GoKawiilKaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
Amazon’s latest Kindle move dropped support for a number of older devices, aggravating many users in the process. The change also reminded a lot of shoppers that the Kindle experience isn’t what it used to be. From its closed ecosystem to a series of shaky software updates, there are a handful of reasons to consider leaving Amazon behind.
Most importantly, it’s not the only option anymore. Kindle still puts out some fantastic hardware, and it’s still the biggest name in the space, but it’s no longer the only option worth considering. Like Kindle, some competitors are strictly reader-focused. Others offer unique feature sets beyond reading. Below are the top e-readers to shop if you’re ready to move on from Kindle.
Would you abandon Amazon Kindles for a new alternative e-reader? 9 votes No, I love my Kindle. 22 % Yes, for a Kobo e-reader. 22 % Yes, for a reMarkable device. 0 % Yes, for a Boox device. 33 % I don't want an e-reader at all. 11 % Other (let us know in the comments below) 11 %
Kobo Libra Colour
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
If it’s your first time shopping beyond the Kindle lineup, Kobo is the easiest place to start. The Kobo Libra Colour is my personal favorite from the brand and has earned a permanent spot in my rotation over the past year. It pairs a 7-inch display with a lightweight, asymmetrical body that comes in around 200g, making it easy to hold one-handed for long stretches. The device also features two physical page-turn buttons (reminiscent of the Kindle Oasis), which are arguably the best part of the experience.
As the name implies, the device features a color e-ink display. The muted, almost pastel tones bring life to covers, menus, and highlights without veering into distraction or compromising the classic paper-like feel. The device also offers stylus support.
Like Kindle’s, Kobo’s interface is clean and intuitive, though small touches like swipe-based brightness control keep things feeling thoughtful rather than overengineered. What really sets the brand apart, though, is its open ecosystem. With a Kobo e-reader, users aren’t locked into a single storefront. You can load EPUBs, borrow directly from library apps like Libby, and generally treat the device like it’s yours, not Amazon’s. It’s an easy recommendation if you’re even slightly curious about life outside the Kindle bubble.
Kobo Libra Colour MSRP: $219.99 Reading in color, page turning with buttons. The Kobo Libra Colour is a versatile e-reader that combines a color display, standard reading features, and an open ecosystem, while also offering handy physical buttons for extra-tactile page turning. See price at Amazon Positives Physical buttons streamline navigation
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