11 Best Kindle & eBook Readers for Students
In today’s digital learning era, students no longer need to carry around piles of textbooks and notebooks. With the rise of Kindles and eBook readers, it has become easier than ever to read, annotate, and organize study material in one lightweight device. Whether you’re preparing for exams, catching up on class readings, or even enjoying some downtime with a novel, an eBook reader can transform how you approach learning.
In this guide, we’ll cover the 11 best Kindle and eBook readers for students, highlighting their features, pros, and why they’re great choices for education.
Why Students Should Consider an eBook Reader
Before we dive into the list, let’s quickly explore why an eBook reader is worth investing in as a student:
- Lightweight & Portable – Carry thousands of textbooks, PDFs, and notes without a heavy backpack.
- Long Battery Life – Unlike tablets, most eBook readers last weeks on a single charge.
- Distraction-Free Reading – Focus only on your material without constant app notifications.
- Highlight & Note-Taking Features – Perfect for studying, annotating, and revising.
- Affordable Options – Many models cost less than a single semester’s worth of physical books.
1. Kindle Paperwhite (2021 Edition)
The Kindle Paperwhite is one of the most popular eReaders among students thanks to its sharp 300 ppi display, waterproof design, and adjustable warm light.
- Why it’s great for students: Perfect for reading in any environment, from the library to your dorm bed. It also supports PDFs, making it handy for study notes and handouts.
- Best for: Students who want an affordable yet powerful Kindle for both leisure and academic reading.
2. Kindle Oasis
The Kindle Oasis is Amazon’s premium eBook reader with a larger 7-inch display, ergonomic design, and customizable warm light.
- Why it’s great for students: The physical page-turn buttons make it easier to flip through readings quickly, and the bigger screen fits more text at once.
- Best for: Students who want the luxury experience and plan on heavy reading daily.
3. Kindle (Basic, 2022 Edition)
Amazon’s most budget-friendly Kindle now comes with a 300 ppi display and dark mode.
- Why it’s great for students: Lightweight, affordable, and perfect for note-taking apps like Kindle Highlights. Great if you don’t want to spend much but still want eBook convenience.
- Best for: Freshmen or students on a tight budget.
4. Kobo Clara 2E
The Kobo Clara 2E is an eco-friendly eReader made from recycled plastics with a crisp 6-inch HD display.
- Why it’s great for students: Supports more file formats than Kindle, including EPUB and PDFs, making it versatile for study material.
- Best for: Students who want flexibility outside Amazon’s ecosystem.
5. Kobo Libra 2
A slightly larger option with a 7-inch screen, physical page-turn buttons, and waterproof design.
- Why it’s great for students: The comfort-light PRO feature automatically adjusts color temperature, making it easier on your eyes during late-night study sessions.
- Best for: Students who want a Kindle Oasis alternative with more format freedom.
6. Kobo Elipsa 2E (Best for Note-Taking)
This is Kobo’s top model, combining an eReader and a note-taking device with a stylus included.
- Why it’s great for students: Lets you annotate directly on PDFs and create notebooks for your lectures. It’s basically a digital study companion.
- Best for: Students who want an all-in-one eReader and digital notebook.
7. Onyx Boox Note Air 2 Plus
A hybrid eReader and Android tablet with e-ink display.
- Why it’s great for students: You can download apps like Google Drive, Notion, or even Kindle and study with no distractions. Supports handwriting with a stylus too.
- Best for: Students who want a versatile eReader that doubles as a productivity tool.
8. Remarkable 2 (For Minimalist Students)
While not a traditional eReader, the Remarkable 2 is a digital paper tablet designed for note-taking and reading PDFs.
- Why it’s great for students: If your studies involve tons of PDF research papers and note organization, this is one of the best paper-like tablets.
- Best for: Students who prefer handwriting notes and reading PDFs over eBooks.
9. PocketBook InkPad 4
PocketBook offers a premium 7.8-inch eReader with audio support and audiobook integration.
- Why it’s great for students: Supports nearly 20 formats, including EPUB, MOBI, PDF, and even comics, making it ideal for diverse coursework.
- Best for: Students studying literature, arts, or subjects with varied reading formats.
10. Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight 4
The Nook GlowLight 4 is a simple but effective eReader with warm lighting and a tactile feel.
- Why it’s great for students: Affordable, distraction-free, and great for students who don’t want to be tied to Amazon or Kobo.
- Best for: Casual student readers who don’t need advanced features.
11. Kindle Scribe (Best for Students Who Love Writing)
Amazon’s first Kindle with stylus support, allowing you to write notes directly in your books and PDFs.
- Why it’s great for students: Perfect for creating study notes, annotating class readings, and keeping all coursework organized.
- Best for: Students who want Kindle’s massive library plus note-taking ability.
How to Choose the Right eBook Reader as a Student
When deciding which eBook reader is best for you, keep these factors in mind:
- Budget – Kindles start around $99, while advanced note-taking eReaders can cost $400+.
- File Compatibility – If you rely on PDFs and EPUBs, consider Kobo or Onyx Boox.
- Note-Taking Needs – If you highlight and annotate often, Kindle Scribe, Kobo Elipsa 2E, or Onyx Boox are better.
- Reading Environment – If you read mostly at night, look for warm light features.
- Battery Life – All eReaders have excellent battery life, but tablets will need more frequent charging.
Final Thoughts
The best eBook reader for students depends on your study habits, budget, and reading style. If you just need an affordable and reliable device, the Kindle Paperwhite is hard to beat. But if you want advanced note-taking features, the Kindle Scribe or Kobo Elipsa 2E might be your best bet.
Either way, investing in an eBook reader is one of the smartest decisions you can make for your education. It lightens your backpack, keeps your notes organized, and makes studying much more enjoyable.
