Rating of the best e-books for 2020

Book lovers will always prefer the paper version of books. At the same time, it cannot be denied that the electronic version of print media is very popular. They can be read from the phone screen of the tablet or computer monitor, which makes them more mobile and accessible, as they are always at hand. For reading electronic versions of books, there is a special device, based on its purpose, also called, or also called a book-reader.

What is an e-book, why is it needed and how to choose it?

Like any electronic gadget, "reading rooms", and this is how they are called in everyday life, differ among themselves not only in appearance, but also in the presence of various functions and parameters. Therefore, the book lover should know what to look for when choosing, and which models are in trend.

Intending to make a purchase, a person should pay attention to the following nuances:

Display type and size

The screen of the book reader is not the same as in the LCD monitor or smartphone. The display of the device was invented using the technology of the so-called electronic ink - black and white microcapsules with a positive and negative charge, which, under the action of a magnetic field, are able to replace each other and, passing through the substrate, which is placed under the display glass, draw a given image under the action of an eclectic current ...

The screen is the main element of the "reader" and, unlike LCD displays, it has reflective properties, which gives it an advantage over a telephone or LCD TV, since reading information from this device does not strain the eyes and does not harm the eyesight.

More than 50 years have passed since the creation of electronic ink and paper technology. During this time, the devices have been improved. Therefore, at the moment, the following generations of monochrome displays are distinguished:

1.VizPlex. The technology was used in the first devices and has a resolution of 800x600. The image quality was comparable to that printed in a 1970s newspaper. It is deprecated at the moment.

2 Modern matrices include 3 subtypes:

• Pearl - 800 × 600, had 16 grayscale and contrast ratio of 10: 1;
• Pearl HD - 1024 × 758, 16 shades of gray and contrast ratio reached 12: 1;
• Carta - up to 1080 × 1440, 16 shades of gray. The contrast reached 15: 1.

Contrast is the ratio of black to white. The more numerical value it has, the richer the picture looks on the screen of the reader. The size of the display allows you to fit more information on it, and the expansion of the screen is responsible for the clarity of the image. Pearl and its HD variety are the most widely used. At the moment, the Carta type is considered the best.

In the third generation of book readers, obtaining a color image was implemented, but such displays are not in great demand because of their high cost and a decrease in contrast compared to the result of a black and white image.

Supported formats

The more there are, the better, since you will not need to master the software that converts from an unrecognized file type to one that is available to the reader.

Additional modules and functions

A variety of options and modules will expand the functionality of the device and make the reading process more comfortable. These include backlight, WI-FI, bluetooth, memory card slot.

• Backlight. Allows you to read around the clock without additional light sources at night or in a dark place. Advanced backlighting options allow you to adjust the light intensity as well as adjust the color temperature of the screen for day and night use.
• Memory card slot. Allows you to install an SD card that can have a capacity of up to 32 GB. This will significantly increase the size of e-book storage.
• The presence of Wi-Fi allows you to download books from the Internet or cloud storage, and Bluetooth - to connect headphones or speakers to the book to listen to audiobooks or music.

OS and software used

In book readers, the use of Linux and Android operating systems is common. Each of them requires getting used to and has its own set of programs.

Battery capacity

It is one of the main parameters of the reader. Despite the fact that the device consumes battery power only when the page is formed, this parameter allows the device to work without recharging. A waste of energy only for drawing a page allows the book-reader to save a charge, if you do not use data transmission via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, on average up to one and a half months.

If you periodically turn on data transfer and search and download books on the Internet, then the life of the reader can be reduced to 3-4 days.

Dimensions and weight

Allows you to hold the e-book in one hand without fatigue and discomfort.

Top ranking e-books 2020

The rating should acquaint the person who decides to purchase a reader with the models recognized as the best and most popular in 2020. The information will allow him to determine what criteria he will be guided by when choosing a book in order to get the most out of reading.

10. Amazon Kindle Oasis 2019 8 Gb

The display of the reader is framed on 3 sides. It gets attention. On the right side of the book-reader there are two buttons for turning pages. The only thing that distinguishes Oasis from its predecessor is the ability to adjust the color temperature of the backlight. The model is equipped with a 7-inch display with a resolution of 1440 × 1080, which allows you to read even small print from any reference book without magnification. The reader is protected against ingress of dust and moisture according to the IPX8 certificate, which indicates that it can be at a depth of 3 m in fresh water for about half an hour, and remain in working order. The device's battery can withstand a week of intensive reading on a single charge. The Kindle Oasis has eight or thirty-two gigabytes of its own memory.

