Choosing an e-ink reader can be overwhelming with so many brands and models on the market. This comprehensive guide compares all major e-ink reader brands to help you find the perfect device for your reading needs.
Quick Comparison Table
| Brand | Origin | Best For | Price Range | Open System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kindle | USA | Casual readers, Amazon ecosystem | $100-$400 | ❌ |
| Kobo | Canada | Library lovers, open formats | $100-$300 | ⚠️ Partial |
| BOOX | China | Power users, app flexibility | $150-$600 | ✅ |
| Remarkable | Norway | Note-taking, sketching | $300-$500 | ❌ |
| Supernote | China | Premium note-taking | $350-$500 | ⚠️ Partial |
| PocketBook | Switzerland | Format support, features | $150-$400 | ⚠️ Partial |
| Kobo Tolino | Germany | European market | $100-$300 | ⚠️ Partial |
| Nook | USA | Barnes & Noble customers | $100-$200 | ❌ |
| iReader | China | Chinese content | $100-$400 | ❌ |
| iFlytek | China | Voice features, students | $200-$500 | ❌ |
1. Amazon Kindle
Overview
The most popular e-reader brand worldwide, Kindle offers seamless integration with Amazon's vast eBook library.
Current Models (2025)
| Model | Screen | Resolution | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kindle (Basic) | 6" | 300 ppi | Compact, affordable | ~$100 |
| Kindle Paperwhite | 6.8" | 300 ppi | Waterproof, USB-C | ~$150 |
| Kindle Paperwhite Signature | 6.8" | 300 ppi | Wireless charging, auto-brightness | ~$190 |
| Kindle Scribe | 10.2" | 300 ppi | Note-taking with stylus | ~$340 |
| Kindle Oasis | 7" | 300 ppi | Premium design, physical buttons | ~$250 |
| Kindle Colorsoft | 7" | 300 ppi | Color E-Ink display | ~$280 |
Pros
- ✅ Largest eBook store
- ✅ Excellent build quality
- ✅ Great battery life
- ✅ Whispersync across devices
- ✅ Now supports EPUB (since 2022)
Cons
- ❌ Locked to Amazon ecosystem
- ❌ No expandable storage
- ❌ Limited format support
- ❌ No audiobook speaker (need Bluetooth)
Best For
Casual readers who primarily buy books from Amazon and want a hassle-free experience.
2. Kobo (Rakuten)
Overview
Canadian brand owned by Japanese company Rakuten. Known for excellent library integration and open format support.
Current Models (2025)
| Model | Screen | Resolution | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kobo Nia | 6" | 212 ppi | Budget-friendly | ~$100 |
| Kobo Clara 2E | 6" | 300 ppi | Waterproof, eco-friendly | ~$130 |
| Kobo Clara Colour | 6" | 300 ppi | Color E-Ink | ~$150 |
| Kobo Libra 2 | 7" | 300 ppi | Ergonomic design, buttons | ~$190 |
| Kobo Libra Colour | 7" | 300 ppi | Color, stylus support | ~$220 |
| Kobo Sage | 8" | 300 ppi | Note-taking, waterproof | ~$260 |
| Kobo Elipsa 2E | 10.3" | 227 ppi | Large screen, stylus | ~$400 |
Pros
- ✅ Native EPUB support
- ✅ OverDrive library integration
- ✅ Pocket integration
- ✅ More customization options
- ✅ No ads on lock screen
Cons
- ❌ Smaller eBook store than Amazon
- ❌ Some features region-locked
- ❌ Build quality varies by model
Best For
Readers who borrow from libraries, prefer EPUB format, or want more customization.
3. BOOX (Onyx)
Overview
Chinese brand known for powerful Android-based e-readers with maximum flexibility.
Current Models (2025)
| Model | Screen | Resolution | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOOX Poke5 | 6" | 300 ppi | Compact, Android 11 | ~$150 |
| BOOX Page | 7" | 300 ppi | Page-turn buttons | ~$220 |
| BOOX Leaf3 | 7" | 300 ppi | Lightweight | ~$200 |
| BOOX Leaf3C | 7" | Color | Color Kaleido 3 | ~$280 |
| BOOX Note Air3 | 10.3" | 300 ppi | Note-taking, fast refresh | ~$450 |
| BOOX Note Air3 C | 10.3" | Color | Color note-taking | ~$500 |
| BOOX Tab Ultra C | 10.3" | Color | Camera, top specs | ~$600 |
| BOOX Tab X | 13.3" | 207 ppi | Largest screen | ~$700 |
Pros
- ✅ Full Android with Google Play
- ✅ Install any app (Kindle, Kobo, etc.)
