10 Best Kindle Alternatives

I’ve owned four Kindles over the past decade. And I’ll be the first to tell you: they’re not the only good e-readers out there. Some alternatives are flat-out better depending on what you need.

Kindle locks you into Amazon’s ecosystem. That’s fine if you buy all your books there, but it’s a dealbreaker if you want to read library books through OverDrive, annotate PDFs for work, or just have more control over your reading experience. I’ve tested most of the major alternatives over the years, and several of them outperform Kindle in specific areas.

Below, I’m sharing the e-readers and tablets I’d actually recommend in 2026. Some are dedicated e-readers with E Ink screens. Others are tablets that double as reading devices. I’ve organized them so you can find the right one for your situation and budget.

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Best Kindle Alternatives

I’ve narrowed this list to 11 devices that are actually worth your money. Each one fills a different niche. Some are pure e-readers built for distraction-free reading. Others are tablets that handle ebooks alongside everything else. I’ll tell you exactly who each one is for so you don’t waste $200+ on the wrong device.

Kobo Libra H2O

If I had to pick one Kindle alternative for most readers, this is it. The Kobo Libra H2O is fully waterproof (IPX8 rated), has a 7-inch E Ink display, and comes with physical page-turn buttons. That last part matters more than you’d think. Swiping gets old after a few hundred pages.

It also has ComfortLight PRO, which filters blue light for night reading. I’ve used this feature and it’s noticeably easier on the eyes than a standard Kindle backlight. Battery life runs about 4 weeks on a single charge, which is on par with most Kindles.

The real selling point? It supports OverDrive natively, so you can borrow library books directly on the device. No workarounds, no sideloading. If you’re someone who reads a lot of library ebooks, the Kobo Libra H2O is the clear winner at $169.99.

Key specs:

  • Weighs just 192 grams
  • Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Micro USB connectivity
  • 8GB storage (holds about 6,000 ebooks)
  • 1GHz processor with 512MB RAM
  • Supports 14 ebook formats including PDF, MOBI, EPUB, and EPUB3

Sony DPT-RP1/ B

This isn’t your typical e-reader. The Sony DPT-RP1/B is built for professionals who work with documents. Think lawyers, researchers, and grad students who need to annotate PDFs, take handwritten notes, and manage thousands of files. It’s a digital paper tablet, not a book reader.

With 16GB of storage, it holds up to 10,000 PDF files. Sony claims it’s as thin as 30 sheets of paper, and after holding one, I believe it. The writing experience with the included stylus feels natural, closer to pen on paper than any tablet I’ve tried.

You can transfer files via USB, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth, and there’s a companion app for Android and iOS. At $599, it’s expensive. But if your workflow revolves around reading and marking up documents, this replaces stacks of printed paper. It’s not for casual readers.

Key specs:

  • Available in 10-inch and 13-inch variants
  • High-contrast, glare-free display
  • Stylus included for pen-style writing and annotation
  • Battery life up to 1 week with Wi-Fi on

Kobo Forma

The Kobo Forma is the direct competitor to Amazon’s Kindle Oasis, and it’s a strong one. It’s got an 8-inch 300 PPI E Ink Carta display, weighs just 197 grams, and carries IPX8 water resistance. You can read it in the bathtub without worrying about dropping it.

What makes the Forma stand out is its OverDrive integration. If your local library uses OverDrive (and most do), you can borrow ebooks directly from the device. No Kindle can do that. For heavy library readers, this is the reason to switch.

The base model starts at $249.99 with 8GB storage, and you can upgrade to 32GB if you need more room. Battery is a solid 1200 mAh, which translates to several weeks of reading between charges.

Key specs:

  • 8GB base storage, upgradeable to 32GB
  • 1200 mAh battery
  • Slim, lightweight design at 197 grams

Likebook Mars E-book

The Likebook Mars is for people who want an e-reader that runs Android apps. It has a 7.8-inch E Ink Carta display at 300 PPI (1782×1448 resolution), and underneath, an octa-core 1.5 GHz processor with 2GB RAM and 16GB storage. That’s more horsepower than most e-readers.

Because it runs Android (6.0), you can install Kindle, Kobo, Google Play Books, or any other reading app. You’re not locked into one ecosystem. That flexibility is its biggest advantage. The tradeoff? Android 6.0 is outdated and won’t receive security updates.

