Key takeaways
- A 300 ppi screen makes text look sharp, like a printed page.
- Waterproofing and warm front light make reading in the bath or at night more comfortable.
- Check the store and library support (e-book formats, library loans) before you commit.
In this article
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Buying e-readers goes wrong in predictable ways: paying for features you never use, missing the one spec that matters, or buying just before a big sale. This guide covers what to check, how much to spend, the mistake to avoid and when to buy in the US.
What to check before you buy
- A 300 ppi screen makes text look sharp, like a printed page.
- Waterproofing and warm front light make reading in the bath or at night more comfortable.
- Check the store and library support (e-book formats, library loans) before you commit.
How much to spend
The e-readers we rate range from about $89 (Amazon Kindle (16 GB, 2024 release)) to about $450 (Amazon Kindle Scribe). The basic models read just as well as premium ones; extras are page-turn buttons and auto brightness.
The mistake to avoid
Buying a color e-reader for novels; black-and-white screens are sharper and last longer per charge.
Our shortlist
If you want to skip the research, these are the e-readers we would buy in the US:
- Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB, 2024 release) ($134 – $169) – Check Price on Amazon
- Amazon Kindle Paperwhite ($150 – $190) – Check Price on Amazon
- Kobo Libra Colour ($200 – $230) – Check Price on Amazon
See every pick, with pros and cons, in Best E-Readers (2026): What to Buy and What to Skip.
When to buy
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.
Compare more options
Search e-readers on Amazon See top-rated e-readers on Amazon
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Frequently asked questions
How do I choose the right e-readers?
A 300 ppi screen makes text look sharp, like a printed page. Waterproofing and warm front light make reading in the bath or at night more comfortable.
How much should I spend on e-readers in the US?
The models we rate range from about $89 to about $450. The basic models read just as well as premium ones; extras are page-turn buttons and auto brightness.
What is the biggest mistake when buying e-readers?
Buying a color e-reader for novels; black-and-white screens are sharper and last longer per charge.
When should I buy e-readers in the US?
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.