If this is not enough, then the owner of the device can always purchase a 32 GB SD card. The reader supports all common formats of text and graphic files, it works without freezing and does not create situations in which a reboot is required. The price of this device is about 14,890 rubles.

Key feature	Description
Screen brand and type	E-Ink, Carta.
Screen size and resolution	Size -7 inches, 1448x1072, resolution - 257 dpi.
Memory	8-32 GB.SD card is not supported.
Video playback	Not supported.
Audio playback	AAX.
Extensions for recognizable text content	PDF, TXT, DOC Supports text files from Kindle version 8 (AZW3) and standard Kindle text files (AZW), copy-protected MOBI, original PRC.
Types of images supported	PNG, GIF, BMP, JPEG.
Recognition of web pages and archives	HTML.
Data transfer	Wi-Fi.
Protection, from environmental factors and damage	IPX8. Moisture resistant.
Control	Touch, 2 page turning buttons
Backlight	There is. 25 diodes, intensity adjustable. Yellow color.
Overall dimensions	141x159x8 mm.
Weight, g	194.
Charging	Micro-USB.

• 7-inch screen;
• Advanced adjustment of the backlight of the gadget, which allows you to choose the intensity of the glow and the shade of the background.

• Not found.

9. Ritmix RBK-675FL

A budget version of the reader with a well-thought-out menu of functions for reading books. The device is comfortable to hold in hands due to the roughness of the case. The book supports many formats, has an intuitive interface. A backlight is provided for reading in the dark. The display of the reader has a resolution of 1024 × 758 pixels on a 6-inch screen, which is of the E-ink type. Carta, which makes the gadget easy to read. The battery lasts for 10-12 days of intensive reading without using the backlight. The battery capacity is 1500 mAh. The device has 4 GB of internal memory and supports microSD at 32Gb. The price of the reader is about 4990 rubles.

Key feature	Description
Screen brand and type
	E-Ink, Carta.
Screen size and resolution	Size -6 inches, 1024x758, 212dpi
Memory	4GB. Ability to install an SD card.
Video playback	Not supported.
Audio playback	Not supported.
Extensions for recognizable text content	PDF, TXT, DOC Supports text files from Kindle version 8 (AZW3), and standard Kindle text files (AZW), copy-protected MOBI, original PRCs.
Types of images supported	PNG, GIF, BMP, JPEG.
Recognition of web pages and archives	HTML.
Data transfer	Wi-Fi.
Protection, from environmental factors and damage	No information available.
Control	Touch and push-button.
Backlight	There is.
Overall dimensions	115x165x9 mm.
Weight, g	160.
Charging	Micro-USB.

• Low price;
• Variety of formats;
• Backlighting;
• Soft-touch housing.

• They search for books in the catalog for a long time;
• Sometimes it may freeze.

8. ONYX BOOX James Cook 2

The screen of the reader is equipped with Moonlight illumination, which provides its owner with advanced settings, lighting control. The display is made using E-Ink Carta technology and has a resolution of 600 x 800 pixels. The reader's battery is 3000 microamperes, so when reading a book 3-4 hours a day, its autonomy lasts on average for a month and a half.

The gadget has built-in memory of 8GB, and the device also supports a 32GB flash drive. The reader recognizes all popular text and image file formats. Referring to the budget segment, it has a fairly low price, and can be purchased not only for an adult, but also for a schoolchild. This reading room is ideal for a student, as it can work on one charge for almost half a semester.

The price of the device varies from 6,490 to 6,990 rubles.

Key feature	Description
Screen brand and type	E-Ink, Carta.
Screen size and resolution	Size - 6 inches, 800x600, 167 dpi
Memory	4GB. Possibility to install an SD card.
Video playback	Not supported.
Audio playback	Not supported.
Extensions for recognizable text content	PDF, TXT, DOC Supports text files from Kindle version 8 (AZW3) and standard Kindle text files (AZW copy-protected MOBI, original PRC.
Types of images supported	PNG, GIF, BMP, JPEG.
Recognition of web pages and archives	HTML.
Data transfer	Wi-Fi.
Protection, from environmental factors and damage	No information available.
Control	Sensory.
Backlight	There is.
Overall dimensions	117x170x9 mm.
Weight, g	182.
Charging	Micro-USB.

• Support for 32 GB SD cards;
• Backlighting;
• Autonomy of work up to one and a half months.

• Complexity, mastering the interface;
• Freezes.

