Best e-book readers and e-Ink tablets for PDF reading

Some e-readers are better suited than others for reading PDF documents. There are also devices that go beyond standard consumer e-readers, functioning as true tablets with e-Ink screens that allow reading in bright sunlight while also enabling note-taking or even replying to emails.

Given the plethora of models available on this dynamic market—especially since a few Chinese manufacturers have introduced products that are far more innovative than those from the main e-reader brands (Kobo, Amazon, Pocketbook)—it can be challenging to navigate.

In this article, we’ll explore the strengths and weaknesses of the most interesting e-Ink screen devices for reading and annotating PDFs in 2025, considering that everyone’s needs vary (annotating a thesis in A4 format has different requirements than reading scanned book excerpts, for instance), as does everyone’s budget.

E Ink device, for comfortably reading and annotating PDF documents

Devices equipped with e-Ink screens make it comfortable to read digital documents. While e-readers are perfect for eBooks, their screens are often too small, and their software too limited, for annotating documents or taking notes. Some devices, known as “digital notebooks,” are geared more toward note-taking. Generally speaking, these devices are better suited for reading PDFs than standard e-readers because they have screens of 10 inches or larger, and their internal software is designed for reading and annotating such documents.

Thus, we can distinguish between traditional e-readers, produced by the major brands and mainly geared toward reading, and e-Ink tablets (or digital ink tablets), which generally run on Android (the operating system used on many smartphones and tablets). These tablets are not solely focused on reading, even though they can be adapted for it, as they aim to offer a robust writing experience. That said, some mainstream e-readers can comfortably handle occasional PDF reading.

Mainstream E-Readers best suited for PDF reading

The 10-inch e-readers offered by Kobo and Amazon are quite suitable for reading PDFs. Both devices allow you to read documents and take notes on blank pages or annotate open documents. While their features are more limited than the digital ink tablets we’ll discuss later, these devices are relevant due to their relatively affordable price and excellent long-term software support, as these manufacturers provide updates for their devices over several years. Furthermore, since these devices are primarily designed for reading, they include highly effective and ergonomic book purchase and library management systems.

These are the best options if you’re looking for a versatile e-reader with a large screen that allows you to read PDFs comfortably, as well as other books, and occasionally take notes.

Kindle

When it comes to reading PDFs, Kindle’s software is excellent. However, the 6-inch e-readers, like the Kindle Paperwhite, and slightly larger ones like the Kindle Oasis, have screens that are too small for some documents, as we mention in the article dedicated to PDF reading capabilities of “mainstream” e-readers.

Amazon now offers a Kindle with a 10-inch screen: the Kindle Scribe (Amazon link). It also includes a stylus for annotating documents. The software is stable, smooth, and reading PDF documents is hassle-free. However, the e-reader does not natively support all eBook formats; for example, ePub files need to be converted to be used on this device (which can be easily done with software like Calibre).

Integration with the Kindle store is a plus for those who already have a collection of books in this format but a downside for those looking to limit dependency on the American tech giant. Nonetheless, it’s a solid choice: the device is well-made, Amazon’s customer service is reputable, and long-term updates are guaranteed. Overall, it’s a relatively minimalist device that performs very well for opening PDF documents, with an excellent quality/features/price ratio.

For those who want to open all file types (including ePub files) directly on the e-reader without prior conversion, a device from another manufacturer may be a better choice. Kobo e-readers are a strong alternative, offering a pleasant interface and native support for most digital book formats.

Kobo

Kobo’s PDF reader is slightly less advanced than Kindle’s, and installing a third-party reader is not straightforward. While this was an issue when the brand only offered “small” diagonal screens suited to ePub files (which adapt text to different screen sizes but don’t work as well for PDF documents that are more like paper books), the introduction of the Kobo Elipsa changes the game. This device is powerful and, with its 10.2-inch screen, allows for comfortable PDF reading.

The limitations of the built-in reader are no longer a problem with this screen size, provided your files are not in A4 format and are cleanly formatted. This e-reader is much more open than a Kindle. It can natively open most file formats, and installing a third-party reader like the excellent Koreader is easy if needed. This openness is a major advantage, and in my opinion, a Kobo e-reader is a better choice for those not tied to the Amazon ecosystem or who don’t already have dozens of books in their Kindle library. It allows you to easily read books downloaded from various platforms as well as PDFs you create yourself. The interface is very user-friendly, and software support is excellent, with guaranteed long-term updates.

While a Kobo, Kindle, or PocketBook e-reader can open and read PDFs, their functionality is limited. Over the past few years, more advanced devices focused on writing have been introduced. These are interesting options for those primarily looking to read and annotate PDF documents.

More versatile than E-Readers: e Ink tablets

Digital ink tablets offer a richer experience than the e-readers mentioned above. Although they are equipped with the same type of screen—an e-Ink screen that reduces eye strain and allows reading in direct sunlight—they feature more powerful processors, more RAM, and most run on Android, like some smartphones and tablets. This allows the installation of third-party software and access to far more complex features than traditional e-readers. However, their cost is higher, and the leading player in this segment, Onyx Boox, tends to prioritize releasing new models over updating older devices. If you’re looking to invest in such a device for several years, it’s important to choose the right model, though you can still use the device even if it stops receiving updates.

