There’s undeniably something magical about turning the pages of a book, but sometimes they are just not the most convenient way to read.
The best ereader or Kindle gives you the option to carry thousands of ‘books’ around in your bag in one handy portal.
If you're commuting on the train, an ereader is a brilliant way to read without getting a back-breaking bag. You can also start a new book straight away if you finish one halfway through your journey.
So, whether you're going on holiday, a travel adventure, or just your daily commute, we've rounded up the best e-readers so you can stop lugging heavy books around. Your back will definitely thank you...
Best ereaders
1. Kindle Oasis
Known as the big boss of ereaders, this Kindle has it all. Want to read in the bath or by the pool without worrying? No problem, it’s waterproof to two metres. Fancy reading with a soft amber glow backdrop? The shift screen shade has you covered.
The thin and light ergonomic design makes it easy to hold with one hand (it's lighter than the Kindle Paperwhite), while the latest E-ink technology makes it feel like you’re reading printed paper.
You can also pair with Bluetooth headphones or speakers to seamlessly switch between reading and listening. It's pure luxury for avid e-reader fans.
Price: £229, Amazon - buy here now
2. Amazon Kindle ereader
Don’t need too many bells and whistles? Just want access to lots of great ebooks? The original Kindle is still a brilliant option at a great price.
If you’re looking for an affordable way to access online portable reading, this is perfect. For a long time, the original Kindle did not have a backlight for easy reading at night time. However, an upgrade means it now comes with this function, making this an ideal buy for a first-time ebook reader, at palatable price point.
You can now also pair with Bluetooth headphones, or speakers, to switch seamlessly between reading and listening. But, if you're a big audiobooks fan, you might want to buy the next level up (the Kindle Paperwhite) which has more storage, offering 8GB or 32GB compared to the standard Kindle's 4GB.
Price: £69.99, Amazon - buy here now
3. Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
A great mid-range e-reader, the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is the next step up from the original, and is widely thought of as the best buy at the best price.
The latest version is waterproof, reads like printed paper, and has an anti-glare six-inch screen.
It also boasts a selection of over 5.5 million books, and a single charge lasts up to six weeks, based on half an hour of reading per day with wireless off and the light setting at 13.
If you're happy to spend a bit more, you'll find the Paperwhite feels more premium than the standard Kindle, and boasts a better display with a higher resolution, more storage, and a stronger backlight.
Price: £119.99, Amazon - buy here now
4. Kobo Forma
The only real rival to the Kindle Oasis, the Kobo Forma does have some distinct differences.
For a start, at eight inches the screen is one inch bigger than the Oasis. It has a battery life that last weeks, to match the Oasis, and it also boasts a flatter back, making it even sleeker to put in your bag or to hold.
Kobo ebook readers are also able to access more formats than Kindle devices, and you can even access the free OverDrive ebook library service. Althought its own book store is more limited than Amazon’s.
Its Comfort Light technology, which adjusts the lighting automatically as it approaches bedtime, makes this a good buy for (late) night owls.
Price: £239.99, John Lewis - buy here now
5. Kobo Clara HD
With a good resolution of 300ppi, this Kobo ereader is a rival for the Amazon Paperwhite.
It boasts a six-inch screen, and the display works very well in low light, making this a good option for night readers.
Do remember that it won't have access to Amazon's book store, so you should check out the slightly more limited Kobo Store before you buy.
Price: £79.99, John Lewis - buy here now
6. Kobo Libra
This is a lovely product at a mid-range price, and comes in black or white. It has easy-t-use page-turner technology, and the option for landscape technology.
It's perfect for beach holidays or bath time reads as it's fully waterproof, and Comfort Light technology means it's also excellent for night time reading.
Price: £149.99, Argos - buy here now
7. Kindle Kids Edition 8GB ereader
Are you a family of book worms? The new Kindle Kids Edition means your mini mes can also get in on the ereader action, accessing thousands of ebooks, like Harry Potter.
It provides weeks of battery life (816 hours), a six-inch e-ink front-lit touch screen, and an 8GB storage capacity. Brilliant to keep the kids entertained when you're out and about or on holiday.
Price: £99.99, Amazon - buy here now
The biggest names in the e-reader market are Amazon's Kindle and Canadian ebook brand Kobo.
Amazon is known for its slick interface and excellent book store, although you can only buy from their store (it boasts a great selection so this will suit most people).
Kobo has a great lending service, allowing users to borrow from the Kobo Library and even the local library. It also has links with many bookstores so you can access and support small businesses. So it's really a matter of personal taste and whether you're happy with buying solely from the Amazon book store.