At $219, it sits in a good price range for what you get. The 3100 mAh battery lasts about three weeks of regular use, and the front-lit display with adjustable color temperature is comfortable for reading at night. Best for tech-savvy readers who want app freedom on an E Ink screen.

Key specs:

  • 3100 mAh battery (about 3 weeks of use)
  • Front-lit display with color temperature adjustment
  • Anti-glare screen

iPad (2021)

The iPad isn’t an e-reader. It’s a tablet that happens to be great for reading. If you want a device that does everything, the base iPad with its A13 Bionic chip and 10.2-inch Retina display is hard to beat at $329. You can install Kindle, Apple Books, Google Play Books, OverDrive, and dozens of other ebook apps.

The Apple Pencil support is a bonus for students who want to annotate textbooks or mark up PDFs. The 10-hour battery isn’t in the same league as a dedicated e-reader, but you’re getting a full computer in return. If you’re buying this just for reading, a Kobo or BOOX is smarter. But if you need a tablet for studying that also reads ebooks, the iPad is the practical choice.

Key specs:

  • Apple Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil support
  • Anti-glare screen with 12MP front and 8MP rear cameras
  • 64GB to 256GB storage options

iPad Mini

The iPad Mini (6th generation) is the best tablet-based reading device, period. Its 8.3-inch screen is close to the size of a paperback book, and at just over 300 grams, you can hold it comfortably for hours. I’ve read entire novels on one, and it doesn’t tire your wrist the way a full-size iPad does.

It runs on the A15 Bionic chip (same as iPhone 13), has a Liquid Retina display with True Tone, Touch ID, 12MP cameras on both sides, and first-generation Apple Pencil support. If you’re someone who reads both books and annotated PDFs, the iPad Mini is the one to get. It’s the closest thing to a Kindle-sized iPad, and it does everything else a tablet can.

BOOX Nova3

The BOOX Nova3 is what happens when you combine an E Ink display with real Android power. It has a 7.8-inch, 300 PPI E Ink Mobius Carta display, an octa-core 2GHz processor, 4GB RAM, and 64GB storage. That’s serious hardware for an e-reader.

It runs Android 10, which means you can install any reading app from the Play Store: Kindle, Kobo, Libby, Pocket, you name it. The built-in fingerprint scanner adds a nice security layer if you’re using it for work documents. For people who want E Ink comfort with Android flexibility, the BOOX Nova3 is the best in its class.

Kobo Elipsa

The Kobo Elipsa is built for readers who also need to write. Its 10.3-inch E Ink Carta 1200 display is glare-free, and it comes with a stylus for note-taking. Think of it as Kobo’s answer to the reMarkable tablet, but with a full ebook store built in.

It supports 14 file formats including JPEG, EPUB, and PNG, and handles multiple languages. With 32GB of storage, you can hold over 24,000 ebooks on the device. That’s more than you’ll ever need.

At $399, it’s not cheap. But if you want a large-screen e-reader with note-taking ability and native library book support through OverDrive, the Kobo Elipsa fills a gap that Kindle doesn’t even try to fill. Best for students and professionals who mix reading with handwritten notes.

iPad Pro

Let me be honest: nobody should buy an iPad Pro just for reading. But if you already own one (or need it for work), it’s a fantastic reading device. The 12.9-inch display with wide color gamut makes graphic novels, magazines, and textbooks look stunning. The M1 chip means apps load instantly.

Where the iPad Pro shines for readers is note-taking with Apple Pencil 2. Combined with apps like GoodNotes or Notability, it’s the best annotation tool I’ve used. If you’re a student juggling textbooks, notes, and research papers, the iPad Pro can replace a stack of notebooks.

Key specs:

  • 12MP camera
  • Wi-Fi 802.11 connectivity
  • Face ID with solid battery life
  • Apple Pencil 2 support for annotations
  • Best note-taking experience on any tablet

Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition

If you’re buying an e-reader for a child under 12, this is the one to get. The Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition comes with a kid-proof case (available in pink and blue), Amazon Kids+ subscription with thousands of age-appropriate books and audiobooks, and parental controls that actually work.

