The best e-readers 2018 from Kindle and Kobo

We know there’s something somewhat nostalgic about feeling the pages of your all-time favourite book between your fingers, but there’s no denying that kindles and e-readers have opened up a whole world of possibilities when it comes to reading on the go. But what are the best Kindles and e-readers out there?

• Only interested in Kindles? Check out our round up of the best Amazon Kindle deals
• Read our in depth review of our top pick: the Amazon Kindle Oasis

E-books tend to be cheaper and you can literally purchase a book at the touch of a button, to read wherever and whenever you want. There are many different ways in which you can customise how you read a book. You can enlarge font, highlight your favourite quotes and store an endless library of books all in one tiny device, ultimately making reading more accessible to the masses. 

Kindle by Amazon is the top dog when it comes to e-readers, so if you want a hub for all your favourite novels, this is likely to be the best option for you. They’re perfect for travelling because they’re lightweight and ultra slim, and have an anti-glare screen so they feel more like a real book. Some also come with a backlight so you can continue reading while your Kindle adapts to your surroundings. Read in the dark, out in the sun, on the go or even in the bath with their range of e-readers that are designed for absolutely anywhere.

However, there are also a range of other tablet style e-readers on the market that offer similar options as well as the added benefit of being able to use other apps and browse the internet. Use them at home or on your travels, but be aware that battery life will of course not be as long with all the extra features in use. Take a look at our top picks to suit all lifestyles and budgets!

Our pick of the best ereaders for you

Out of all the Kindles on the market right now, the Oasis is proving very popular amongst bookworms. It’s bigger and brighter with improved resolution and Wi-Fi so that you can access the latest books anywhere in the world.  Its waterproof up to 2 metres and built robustly for those who enjoy lounging by the pool, and it has a clever ergonomic design which shifts the centre of gravity to your palm so it feels like you’re holding a real book – a small touch that book-lovers will appreciate.  

If you’re looking for something purely to read books on but don’t want to fork out as much as the Kindle Oasis costs, then the Kobo Aura One is a strong alternative that comes in at a fraction of the cost. It has very similar features and although the way in which you store books isn’t as organised as the Kindle, it does have a backlight for easy nighttime reading and a larger screen which tends to be the appeal to anyone who owns a Kobo. You can borrow and store up to 6,000eBooks directly from your public library which is ideal for anyone who wants to try and tick off some novels from their must-read list.  

If size doesn’t bother you, then the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is a handy little e-reader that will fit neatly in your handbag or backpack. The best thing about the Paperwhite is its clarity. It literally is paper white, and some would say the light may be a little too bright. But if you often like to read in bed or have trouble with your eyesight, this Kindle will make for much easier reading. 

Whether you’re a reader, a movie and music fan or a gamer, the Amazon Fire 7 Tablet is a hub of entertainment that can be enjoyed by all the family. This tablet comes in at a very reasonable price, and for members of Amazon Prime, you can have access to thousands of books and magazines as well as songs, TV shows and a photo storage system at no extra cost. This is the perfect way to keep the kids occupied on a long journey, but remember the battery life won’t hold up as long as the Kindle! 

Backpackers and hikers will love the Kobo Aura H20 Edition 2. This e-reader is practically adventure proof, making it safe to take on your travels and read on the go. It is waterproof for up to 30 minutes in 1 metre of water as well as sand and dust proof, so whether you’re on a boat, at the beach or in the bath, you can sink into a good book with no worries at all.  

You know what they say; if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. This classic Kindle may not be the latest edition but if you’re just looking for something basic to access all your favourite novels, this Kindle will get the job done nicely. It’s lightweight and affordable and although it doesn’t have a backlight, it still has the much-needed anti-glare screen that makes reading easy wherever you go.