The primary reason to get an eReader is, of course, to read eBooks. And they’re growing in popularity as we look to reduce paper consumption and clutter. There’s so much more you can do with the latest and more premium models. Not all eReaders are built the same. Some of them function like limited tablets with access to a web browser and a selection of apps. Some have note-taking sections and apps for sketching, complete with an included or optional stylus. Many let you make annotations, highlight passages, and look up words in text, ideal for studying. Several also support audiobooks if you prefer to listen to your favourite novels being read aloud to you.
No matter the type of reader you are, there’s an eReader that fits, along with useful eReader accessories worth getting along with it. Not sure if Kobo or Kindle is right for you? Here, I’ll walk you through some of the best eReaders based on how you or someone you love would likely use it most. I’ll also dive into relevant accessories to enhance the experience.
Quick picks: best eReaders for every type of reader
| Best for | Recommended eReader |
| Best for library users | Kobo Clara BW |
| Best for travellers | Kindle Paperwhite |
| Best for note-taking | Kobo Elipsa 2E |
| Best for beginners | Kindle |
| Best premium eReader | Kobo Libra Colour |
| Best eReader for audiobooks | Kindle Colorsoft |
| Best eReader for kids | Kindle Paperwhite Kids |
The best eReaders to gift book lovers in 2026
Not sure which eReader fits best based on how you or your loved one would plan to use it? We’re here to help by breaking it down for you.
Best eReader for library users: Kobo Clara BW
The most important features for an eReader are a comfortable view with an E Ink, glare-free screen for long reading sessions, long battery life, and a compact and lightweight design. But you also want it to be easy to access books. Along with downloading content from the Kobo Store, you can also use OverDrive to access book titles from your local library. Find your public library on the list, sign in using your library card or other credentials, then search for and “borrow” digital versions of books, just as you would going in person. The best part? They are automatically “returned” once the loan period is up so you can do this all from the comfort of your couch. Also enjoy features like built-in ComfortLight PRO that reduces brightness and blue light and the up to 53-day battery life. It’s also water-resistant so you can take it into the bathtub while soaking after a long day, even to the beach while on vacation. Just keep in mind that it’s small with only a 6-inch screen.
Best for: Those who already make frequent visits to their local library.
Optional accessories: A protective folio case provides a real paperback book feel. Runner-up: Kindle Paperwhite boasts similar specs but has a slightly larger 7-inch screen.
Best eReader for travellers: Kindle Paperwhite
Portable and waterproof with long battery life also scream for this eReader to be tossed into your purse, backpack, briefcase, or carry-on for travel. With a small 7-inch screen, it’s not really much bigger than your phone, and resembles the size of a traditional paperback book. But it’s much lighter, less bulky, and can store thousands of titles to keep you occupied through a long flight, train ride, or other commute. Plus, since it’s water-resistant, you can read poolside thanks to the glare-free screen as well. Or maybe you just want to enjoy a steamy novel while nestled in a bubble bath in the hotel room on your business trip or family vacation. Since it lasts up to 12 weeks, you can even charge it before you leave to spend the summer up at the cottage and won’t ever have to plug it in to recharge until you get back home.
Best for: Frequent travellers and daily commuters.
Optional accessories: A fabric cover for opening it up like a book.
Runner-up: Kobo Clara Colour is also water resistant, compact with a smaller 6-inch screen, and adds colour if you prefer comic books or graphic novels.
Best eReader for note-takers, students, and researchers: Kobo Elipsa 2E
From students to professionals and researchers, an eReader with a note-taking app effectively doubles as an electronic notebook. You only need to carry around one device, and you can take and save notes so they’re always at your fingertips. You can also make annotations within text if there are points you want to revisit for a book report or book club discussion. With an included stylus, there’s support for handwriting so it truly feels like you’re putting pen to paper. The large 10.3-inch screen helps along with features like the ability to search for keywords within your personal notebooks and convert handwriting to digital text. Save documents to the 32GB internal storage or via integrated cloud storage access (subscription may be required). It offers the perfect mix of passive reading and active productivity.
