Best E-Readers of 2025: Top Picks for Thrifty Families

E-readers are a busy mom’s secret weapon for saving money and enjoying books on a budget.  From library-friendly Kindles to kid-proof devices, here are the best e-readers of 2025 to keep your family reading without breaking the bank.

Why E-Readers Are a Thrifty Family’s Best Friend

Reading doesn’t have to be an expensive hobby. With a good e-reader, you can carry thousands of books in one lightweight device and borrow e-books for free from the library using apps like Libby. No more pricey bookstore trips or overflowing shelves – just download or borrow and read! E-readers also let busy parents sneak in reading time (think late-night chapters or reading during kids’ practice) without disturbing anyone, thanks to built-in lights and eye-friendly screens. Many models are waterproof, so you can even relax with a book in the tub or by the pool without worry. In short, a great e-reader helps your family save money and space while encouraging everyone – from toddlers to grandma – to read more.

Below, we’ve rounded up the best e-readers of 2025 for every need. Each pick comes with key details, pros and cons, who it’s best suited for, and why we chose it – all with a warm, practical perspective for thrifty families like yours. Let’s dive in!

Best Overall: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

Display: 7-inch 300 ppi E-Ink (Carta 1300)
Storage: 16 GB (thousands of books)
Battery Life: Up to 10–12 weeks per charge
Waterproof: Yes (IPX8 – safe for bathtub or pool)

Why We Picked It: The Kindle Paperwhite has long been the go-to e-reader for just about everyone, and the 2024 edition solidifies that reputation. Simply put, it offers the best blend of features and price for most readers. We love its crisp 7-inch screen – text looks as sharp as a printed page, even in bright sun, and now you can adjust the warm lighting at night to be easier on the eyes. Amazon also improved page-turn speed and contrast, so reading feels smooth and “book-like.” Plus, the Paperwhite’s battery can last for months, not days, so busy parents won’t be hunting for the charger often. At around $160, it’s not the cheapest, but it packs premium perks like waterproofing and a light, travel-friendly design that’s worth the investment for avid readers.

Who It’s For: If you want one e-reader to satisfy the whole family, the Kindle Paperwhite is it. It’s ideal for parents who read in snatches of time throughout the day, commuters, or anyone upgrading from an older Kindle. New e-reader users will find it easy to use, and those coming from a dated model will appreciate the bigger, clearer screen and extra-long battery life. Importantly for thrifty readers, it’s excellent for library books – you can borrow e-books via your library’s Libby/OverDrive service and have them delivered to the Kindle in seconds (if you’re in the US). In short, the Paperwhite works for mom, dad, and even the kids, whether you’re reading the latest bestseller or checking out library ebooks for free.

Pros:

• Super crisp display: 7″ high-resolution screen (300 ppi) is easy on the eyes and great for reading indoors or out.
• Built-in adjustable light: Read at night without keeping anyone else awake; you can even set a warm amber tone for bedtime reading.
• Marathon battery life: Lasts up to 10–12 weeks on a charge – charge it once and forget about it for months.
• Waterproof and durable: IPX8 waterproofing means it survives accidental dunks or splashes. Perfect for reading in the bath or by the pool.
• Amazon ecosystem perks: Easy access to millions of affordable books, Kindle Unlimited, and library loans. Also supports Audible audiobooks via Bluetooth.

Cons:

• Not the cheapest: You pay a bit more for the quality – thrifty shoppers on a tight budget might consider the basic Kindle (see Best Budget below).
• Ad-supported lockscreen (with base model): Unless you pay extra for the “ad-free” version, the Paperwhite will show sponsored screensavers (minor annoyance, but worth noting).
• Amazon-centric format: You’ll mainly use Amazon’s store or send files via Amazon. (If you prefer a more open system for sideloading ePub books, see our Best for Libby pick.)