It’s a tablet, not an e-reader, so the screen isn’t E Ink. But kids don’t care about that. They care about having their favorite books available, and the Fire HD 8 delivers. The 8-inch display, 32GB storage, and 1.5GB RAM are more than enough for reading apps, audiobooks, and educational content.

At $139.99, it’s the cheapest option on this list and arguably the best value if you have kids who read.

Key specs:

  • Free Amazon Kids+ access with thousands of kid-friendly books, audiobooks, and movies
  • 1.3GHz quad-core processor
  • Durable kid-proof design

iPad Air

The iPad Air sits between the base iPad and the iPad Pro, and for most people, it’s the sweet spot. The 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display is gorgeous for reading, the M1 chip handles anything you throw at it, and Apple Pencil 2 support makes annotating ebooks and PDFs smooth.

If you’re a student looking for a tablet that works for reading, note-taking, and everything else, the iPad Air is what I’d recommend. It has up to 256GB of storage, a larger 10.9-inch screen, and cameras good enough for document scanning. You’re paying a premium over the base iPad, but the M1 chip and Pencil 2 support make it worth the upgrade if you can afford it.

Which Kindle Alternative Should You Buy?

Your pick depends on what you value most. If you want a pure reading experience with library book support, go with the Kobo Libra H2O or Kobo Forma. They’re the best dedicated e-readers outside of Amazon’s lineup, and the OverDrive integration alone is worth switching for.

If you want Android app flexibility on an E Ink screen, the BOOX Nova3 is the clear winner. Run Kindle, Kobo, and Libby all on one device.

For students and professionals who need a device that reads ebooks and does everything else, the iPad Mini is my top pick. It’s book-sized, powerful, and you won’t outgrow it. And if you’re buying for a child, save yourself the stress and get the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition for $139.99. It’s built to survive kids, and that’s what matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying kindle alternatives?

Focus on three things: screen type, file format support, and ecosystem. E Ink screens are easier on your eyes for long reading sessions. Check that the device supports EPUB (the most common library format) and PDF if you read documents. And think about where you buy your ebooks. If you use library apps like OverDrive or Libby, Kobo devices have a built-in advantage over Kindle. Budget-wise, you can get a solid e-reader for $150-$250.

Are expensive kindle alternatives worth the premium price?

It depends on how much you read. If you read daily, a $250-$400 device with a quality E Ink screen, adjustable lighting, and waterproofing pays for itself in comfort. You’ll use it for 3-5 years. If you read a few books a year, a $150 Kobo or even the Kindle base model is more than enough. The pricier options like the Sony DPT-RP1/B ($599) only make sense for professionals who work with documents all day.

How often should I replace or upgrade kindle alternatives?

Most e-readers last 4-5 years without any issues. I’ve kept Kindles going for longer than that. You should only upgrade when the battery stops holding a charge, the screen develops ghosting issues, or a new model offers something you actually need (like waterproofing or stylus support). Don’t upgrade just because a new model came out. E-reader technology doesn’t change as fast as smartphones.

Can I find good kindle alternatives on a tight budget?

Yes. The Kobo Clara and Amazon Fire HD 8 both come in under $150 and work well for everyday reading. You can also find previous-generation Kobo and BOOX devices at discounted prices. Keep an eye on Prime Day and Black Friday sales. I’ve seen the Kobo Libra H2O drop by $30-$40 during those events. Refurbished units from the manufacturer are another good option if you want to save more.

Where is the best place to buy kindle alternatives?

Amazon carries most of the devices on this list, and their return policy is generous if you don’t like what you get. For Kobo devices, buying directly from Kobo’s website sometimes gets you better bundle deals. BOOX has its own store too. I’d recommend comparing prices across Amazon, the manufacturer’s site, and Best Buy before buying. Don’t overlook the manufacturer’s refurbished store if you want to save 15-20%.

What warranty should I expect with kindle alternatives?

Most e-readers come with a 1-year manufacturer warranty. Kobo and BOOX both offer 1 year. Apple gives you 1 year but you can extend it to 2 years with AppleCare+. Register your device right after you buy it, and save your receipt. If you’re spending $300+ on a device, I’d consider an extended warranty. For devices under $200, the manufacturer warranty is usually enough.

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