Best for: Students, researchers, professionals, journalers, and book club members.
Optional accessories: Invest in a few replacement tips for the stylus so you have them ready as needed. A folio case keeps it protected.
Runner-up: Kindle Scribe is more expensive, but it really feels like you’re using a paper notebook with the advantage of being able to save content and start again with a blank page.
Best eReader for beginners: Kindle
For someone just getting started transitioning from paperbacks and hardcovers to eReaders, there’s no better option than the basic Amazon Kindle. With a 6-inch screen and 16GB storage, it’s super-easy to use and affordable. It has an adjustable front light that will immediately please late-night readers who have been used to needing a nightlight or lamp to dive into the next chapter of a mystery novel before bed. There’s no connectivity to distracting apps like social media, so they can focus entirely on the story. It lasts up to six weeks per charge and gives you basic functionality: download books, turn pages, and read. That’s all you really need.
Best for: First-time eReader users.
Optional accessories: Get the Type Folio keyboard cover to work on handwritten documents you have converted to digital text.
Runner-up: The Kobo Clara BW is the most basic model in that line that comes with a similar feature set for a similar price.
Best premium eReader for avid readers: Kobo Libra Colour
For someone who is a voracious reader, often getting through a novel a week, sometimes every night or few nights, this model is the perfect match. It has a colour display to make non-black & white novels more engaging, including graphic novels, comics, anime, and manga. It has physical page turn buttons for those who prefer that over the swiping motion. And it boasts twice as much storage as most others at 32GB to store the more graphically intense content. You can borrow library books on this model to read as well as articles for reading offline from sources like both OverDrive and Libby. It meets an IPX8 rating which means it can be used at or even in water for limited periods of time.
Best for: Readers who spend hours every week reading.
Optional accessories: A SleepCover case that protects it and has a built-in kickstand. Runner-up: Kindle Scribe Coloursoft is much larger and more expensive, but it’s ideal for those who want to do more than read, like journal, take notes and get AI summaries, and more.
Best eReader for Audiobooks: Kindle Colorsoft
If you prefer listening to audiobooks, most eReaders nowadays don’t have built-in speakers. But with many, you can connect a portable speaker or headphones via Bluetooth to listen. The Kindle Colorsoft is one such model. Along with being able to display content in colour as well as black and white, still with a muted ink-like screen, it’s just 7 inches so it’s a perfect eReader to tuck away in your bag while you listen to the story. Sure, you could listen from your phone. But this way, you don’t have to worry about annoying “pings” from notifications that distract you from the experience.
Best for: Those who prefer to listen to books rather than read them. Optional accessories: Get a pair of wireless earbuds, preferably ones with noise cancelling so you can truly immerse yourself in the latest romance novel. For group listening, consider a portable Bluetooth speaker. A stand is also nice so you can keep it upright and hands-free while you sink back into the story.
Runner-up: Kobo Libra Colour can store up to 150 Audiobooks in its 32GB storage and has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Best eReader for Kids & Beginners: Kindle Paperwhite Kids
Yes, there are eReaders specially designed for kids, too! This kid-friendly model has a simple user interface that won’t confuse kids and a compact 7-inch size so they feel like they’re holding a phone. There are built-in parental controls so they can only access age-appropriate content. It’s water-resistant in the event of an accidental toilet drop or leaving it out in the rain. There’s a curated selection of kids’ books and you get a six-month subscription to Amazon Kids+ with unlimited access to thousands of books tailored to their age and reading level.
Best for: Young readers up to about age 12, including those just learning to read. Optional accessories: For younger kids, consider a drop-proof rugged case and screen protector. Sign them up for a local library card or OverDrive so they can virtually “borrow” books. Get a gift card to extend the Amazon Kids+ subscription. Runner-up: The basic Amazon Kindle is an affordable option for kids that provides all the essential features they’ll need without breaking the bank.
