Leisure

E-reader

A reading device with a screen that looks almost like paper. And it holds thousands of books.

E-books are usually cheaper than printed books, and many classics are even free. A new book arrives in seconds, you can make the text bigger, and the battery lasts for weeks.

saves effortsaves money
My recommendation Kindle Paperwhite (2026) Price range: Mid-range
See price on Amazon* All 3 price ranges

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What it takes off your hands

How much effort you save
Before
With an e-reader
Printed books
  • Go to the shop or wait for the delivery
  • Heavy books in your holiday suitcase
  • Small print, a lamp needed in the evening
With an e-reader
  • The book is there in seconds
  • Thousands of books on one light device
  • Make the text bigger, the light is built in
Right for you if …
  • You read a lot, including on the go or on holiday
  • Your bookshelf has been full for ages
  • You read in bed in the evening without switching on the lamp
To be honest
  • Pictures and comics don't look good in greyscale. Devices with a colour screen cost more, and their colours are paler than on a tablet
  • You can't lend e-books to friends or resell them
  • The Kindle can't open books from German public libraries (Onleihe). For that you need another device, for example from PocketBook

Which model is right for you?

One recommendation for each price range, plus good alternatives from other brands. You can see the current price on Amazon.

Budget

Kindle (2026)

  • 6 inches and only 140 g, lighter than a paperback
  • Battery lasts up to 6 weeks, according to Amazon
  • Room for thousands of books

For you if you mainly read novels and buy from Amazon.

To be honest

Not waterproof and no warm light.

See price on Amazon*

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Also good
  • PocketBook Verse Pro*For almost the same price, with warm light and waterproof. You borrow library books right on the device.

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My recommendation
Mid-range

Kindle Paperwhite (2026)

  • Larger 7-inch screen
  • Warm light for the evening in bed
  • Waterproof: it even survives a drop in the bath
  • Battery lasts up to 12 weeks, according to Amazon

For anyone who reads a lot. My tip, because it has warm light and is waterproof.

To be honest

Brand new: Amazon ships it from 11 November 2026.

See price on Amazon*

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Also good
  • Kobo Clara BW*A little smaller (6 inches), with warm light and waterproof. You buy the books from Kobo instead of Amazon.

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Premium

Kindle Colorsoft (2026)

  • Colour screen for comics, children's books and pictures
  • 7 inches, battery lasts up to 8 weeks, according to Amazon
  • Waterproof, like the Paperwhite

For comics, children's books and anything with pictures.

To be honest

For novels alone you don't need colour. Amazon ships it from 11 November 2026.

See price on Amazon*

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Also good

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Is it worth it in euros, too?

This product mainly saves you effort. If you want to know what it's worth in euros and minutes, open the calculator.

Open the calculator

Questions and answers

Which e-reader is right for me?

For novels, the normal Kindle is all you need. If you read a lot, in bed in the evening or in the bath, take the Paperwhite: it has warm light and is waterproof. You only need colour for comics, children's books or pictures. And if you like borrowing from the library, a PocketBook is the better choice.

Can I borrow books from the library?

Not with the Kindle, unfortunately: the Onleihe service of German public libraries doesn't work on it. With PocketBook and Tolino you borrow right on the device, with Kobo via the computer.

Can I read my own files and PDFs?

Yes. With the Kindle you send files to the device with “Send to Kindle” via the app or email, including e-books without copy protection from other shops. With Kobo and PocketBook it works, for example, by cable from the computer.

Do I need Kindle Unlimited?

No. It's an optional subscription with a large selection of books. It's only worth it if you read a lot and like the selection. Best try it first, there's often a free trial month.

Are there ads on the device?

On the Kindle there can be. When buying, check whether it says “with ads”. That version shows offers on the lock screen and on the home screen and is a little cheaper.

How long does the battery last?

According to Amazon, a Kindle lasts 6 to 12 weeks depending on the model, if you read for about half an hour a day with Wi-Fi off. With a lot of light and Wi-Fi on, the battery runs out sooner.

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