7. ONYX BOOX Faust

A variation of the classic reader, in which Onyx demonstrated its care for the user by placing Faust in a leatherette cover, intending to make the device practically eternal. The e-book has a 6-inch display, 8 GB of its own memory and protection from artifacts of the previous page, using Snow Field technology. The book reader has 512 MB of RAM, but no one will say that this is not enough. The device does not slow down, does not glitch. Supports all popular e-book formats. Their additional modules only have Wi-Fi, so audiobook lovers will not be able to enjoy listening. The device has a 3000 mAh battery, which is enough for a week's autonomy of the gadget, if you use it for an hour a day. If you turn off the backlight, you can make the device work on a single charge for a period of 2 weeks. The peculiarity of the backlight lies in the fact that you can adjust not only the level of glow intensity, but also the color temperature. The reader is one of the best options, containing maximum features, and nothing more.

The estimated price is approximately 7,990 rubles.

Key feature	Description
Screen brand and type
	E-Ink, Carta.
Screen size and resolution	Size - 6 inches, 800x600, 167 dpi
Memory	8 GB. Possibility to install an SD card.
Video playback	Not supported.
Audio playback	Not supported.
Extensions for recognizable text content	PDF, TXT, DOC Supports text files from Kindle version 8 (AZW3), and standard Kindle text files (AZW, copy-protected MOBI, original PRC.
Types of images supported	PNG, GIF, BMP, JPEG.
Recognition of web pages and archives	HTML.
Data transfer	Wi-Fi.
Protection, from environmental factors and damage	No information available.
Control	Sensory.
Backlight	There is.
Overall dimensions	117x170x9 mm.
Weight, g	182.
Charging	Micro-USB.

• Lack of Bluetooth;
• Low resolution.

• Support for many file formats;
• Selectable backlight temperature;
• Autonomy of work 2-3 weeks.

6. ONYX BOOX Livingstone

A book reader, which will not be ashamed to present to a friend for a birthday or other celebration, as it has a presentable appearance due to the cover in which the manufacturer "dressed" it. The display has a size of 6 inches and is made using E-Ink technology. Carta + with a resolution of 1448 × 1072 and a pixel density of the typographic standard, 300 dpi. Since the device is equipped with a 4-core processor and 1 GB of RAM. The device works very quickly without knowing the situations that lead to a reboot. The reader is equipped with 8 GB of its own memory and the ability to insert an SD card up to 32 gigs. The gadget works with many popular formats that allow the owner to forget about using the converter. It is possible to use the e-book both outside and at night it is completely safe for the eyes, since the illumination of the reader is created using Moonlight 2 technology, and allows not only to adjust the intensity of the glow and the color temperature of the background, but I do not flicker. Autonomy of work is provided by a mAh battery, which allows using the reader for up to two months without recharging. Data transmission is carried out by built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules.

The estimated price of the reader varies from 11,590 to 12,290 rubles.

Key feature	Description
Screen brand and type	E-Ink, Carta +.
Screen size and resolution	Size - 6 '', 1448x1072, 300dpi
Memory	8 GB. Possibility to install an SD card.
Video playback	Not supported.
Audio playback	Not supported.
Extensions for recognizable text content	PDF, TXT, DOC. Support, text files from Kindle version 8 (AZW3), and standard Kindle text files (AZW from copying MOBI, original PRC.
Types of images supported	JPEG, BMP, GIF, PNG.
Other formats	HTML.
Data transfer	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth.
Protection, from environmental factors and damage	No information available.
Control	Sensory.
Backlight	There is.
Overall dimensions	112.5x156x8.8 mm.
Weight, g	165.
Charging	Micro-USB.

• E-Ink display. Carta +, with a resolution of 1448 × 1072;
• Backlight made by Moonlight 2 technology with anti-flicker screen, adjustable color temperature and luminous intensity.

• Not found.

5. ONYX BOOX Note 2

The e-book has a non-standard resolution for those who are accustomed to using a 6-inch screen, with a resolution of 600 x 800 pixels. In this device, the display is 10.3 inches and has a resolution of 1872 × 1404. The reader is somewhat inferior to models with a record display size, but nevertheless, the gadget's screen cannot be called small. This book-reader is controlled by a sensor and a stylus. The display has two substrates: one of which is touch-sensitive, and the other recognizes the touch of the stylus. The reader is suitable for those who need to work with drawings, as it allows them to view and edit without enlarging. The reader is also suitable for artists. Fast operation of the device is carried out by the size of 4 GB of RAM and a processor with a clock speed of 2000 megahertz. The device has backlighting, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The reader is equipped with a 4300 mAh battery, which allows it to work autonomously for up to 2 months. Estimated price: 46,990 rubles.

