If you’ve been feeling uneasy about Amazon lately, you’re far from alone. However, while some people can simply turn their backs and dismiss the company completely, for others, walking away can be a significant loss.
The sting can be particularly piercing when it comes to Kindle Unlimited. Although there are other book subscription services like Kobo Plus and Everand (Scribd), Amazon has a grip of power over self-published authors by requiring exclusivity if they want to be listed on Kindle Unlimited. Most authors will not earn any income from it for months, if at all, yet many still feel invisible in the digital market if they do not participate in the service.
Even if you’re not a Kindle Unlimited subscriber, you would not want to lose the books you have purchased if you have ever used a Kindle e-reader.
The good news is that modern E-Ink screens provide the same comfort and feel as the displays of traditional e-readers and can replace regular, dedicated reading devices. They run on Android and offer the enormous advantage of installing apps from multiple retailers, including Amazon. So you don’t need a Kindle e-reader to read the books you bought from them anymore.
Let’s explore the main differences between a regular e-reader and an E-Ink tablet.
Regular E-Reader
- Display Technology: Uses E-Ink display, with a focus on reading e-books and documents.
- Primary Functions: Meant almost exclusively for reading. Minimal functionality beyond book or document consumption.
- Eye Comfort: Excellent for long reading sessions; their non-glare screens are ideal for bright environments like outdoors or by windows.
- Battery Life: Outstanding, with many devices lasting for several weeks or even months on one charge.
- Portability: Generally smaller and lighter than both tablets and E-Ink tablets, they can be easily carried in a bag or even pockets.
- Limitations: Most are limited to a grayscale display, basic web browsing (if at all), and no or very limited support for note-taking or multimedia.
E-Ink Tablet
- Display Technology: Uses an E-Ink screen, which mimics the appearance of ink on paper.
- Primary Functions: Designed for both reading and writing. Often comes with a stylus for note-taking, sketching, and document annotation.
- Eye Comfort: E-Ink screens do not emit light directly, reducing eye strain. Unlike regular tablets, they’re also excellent for long reading or writing sessions, providing a comfortable experience.
- Battery Life: Exceptionally long battery life (often lasting weeks) because power is only used when updating the screen.
- Portability: Some are small (7 inches), but they are usually larger (10 inches or more) than regular e-readers, as they are optimised for note-taking and document management. They are still light enough to be easily carried around.
- Limitations: Slower refresh rates make them poor for video or gaming. They are not optimized for social media or web browsing in general, but they’re great for reading, writing, and other focus-driven tasks.
Advantages of E-Ink Tablets Compared to Dedicated E-readers
E-Ink Tablets are optimized for handwriting, annotation, and sketching. They almost always have full stylus support, letting you write notes, annotate directly onto PDFs, highlight and scribble in e-books, or sketch with a paper-like feel. Regular e-readers rarely allow true handwriting, only offering on-screen keyboards for typing highlights or basic notes.
They are essentially digital notebooks for document management and productivity. You can organize and store handwritten notes, sync documents to the cloud, manage tasks, sign forms, and work on business documents all in one place. E-readers are focused on reading and offer little to no document interactivity.
E-Ink Tablets also support many apps. Running on Android, they give you access to the Google Play Store, letting you install reading, productivity, and even some light communication apps. In addition, they support audiobook apps and some even play MP3. Regular e-readers have proprietary software and only work within their own ecosystem.
They come in bigger sizes (typically 10–13 inches), making them superior for reading PDFs, digital comics, magazines, and for split-screen note-taking. Most e-readers max out at around 7–8 inches, optimized for standard book reading and portability.
Cloud sync and cross-device integration allow you to sync your notes, scribbles, and reading progress across devices, sometimes via subscriptions or built-in services. This allows for backup, search, and digital organization that e-readers rarely match.
E-Ink tablets often support a wider range of file types (PDF, ePub, Office documents, images), making them much more flexible than e-readers, which tend to favor their own proprietary formats, like the infamous Kindle AZW and old MOBI.
E-Ink tablets go beyond reading, being a great choice for those who want to combine focused reading with serious note-taking, annotation, or if you often work with PDFs and documents. But if all you desire is the priceless joy of reading a great book, you’ll still benefit from their multiple file formats – PDFs are much better on them – especially if they come with the added pleasure of illustrations and pictures.
13 Best E-Ink Tablets to Replace Your Kindle
This is our selection of the best E-Ink tablets available in 2025. Each of these models excels at ebook reading, supports multiple book formats and apps, and gives you the flexibility to install Kindle and other retailer apps, so you can build your ideal digital library beyond any single store.
