Guidemaster: the 5 best buyable electronic readers in 2019

If you want to not only read more, but read better, an e-reader can be for you. Yes, it has become easy to find material to read and read. all many devices in our electronic arsenals: smartphones, tablets, computers, etc. But even in a world full of versatile devices, e-readers remain the favorites of hard-working readers, ready to get their hands on eBooks and digital publications in many ways. Ultimately, this may be limited freedom: e-readers help you focus on reading rather than distractions that are too easily accessible through other electronic devices.

But it's only an advantage to have a dedicated reading device that replaces or complements your physical library. Although e-reader technology has not changed much in recent years, companies have recently updated their most popular e-readers to make them even more useful and competitive. Plus, an electronic reader does not look very different from another. It can therefore be difficult to differentiate them. But trust assiduous readers of Ars, there are noticeable differences within this category of products.

Fortunately, to help you decipher the world of e-readers before the beaches, porches or downtime that might be waiting for you this summer, Ars has tested and refreshed. Today, they are the best devices for all types of readers.

Note: Ars Technica can earn compensation for sales from links on this post via affiliate programs.

Contents

Who needs an e-reader?

All book lovers do not need an electronic reader, but it can prove useful if you want to read without being cluttered wherever you go. E-readers are a more efficient way to transport your entire library with you on an airplane, on the subway or even just down the road to the park. Instead of lugging several hardcover or pocket books, you can take with you an electronic reader much lighter and smaller than most books.

Most companies that manufacture e-readers also create complementary mobile applications that can do most things in the same way as their dedicated reading devices. Take the Kindle app from Amazon for Android and iOS: it contains all your books purchased from Amazon (and ebooks borrowed from your library), lets you read on the device of your choice whenever you want and even change the font style and size to your liking.

However, these apps are probably right next to Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and other apps not reading on your mobile device. It can be tempting to skip a reading session and browse social media when your main reading device is a smartphone. An electronic reader can provide the distraction-free reading experience that some people need.

An e-reader can also save you time and money. If you're one to love the books you read, many eBooks cost a fraction of what their physical counterparts do. Building an extensive library of ebooks not only saves space in your home, but also save money in the long run.

For those who primarily get their reading material from a local library, apps like Overdrive, Libby and Hoopla connect to most major eBook companies and their e-readers. Instead of making multiple trips to the library, you can instantly download eBooks borrowed from your eReader and read your heart content without leaving home or spending money.

What to look for in an e-reader

Screen type, size and quality

Conventional electronic readers have paper screens designed with E-Ink technology. These non-reflective panels mimic the real paper and are more comfortable to watch for long periods of time than their LCD counterparts. But not everybody has the same reading preferences, especially in the present era where LCD screens are ubiquitous. While we focus on paper-based e-readers in this guide, we have included an LCD tablet option for those who like bright, color-rich panels and the more versatile devices that carry them.

The size of the screen determines the overall size of an electronic reader. The panels typically measure between 6 and 8 inches diagonally, making them ultra-compact devices, smaller and much thinner than a classic paperback.

Quality is also quite common among modern e-readers because most screens contain 150 to 300 pixels per inch. This level of quality ensures that letters and characters are sharp and that pixelation will be visible (if any).

Screen illumination

A good electronic reader will have a lighting capable of illuminating the display so that you can read in dark environments. But instead of backlit as on LCD screens, most E-Ink displays are illuminated at the front by a group of undetectable LEDs. Most of the time, they are hidden in the design of the electronic reader, but you can adjust the intensity and sometimes the hue of the screen lighting.

Most electronic readers available today have more than one light before. More lights distributed around the edges of the panel ensure that the entire screen receives adequate light and that there are no dark areas.

Some reading lights will have a mix of warm and cool lights so you can adjust the color of the light throughout the day. A thick blue light, like that coming from our smartphones and other devices with an LCD screen, can be harmful to the eyes; so, some lights in warm tones can balance the color and enhance the reading experience.

Design

The basic design of most eReaders has not changed much in recent years. These devices are black or white plastic plates dominated by their E-Ink or e-paper screens. Some older models used to have physical keyboards at the bottom of the screen, but these were phased out.

The only way to get a differently designed e-reader is to opt for an all-purpose tablet, which many readers may want to do. Android, iOS and Windows tablets let you carry your entire digital library in one place. They are probably better if you want to read graphic novels and digital comics. These are also more versatile devices, because you can also download applications that do not allow playback.

However, traditional eReaders have some optional design features that you should look for, namely Bluetooth connectivity and waterproofing. Bluetooth allows you to connect a pair of wireless headphones and listen to audiobooks recorded on the electronic player, if it supports such a feature. Those who often commute between the audiobook and the printed version of the same book may find it easier with an electronic reader that keeps both versions of the book in one place.

The waterproofing goes without comment: a waterproof e-reader withstands a fall in the bathtub or pool in the manner of a champion. In the past, only luxury electronic readers included any type of water resistance, but companies have now incorporated this feature into their more affordable models.

Storage and battery life

You will not find too many storage options on most e-readers: the two most common options are 8GB and 32GB, and some low-end models will have 4GB. Ebooks do not take plenty of room, 8 GB will be enough for most people. However, if you have a huge digital library, many graphic novels and comics, or if you want to record audio books on your eReader, you should consider a larger storage capacity.

Electronic readers have one of the best lifetimes of all modern electronics. Most will last weeks with a single charge, so you can read dozens of hours before needing more juice. You can even spend a whole week's holiday without having to recharge your reader (depending on the model and its use), making these devices great travel companions.