World Book Day is just around the corner, and you bibliophiles out there are probably in the mood for some reading. Electronic versions of your favourite novels are usually cheaper than paper copies, and they are more accessible and easier to carry around. E-readers, as the name suggests, are the best devices for consuming electronic novels.
Unlike laptop or phone screens, eBook devices displays are specifically designed for users who would be staring at a white piece of “paper” for long hours. E-Ink screens of various types are therefore less straining on the eyes. Plus, these devices give you easier access to your online libraries such as Kindle accounts. Here we have tried to compare the benefits and features of the top five e-readers in Australia to help you choose the device that best fits your needs.
How we chose our top picks
To select some of the best e-readers in Australia, we compared 19 products from the five leading brands of Amazon, Billow, Kobo, ONYX, and PocketBook. To come to an unbiased conclusion on the best devices, our editorial team looked at the differences mentioned in more than 100 customer reviews regarding quality, cost, and performance level as of March 2021.
Top five eBook readers in Australia
Kindle store available
If you are a fan of Kindle libraries, these devices are the best choice for you:
Kindle store not available
If you are looking for a Kindle alternative, these are the eReaders for you:
Amazon Kindle eReader with Front Light — Best value for money
Pros
- Cost-effective
- Audio compatibility
- Front light
Cons
- Not a wide range of formats supported
Price (RRP): $128.00
Kindle has taken a step forward with this devices adjustable front light. The adjustable front light means you can read in basically any lighting now.Amazon Kindle eReader with Front Light is one of the cheapest eReaders available in Australia.
Specs
- Dimensions: : 113 x 160 x 8.7 mm; 174 Grams
- Capacity: 4 GB
- Screen Type: Glare-free Display touchscreen
Customer Reviews
“I love the built-in light and the touch screen, plus it has plenty of other options. I also love how easy it is to send e-books to kindle and via send to kindle app.”
ONYX BOOX Poke2 6″ Android eReader eBook E-Ink — Various store accessibility
Pros
- Access to Kindle and Kobo store
- Access to GoogleBooks
- Great storage capacity
- Supports third party android apps
Cons
- Lower screen quality
- Short battery life
Price (RRP): $239.00
ONYX BOOX Poke2 6″ Android eReader eBook E-Ink gives you access to many eBooks and it has the storage for downloading them. Thanks to the android operating system, ONYX BOOX Poke2 is compatible with any eLibrary as long as there is an android app for it.
Specs
- Dimensions: : 153 × 107 × 6.8 mm; 150 Grams
- Capacity: 32 GB
- Screen Type: Carta E-Ink touchscreen
Customer Reviews
“Provides e-ink reading experience with apps other than Kindle. Google Play Store could be enabled and provide access to all android apps. Using the tablet, you have to accept that there will be ghosting on the screen sometimes as you switch between apps. It’s not a deal-breaker. Play with settings until you’re happy. I don’t consider this a replacement for my main tablet. This tablet is great for reading. It’s lighter and smaller than Kindle Paperwhite.”
Dan L
Kindle Paperwhite — Best for the sea-side
Pros
- Waterproof
- Audiobook compatibility
- Great storage capacity
Cons
- Not a wide range of formats supported
Price (RRP): $199.00
Kindle Paperwhite comes with an exciting feature. It is waterproof, so now you don’t have to worry about splashes of water getting to your device. You can now rest comfortably on the beach, near the pool, or in the bathtub, and read your favourite stories.
Specs
- Dimensions: : 167 x 116 x 8.18 mm; 182 Grams
- Capacity: 32 GB
- Screen Type: Paperwhite display technology with Carta E-Ink touchscreen
Customer Reviews
“I have loved my 2nd generation Kindle for 10 years and never found a reason to upgrade until amazon sneakily sent me an email announcing the all-new 10th generation paperwhite, which is now WATERPROOF, has a built-in light (you can also still use it without the light turned on) and is smaller and lighter. I am doing some long-distance hiking, so those new features were magic words, and I went out and upgraded that same day. I wondered if I would bond (lol) with it like my other one, and within minutes I was truly obsessed with it. It is perfection. I am so happy. I cannot fault it in any way, and I am very fussy when it comes to building quality and tech specs. Love love love it!!”
Kobo Clara — Best for borrowing books
Pros
- Solid local library integration
- Adjustable ComfortLight
- Lightweight
Cons
- No read-aloud support
Price (RRP): $189.95
Kobo Clara is a great Kindle alternative that allows you to borrow virtual books from your local libraries or simply open your local files. By letting users borrow from local libraries, Kobo Clara is easily a public-library-fan favourite.
