Discover the Best Alternatives to Amazon Kindle: Top E-Readers for Every Reader in 2025

How We Selected the Best Kindle Alternatives

The Best Amazon Kindle Alternatives in 2025

Best Overall E-Reader

Best Color E-Reader

Editors’ Pick

Best for Public Library Access

Best for Note-Taking

Best for Comics and Graphic Novels

How to Shop for Kindle Alternatives

Where (and What) You Can Read

Screen Size and Resolution

Why Trust NBC Select?

Exploring the Best Alternatives to Amazon Kindle: E-Readers for Every Reader

The Amazon Kindle has long been a favorite among e-readers, but it’s not the only option on the market. Whether you’re looking to escape the Amazon ecosystem, explore different e-book distributors, or simply want a device that better fits your reading habits, there are plenty of excellent alternatives available.

How We Chose the Best Kindle Alternatives

To curate our list of top Kindle alternatives, we tested various models from brands like Kobo and Boox, focusing on key criteria:

• Compatibility: Our picks allow access to multiple e-book storefronts and support various file formats.
• Screen Quality: Different reading needs require different screens; our selections cater to everything from text-heavy novels to vibrant comic books.
• Battery Life: Long-lasting battery life is essential for uninterrupted reading, especially during travel.

Top Kindle Alternatives for 2025

Our recommendations feature devices from Rakuten Kobo, Boox, and even Apple, ensuring a range of options for every type of reader.

Best Overall: Rakuten Kobo Clara BW

• Screen: 6-in. black & white touchscreen
• Battery: Up to 53 days
• Weight: 174g
• Storage: 16GB

The Kobo Clara BW is an affordable e-reader that rivals the Kindle. With a glare-free screen perfect for reading text, it allows users to purchase books from the Rakuten Kobo store, rent from local libraries via the Libby app, or read e-books from other sources. Its compact, waterproof design makes it ideal for travel.

Best Color E-Reader: Rakuten Kobo Libra Colour

• Screen: 7-in. color touchscreen
• Battery: Up to 40 days
• Weight: 199.5g
• Storage: 32GB

The Kobo Libra Colour stands out for its vibrant color display, making it perfect for reading comics and graphic novels. It also features page-turning buttons and is waterproof, enhancing its usability for avid readers.

Editor’s Pick: Boox Palma 2

• Screen: 6.13-in. black & white touchscreen
• Battery: Up to 5 days (user-reported)
• Weight: 170g
• Storage: 128GB

The Boox Palma 2 is a versatile device that functions as both an e-reader and a stripped-down Android phone. Its pocketable size makes it perfect for on-the-go reading, allowing users to access a wide range of content, from e-books to online articles.

Best for Public Library Access: Libby App

The Libby app is a game-changer for readers who want to borrow e-books and audiobooks from their local library. Available on all recommended devices, it allows users to easily search their library’s collection and manage their borrowed titles.

Best for Note-Taking: Rakuten Kobo Elipsa 2E

• Screen: 10.3-in. black & white touchscreen
• Battery: Unspecified number of weeks
• Weight: 390g
• Storage: 32GB

The Kobo Elipsa 2E is designed for note-taking, complete with a stylus for easy annotation. Its larger screen is perfect for writing, while still offering the functionality of a traditional e-reader.

Best for Comics and Graphic Novels: Apple iPad (A16)

• Screen: 11-in. color touchscreen
• Battery: Up to 10 hours
• Weight: 477g
• Storage: 128GB

For those who enjoy graphic novels and comics, the iPad offers a vivid, high-resolution display that enhances the visual experience. While its battery life is shorter than dedicated e-readers, its versatility makes it a strong contender.

Shopping Tips for E-Readers

When selecting an e-reader, consider:

• Reading Preferences: If you want to read a variety of content, opt for a device with broader compatibility.
• Screen Quality: For text-heavy reading, a simple e-reader suffices, but for comics, a tablet may be better.
• Battery Life: Longer battery life is essential for travel and extended reading sessions.

Conclusion

With a plethora of options available, finding the right e-reader that suits your needs has never been easier. Whether you prioritize battery life, screen quality, or compatibility with various e-book stores, there’s an alternative to the Kindle that’s perfect for you. Happy reading!