Fast forward a few years to now, and most of the books I read these days are on an ereader of some sort. I’m not alone, as around 30% of Americans now read ebooks. It makes sense. They offer portability, a potentially vast library of books at your finger tips, and their e-ink give eyes a break from tiresome screens by granting a paper-like reading experience. In addition to all that, now there are so many ways to get ebooks. There’s the public library with the glorious app that is Libby, and Book Riot even has a daily deals newsletter that will send you the best ebook deals everyday.
Since I’ve become totally sold on ebooks, and have even acquired a couple myself, I’d like to share with you the best ereaders 2022 has to offer. While any text-displaying device can technically be an ereader, I’ve mostly focused on devices whose main purpose is to display ebooks, magazines, and newspapers. I’ve also separated them by type of reader but then given a best overall option for versatile readers. Read on to find out the best ereaders of 2022.
Which ereader you choose will ultimately be up to how frequently you read ebooks, what kind of ebooks you read, and what kind of reading experience you’re looking to have. Luckily, you have plenty of options! Just don’t forget to accessorize your snazzy new ereader once you’ve made your choice.
Size: 6″ HD E-ink touchscreen; 5.9 oz
Storage: 8 GB
What’s supported: HTML, PDF, TXT, CBR, CBZ, EPUB, RTF
Pros: This has the best library support with a built-in feature that lets you borrow from libraries that use OverDrive software. It’s also small and lightweight, and has ComfortLight PRO, which reduces blue light.
Cons: This isn’t waterproof
Size: 8″ E-ink touchscreen display; 7 oz
Storage: 8 GB or 32 GB
What’s supported: comic book files (CBZ and CBR), EPUB, EPUB3, MOBI, FilePub, PDF
Pros: The bigger size of this reader, how well it looks in landscape mode, and its buttons that turn pages all make reading manga more fun. It’s also compatible with a greater number of formats, ensuring you’re able to download the next manga volume.
Cons: While manga mostly comes in black and white, there are the occasional colored pages, but this reader only features black and white. There is sometimes also a bit of a lag when using buttons, and it is a little pricey.
Size: 7-inch touchscreen, 16 oz
Storage: 16 GB of storage
What’s supported: Kindle reading app and over 20,000 apps, games, books, videos, audiobooks, and educational content from PBS Kids, Nickelodeon, Disney, and more
Cons: This tablet can become a bit of a distraction for kids with all of the other functions it has available. Also, depending on what is downloaded, the storage may not be enough.
Size: 6” E-ink touchscreen; 6 oz
Storage: 8 GB
What’s supported: PDF, TXT, HTML, MOBI
Pros: The 2019 kindle is an upgrade on the original, and although it’s one of the more affordable options — especially with the occasional sale — it still offers so much. Its built-in front light and glare-free display read like paper, even when outdoors. And one full charge will leave the device charged for weeks. Additionally, Kindle Unlimited grants access to more than 2 million titles through a device that performs similarly to other, more expensive Kindle models. If you pair audiobooks with your ebooks, you can switch seamlessly between listening and reading with an Audible account.
Cons: This isn’t waterproof and the resolution isn’t the most crisp.
Size: 6.8” E-ink touchscreen display; 7 oz
Storage: 8 GB
What’s supported: AZW, MOBI, PDF, TXT
Cons: Despite there being a bit of a price jump, there is no headphone jack, physical buttons, or cellular option.
Size: 7″ E-ink touchscreen, 7oz.
Storage: 32 GB
What’s supported: HTML, MOBI, PDF, TXT
Pros: This is a waterproof device with an aluminum back panel, something you don’t see much of in ereaders. It also protects against eye strain with its adjustable warm light. The addition of buttons make some people feel more like they’re reading from a book, and the resolution and number of LED lights — the most of any ereader — make for a bright, crisp screen. Overall, this offers such a lush reading experience.
Size: 10.2″ touchscreen, 1.1 lbs
Storage: 64 GB, 256 GB
What’s supported: As a tablet, this supports different music, video, and ebook formats, including EPUB and PDF.
Pros: The storage space, wider screen, and color viewing make reading ebooks — especially manga and other, colored comics — so enjoyable. This being a tablet makes it a more cost-effective, all-in-one device that can even stand in for laptop given the right accessories.
Cons: As this is a tablet, and therefore doesn’t have e-ink, the reading experience won’t be akin to reading from paper. Reading over an extended period of time may lead to eye strain. And, unless you are strict with your notifications, they can be distracting when you’re trying to read.