Kobo vs. Kindle: which should you choose?
The two main eReader brands are Kobo and Kindle. When comparing the two, it’s tough to decide. You get greater file support with Kobo and it’s much easier to borrow eBooks from the local library, making it a top option if this is a route you plan to go. Kindles focus more on audio integration, so if you prefer Audiobooks, you might lean more towards a Kindle. Beyond that, there are few differences when it comes to basic eReading functionality besides model-specific ones. Read our detailed Kobo vs. Kindle comparison for more insight to help you choose.
Must-have eReader accessories
Found the perfect eReader yet? Now, it’s time to consider essential eReader accessories to use with it.
Best for note-taking
If the eReader works with a stylus but doesn’t come with one, you’ll want to find the right model to help you get the job done.
Best basic stylus: axGear Stylus Pen
If you just want a basic capacitive stylus that you can use to replace your finger for functions like page turning, highlighting passages, and navigating menus, this one is a solid and affordable option. The nib provides a smooth experience and you get up to two hours of use after just a five-minute charge. Plus, there’s no need to even connect it via Bluetooth since it simply works as a replacement for your finger.
Best for Kobo eReaders: Kobo Stylus 2
If you have a Kobo eReader model that supports a stylus, like the Kobo Sage or Kobo Libra Colour, this stylus is the perfect companion. You get all the advanced functions, a smooth tip, highlighter button, eraser button, and even two replacement tips in the package. Take notes in the Notebook, make sketches, and more.
Best protection
Prevent scratches with a cover so you can slide it in and out of your backpack, briefcase, and purse with ease. These also help with grip while you hold it. Note that most eReader covers and cases are specifically fitted to eReader models, so check compatibility before you purchase.
Best case for Amazon Kindle: Fabric Cover
If you decide to go with the basic Amazon Kindle, this fabric cover is a great first protective cover to get. It comes in four colours and is compatible with the 2022 and 2024 version of the eReader. With a magnetic closure, it even has a fold back feature so you can read with one hand. Charge the Kindle right inside, without removing the cover.
Best case for Kobo Clara BW: SleepCover
Available in five colours, this SleepCover for the basic Kobo model is made of simulated leather and protects the eReader from smudges and scratches. It automatically puts the eReader to sleep when you chose it and wakes it back up when you open it.
Best for travellers
While you won’t need to charge an eReader often, having an extra cable on hand is always a good idea, especially if you’re bringing it with you.
Best USB-C cable: Anker 322 Braided
You can’t go wrong with Anker when it comes to power products, and these braided cables are a perfect complement to your eReader, and can also recharge and power up all your USB-C devices. Finished in white, you get six feet of cable with 60W power support with a compatible wall charger. It’s rugged, too, so you can bring this cable virtually anywhere and it can take it.
Best for hands-free use: Kobo Remote Page Turner
If they have a stand for the eReader and want to enjoy a hands-free experience, this page turner is a unique gift. Compatible with Kobo eReaders and available in black or white, it runs on a long-lasting alkaline battery. It’s one of those “why didn’t I think of that” gifts that they probably didn’t know existed but will enjoy using.
Best grip: Hand Strap Holder
A handy gift, this strap fits overtop any eReader measuring 4.7 up to 8 inches in size. Slide your fingers through the back and it’s a comfortable grip for reading one-handed. I use a grip like this on the back of my smartphone and don’t know how I ever lived without one. Made of stretchy silicone, it has an anti-slip design and can be used both with a case and without.
Best for comfort
Most models have a built-in reading light. But if it doesn’t, or you feel you need more illumination for night-time reading, grab a clip-on reading light. Plus, there are other creative accessories to consider for comfort.