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6–7 Inch E-Ink Devices
Compact and ultra-portable, these e-readers and tablets are ideal for one-handed reading, travel, and maximum convenience. They’re perfect for fiction, light comics, and everyday note-taking, all while being easy to handle in any setting.
Bigme B7
Considered the best compact color E-Ink display in its class, the Bigme B7 features a 7-inch Kaleido 3 color E-Ink display, with 8GB of RAM and a 2.3GHz octa-core processor. It has 128GB of internal storage, which can be expanded with a microSD card. The device supports 4G SIM cards and is compatible with an optional stylus. Running Android 14, the Bigme B7 is especially suited for portable reading and creative note-taking.
Get it here: BigMe Site | Amazon
Bigme Guoyue V6 Color
It comes with wonderful additional components like dual speakers and microphones for audiobooks, and fingerprint unlock. The Bigme Guoyue V6 Color has a 7.8-inch Kaleido 3 color E-Ink display, with 4GB of RAM and a 2.3GHz octa-core processor. Its 64GB of internal storage can be expanded up to 1TB with a microSD card. Running Android 11 with Google Play access, the device delivers 300 PPI for black-and-white content and 150 PPI for color, displaying over 5,000 different colors, making it ideal for both reading and multimedia consumption.
Get it here: BigMe Site | Amazon (alternative model)
Boox Go 6
The Boox Go 6 is a compact 6-inch black-and-white e-reader featuring a flush E Ink Carta 1300 screen with 300 PPI resolution (1448×1072), front light with adjustable warm and cold tones. Powered by a 2.0GHz octa-core processor, it offers 2GB RAM and 32GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD, along with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, a USB-C port, and a built-in microphone. Running on open Android 11 with Google Play Store access, the Go 6 supports a wide array of e-book, image, and audio formats, and lets you install third-party reading.
Get it here: Boox Site | Amazon
Boox Go Color 7 Gen II
The Boox Go Color 7 Gen II is a lightweight, pocketable 7-inch color E Ink ereader with a Kaleido 3 display that shows vibrant images and comics. Powered by an octa-core processor with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage (expandable via microSD), it runs Android 13, giving you access to the Google Play Store and a variety of third-party reading apps. The device includes page-turn buttons, auto-rotation with a G-sensor, adjustable front light with warm and cold tones, Bluetooth 5.1, Wi-Fi, a speaker for audiobooks and TTS, and supports capacitive touch as well as the optional BOOX InkSense stylus for note-taking. Its slim design at just 195g makes it easy to carry, and the flush glass screen ensures comfort and clarity for reading in any setting.
Get it here: Boox Site | Amazon
Meebook M6
The Meebook M6 uses a 6-inch black-and-white Carta HD E-Ink display and is powered by 3GB of RAM and a quad-core processor. It has 32GB of storage with microSD expansion and is lightweight, running Android 11. The M6 stands out due to its very compact form factor and serves as an entry-level option for those seeking access to Kindle and Google Play Store apps.
Get it here: Amazon
Meebook M8C
The Meebook M8C comes with a 7.8-inch Kaleido 3 color E-Ink display, 4GB of RAM, a 2.2GHz octa-core processor, and 64GB of storage with TF card expansion. It supports a stylus and runs Android 14. The M8C is considered the best affordable color E-Ink device in its class for reading, manga, and light annotation tasks.
Get it here: Amazon
10 Inch E-Ink Devices
Offering more screen space for documents, PDFs, comics, or multitasking, these larger devices strike a balance between versatility and portability. They’re great if you want to annotate, read graphic-rich content, or prefer a broader view while still being feasible for relaxed reading.
Bigme InkNoteS
Available in a black-and-white 10.3-inch display for those who don’t care about colored screens, the Bigme InkNoteS comes with 6 to 8GB of RAM, a modern processor, and 128GB of internal storage expandable via microSD. It includes a stylus and runs Android versions above 11. This device offers an affordable, large-screen E-Ink experience with stylus support, making it suitable for students and business use.
