple controls and makes reading on screens more comfortable.
Which Kindle Alternative Should You Choose?
Finding the right e-reader depends on your reading habits and preferences. Here are some top picks based on different needs:
- Kobo Libra 2 is a great choice for a well-rounded reading experience. Its comfortable design, page-turn buttons, and audiobook support make it a great option.
- For writing and note-taking:Remarkable 2 offers a paper-like experience with stylus support, making it ideal for productivity.
- For color-rich content, Onyx Boox Nova Air C is perfect for comics, magazines, and illustrated books fans.
- For an affordable alternative,Kobo Clara HD provides a budget-friendly option without compromising display quality.
Pick the one that best matches your reading style and needs!
Your Reading Companion: Beyond the Kindle
E-readers allow users to access thousands of books without the weight or shelf space. Finding the right device means reading your way, not just Amazon’s.
Think about what matters most to you. Do you need a device that works with library books? Do you want to take notes in the margins? Love reading in the bathtub? There’s an e-reader built just for you.
Many of these Kindle alternatives cost less while doing more. Why limit yourself to one bookstore when there is a whole world of reading available?
Your perfect reading companion is waiting. It might be a Kobo, an Onyx, or something completely different. The question isn’t whether you should try a Kindle alternative—it’s which one will change how you read forever.
Ready to break free from Amazon? Pick your favorite from our list and start your next chapter today.