Screen brand and type	E-Ink, Carta. Touch + induction.
Screen size and resolution	Size - 10.3 inches, 1872x1404, 227 dpi
Memory	64 GB. Possibility to install an SD card.
Video playback	Not supported.
Audio playback	MP3.
Extensions for recognizable text content	PDF, TXT, DOC. Support for text files from Kindle version 8 (AZW3) and standard Kindle text files (AZW), copy-protected MOBI, original PRCs.
Types of images supported	PNG, GIF, BMP, JPEG.
Recognition of web pages and archives	HTML.
Data transfer	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth.
Protection, from environmental factors and damage	No information available.
Control	Touch and stylus.
Backlight	There is.
Overall dimensions	177.8x249.5x7.1 mm.
Weight, g	378.
Charging	Micro-USB.

• Display size;
• Screen resolution;
• The amount of storage in the book depository.

• The size, as you cannot call a compact book reader.

4. ONYX BOOX Darwin 6

The model does not differ from the representatives of its line externally, but internally it has changed dramatically. Now it has a more thoughtful interface from Android 4.4, which the user can contemplate on a 6-inch screen with a resolution of 1448 × 1072. The backlight allows you to select the intensity of the glow and its temperature. The reader allows you to open various image formats, and it does it quickly, without glitches and freezes. The device is equipped with a 3000 mAh battery, which provides autonomy on a single charge, for a period of 1-1.5 months. You can download books from any website on the Internet, as well as use the manufacturer's network libraries, and, among other things, connect the device to a computer via a USB cable.

Estimated cost: 11890 rubles.

Key feature	Description
Screen brand and type	E-Ink, Carta.
Screen size and resolution	Size - 6 '', 1448x1072, 300dpi
Memory	8 GB. Possibility to install an SD card.
Video playback	Not supported.
Audio playback	Not supported.
Extensions for recognizable text content	PDF, TXT, DOC Supports text files from Kindle version 8 (AZW3), standard Kindle text files (AZW), copy-protected MOBI, original PRC.
Types of images supported	PNG, GIF, BMP, JPEG.
Recognition of web pages and archives	HTML.
Data transfer	Wi-Fi.
Protection, from environmental factors and damage	No information available.
Control	Sensory.
Backlight	There is.
Overall dimensions	117x170x9 mm
Weight, g	182.
Charging	Micro-USB.

• Display, with a resolution of 1448 × 1072;
• Speed ​​and convenience of work, compared to the previous models of the line;
• Data transfer functions.

Not found.

3. PocketBook 627

Despite the fact that the book-reader model was released relatively long ago, it is in demand, as it is ready to satisfy the needs of most buyers. The display of the e-reader is framed by narrow bezels of the case, which makes the appearance of the device modern, among the novelties of the e-book industry. The reader's functionality supports the use of all services provided by the manufacturer, be it cloud storage or downloading books in an email. The screen of the book reader has a resolution of 1024 × 758, with a density of 212 dots per inch, which allows viewing photos without blur and enjoying reading without magnification. To get acquainted with information in conditions with insufficient lighting, the device has a single-color backlight. The volume of its own memory is 8GB, with the possibility of installing an SD card. Autonomy of work is carried out by a battery of 1500 mAh, which allows using the device for up to 1.5 months without recharging. The book reader recognizes all the necessary formats and types of archives, and is also equipped with a Wi-Fi module. Bluetooth does not. The gadget looks not small, but rather compact due to its dimensions and proportions. Estimated price: 8420 rubles.

Key feature	Description
Screen brand and type	E-Ink, Carta.
Screen size and resolution	6 inches, 1024x758, 212 ppi
Memory	8 GB. Possibility to install an SD card.
Video playback	Not supported.
Audio playback	Not supported.
Extensions for recognizable text content	PDF, TXT, DOC Support for text files from Kindle version 8 (AZW3, and standard Kindle text files (AZW), copy-protected MOBI, original PRC.
Types of images supported	PNG, GIF, BMP, JPEG.
Recognition of web pages and archives	HTML.
Data transfer	Wi-Fi.
Protection, from environmental factors and damage	No information available.
Control	Sensory.
Backlight	There is.
Dimensions	108x161x8 mm
Weight, g	155.
Charging	Micro-USB.

• Modern appearance;
• Compactness;
• No glitches and quick work.

• Lack of Bluetooth.