Best clip-on light: Book Light
Clip this rechargeable reading light onto the eReader for extra illumination while reading in bed. Available in a two-pack so you can keep one in the bedroom and pack one in your carry-on for travel, it’s lightweight with adjustable brightness and stepless dimming. You can also choose from white light or amber colour temperatures. Get up to 40 hours of light at the lowest brightness setting per charge, and it recharges via USB-C.
Best sleep buds for audiobooks: Anker Soundcore Sleep A30 Sleep Buds
So, this accessory might be more than the eReader itself, but you can use it beyond just with the eReader. However, if you like to fall asleep to a good story, you can pair these with a Bluetooth-enabled eReader, play an audiobook, and fall asleep comfortably since they’re meant for wearing while you sleep. They have noise cancelling so they function as sleep earbuds, too. So you can use them whether you’re napping or prepping to turn in for the night.
Best book stand: Book Stand With Storage
What’s especially great about this book stand is that it’s made of fabric so it would never be hard and cold if you want to place it on your lap while reading in a recliner, for example. Plus, it has built-in storage for items like your charging cable, page turner, small reading light, and stylus. Big enough to hold eReaders as large as 15 inches in size (I don’t think there are any that big!), it folds down so you can easily tuck it under the bed when you’re not using it, or place it on your nightstand.
Buying tips
There are so many models from which to choose. While deciding, take these tips into consideration. They’ll help you pick the right one to meet your needs, or the needs of your loved one.
Stick with a budget
More premium models come with more premium prices. You don’t need a model with bells and whistles you won’t use. In fact, in some cases, you might prefer a more bare bones experience with a model like the base Kindle or Kobo Clara BW. This, after all, truly mimics the feel of using a paperback book. You don’t necessarily have to worry about storage unless you’re getting a colour model or one with internet connectivity and features like journaling. Unlike with phones, 16GB is more than enough to hold thousands of titles. Start with the basics, choose the additional features that are important, like water resistance, and only go with what you need.
Understand where and how to get books
Each eReader brand has a respective store where you can find and download books. Kobo uses the Kobo Store, for example, and Kindle uses Amazon’s Kindle Store. Most can also accept files in a supported format loaded from your computer, like EPUB, PDF, and MOBI. If you want to use OverDrive to borrow library books, it only works with the Kobo Store in Canada. There’s no support yet for OverDrive via Kindle in Canada. So, this is an important distinction to make. If you plan to download library books, go with a model like the Kobo Clara BW or Kobo Libra Colour.
Choose the right size
Remember, you’re reading full-length novels on this device. While a pocketable 6-inch eReader might sound cozy, that’s roughly the same size as the average smartphone. You might want something with a larger screen that’s closer in size to an actual paperback book. If you are already using enlarged fonts on your smartphone, go with an eReader that’s at least 7 inches like the Kindle Paperwhite or Kindle Coloursoft or for something even bigger, the Kobo Elipsa 2E.
Focus on important adds-ons
Beyond basic eReading and access to books, consider the add-on features that are most important. For example, if you do a lot of late-night reading, or reading in darker environments, a built-in adjustable light is a crucial feature. If you travel a lot or want to read by the beach or in the pool, water resistance is important. In this case, go with a model like the Kindle Paperwhite.
Your perfect eReader is waiting
There are so many great eReaders on the market today. They’re no longer just plain, rectangular devices with e-paper screens and limited functions. Even the simplest options for basic eReading have premium features like built-in lights, water-resistant designs, and passage highlighting or bookmarking. For those who want to step it up with something that does dual duty, you’ll find lots of eReaders that have apps for taking notes and sketching, even journaling and planning a daily calendar. If you love comic books, there are even eReaders that integrate colour so you can enjoy a similar experience to holding the physical comic book in hand without the added brightness and glare of a smartphone or tablet screen. Plus, audiobooks are growing in popularity, and now you can listen to them from eReaders, too.
Ready to enjoy a break from screen time to dive into a hot new or classic novel while you de-stress? Explore a wide selection of eReaders and eReader accessories at Best Buy Canada and BestBuy.ca.
