Many readers enjoy physical books, but a large collection takes up space and carrying several books is not always convenient. An ebook reader is compact and lightweight, stores a large digital library and suits travelling on public transport, travel, bedtime reading, comics, PDFs and digital notes. Popular ecosystems include Amazon Kindle, Rakuten Kobo, Readmoo and BOOX. Before buying, compare black-and-white or colour E Ink, display size, weight, Traditional Chinese content, PDF and EPUB support, DRM compatibility, public-library borrowing, storage, stylus support and warranty. This ebook reader buying guide brings together the 2026 Consumer Council score summary, popular brand comparisons and practical buying tips to help customers choose a suitable model.

1. LCD e-Reader

• Principle: The screen comes with its own light source.
• Features: These have a wide colour gamut and a fast page refresh for more vivid colours and smoother, animated page turning, your eyes can get tired easily if used for long periods of time; as it has its own light source, it consumes a lot of power during use.

2. E-Ink e-Reader

• Principle: This is composed of many electronic ink capsules that display white or black colours through positive and negative voltage.
• Features: The electronic screen relies on reflected light and offers a more natural reading experience – closer to a paper-like reflected-light experience; regular breaks and a suitable reading distance are still important; only consumes power when the pages are turned so it is very energy efficient.

Start with the content you read and where you obtain it, then compare display, formats, storage and additional functions. Lightweight black-and-white E Ink models suit novels and text; colour models suit comics, magazines and charts; larger stylus-enabled models suit PDFs and digital notes.

1. Size

Six- to seven-inch readers are generally easier to carry and hold for travelling on public transport, travel and extended reading. Larger screens show more text, comic detail and PDF content but usually add weight, so compare both display size and device weight.

2. Format

Check support for PDF, TXT, MOBI, AZW3, EPUB and DRM-protected EPUB files. Some formats require conversion or a third-party app, while public-library borrowing depends on the platform and app compatibility.

3. Storage capacity

Text ebooks are usually small, so 16GB can hold a large library. Consider 32GB or more for comics, PDFs, audiobooks or several reading apps, and check whether microSD expansion is supported.

4. Ebook stores and content

Before buying an e-reader, check its resources. Many e-readers have their own bookstore and also manufacturers produce different types of books. For example, Amazon has more English e-books while Rakuten Kobo has more traditional Chinese e-books.

5. Read-aloud Function

Some models support text-to-speech or audiobook playback, but languages, files and content services vary. Audiobooks usually require Bluetooth headphones or speakers and may reduce battery life.

6. Resolution

For text, compare black-and-white pixel density. For comics, images and charts, also compare colour resolution. Colour E Ink generally looks softer than a phone or tablet, so colour saturation alone does not define reading quality.

7. Built-in reading light

A built-in reading light helps in dim environments, while adjustable brightness and colour temperature suit different times of day. Maintain a suitable reading distance, ambient light and regular breaks.

8. Waterproof

Water resistance varies by model. Check the exact IP rating, test conditions and manufacturer instructions; water resistance does not cover every depth, temperature or usage condition, and charging ports should remain dry.

1. Amazon

2. Rakuten Kobo

3. BOOX

4. Readmoo