The 10 best eReaders to buy in the UK
The best eReaders store thousands of books for your reading pleasure, while others also come with additional features such as the ability to use applications. This makes buying an eBook Reader a great investment for book-lovers and tech geeks alike, offering endless hours of entertainment for a very reasonable outlay. Check the buying guide below for how to choose the best eBook Reader!
What are eReaders?
An eReader, often called an eBook reader, is an electronic device that allows books, magazines, newspapers, and other printed mediums to be read in digital format. The screen of an eReader is designed to closely mimic that of a printed page, although this often varies depending on the device. For instance, a dedicated eReader such as the Amazon Kindle aim to replicate the feel and look of a physical book, whereas tablet devices with an eReader application tend to appear more as a computer screen, making it more susceptible to glare due to the type of glass used. Even with a good anti-glare screen protection the reading experience is different.
Why should you buy a good eReader?
A good eReader device doesn’t cost much, and the initial investment often pays for itself over the long term. This is because it’s generally much cheaper to buy an eBook for an eReader compared to buying a physical book, so if you read lots of books this can save a fair amount of money over time. Especially tech books are available with huge discounts, such as popular project management books or best-selling books about linux. Also, the best eReaders store thousands of books, meaning you have access to a huge library of literature on a single device, which is very convenient. eReaders are also excellent for commuting, with most being compact and lightweight devices that are easy to use on the go.
How to choose the right eReader in 2024?
Choosing a great eReader is typically down the individual needs, as not everyone requires the same type of device. So, it helps to consider a few things before you buy an eReader to ensure you get a suitable device.
- Backlight: Older eBook Readers didn’t have the best backlight technology, which made it quite difficult to read in certain conditions. Most newer devices now feature decent backlights, although this isn’t a given. Most people enjoying reading at night time, often before going to bed, so if this is the case for you it’s a good idea to get an eReader with a good backlight.
- Screen Size: Dedicated eReader devices usually have smaller screens compared to tablets, so think about how big you want the screen to be. Many people prefer as large a screen as possible for reading eBooks, in which case a tablet device is going to be the better choice than a dedicated eReader. While smaller in size, there are dedicated eReaders with large screens, although this will cost more.
- Battery Life: The best eReader devices have long-lasting batteries, which is certainly a feature to look out for if using it on the go. Remember, tablet devices use a variety of other applications beyond an eReader, so this will drain the battery quicker than a dedicated eReader, which have quite an impressive battery life.
- Compatibility: eBooks are published in various formats, so it’s important to get an eReader with suitable compatibility. For instance, ePub is the most widely used eBook format, so a good eReader should be compatible with this type of file. However, Kindle devices use their own unique format known as AZW, so if you buy this type of device you will only be able to use eBooks from Amazon. There are several other dedicated formats, so always check which formats are compatible with the device you’re considering buying.
What is the best kind of eReader in the UK?
There are a few popular types of eReader available, any of which may be ideal for your needs.
- Dedicated eReader: A dedicated eReader is the best device for reading eBooks, offering exceptional reading quality, good lighting, and huge catalogs of books to read. They differ from tablet devices in that they use E-ink technology. E-ink technology creates a screen that closely resembles the page of a book. It only uses black, white, and shades of grey, resulting in very clear and readable text. These devices look and feel more like a real book, being lightweight and possible to read in direct sunlight without any glade.
- Tablet eReader: Most tablet and the latest smartphone devices are capable of converting into an eReader, so if you’re looking for a more versatile device along with your eReader, it may be worth buying a tablet. These devices use various applications and can be used to read magazines and newspapers that feature images, audio, and video. While more versatile, a tablet will cost a significant amount more than a dedicated reader and is going to be heavier and less compact, although the screens are much bigger.
Top 10 list of eReaders in the UK (2024)
The bestseller list compares brands and their eReaders. Which eReader is the best?
- Designed with sustainability in mind – This Kindle uses 75% recycled plastics,…
- Find new stories – A Kindle Unlimited subscription unlocks access to millions…
- Take your library with you – 16 GB storage holds thousands of books, magazines…
- Massive selection – Get instant access to millions of titles in the Kindle…
- Waterproof and worry-free – Take your stories by the pool, in the bath, or…
- Read in any light – Adjust the display from white to amber to read in bright…
- & - Join Kobo Plus and indulge in unlimited eBooks and audiobooks with a…
- - Carry up to 24, 000 eBooks or 150 Kobo Audiobooks with 32GB of storage and…
- - Thoughtfully made with recycled and ocean-bound plastic and repairability to…
- & - Join Kobo Plus and indulge in unlimited eBooks and audiobooks with a…
- – Carry up to 12, 000 eBooks or 75 Kobo Audiobooks with 16GB of storage…
- - Thoughtfully made with recycled and ocean-bound plastic and repairability to…
- & - Join Kobo Plus and indulge in unlimited eBooks and audiobooks with a…
- - Listen to Kobo Audiobooks with built-in Bluetooth wireless technology.
- - 16GB of storage of weeks of battery life.
- Easy-to-use parental controls – The Parent Dashboard allows you to add books…
- Read anytime, anywhere – The adjustable warm light and glare-free display let…
- Waterproof and worry-free – Children can bring their stories to the pool, the…
- Massive selection – Get instant access to millions of titles in the Kindle…
- Waterproof and worry-free – Take your stories by the pool, in the bath, or…
- More books in more places – Bring your library along with the thin, light design…
- The longest battery life of any Kindle – Unlike tablets, Kindle Scribe offers…
- Import and mark up documents – Review and take notes directly on PDFs or create…
- Take handwritten notes as you read – Write notes within millions of titles…
- The Parent Dashboard allows you to add books from your account to your kid's…
- Includes a 2-year worry-free guarantee. If it breaks, return it and we'll replace…
- Easy to use - The compact, lightweight design allows for one-handed reading. With…
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