Boox Note Air 4C

The Boox Note Air 4C, the latest from the Chinese manufacturer, features a powerful processor and runs on Android 12. Notably, it is one of the few e-Ink devices with a 10-inch color screen. In terms of software, Boox Note Air takes a different approach than most competitors: you have access to the Play Store and can install the apps of your choice, just like on a more conventional tablet with an LCD screen.

The device, however, comes with dedicated software optimized for digital ink. The stylus is comfortable, and the note-taking apps are well-designed and enjoyable to use. The same goes for the app for reading and annotating PDFs: you can add notes, highlight text, and export highlighted passages directly within the PDF, allowing you to retrieve these excerpts later, for instance, with software like Zotero. This makes it an appealing device for tech enthusiasts eager to try the latest innovations and also a relevant tool for students or researchers.

Boox Tab X

Similar in features to the Boox Note Air 3, the Boox Tab X has a larger screen (13.3 inches, the size of an A4 sheet). It works exclusively in black and white, which isn’t a drawback for working with PDF documents, which are often black and white themselves. The device runs on Android 11 and also supports the installation of third-party applications. For reading and annotating PDFs, this is the ideal device for A4 documents without margins. It’s also a good device for writing or taking notes in a format that closely resembles paper. Less portable than a 10-inch device, it’s not the best choice for on-the-go note-taking but provides a comfortable experience for working on all PDF documents, whereas a 10-inch device is better suited for reading and annotating books than A4 documents.

SuperNote Manta

The latest device from another Chinese manufacturer, Ratta, the SuperNote Manta (aka A5X2), does not have a color screen or LED backlighting. Nevertheless, it’s a very interesting model and perhaps one of the best devices currently available for those seeking a minimalist, high-performance, and durable black-and-white device for reading and note-taking. Unlike Onyx, the maker of Boox tablets, Ratta has a different philosophy, focusing on gradually improving its products rather than flooding the market with the latest technologies. As a result, the software support is much longer, and the device is designed to be easily repairable, as discussed in a dedicated article worth reading if you’d like to learn more.

reMarkable Paper Pro

The reMarkable Paper Pro, developed by a European manufacturer based in Norway, replaces the renowned reMarkable 2 (still available on reMarkable’s website) and features a Gallery 3 color screen, the latest in electronic ink display technology. Unlike the three tablets mentioned earlier, its operating system is not based on Android but is a minimalist, Linux-based system developed in-house.

This elegantly designed device is comfortable for both note-taking and reading or annotating documents. It’s worth noting the device’s openness: you can connect to it via SSH and modify its internal software if you wish. A few years ago, reMarkable had a significant lead over its competitors. In my opinion, it has since been caught up by Chinese manufacturers. While the device is functional and of high quality, some choices made by the company to monetize its products make it difficult to recommend reMarkable tablets at present. For instance, some features require a paid subscription, without which the device is more limited than a SuperNote Manta or a Boox Note Air 4C.

Budget-Friendly Options for Reading PDFs on an E-Reader

For those seeking an e-Ink device capable of reading PDFs but with a very limited budget, the Inkpad 4 (Amazon link) is the best choice. This device features an 8-inch Carta screen, a capable PDF reader, and the ability to install Koreader, a third-party reader, to enhance its features. The company offers long-term updates, and the device can natively open all file types, making it an ideal e-reader for reading books downloaded online. In short, it’s a fairly minimal but functional and durable device. While it doesn’t allow PDF annotation with a stylus, it lets you open and read PDF documents without issue. For some documents, the 8-inch screen might feel small, but you can open them in “landscape” mode and scroll gradually, which is easy to do with Koreader.

Conclusion: What’s the Best E-Reader for Reading PDFs?

For those looking to read and occasionally annotate PDF documents while also reading other digital file types, a 10-inch e-reader like the Kobo Elipsa (available on Amazon) is an interesting option. For those seeking integration with Amazon’s ecosystem, the Kindle Scribe (available on Amazon) is a solid alternative. These two devices, with similar performances, are relatively economical compared to “digital notebooks” and other “digital ink tablets.” They also clearly offer better long-term software support than more complex tablets like those from Onyx Boox.

For professional or academic use, the limitations of the above e-readers might push you toward more feature-rich digital ink devices like the Onyx Boox Note Air 4C (Amazon link), which runs Android and has a color screen. For those working primarily with A4 documents, the Boox Tab X (available on Amazon as well) is worth considering, with its unparalleled comfort thanks to its 13.3-inch screen.

For those looking for a device for writing or simply preferring durability over the latest technical advancements, digital notebooks like the SuperNote Manta (A5X2) and reMarkable Paper Pro are worth considering.

At this point, we move away from the world of traditional e-readers into the realm of digital ink tablets. These devices offer great versatility, but the trade-off is shorter software support (though you can still use the device even after updates stop).

For further details, I recommend reading the dedicated article on e-Ink tablets designed for reading and annotating PDFs, which goes into greater depth about the main devices in this segment.

If you have feedback to share or specific questions, feel free to leave a comment below!