Electronics · Nov 2, 2026
Top Tablets Worth Buying This Holiday Season: E Reader (2026)
E Reader picks from our full guide: The iPad and Samsung Galaxy Tab lines lead the tablet picks from the main review sites this year.
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Best OverallAmazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024)
★★★★★4.6(22,979)
General readers who want speed and durability
Buy on Amazon ↗ A 7‑inch e‑ink reader with a crisp display, waterproof construction and faster performance than earlier models. It does not have a colour screen.
Why buy it: Picture a commuter reading on a rainy train without worrying about splashes. The Paperwhite gives a clear, bright view and quick page turns, and its waterproof body lets you read by the pool. It beats the Kobo Libra Colour by offering faster performance and the only waterproof rating among the picks. The catch: it lacks a colour display.
Pros, cons & who should skip it
PCMag lists the 2024 Kindle Paperwhite as the top pick for most people, noting its slightly larger screen and faster performance than the previous version.
Pros- Crisp screen
- Waterproof
- Fast performance
Skip it if: You need colour e‑ink
Amazon links for the picks below are being added
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Best ColourKobo Libra Colour
Readers who need colour for graphics
Link coming soon An e‑ink tablet with a colour display, available through Amazon’s Kobo storefront. It does not include advanced note‑taking features.
Why buy it: Picture a student highlighting textbook diagrams in vivid colour during a study session. The Libra Colour provides true colour e‑ink, making images and charts easier to read, and it is the only colour screen in this guide. It wins over the Paperwhite for colour content, though it lacks waterproofing. The catch: it does not support extensive note‑taking.
Pros, cons & who should skip it
The Verge mentions the Kobo Libra Colour as one of its favorite e‑readers, noting its colour e‑ink screen.
Pros- Colour screen
- Good for images
- Available on Amazon
Skip it if: You prioritize waterproofing or note‑taking
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Best for Note‑takingKobo Elipsa 2E
Writers and students who need to annotate heavily
Link coming soon A larger e‑ink tablet designed for writing, with stylus support. It does not have a waterproof rating.
Why buy it: Picture an author drafting outlines on a beach, using the stylus to jot ideas directly on the screen. The Elipsa 2E offers a spacious writing surface and stylus input, making it the only dedicated note‑taking device here. It beats the Paperwhite for writing capability, though it is heavier and not waterproof. The catch: it lacks waterproof protection.
Pros, cons & who should skip it
The Verge lists the Kobo Elipsa 2E as a favorite e‑reader for note‑takers.
Pros- Great for writing
- Large display
- Stylus included
Cons- No waterproof rating
- Heavier than typical e‑readers
Skip it if: You need a lightweight, waterproof reader
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Best PremiumAmazon Kindle Scribe
Power users who want AI‑assisted note‑taking
Link coming soon A premium e‑ink tablet with AI‑enhanced note‑taking features. It does not have a colour display.
Why buy it: Picture a professional reviewing documents on a flight, using AI suggestions to highlight key points. The Kindle Scribe combines note‑taking with AI assistance, offering the most advanced writing tools among the picks. It outperforms the Paperwhite in writing capability, though it shares the lack of colour and is pricier. The catch: higher cost.
Pros, cons & who should skip it
The Verge notes the Kindle Scribe’s AI features rolling out to 2024‑2022 owners.
Pros- AI‑enhanced notes
- Premium build
- Large screen
Cons- No colour display
- Higher price
Skip it if: Budget is a primary concern
Picks come from Tom's Guide (via AOL), TechRadar, Tech Advisor and Consumer Reports' tablet testing. Only models covered by at least two of these sources are listed. Assumptions: We show no prices because tablet prices change often. Check the current price and storage size before you buy.