2018’s Best E-Readers for National Read a Book Day
The way we’re consuming literature is changing. While print media still has a strong following, there’s no denying that e-readers and other electronic reading devices have cemented their place in our day-to-day lives. So, with National Read a Book Day just around the corner, we thought we’d look at the best e-readers and Kindles of 2018, so if you’re looking to join the craze, you can find the best gadget for your budget.
Amazon Kindle Oasis – $279.99
It’ll probably come as no surprise that Amazon’s Kindle range will feature heavily on this list – after all, they are the dominant force in the e-reader market. The new Oasis is their largest device to date with a 7-inch screen, making it perfect for those that want to while away the hours with a good read. It also has a 32GB internal storage, providing more than enough room for you to add your favorite novels, comics, and magazines – and with access to Amazon’s Kindle Store, you’ll never run out of options. Furthermore, the Oasis is Audible compatible, meaning you can download your favorite audiobooks directly to the Kindle, so if your eyes get tired, you can just let the dulcet tones of Stephen Fry take over. The only thing might scare you off is the price, especially if you take it out with you and are worried about breaking or losing it. It might not be a bad idea to get some form of comprehensive gadget insurance if you’re planning to opt for the Kindle Oasis.
Kobo Aura One – $229.99
If you’re the sort of person that’s going to be taking your e-reader on long trips outdoors or by a pool, you can’t go too wrong with the Kobo Aura One. The lightweight body, complete with a big screen, make it easy to pack and carry, while the minimalist design, both on the device and on the operating system, means that it’s easy to navigate when you just want to read. What’s more, the Aura One has waterproofing, so if you’re planning on being adventurous you don’t have to worry about getting it wet.
The only downside is that the Kobo doesn’t have access to Amazon’s vast library of e-books, which means you may not be able to get everything you want. However, with the stripped-back design, the Aura One is much more heavily geared toward users who simply want to get reading, rather than spending hours managing their library.
Official page of Kobo Aura One
Amazon Kindle – $79.99
- All-new design is thinner and lighter, and now available in your choice of black or white.
It’s hard to beat a classic. By far the cheapest option on this list, the bog-standard Kindle still has plenty of features that will keep bookworms happy, such as the sleek, unmistakable Amazon design. The 6-inch, 167ppi display may not be as large or as clear as some of the Kindle’s competitors, but the highly durable casing combined with the long battery life means that it’s perfect for long trips. Furthermore, the 4GB storage is more than enough for thousands of e-books, so if all you want from your e-reader is to read – shocking, I know – then you’re covered.
Kobo Clara HD – $129.99
The Kobo Clara HD is as close as you’re going to get to a standard Kindle without actually getting one – it has nearly identical dimensions with a 6-inch, 300ppi touchscreen, as well as several enhancements that justify the price. The lightweight design makes the Clara HD easy to transport and hold, making it perfect for the commute, in bed, or even on a sun lounger.
However, the biggest draw of the Kobo Clara HD is the ComfortLight Pro technology. This simple addition allows you to adjust the brightness of the e-reader’s front light as well as the color temperature. So, if you’re worried about looking at a bright light before bed, you can set a specific time for the light to dim and change to a more comfortable color – similar to the Night Shift Mode found on iPhones.
Official page of Kobo Clara HD
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite – $119.99
Similar to the traditional Kindle, the Paperwhite offers users a fantastic range of features, including access to the Amazon Kindle Store and a lightweight, durable design. However, the Paperwhite also provides users with a selection of non-essential add-ons that enhance the practicality of the device, such as a more advanced home screen and UI, which makes it easier than ever to find what you’re looking for.
The 3G compatibility means that you can access the Kindle library at any time, giving you access to over 5.5 million books from any location, as long as you have signal. Avid e-readers will also enjoy the author-exclusive novels, which are only available on Amazon devices.
So there you have it – our list of the best e-readers you can get your hands on this year. If you plan on celebrating National Read a Book Day with something new, or you want to go back to an old favorite with a twist, an e-reader could be just the thing you’re looking for.
