If we hit a roadblock and had to click the “help” function to figure out what to do, it was a big red flag for casual readers. We ran through the eReader menus, checking for speed and intuitiveness. An eReader must be as easy to see as it is to navigate, and generic budget-priced eReaders are notoriously clunky with interfaces that look more like a calculator screen than a soothing, inviting digital library. Most eReaders on the market offer similar stats for battery life and storage space, so we focused on the factors that separate the readers-namely screen lights, screen size, and file options.

These devices are designed for easy reading, and the best of the bunch must have an impressive, crisp look as close to analog ink and paper text as possible. Taking a critical look at eReaders starts with display clarity. We’ve felt the sting of tired eyes and are glad to leave the world of papercuts behind. The writers and editors working on this article have spent thousands of hours reading on paper books and electronic devices.

Best color eReader: BOOX Nova3 Color 7.8 ePaper Color Digital Paper Tablet.

Best for kids: Fire 7 Kids Tablet, 7″ Display, 16 GB, Blue Kid-Proof Case.

With the best eReader, you’ll access books, audiobooks, magazines, and more in a format dedicated to useability and your eyes. They encourage reading and provide services and apps you won’t find on traditional smartphones and tablets. Today’s eReaders are friendly and inviting.

These displays separate the best eReaders from tablets, making them the best way to read digital books. The screens are stunning, with sharp text that looks just like real ink and paper. Today’s eReaders are sophisticated tablets capable of displaying text and images in a wide variety of eye-friendly ways. An eReader is more than a convenient way to carry an entire collection of James Paterson novels onto an airplane.

Good ereader