E Ink screens
Most dedicated e-readers use E Ink, an electronic paper display. Tiny particles of black and white pigment move to form the text, and the image stays in place without power until the page changes. The screen reflects light like paper, so it is easy to read in bright sunlight, and it doesn't flicker.
Page turns on E Ink are slower than on a phone, and the screen may briefly flash as it refreshes. Color E Ink screens exist, with softer, more muted color than a tablet. They suit book covers and simple illustrations better than photos.
Front lights and warm light
An E Ink screen has no backlight. Most current models add a front light that shines across the screen so you can read in the dark. Many let you shift the light toward a warmer, amber tone for evening reading. Lowering brightness at night is easier on the eyes in a dark room.
Battery life
Because the screen uses power mainly when the page changes, an e-reader can often go weeks between charges with normal reading. Bright front light, wireless syncing and audiobook playback all shorten that. Check the maker's current figures for any model you are considering.
Ebook formats
| Format | What it is | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| EPUB | An open, widely used ebook standard | Text reflows to fit the screen and your chosen font size |
| Kindle formats | Amazon's own formats | Kindle devices also accept EPUB files sent through Amazon's Send to Kindle service, which converts them |
| A fixed page layout | Hard to read on small screens because the text doesn't reflow | |
| Plain text | Text with no formatting | Readable almost anywhere, but plain to look at |
DRM and where your books live
Many ebooks bought from big stores come with DRM (digital rights management), which ties the book to that store's apps and devices. If you switch to another brand of e-reader, those books usually don't move with you. Some publishers sell DRM-free ebooks, and public-domain editions of classics are usually DRM free. Keep backup copies of DRM-free files on your computer.
Borrowing library ebooks
Library ebooks come through apps such as Libby (see how libraries work). Kobo e-readers have library borrowing built in. In the US, Libby can send many library ebooks to a Kindle. Other e-readers may need a computer and a free program to transfer library books. The process changes from time to time, so check your library's help pages for current steps.
Free classics
Public-domain books, including everything on our classic reading lists, are available as free ebooks from volunteer projects such as Project Gutenberg and Standard Ebooks. Download the EPUB version for most e-readers.
E-reader or tablet?
- Choose an e-reader if you mostly read novels and nonfiction, read outdoors, or want fewer distractions.
- Choose a tablet if you read comics, cookbooks, magazines or anything with color photos, or if you want one device for everything.
- A phone works for short sessions, but notifications compete for your attention. The reading habit guide has ways to deal with that.
Features worth using
Adjustable font size and line spacing make reading easier on tired eyes. The built-in dictionary helps with older books. Highlights and notes can often be exported, which makes keeping a reading journal faster.