2. PocketBook 740

A book reader that positions itself as a flagship device. The display measures 7.8 inches and boasts a resolution of 1872 × 1404. A metal case is more appropriate for the flagship, but PocketBook is made of plastic. The size of the gadget resembles a book, so it is not suitable for those who are used to carrying the reader in the back pocket of jeans. The lack of wearing is compensated for by the readability. Autonomy of work is a month, thanks to the presence of a 1900 mAh battery. The book reader recognizes 20 formats, text and image files. For reading at night or in low-light conditions, the device has a backlight made using Moonlight technology, which allows you to select the color temperature and intensity of the light. The gadget has 8 GB of its own memory and the ability to install an SD card. You can download the book from the Internet, thanks to the Wi-Fi module, or connect the reader to a computer using a USB cable. Linux, which runs the gadget, can cause inconvenience for several days, but during operation, the adaptation of the owner takes place within several days, so this is not a significant drawback. The device does not have Bluetooth, which saves money. Anyone who needs Bluetooth can buy a similar Pro model. The approximate price of the book reader is 13198 rubles.

Key feature	Description
Screen brand and type	E-Ink, Carta.
Screen size and resolution	Size - 7.8 inches, 1872x1404, 300dpi
Memory	16 GB.
Video playback	Not supported.
Audio playback	MP3.
Extensions for recognizable text content	PDF, TXT, DOC Supports text files from Kindle version 8 (AZW3), and standard Kindle text files (AZW, copy-protected MOBI, original PRC.
Types of images supported	PNG, GIF, BMP, JPEG.
Recognition of web pages and archives	HTML.
Data transfer	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth.
Protection, from environmental factors and damage	IPX8.
Control	Sensory.
Backlight	There is.
Dimensions	8x195x137 mm.
Weight, g	215.
Charging	Micro-USB.

• Display 7.8 inches and a resolution of 1872 × 1404;
• Support for over 20 formats;
• Variety of functions.

• Plastic body, which does not correspond to the status of a flagship device;
• Lack of Bluetooth.

1. PocketBook X

The book-reader, which has overshadowed the appearance of PocketBook 740, has a screen diagonal of 10.3 inches. PDF files of this size allows you to comfortably view, as well as comics, with little or no magnification. The contrast and clarity of the image are at the proper level, and the screen itself is additionally protected from damage due to the fact that it uses not a glass, but a plastic substrate. The backlight allows you to adjust not only the intensity of the glow, but also individual background shades for day and night. The case is equipped with a metal frame, and the back cover is filled with grooves, which makes it comfortable to grip the device and prevents damage.

The book reader is equipped with an audio output, which allows you to connect any headphones and a music headset to it, via the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth module, which are available. Also available. Thanks to the Speech to Text function, it is possible to listen to an ordinary e-book. Text to voice conversion option, supports 16 languages. The book-reader can work on one charge for a month, using the backlight, or for a month and a half without the backlight. The gadget has built-in memory, 32 GB in size, and does not have the ability to install a memory card. This is not a significant drawback, since tens of thousands of books can fit into the built-in memory. The interface of the e-book, by the arrangement of the menu items, resembles the use of a smartphone with the Android operating system, which causes quick addiction and adaptation in the use of the gadget by the owners.

Estimated price of the book reader: 23,490 rubles.

Key feature	Description
Screen brand and type	E-Ink, Carta.
Screen size and resolution	Size - 10.3 inches, 1872x1404, 227 dpi
Memory	32 GB.
Video playback	Not supported.
Audio playback	MP3.
Extensions for recognizable text content	PDF, TXT, DOC Supports text files from Kindle version 8 (AZW3), and standard Kindle text files (AZW), copy-protected MOBI, original PRCs.
Types of images supported	PNG, GIF, BMP, JPEG.
Recognition of web pages and archives	HTML.
Data transfer	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth.
Protection, from environmental factors and damage	IPX8.
Control	Sensory.
Backlight	There is.
Dimensions	173x249x5 mm
Weight, g	300.
Charging	Micro-USB.

• Support, more than 20 file formats;
• Display plastic backing;
• Screen size;
• Availability of audio output;
• Speech to Text function.

• Not found.

Conclusion

These models may not be new from manufacturers and most of them were released neither in 2020, but in 2019 and earlier, but since their inception, they have gained a good reputation among users for:

• Functional;
• Durability and wear resistance;
• Ease of use of both the gadget itself and the software interface.

The choice of a reader must be made with the help of your own opinion, and not with the words of the seller, and it must be done based on the needs of the buyer. The purchased e-book should give satisfaction from use, and not inconvenience from the errors of its work.