Best Kindle (Great for Library Books): Amazon Kindle Colorsoft (Signature Edition)

Display: 7-inch Color E-Ink (Kaleido 3) – 300 ppi B&W / 150 ppi in color
Storage: 32 GB (Signature Edition)
Battery Life: Up to 8 weeks (color uses a bit more power)
Waterproof: Yes (IPX8 – same water resistance as the Paperwhite)

Why We Picked It: Amazon finally went technicolor! The Kindle Colorsoft is Amazon’s first e-reader with a color E-Ink screen, and it makes a huge difference for certain kinds of reading. We chose it as the “Best Kindle” because it’s the most advanced Kindle to date – essentially a deluxe Paperwhite that can display magazine illustrations, comic books, and book covers in vivid color. It still reads just like paper for regular black-and-white text, but when you open a children’s picture book or a comic, the images pop to life in color. During testing, experts found the Colorsoft’s performance snappy with virtually no ghosting (screen blur). Page turns are fast and scrolling is smooth, which makes reading graphic-heavy content a pleasure. It’s fully waterproof and has the warm front light and all the usual Kindle bells and whistles. Yes, it’s pricier than the Paperwhite (this Signature Edition is about $280), but for Kindle fans who’ve been waiting for color, it’s a dream come true.

Who It’s For: Dedicated Kindle lovers who want the absolute best and are willing to invest a bit more. If your family is already deep in the Amazon ecosystem (Prime members, Kindle Unlimited subscribers, etc.) and you want a Kindle that does it all, the Colorsoft is for you. It’s especially fantastic if you or the kids read a lot of comics, graphic novels, kids’ picture books, or travel guides where color enhances the experience. Also, if you use your e-reader to borrow library books and you’ve felt sad seeing all those beautiful book covers only in gray, this Kindle lets you enjoy cover art in full color. (Don’t worry, it still works with library loans via Libby just like other Kindles – so you can borrow free e-books from your local library and view them in color on the device.) Busy moms might also appreciate that you can highlight passages in different colors – a fun feature for book club notes or studying with kids.

Pros:

• Color E-Ink display: Brings book covers, comics and illustrations to life without losing the easy-on-eyes quality of E-Ink. It’s the first Kindle that can do color content, and it’s done well.
• Great for comics & kids’ books: Finally, an e-reader that does justice to graphic novels, manga, and children’s picture books in your collection. Family story time just got more fun!
• Large storage & waterproof: 32 GB holds tons of books (and comics tend to be larger files), and IPX8 waterproofing means it’s safe around pools or sticky-fingered toddlers with sippy cups.
• Fast and smooth performance: No lag or annoying screen flashes – flipping through pages (even in color PDFs or magazines) is responsive and quick.
• All the Kindle perks: Access to Amazon’s huge e-book store, Kindle Kids+ profiles, parental controls, Audible audiobook support, and easy library book delivery (US libraries) are all here.

Cons:

• Expensive: This is one of the priciest e-readers on the market (roughly $250–$280). You’re paying for that color tech. If budget is a concern, the monochrome Kindles or Kobo Libra below give more bang for your buck.
• Shorter battery life: Color E-Ink uses more power. The Colorsoft is rated ~8 weeks battery, less than the Paperwhite’s 10–12 weeks. In real life that’s still several weeks per charge, but you will charge it a bit more often.
• Design is a bit plain: Unlike the sleek aluminum Kindle Oasis of old, the Colorsoft’s build is all plastic and some reviewers felt it looks a little “cheap” for the price. (On the upside, it’s light and easy to hold.)
• Amazon locked ecosystem: As with any Kindle, you’re mostly using Amazon’s store. If you frequently get books from other sources or want native ePub support without conversions, consider a Kobo instead.

