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. 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.
The best eReaders for every personality
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 Just Reading: Kobo Clara BW
The most important features for an eReader when you simply want to read are a comfortable view with an E Ink, glare-free screen for long reading sessions, long battery life, and a compact and lightweight design. The Kobo Clara BW meets this criterion and more with features like built-in ComfortLight PRO that reduces both brightness and blue light and an 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.
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 Notetaking & Annotation: 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. 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).
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 Organizing & Journaling: reMarkable 2
With templates, built-in calendars, and a daily planner, the reMarkable 2 is so much more than just an eReader. It has a large 10.3-inch screen and comes with a Marker Plus stylus with a built-in eraser. Create, edit, and organize notes, and sync it with Microsoft Office. While there’s only 8GB storage, you can connect to your cloud storage account for Google Drive, DropBox, or OneDrive. Save web pages, Word documents, even PowerPoint files to view offline, and use it as a digital whiteboard for brainstorming. Convert handwriting into digital text and connect the optional keyboard cover to turn it into a full-fledged mini workstation. It’s a good choice for those who love to read but also love to organize and plan.
Optional accessories: Get the Type Folio keyboard cover to work on handwritten documents you have converted to digital text.
Runner-up: The Boox Note Air 5 has a whopping 64GB of storage. It’s more of an E Ink tablet with access to Android 13 and apps so you can get inspiration online while working on your journals, notes, and sketches.
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. 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.
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.
Must-have eReader accessories
Found the perfect eReader yet? Now, it’s time to consider essential eReader accessories to use with it.
Stylus
For models that are compatible with them for annotating, note-taking, and sketching, get a stylus. There are universal options but some, like the Kindle Scribe, work with their own unique ones. Any capacitive stylus will work for basic functions with an eReader, but won’t work for more advanced functions if available.
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.
eReader covers & sleeves
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 reMarkable 2: F Slim Case
If you aren’t going with a bundle option that includes the eReader, stylus, and branded case, consider an affordable third-party case like this one. Made of premium PU leather, it’s a lightweight folio case that comes with an integrated pen holder. Finished in basic black, it has a magnetic clasp to keep the eReader protected inside. It’s a nice add-on gift to consider.
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.
Charging cables, straps, and more
While you won’t need to charge an eReader often, having an extra cable on hand is always a good idea.
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: Control 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 Kindle and Kodo eReaders as well as tablets, all you need to do is affix the page turner to the screen and use the connected receiver to control page turning remotely. 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.
Reading lights
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.
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 gooseneck light: LED Wall Reading Light
Ideal for mounting in the bedroom, this LED wall reading light has a touch switch, is dimmable, and comes with a gooseneck design so you can adjust the angle as desired. Whether you’re sitting up in bed or lying down, you can aim the light where you want it. It boasts adjustable colour temperature, too.
Buying tips
There are so many models from which to choose, so take these buying tips into consideration when trying to decide which one is right for you.
Keep a budget in mind
More premium models come with more premium prices. You don’t need a model with bells and whistles you won’t use. Focus on your core use case and consider that even smaller storage for eBooks is often more than enough to hold thousands of eBooks. Depending on your needs, a more affordable model might be just right. But if you’ll make use of premium features, weigh the savings versus buying things like paper notebooks and yearly journals or planners on a recurring basis.
Know about the ecosystem
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.
Display size matters
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, especially if you already have to enlarge font sizes on your phone.
Built-in lights are useful
Many eReaders have built-in lights that can accommodate different ambient light scenarios, such as direct sunlight or dark rooms. Find one that will suit where and when you’ll most often be reading.
Water-resistance can be a lifesaver
Some eReaders are water-resistant, so they can withstand light splashes, or even submersion in water. If you travel and want to read on the beach or by the pool in your backyard, it’s worth finding a model with at least an IPX8 water-resistance rating. This way, you can confidently rinse sand off the eReader once you’re ready to pack up and not worry that it will be damaged.
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.