Specs
- Dimensions: : 159.6 x 110 x 8.35 mm; 166 Grams
- Capacity: 8 GB
- Screen Type: Carta E-Ink touchscreen
Customer Reviews
“Purchasing books is limited to Booktopia, but borrowing from the library is available on this device, which is not available on the competitor. Lighting is great for reading and font size choices are good. Battery life is great. Can read at least two books without recharging. Needed to purchase a cover to make holding the device easier.”
Kobo Nia — Various eBook format compatibility
Pros
- Cost-effective
- Solid local library integration
- Adjustable ComfortLight
Cons
- No read aloud support
Price (RRP): $149.95
Kobo Nia is compatible with multiple formats such as EPUB, EPUB3, PDF, RTF and MOBI eBooks, and CBZ and CBR comics. If you don’t like to get stuck in the Amazon universe and its special eLibrary, Kobo Nia is a great choice for you.
Specs
- Dimensions: : 160 x 111 x 10 mm; 173 Grams
- Capacity: 8 GB
- Screen Type: E-Ink touchscreen
Customer Reviews
“It is good that such a reputable firm can offer competitive prices. We non-kindle folk salute you. long live libraries, Angus & Robertson and Kobo.”
What to consider before buying an eBook reader
- Format compatibility: eNovels come in many formats and are accessible through different eLibraries. If you have a particular preference, make sure to look for an eReader that supports it.
- Screen type: If one of the reasons you’re looking for an electronic reader is to read without the excess strain on your eyes, we recommend checking your chosen device’s screen type first. E-Ink displays are typically suggested for sensitive eyes.
- Size: Depending on whether you want a device that is easy to carry in your pocket or a more prominent display, you can purchase eBook readers of various sizes.
- Battery: There’s nothing worse than your readers’ battery running out in the middle of a sentence. For this reason, you may want to look for a reader with the best battery life possible. Typically, devices with fewer features have longer battery lives.
Compare the best eReaders to buy in Australia
| Model | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Kindle eReader with Front Light | $128.00 |
|
| ONYX BOOX Poke2 6″ Android eReader eBook E-Ink | $239.00 |
|
| Kindle Paperwhite | $199.00 |
|
| Kobo Clara | $189.95 |
|
| Kobo Nia | $149.95 |
|
Source: Booktopia, Catch, Kogan, Amazon, Angus & Robertson (March 2021)
Our methodology
5 brands examined
19 products compared
5 products chosen
- Our team researched the many electronics brands available in Australia that produce the best e-readers.
- We poured over hundreds of online reviews in March 2021 to see which products gave customers the best results.
- Our editorial team selects the products on this list based on their benefits and features. Items are not selected based on commercial relationships.
Brands Compared
To choose the best e-readers, we examined the following brands:
- Amazon (8)
- Billow (4)
- Kobo (3)
- ONYX (2)
- PocketBook (2)
We then carefully read hundreds of online reviews given by customers who have bought and tried these products. We looked at the features of each reader to see how it performed.
We then chose the 5 best electronic readers in terms of quality, cost, and performance based on our research.
Conclusion
Considering features such as size, capacity, store accessibility, and ease of use, ONYX BOOX Poke2 6″ Android eReader E-Ink seems to be an all-around eBook reader suitable for everyone. Users who want to enjoy Kindle libraries and the Kobo store, GoogleBook, public libraries, etc., will be happily satisfied by this device. However, as a more budget-friendly choice, we recommend Kobo Nia, which works with various file formats, is durable and has an easy-to-control interface.
Frequently asked questions and answers
Are eReaders worth it?
If you are an avid reader or have lots of textbooks to read, an eReader will undoubtedly come in handy to you. These readers let you carry around hundreds of novels with a lightweight device that fits in your pocket. They are also great for saving money because eBooks are much cheaper than paperbacks. Plus, compared to laptops or smartphones, the screens on readers are less straining on the eyes.What should I look for in an eReader?
The most obvious things to consider before purchasing an eBook reader is the screen type, size, and weight. Battery life is another thing you should check on an eReader. Also, the different stores you can directly access from the device and the file formats supported by it are essential factors influencing customers’ choices.Is Kindle better than Kobo?
Amazon’s Kindle is somewhat the pioneer of eReaders, but Kobo is its fierce competitor. Depending on the model you’re purchasing, Kindle and Kobo can both have their pros and cons. Some Kindle models are waterproof, and some are not. Some Kobo models support 3G and 4G connection, and some don’t. Different Kobo and Kindle models come with various capacities also.What is the cheapest eBook reader?
While most eBook readers cost something between $120-$300, you can still find quality, cheap eReaders for less than $100 online. Amazon Kindle Basic is one of these eReaders. In addition to that, you can always check out stores that have eReaders for sale.Which eReader is the best?
The better question is, which is the best eReader for you. Individuals expect different features from an eBook reader. Consider what you are looking for in the device, and then check for features such as format and eLibrary compatibility, interfaces, screen types, and price.