Best Color E-Reader: Kobo Libra Colour

Display: 7-inch Color E-Ink (Kaleido 3) – 300 ppi B&W / 150 ppi color
Storage: 32 GB
Battery Life: ~4 weeks (per charge)
Waterproof: Yes (IPX8 – fully waterproof)

Why We Picked It: The Kobo Libra Colour proves that color e-readers aren’t just a gimmick – they can genuinely enhance your reading experience. We picked the Libra Colour as the best color e-reader because it delivers vibrant color without sacrificing the benefits of E-Ink. This means you can enjoy comics, magazines, children’s books, or even just seeing book covers in color, all on a paper-like screen that’s easy on the eyes. The Libra Colour takes everything that was great about the Libra 2 – comfy design with page-turn buttons, library integration, waterproofing – and adds that color screen plus stylus support for note-taking. Our favorite part? It manages to offer these extras at a reasonable price point. It’s only slightly more expensive than the black-and-white Libra 2, making it a value pick for color (it’s actually more affordable than Amazon’s color Kindle).

When we tested it, we found reading in color truly delightful. Even if you don’t read a ton of graphic novels, just seeing cover art and illustrations as they were meant to be is surprisingly satisfying. If you do love comics or visual books, this device will enrich those materials – no more squinting at muddy grayscale graphics. The 7″ size hits a sweet spot: big enough for visuals to look good, but still portable. Kobo also thoughtfully made the Libra Colour with eco-friendly materials (85% recycled plastic body) and made it repairable with available parts like battery and screen, which can save money long-term. All these factors combined make the Libra Colour a forward-thinking, family-friendly gadget that earns its “best color” crown.

Who It’s For: If someone in your family is a comic book lover, a magazine reader, or an art-book enthusiast, the Libra Colour will blow them away. It’s also fantastic for kids’ reading – young readers can enjoy picture books and colorful illustrations on an e-reader, which might keep them more engaged. Parents who want to encourage reading might find that the color screen draws kids in more (it feels a bit like a tablet but without the distractions of games/apps). Additionally, if you’ve held off on e-readers because you love the look of printed book covers or you read textbooks with diagrams, this device is for you. The Libra Colour is also great for note-takers and students: it supports the Kobo Stylus (sold separately) so you can mark up books or jot down notes in the margins. Overall, it’s for the reader who wants a little extra pizzazz in their e-books without giving up the comfy E-Ink experience.

Pros:

• Vibrant color display: Uses the latest E-Ink Kaleido 3 for surprisingly rich colors on e-paper. Comics and children’s books look fantastic, and even regular books feel more inviting with color covers.
• Great value for a color device: Relatively affordable for a color e-reader – you’re getting color + 32GB + waterproofing for about $230, which is cheaper than Amazon’s color Kindle. Good bang for your buck.
• Libby and open ecosystem: Like the Libra 2, it has built-in library borrowing (OverDrive) and wide format support. You can fill this device with free library books, PDFs, or web articles (with Pocket app) and enjoy them in color. No ongoing content costs if you don’t want them.
• Comfortable one-handed design: The asymmetric design with page-turn buttons makes it easy to hold, and it’s actually lighter than the older Libra 2. Great for reading while multitasking or for kids’ smaller hands.
• Note-taking ability: Optional Kobo Stylus 2 lets you write on the screen – fun for kids to practice writing or for students to annotate documents. It’s like a mini notebook and e-reader in one (without the high cost of larger e-ink tablets).
• Repairable & eco-friendly: Kobo partnered with iFixit to provide replacement parts (battery, screen, etc.) and guides. This means you can potentially fix it yourself if something happens down the line, extending its life (good for the planet and your wallet!).

Cons:

• Shorter battery life: Expect about 3–4 weeks per charge under normal use, less if you use a lot of color content or the front light extensively. This is shorter than grayscale e-readers (color uses more power), so you’ll be charging monthly rather than every other month.
• Stylus not included: If you do want to doodle or annotate, the Kobo Stylus 2 is sold separately. It’s an added cost (around $40–$50). If note-taking isn’t needed, you can ignore this.
• Some features lag in color: A few functions (like highlighting or drawing) can be a tad slower in color mode due to the E-Ink tech limitations. It’s generally fine, but power-users might notice a bit of input lag when doing a lot of markups.
• Not for solely text readers: If you never read anything with pictures or color and only care about straight novels, you might not benefit from the color – a cheaper monochrome e-reader (like the regular Libra 2 or Kindle) could make more sense.
• Kobo store smaller than Amazon: Same caveat as Libra 2 – Kobo’s store is perfectly good for most bestsellers and popular books, but Amazon Kindle still has a slight edge in sheer volume and some exclusive titles. Just something to consider if you frequently seek very niche ebooks.