- ✅ Best format support
- ✅ Powerful hardware
- ✅ Regular software updates
Cons
- ❌ Higher price point
- ❌ Can be complex for beginners
- ❌ Battery drain from Android
- ❌ Some apps not optimized for E-Ink
Best For
Power users who want maximum flexibility and don't mind paying premium prices.
4. Remarkable
Overview
Norwegian company focused purely on note-taking with a paper-like writing experience.
Current Models (2025)
| Model | Screen | Resolution | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remarkable 2 | 10.3" | 226 ppi | Ultra-thin, premium feel | ~$450 |
| Remarkable Paper Pro | 11.8" | 229 ppi | Color, larger screen | ~$580 |
Pros
- ✅ Best writing experience
- ✅ Beautiful minimal design
- ✅ Excellent palm rejection
- ✅ Low latency stylus
- ✅ Distraction-free
Cons
- ❌ Limited reading features
- ❌ No backlight
- ❌ Subscription for cloud sync
- ❌ Limited format support
- ❌ No apps
Best For
Writers, artists, and professionals who primarily need a digital notebook.
5. Supernote
Overview
Chinese brand creating premium note-taking devices with unique features like ceramic stylus tips.
Current Models (2025)
| Model | Screen | Resolution | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supernote A5X2 | 10.3" | 300 ppi | FeelWrite 2 screen | ~$400 |
| Supernote A6X2 | 7.8" | 300 ppi | Portable note-taking | ~$350 |
| Supernote Nomad | 6" | 300 ppi | Reading-focused | ~$300 |
Pros
- ✅ No stylus nib replacement needed
- ✅ Excellent build quality
- ✅ Great customer support
- ✅ Unique features (gestures, keywords)
- ✅ No subscription required
Cons
- ❌ Limited availability
- ❌ Slower refresh than competitors
- ❌ Less app flexibility than BOOX
- ❌ Smaller community
Best For
Note-takers who want premium quality without ongoing subscription costs.
6. PocketBook
Overview
Swiss-Ukrainian brand known for excellent format support and built-in features.
Current Models (2025)
| Model | Screen | Resolution | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PocketBook Basic Lux 4 | 6" | 212 ppi | Budget-friendly | ~$120 |
| PocketBook Verse | 6" | 212 ppi | Compact | ~$130 |
| PocketBook Verse Pro | 6" | 300 ppi | Waterproof, audio | ~$180 |
| PocketBook Era | 7" | 300 ppi | Waterproof, speaker | ~$200 |
| PocketBook Era Color | 7" | Color | Color display | ~$300 |
| PocketBook InkPad Color 3 | 7.8" | Color | Large color screen | ~$350 |
| PocketBook InkPad 4 | 7.8" | 300 ppi | Large screen | ~$280 |
| PocketBook InkPad X | 10.3" | 227 ppi | Note-taking | ~$400 |
Pros
- ✅ Best format support (25+ formats)
- ✅ Built-in speaker for audiobooks
- ✅ Text-to-speech
- ✅ Physical page buttons
- ✅ Expandable storage (microSD)
Cons
- ❌ Less polished UI
- ❌ Smaller eBook store
- ❌ Limited availability in some regions
- ❌ Slower updates
Best For
Format enthusiasts who have diverse eBook collections and want built-in audio.
7. Tolino
Overview
German alliance of booksellers offering e-readers primarily for the European market.
Current Models (2025)
| Model | Screen | Resolution | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tolino Page 2 | 6" | 212 ppi | Budget option | ~€100 |
| Tolino Shine 4 | 6" | 300 ppi | Waterproof | ~€140 |
| Tolino Vision 6 | 7" | 300 ppi | Ergonomic design | ~€180 |
| Tolino Epos 3 | 8" | 300 ppi | Large screen | ~€300 |
Pros
- ✅ Great for German readers
- ✅ Library integration (Onleihe)
- ✅ Multiple store options
- ✅ Open to sideloading
Cons
- ❌ Mainly available in Europe
- ❌ Limited global support
- ❌ Fewer model choices
Best For
European readers, especially those in German-speaking countries.
8. Barnes & Noble Nook
Overview
American bookstore chain's e-reader line, competing directly with Kindle.
Current Models (2025)
| Model | Screen | Resolution | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nook GlowLight 4e | 6" | 300 ppi | Budget-friendly | ~$120 |
| Nook GlowLight 4 | 6" | 300 ppi | Waterproof | ~$150 |
Pros
- ✅ Affordable pricing
- ✅ B&N store integration
- ✅ In-store support
- ✅ EPUB support
Cons
- ❌ Limited model range
- ❌ Fewer features than competitors
- ❌ Only available in US
- ❌ Declining market presence
Best For
Barnes & Noble customers in the US who prefer in-store support.
9. iReader (掌阅)
Overview
Leading Chinese e-reader brand with strong content ecosystem in China.
