While the Kindle was the first e-reader to make its mark on the general public, the choice of ebook-reading devices is now wide and offers interesting alternatives to Amazon's Kindle for 2024.
After a promising launch in 2007, the Kindle e-reader continues to seduce readers all over the world.
The undisputed leader, the Kindle (and its variants Kindle Paperwhite, Kindle Scribe and Kindle Oasis) is no longer the only one on this market.
Here are 3 e-reader brands that are also making a name for themselves with their convincingly functional machines.
Kobo e-readers
Designed in Canada, Kobo e-readers are well known in USA. This means you can see and handle these readers in stores, which is always a nice touch.
Kobo's journey began not as a standalone company, but as a cloud-based eReading service called Shortcovers, launched by Canadian bookstore chain Indigo in 2009. Recognizing the potential of the e-reading market, they spun off Kobo as an independent company in December of the same year.
Today, Kobo remains a strong competitor in the e-reader market, known for its diverse device offerings, competitive prices, and user-friendly interface. With a focus on continuous innovation and reader experience, Kobo continues to captivate bookworms worldwide.
Key factors for Kobo's success:
- Early mover advantage in the Canadian market
- Focus on price competitiveness and strategic partnerships
- Continuous innovation and feature-rich devices
- User-friendly software and open ecosystem
Kobo e-readers have their own article on the site and I leave you with this comparison table:
| Kobo Elipsa 2E | Kobo Sage | Kobo Libra 2 | Kobo Clara 2E | Kobo Nia | |
| Image |  |  |  |  |  |
| Screen size | 10.3" | 8" | 7" | 6" | 6" |
| Resolution | 1872 x 1404 pixels | 1440 x 1920 pixels | 1680 x 1264 pixels | 1448 x 1072 pixels | 1024 x 768 pixels |
| Color | No | No | No | No | No |
| Backlight | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Waterproof | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Storage | 32 GB | 32 GB | 32 GB | 16 GB | 8 GB |
| Pen / Stylus | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| SD card | No | No | No | ||
| Ebook formats | EPUB, EPUB3, PDF, MOBI, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP, TIFF, TXT, HTML, RTF, CBZ, CBR | EPUB, EPUB3, PDF, MOBI, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP, TIFF, TXT, HTML, RTF, CBZ, CBR | EPUB, EPUB3, PDF, MOBI, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP, TIFF, TXT, HTML, RTF, CBZ, CBR | EPUB, EPUB3, PDF, MOBI, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP, TIFF, TXT, HTML, RTF, CBZ, CBR | EPUB, EPUB3, PDF, MOBI, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP, TIFF, TXT, HTML, RTF, CBZ, CBR |
| Blue light filter | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Other | A bit expensive | Can read audio book from the Kobo library (bluetooth connection). | Can read audio books from Kobo with Bluetooth speaker or headset. | ||
| Review | ⭐⭐⭐ | Too expensive, the Kobo Libra 2 may be a better alternative ⭐⭐⭐ | Very good eReader, a must if you want a bigger screen ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Old model in the Kobo e-readers lineup ⭐⭐⭐ | Good affordable Kobo eReader ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Link (where to buy?) | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com |
Pocketbook e-readers
Since their inception, PocketBook has established itself as a leading global brand in the e-reader market, boasting a diverse range of devices catered to every reader's preference.
Here's what sets PocketBook apart:
- Cutting-edge Technology: PocketBook utilizes the latest e-ink technology, ensuring eye-comfort and glare-free reading, mimicking the natural experience of traditional paper.
- Unmatched Variety: From compact, lightweight options to feature-packed powerhouses, PocketBook offers a device for every reading style and budget.
- Open Ecosystem: Enjoy the freedom to choose from millions of ebooks across various formats and online libraries, without restrictions.
- Smart Functionality: Annotate, translate, listen to audiobooks, and access apps on select models, making your reading experience truly interactive.
- Sleek Design: PocketBook e-readers are renowned for their stylish and ergonomic design, making them a pleasure to hold and use.
You can find out more by reading this guide to Pocketbook e-readers (you'll see lots of e-readers here).
Nook e-readers
Nook eReaders are a line of eReaders developed and sold by Barnes & Noble. The first Nook was released in 2009, and the line has since expanded to include a variety of models, including the Nook Simple Touch, Nook Glowlight, and Nook Tablet.
Nook eReaders are designed for reading eBooks, and they offer a variety of features that make them comfortable and convenient for reading, such as a long-lasting battery, a backlit display, and a variety of font sizes and styles.
What is the best Kindle alternative?
Now that we've looked at the various brands that are interesting alternatives to a Kindle, you may be wondering which e-reader to choose?
It obviously depends on a number of things, such as the screen size you want, or the features you want (blue-light filtering, waterproofing).
So I invite you to take a look at this page, which contains a complete guide to the best current e-readers, as well as the page containing all the e-readers reviews and the page on cheap e-readers.
