Key Points
- Reddit’s best e-readers are the Kobo Libra 2 and the Kindle Paperwhite.
- You can find various subreddits about e-readers by typing “best e-reader” in the search bar.
- Most people on Reddit are looking for e-readers that support comics and manga, have annotating capabilities, and are comfortable to read for long periods.
How to Find the Best E-Readers on Reddit
If you’ve never used Reddit, we can explain it in a nutshell. Reddit is a social news site where users can post threads and conversations with links, images, and videos to share with others. The site is broken down into subreddits which are based on specific interests. With almost 56 million users, you can guess how much information you can find there.
Many people use Reddit to learn how others feel about products. Most people will give their honest opinion about something in the comments. These comments may be more helpful than relying on customer reviews on a website because customer reviews can be faked or slanted in some way. Typically, you can trust what people say in Reddit comments when it comes to their opinion on a product.
To read what people say about their favorite e-readers, you can start by searching “e-reader”. Here’s how:
- Go to Reddit.com
- In the search bar, type “best e-reader.”
- You’ll see results from various subreddits.
- If you select a thread, you can also use the link in that thread to see the whole subreddit and read threads and comments there.
Additionally, you can search “best e-readers Reddit” using Google. You should see plenty of results to kick-start your search.
You can also find suggestions on e-readers using various subreddits such as r/ereader, r/englishmajors, r/manga, r/ebooks, and r/books. Browsing these subreddits nets tons of recommendations for the best e-readers.
Reddit’s Best Overall E-Reader: Kobo Libra 2
- 7" HD E Ink Carta 1200 touchscreen
- Waterproof body for reading anywhere
- 32GB of storage
- You can take up to 24,000 ebooks, 150 Kobo Audiobooks, or a combination of both with you anywhere
Based on comments, Reddit’s best e-reader is the Kobo Libra 2. People like that the Libra 2 has a large, 7-inch screen, and its ergonomic design makes it easy to read for extended periods.
The Libra 2 is waterproof, so readers like to use it at the pool, beach, and bathtub. Also, the Libra 2 is lightweight, coming in at 7.68oz, or 215g, which makes it easier to carry around. And if you do read while on the go, you can enjoy up to six weeks of battery life.
When it comes to storage, the Libra 2 is no slouch. It features a whopping 32GB of storage, which equates to around 24,000 eBooks, or 150 Audiobooks.
Reddit’s Best E-Reader Runner-Up: Kindle Paperwhite
- 6.8-inch 300 PPI glare-free display
- Up to 10 weeks of battery life
- Available in three different colors
- Now includes 20% faster page turns
The e-reader name that appeared almost as regularly as the Libra 2, is the Kindle Paperwhite. Most people tout the Paperwhite‘s comfortability, clear display, and long battery life as their favorite features.
The Kindle Paperwhite comes with two storage amount options. You can choose between 8GB and 16GB to store thousands of your favorite titles. However, if you need more storage, the Signature edition has 32GB of storage although it comes with a heftier price tag.
Alternatively, if your local library supports OneDrive, you can check out library books without leaving your house. However, you will need a library card, just as you would if you check out printed titles.
Like the Libra 2, the Paperwhite is waterproof but weighs about 10 grams less. The Paperwhite weighs 7.23oz, or 205g, which isn’t much, but it can make a difference while holding the device. Finally, the Paperwhite boasts up to ten weeks of battery life, which may be better for commuting and traveling.
What Redditors Look for in an E-Reader
When scouring Reddit for the best e-readers, it becomes easy to see that many people are looking for specific features. For example, people will post looking for e-readers that work well for reading manga and comic books. They also are looking for the best e-readers with annotating capabilities. Additionally, they want e-readers that are comfortable to read for long periods. Specifically, Redditors are looking for e-readers that are good for reading in bright sunlight and that are lightweight enough to hold for hours on end. We’ll examine each in more detail because these are the most popular searches.
Comic Books and Manga
Kids, teens, and adults all read comic books and manga, which are comics and graphic novels from Japan. On Reddit, many people wanted recommendations for e-readers that work for both of these popular mediums.
When the user /free-_-_tomorrow asked Reddit to answer, “What is the best ereader for manga and reading?” people suggested the Libra 2 because it has the “best screen clarity amongst the usual suspects…” Other commenters suggested that the best e-reader for manga and comics is one that has a screen at least eight to 10 inches in size. The Libra 2 is only about seven inches, but that doesn’t seem to stop people from using it to read their favorite genre. As Redditor Financial_Dot_6245 states in the comments, “I personnaly [sic] have a Kobo Libra 2 (7inch) and I really like it.”
©Tutatamafilm/Shutterstock.com
Annotating Capabilities
Another popular search that came up is for people looking for an e-reader with annotating capabilities. Both the Libra 2 and the Paperwhite allow annotations. Using a Kobo Stylus, you can write and draw on your Libra while reading. Your notes will save to your e-reader.
If you’re using the Kindle Paperwhite, you can use your finger to drag through and around the text. You can type and save notes quickly by tapping the Note button. A highlight and number will appear next to the text you’ve noted.
Comfortable Reading
Based on the posts we found, Reddit readers want an e-reader that is comfortable to use for extended periods. Based on the comments, users found the Libra 2’s ergonomic design easier to hold than the Paperwhite, despite weighing a few grams more.
Not only are readers looking for a device that’s easy to hold, but also one that makes it easy to read in bright sunlight or a dark room. As one Redditor pointed out, the Paperwhite lets you invert the text. Reversing the text means you can switch from black text on a white background to white text on a black background. Doing this inversion can save on eye strain when reading and is often called dark mode. The Libra 2 also supports dark mode for low light reading.
Reddit’s 2 Best E-Readers Wrap Up
When it comes to finding the best e-reader, it really can come down to your personal preferences. Perhaps the Reddit user Fr0gm4n said it best, “There is no one best ereader [sic]. It really depends on what features you want or need.”
- $189.99Buy Now on Amazon
- 7" HD E Ink Carta 1200 touchscreen
- Waterproof body for reading anywhere
- 32GB of storage
- You can take up to 24,000 ebooks, 150 Kobo Audiobooks, or a combination of both with you anywhere
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
12/02/2023 10:10 pm GMT - $139.99Buy on Amazon
- 6.8-inch 300 PPI glare-free display
- Up to 10 weeks of battery life
- Available in three different colors
- Now includes 20% faster page turns
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
12/03/2023 05:20 pm GMT
Summary Table
| E-Reader | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Kobo Libra 2 | Large 7-inch screen, ergonomic design, waterproof, lightweight (215g), six weeks of battery life, 32GB storage |
| Kindle Paperwhite | Comfortable, clear display, long battery life, waterproof, lightweight (205g), up to ten weeks of battery life, storage options of 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB (Signature edition) |
The image featured at the top of this post is ©EshanaPhoto/Shutterstock.com.
