This WIRED buying guide, updated in August 2026, rounds up the best e-readers currently available, covering options from Kobo, Amazon Kindle and Boox. It notes that while physical books remain unmatched for many readers, e-readers offer instant access to vast digital libraries, including borrowed books via apps like Libby, and use eye-friendly E Ink displays. The guide's top overall pick is notably not a Kindle, challenging the common assumption that Kindle is synonymous with e-reader.

The Kobo Libra Colour ($260) tops the list as the best overall e-reader, praised for its 7-inch colour E Ink screen, page-turner buttons, optional stylus for note-taking, waterproofing and use of recycled materials. Other highlighted picks include the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite ($160) as best Kindle, the Amazon Kindle ($110) as best budget option, and the Kobo Clara Colour ($180) as best budget colour device. The guide has also added new entries this update, including the Kindle Colorsoft Kids, Boox Go 6 (Gen II) and Xteink X4 Pro, alongside advice on ebook formats, app support and testing methodology.