E-reader comparison: screen, light, storage and which bookshop you are tied to
An e-reader is a long-term choice of bookshop as much as a gadget; compare screen size, lighting and library support before price.
E-readers last for years, so the first decision is the ecosystem. Kindle devices tie you to Amazon’s store, while Kobo and some other brands read EPUB files and support library lending in the UK through OverDrive or Libby. Switching later means rebuying or converting books.
What to compare
- Screen size: 6 to 7 inches for one-handed reading, larger for PDFs and comics
- Front light with adjustable warmth for evening reading
- Waterproofing if you read in the bath or by the pool
- Storage: 8 GB holds thousands of books; only audiobooks and comics need more
- Whether the price includes adverts on the lock screen, which some retailers do not make obvious
Retailer prices for the same model differ by £10 to £40 at any given time, and older generations are discounted when a new one launches. Compare the exact model and storage size, and check whether a case or charger is included in bundle pricing.
Put your shortlist to work
Compare products or a shopping list across available UK retailers, or browse offers by category.