Best Budget E-Reader: Amazon Kindle (2022 Basic Edition)

Display: 6-inch 300 ppi E-Ink
Storage: 16 GB
Battery Life: ~6 weeks per charge
Waterproof: No (keep this one dry)

Why We Picked It: For families on a tight budget or those just dipping their toes into e-reading, the standard Amazon Kindle (11th Generation, 2022 release) is a phenomenal value. At around $100 (often on sale for less), it delivers a crisp 300 ppi display – as sharp for text as the pricier models – and enough storage to hold thousands of books. Amazon finally upgraded this base model to have the same clarity as the Paperwhite, so you’re not compromising on text quality. It’s small, lightweight, and super portable – perfect for tossing in a purse or for a child to carry in their backpack. The front light lets you read at night or in dim lighting (no more buying clip-on book lights!), and the battery easily lasts several weeks since there are no power-hungry features.

We picked the Kindle Basic as the best budget option because it covers the essential features while cutting the frills that many thrifty readers might not miss. You don’t get waterproofing or warm light adjustment at this price, but if those aren’t deal-breakers, you’re getting an incredible reading device for the money. It also benefits from Amazon’s vast content ecosystem – even a cheap Kindle still means access to millions of affordable or free books (including the Kindle Unlimited subscription or Prime Reading freebies if you have Amazon Prime). When every dollar counts, the Kindle Basic lets you read abundantly without a big upfront cost.

Who It’s For: This is the ideal e-reader for budget-conscious bookworms and families. If you’re looking to buy an e-reader for your kid or teen without splurging on a high-end model, the base Kindle is perfect – you get all the core reading benefits at a kid-friendly price. It’s also great as a secondary device (maybe one for travel, or to leave at grandma’s house). Because it’s so affordable, you won’t panic as much if it gets lost or damaged. And despite the low cost, it’s a fully capable Kindle – you can still borrow library books (in the US) on it, listen to Audible audiobooks with Bluetooth headphones, and enjoy all the same Kindle features like X-Ray, dictionary lookup, and parental controls. For anyone who just wants to read e-books without extra luxuries, the Kindle Basic 2022 hits the sweet spot of price and performance.

Pros:

• Affordable price: Typically ~$100 (and often discounted), making e-reading accessible to almost any budget. You get a lot of device for the money – perfect for frugal families.
• Compact and lightweight: With a 6″ screen and lightweight design (~158 g), it’s comfortable for smaller hands and easy to carry everywhere. Great for kids or travel.
• Sharp 300 ppi screen: The latest model has the same text clarity as expensive Kindles, so reading is pleasant. No more fuzzy text that older basic Kindles had – this is razor sharp for novels and small fonts.
• Good battery life: About 4–6 weeks on a charge with regular use. You can read roughly an hour a day and only charge once a month or so – very convenient.
• Front-lit display: Built-in adjustable front light (no warm tone) lets you read in the dark or low light. Kids can read under the covers without a flashlight, and you can read next to a sleeping spouse without a lamp.
• Amazon features and content: Even the cheapest Kindle enjoys Amazon’s ecosystem: easy one-click book purchases, loads of free classics, Kindle Unlimited trials, and library loan support. It’s also Alexa compatible (you can have Alexa read your Kindle books on Echo devices).