Current Models (2025)
| Model | Screen | Resolution | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iReader C6 | 6" | 300 ppi | Color display | ~¥1,300 |
| iReader Smart5 | 10.3" | 300 ppi | Note-taking | ~¥2,500 |
| iReader Smart5 Pro | 10.3" | 300 ppi | Enhanced features | ~¥2,800 |
| iReader Ocean3 | 7" | 300 ppi | Waterproof | ~¥1,200 |
Pros
- ✅ Large Chinese content library
- ✅ Good hardware quality
- ✅ Competitive pricing in China
- ✅ Regular updates
Cons
- ❌ Limited international availability
- ❌ Chinese-focused ecosystem
- ❌ Limited English support
Best For
Chinese readers or those who primarily read Chinese content.
10. iFlytek (科大讯飞)
Overview
Chinese AI company known for voice technology, offering unique AI-powered e-readers.
Current Models (2025)
| Model | Screen | Resolution | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iFlytek Smart Office X3 | 10.3" | 300 ppi | Voice recognition | ~¥4,000 |
| iFlytek Reader R1 | 6" | 300 ppi | Voice features | ~¥1,500 |
Pros
- ✅ Excellent voice recognition
- ✅ AI-powered features
- ✅ Good for students
- ✅ Translation features
Cons
- ❌ Chinese market only
- ❌ Higher prices
- ❌ Niche use case
Best For
Chinese students and professionals who need voice and AI features.
11. Other Notable Brands
Bigme
- Chinese brand with large-screen color e-readers
- Models: Bigme Gaze Note, Bigme inkNote Color+
- Best for: Large color display needs
Meebook
- Budget-friendly Android e-readers
- Models: Meebook P10 Pro, Meebook M7
- Best for: Budget-conscious power users
Boyue/Likebook
- Affordable Android e-readers
- Models: Likebook P6, Likebook Ares
- Best for: Entry-level Android e-readers
Hanvon (汉王)
- Pioneer in Chinese e-reader market
- Focus on OCR and handwriting recognition
- Best for: Chinese document work
Xiaomi Moaan (墨案)
- Xiaomi ecosystem e-reader
- Models: Moaan inkPalm 5
- Best for: Ultra-compact reading
Sony DPT
- Premium large-screen readers (discontinued new models)
- Model: DPT-RP1 (13.3")
- Best for: Professional document review
How to Choose: Decision Guide
By Primary Use
| If you mainly want to... | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Read purchased eBooks | Kindle or Kobo |
| Borrow library books | Kobo or Tolino |
| Take handwritten notes | Remarkable or Supernote |
| Use multiple apps | BOOX |
| Listen to audiobooks | PocketBook |
| Read Chinese content | iReader or iFlytek |
By Budget
| Budget | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Under $100 | Kindle Basic, Kobo Nia |
| $100-200 | Kindle Paperwhite, Kobo Clara 2E |
| $200-350 | BOOX Leaf3, Kobo Libra 2 |
| $350-500 | Remarkable 2, BOOX Note Air3 |
| $500+ | BOOX Tab Ultra, Remarkable Paper Pro |
By Screen Size
| Size | Best For | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| 6" | Portability, novels | Kindle Paperwhite, Kobo Clara |
| 7-8" | Balanced | BOOX Leaf3, Kobo Libra, PocketBook Era |
| 10-11" | PDFs, note-taking | BOOX Note Air3, Remarkable 2 |
| 13"+ | Professional documents | BOOX Tab X, Sony DPT |
Format Compatibility
| Brand | EPUB | MOBI | AZW | CBZ/CBR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kindle | ✅* | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Kobo | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| BOOX | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅* | ✅ |
| Remarkable | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| PocketBook | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
*via apps or conversion
Tip: If you have eBooks in various formats, use our format converter to convert them to your reader's preferred format.
Final Recommendations
Best Overall: Kindle Paperwhite
For most readers, the Kindle Paperwhite offers the best balance of features, price, and ecosystem.
Best for Flexibility: BOOX Leaf3
If you want to use multiple bookstores and apps, BOOX's Android system provides maximum freedom.
Best for Note-Taking: Remarkable 2
For those who prioritize writing, Remarkable offers the most paper-like experience.
Best for Libraries: Kobo Libra 2
With built-in OverDrive support, Kobo makes borrowing library books effortless.
Best Value: Kobo Clara 2E
Great features at a reasonable price with excellent format support.
Best for Chinese Readers: BOOX or iReader
Both offer great Chinese content support with different approaches.
Ready to Start Reading?
Once you've chosen your e-reader, you'll need content! Check out our tools:
- Web to EPUB - Convert any web article to eBook
- EPUB to MOBI - Convert for older Kindles
- Online EPUB Reader - Preview before transferring
- EPUB Editor - Customize your eBooks
Have questions about choosing an e-reader? Feel free to contact us through our website.