Updated April 2024
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Considerations
- Display Technology
- Battery Life
- Connectivity
- Additional Features
What you need to know
In today’s digital age, e-readers have become a beloved companion for book lovers everywhere. With the convenience of carrying thousands of books in a single device, e-readers offer a portable and customizable reading experience. Here’s what we look for in an ereader:
Display Technology
The display technology of an e-reader significantly impacts the reading experience. Look for e-readers with e-ink or e-paper displays, which mimic the appearance of ink on paper and offer glare-free reading, even in bright sunlight. E-ink displays also consume less power, resulting in longer battery life compared to LCD or LED displays.
Battery Life
Long battery life is a key feature to consider when purchasing an e-reader, especially for avid readers who enjoy extended reading sessions. Look for e-readers with extended battery life that can last for weeks or even months on a single charge. E-ink displays consume minimal power, allowing e-readers to maintain battery life for extended periods between charges. Additionally, consider factors such as screen brightness, wireless connectivity, and usage patterns that may impact battery life.
Connectivity
Consider the connectivity options offered by the e-reader for accessing and downloading e-books, audiobooks, and other digital content. Most e-readers offer Wi-Fi connectivity for accessing online stores, downloading content, and syncing reading progress across devices. Some e-readers also include built-in cellular connectivity for downloading content on the go without the need for a Wi-Fi connection. Evaluate your connectivity needs and preferences to choose an e-reader with the appropriate connectivity options.
Additional Features
There are some additional features and functionalities offered by the e-reader to enhance the reading experience. Look for features such as built-in lighting for reading in low-light conditions, adjustable font sizes and styles for customized reading preferences, and built-in dictionaries for looking up definitions while reading. Some e-readers also include advanced features such as waterproofing for reading by the pool or in the bath, and support for audiobooks and text-to-speech functionality for listening to books on the go.
CritiPicks
| Our Pick | Link | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB) | Amazon | $149 |
 |
Kobo Libra 2 32 GB | Amazon | $189.99 |
 |
Amazon Kindle16 GB | Amazon | $99.99 |
Listed prices are accurate at time of review.