Cons:

• No waterproofing: Unlike most pricier models, the base Kindle is not waterproof. You’ll need to be careful around pools, bathtubs, or messy toddlers. (Consider a Ziploc bag trick if you must!)
• No warm light or auto-brightness: The light is a standard cool white with manual brightness control. It lacks the warm amber setting and ambient light sensor that Paperwhite has. Not a huge issue unless you’re very sensitive to blue light at night.
• Older charging port on some (Micro-USB): Be sure to get the 2022 model – it has USB-C charging. If you end up with an older version (10th gen), those had Micro-USB and a lower-res screen. The latest one fixes these, so buy new if possible.
• Basic build and design: The design is plain plastic, and it’s not as ergonomic as the Libra or as premium-feeling as Paperwhite. No physical buttons; everything is touch. It’s perfectly functional, just not “luxurious” – which is fine for a budget device.
• Amazon-centric: As with other Kindles, you’re largely using Amazon’s store or doing file conversions. If you want a budget e-reader that natively supports ePub, you might look at the Kobo Nia or Kobo Clara 2E (though those are often a bit more pricey).

Best E-Reader for Kids: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids (2021 Edition)

Display: 6.8-inch 300 ppi E-Ink (glare-free)
Storage: 8 GB or 16 GB (enough for thousands of kid books)
Battery Life: Up to 10 weeks
Waterproof: Yes (IPX8 – survives splashes and spills)

Why We Picked It: When it comes to getting kids reading, Amazon’s Kindle Paperwhite Kids Edition is a home run. It takes the already excellent Paperwhite hardware and packages it specifically for children – meaning you get a kid-friendly cover, a 2-year worry-free replacement guarantee, and one year of Amazon Kids+ included (that’s Amazon’s subscription with thousands of kid-appropriate books, educational content, and even Audible books). We chose the Paperwhite Kids as the best for kiddos because of its durability and features: it’s waterproof (juice spill or bathtub drop won’t ruin it), and the screen is slightly larger than the base Kindle, which is helpful for kids’ picture books and larger text needs. The adjustable warm front light makes it easier on children’s eyes at night (and can help with winding down at bedtime). Parents will appreciate the parental controls – you can set reading goals, age filters, and even disable the web browser or store, so the device is purely for reading. There are also fun achievement badges for kids to keep them motivated (“Congrats, you read 30 minutes today!”).

The Paperwhite Kids edition is essentially the “set it and forget it” e-reader for children – Amazon’s guarantee means if it breaks, they’ll replace it free, no questions asked, which is huge peace of mind. And with the included Kids+ library for a year, your child instantly has a wealth of books to explore (from popular series to classics) without you having to buy them individually. All in all, it’s a fantastic tool to encourage reading as a positive, independent activity for kids, which is exactly what we thrifty parents want to cultivate.

Who It’s For: This device is designed for children approximately 7-12 years old, but even younger readers (5-6) can enjoy it with some help, and early teens might still appreciate the Kids+ content. It’s for parents who want a dedicated reading device for their child that’s 100% safe and distraction-free – no games, no YouTube, just books and audiobooks. If your kiddo is a reluctant reader, the Kindle’s gamified rewards and the ability to look up word definitions on the fly might engage them more. It’s also a lifesaver for bedtime reading routines: kids can read with the warm light without keeping the room too bright. The Paperwhite Kids is great if you want to save money on kids’ books – the included subscription and library access means you won’t need to purchase every book they want to read (and you won’t be inundated with mountains of outgrown paper books). Essentially, it’s for any family that values reading and wants a durable, worry-free device to support their child’s reading journey.

Pros:

• Kid-proof features: Comes with a sturdy, colorful case and a 2-year worry-free warranty – if your child breaks it, Amazon replaces it free. That alone makes it worth it for rambunctious kids!
• 1 year of Amazon Kids+ included: Instant access to thousands of kid-friendly books (and some Audible audiobooks) at no extra cost for a year. This includes popular series like Harry Potter, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and lots of age-appropriate titles – a huge money-saver.
• Parental controls & goals: You can create a child profile to manage what content they see, set reading goals/limits, and track progress. The Kindle rewards kids with badges for hitting milestones, which is a fun motivator.
• Sized for kids, but not kiddie tech: The 6.8″ screen is bigger than the base Kindle, which means more words per page (less frequent page turns for early readers). Yet the device is still lightweight. It’s a “real” Kindle Paperwhite at heart – so it’s fast and responsive.
• Bedtime-friendly lighting: The adjustable warm light is great for evening reading – it can shift to a gentle amber tone that’s easier on kids’ eyes before bed. This can help them get sleepy versus a harsh blue-white light.
• Waterproof and durable: Kids are… unpredictable. This e-reader can handle accidental dunks and spills (up to 60 mins in 6 ft of water). And the included cover protects it from drops. So it’s built to survive childhood.
• No distractions: Unlike a tablet, there are no videos or games. Many parents love that Kindle Kids keeps the experience focused on reading, helping improve comprehension and reducing screen-time fights.

Cons:

• A bit pricier than base model: The Paperwhite Kids is generally around $150+. You are paying extra for the case, warranty, and Kids+ bundle (which do add value). If your budget is tight, the regular Kindle Kids (base model) at ~$110 is a cheaper alternative with the same Kids+ benefits – it just has a smaller 6″ screen, no warm light, and isn’t waterproof.
• Not ideal for very young toddlers: While you can load picture books, the interface is still text-centric and best for kids who can read or are learning to read. For a 3-4 year old, you’d likely need to read to them (which isn’t a con, but just an expectation). The device is also not drop-proof without the case, so really little ones should be supervised.
• Limited audiobook capability: It can play Audible books via Bluetooth, but remember there’s no speaker. So you’ll need kid-safe headphones or a Bluetooth speaker if they want to listen to storybooks. Also, Audible books for kids might require parent setup to purchase/download if not included in Kids+.
• No color illustrations: If your child’s books rely heavily on color pictures, those will display in grayscale. For most chapter books and middle-grade books this isn’t an issue, but for some graphic novels or picture books it might be less engaging. (In that case, consider the Kobo Libra Colour or simply use physical books for those specific titles.)
• Amazon dependency: All content is mainly via Amazon’s ecosystem (Kids+ or Kindle Store). You can sideload books, but the beauty of this device is the integration with Amazon’s kid content. Just be aware that after the first year, Amazon Kids+ is a paid subscription if you choose to continue it (about $5/month for Prime members).

Conclusion: Thriving on Thrifty Reading

In 2025, there’s an e-reader for every family member and every budget. Whether you’re a mom sneaking in chapters on a Kindle Paperwhite, a comic-loving teen devouring graphics on a Kobo Libra Colour, or a little one proudly earning badges on a Kindle Kids, these devices prove that reading can be affordable, enjoyable, and convenient for all. The upfront cost of an e-reader quickly pays off when you consider the money saved on books – with library loans, subscription services, and e-book sales, you’ll spend far less than buying new hardcovers every week. Plus, you’ll reduce clutter (goodbye overflowing bookshelves, hello tidy nest!) and always have a new story at your fingertips to keep the family entertained.

Our best overall pick, the Kindle Paperwhite, is a reliable all-rounder that hits the sweet spot for most people, but every pick above has a special strength – from the Colorsoft’s wow-factor display to the Libra’s library superpowers and the budget Kindle’s incredible value. Think about your family’s reading habits and needs: Are you swimming in library books? Do you have a budding graphic novelist, or a little bookworm in training? There’s a perfect e-reader waiting to make your thrifty life richer in knowledge and fun.

Happy reading, and here’s to living well and spending less – one e-book at a time! 🌟

---

Sources: The information above is based on the latest device specifications and reviews from 2024-2025, including expert tests by TechRadar, Stuff, and Android Central, as well as official Amazon and Kobo product details. These sources confirm key features like battery life, display quality, waterproof ratings, and library integration to ensure you’re getting accurate and up-to-date recommendations. Enjoy your new e-reader adventure!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we might earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you decide to make a purchase through one of these links. Thanks for your support!