Get it here: BigMe Site
Bigme inkNote Color Lite
The Bigme inkNote Color Lite is ideal for comics, documents, and graphic-rich reading on the go. It offers a 10.3-inch Kaleido 3 color E-Ink display, delivering vibrant 150PPI color and crisp 300PPI black-and-white resolution. Powered by a 2.3GHz octa-core A53 processor with 4GB RAM and 64GB of internal storage (expandable up to 1TB via microSD), this device features a front 5MP and rear 8MP camera, four microphones for advanced voice-to-text and handwriting or photo-to-text functions. Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4G/5G), Bluetooth 5.0, and a fingerprint sensor provide up-to-date connectivity and security. Running Android 11, the inkNote Color Lite supports 36 languages and incorporates Bigme’s proprietary auto ghosting elimination technology for a consistently clean display.
Get it here: BigMe Site | Amazon (alternative model)
BigMe Guoyue K3 Color
The Guoyue K3 Color features comprehensive handwriting and drawing support with 4,096-level pressure sensitivity, global handwriting functions, and access to over 100 note templates. It offers a 10.3-inch Kaleido 3 color E-Ink display with a flush-glass design, delivering 300PPI resolution for black-and-white content and 150PPI for color. Powered by a 2.3GHz octa-core processor with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD), it balances performance for reading, note-taking, and audiobooks while running on Android 11. Additional highlights include ComfortGaze front light with adjustable brightness and color temperature, dual speakers, four microphones for advanced voice-to-text, fingerprint sensor security, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, a USB-C port, and a 4,000mAh battery for extended use.
Get it here: BigMe Site | Amazon (alternative model)
Bigme B1051C
The Bigme B1051C Pro is is aimed at power users who need a color E-Ink display with ample storage and comprehensive features. It’s a 10.3-inch ultra-thin color E-Ink tablet featuring a Kaleido 3 display and powered by a Dimensity 900 processor. It’s available with up to 256GB of internal storage, expandable via a microSD card, and includes a rear camera and a stylus. The device runs on Android 14 and offers advanced features such as xRapid super refresh, auto ghosting elimination, xColor management, and OCR capabilities. Its lightweight design and high-capacity storage make it well-suited for note-taking, reading, and productivity tasks.
Get it here: BigMe Site | Amazon
Bigme inkNoteX Color
The Bigme inkNoteX Color includes a stylus and case, adjustable front light for eye comfort, and a sturdy aluminum alloy build. It is a 10.3-inch E-Ink tablet equipped with a Kaleido 3 color screen that delivers sharp 300PPI resolution in black and white and 150PPI in color. Powered by a 2.4GHz octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 900 processor, it comes with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, expandable up to 1TB via microSD. Running Android 13 with full Google Play support, it supports advanced note-taking with 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, voice-to-text conversion, and Bigme’s xRapid fast refresh and auto ghosting elimination technology for a smooth and clean digital reading and writing experience.
Get it here: BigMe Site
Boox Note Air4 C
The Boox Note Air4 C is regarded as a premium choice with an excellent color display, providing a strong balance of screen size, performance, and access to the Play Store.It features a 10.3-inch Kaleido 3 color E-Ink display, 6GB of RAM, an octa-core processor, and 64GB of storage. It is equipped with a stylus, runs on Android 13, and has a thin, modern body. This model
Get it here: Boox Site | Amazon
Boox Go 10.3
The Boox Go 10.3 is an ultra-thin and lightweight 10.3-inch monochrome e-reader and digital notepad, equipped with an HD E Ink Carta 1200 display at 2480 × 1860 resolution (300 PPI) for sharp, paper-like clarity. Powered by a 2.4GHz octa-core processor with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage, it runs Android 12 and includes the Google Play Store for third-party app support. The device offers stylus input with 4,096 pressure levels, capacitive touch, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C with OTG, dual speakers, and a microphone. It includes a G-sensor for auto-rotation and a 3,700mAh battery for all-day use. Built for reading, annotating, and note-taking with support for a wide range of document and image formats, the Boox Go 10.3 stands out for its slim 4.6mm profile and 375g weight, though it does not have a front light and is designed to be used in well-lit environments.
Get it here: Boox Site | Amazon
Is Switching from Kindle to E-Ink Tablet Worth It?
Not everything is perfect. If you checked the links above, you noticed E-Ink tablets are more expensive than regular e-readers, since they are so much more richly featured. But they allow you to never buy from Amazon again if you don’t want to, or just reduce their profit as a personal statement by dumping their Kindle device. You can keep your old purchased books and your Unlimited subscription.
It’s up to you to decide, of course. Still, choosing this switch may pay off over time in different ways. You will have a better device to read on and continue discovering wonderful stories while supporting indie authors, which we deeply appreciate.
Prefer the simplicity and price of classic e-readers? See our top 6 affordable picks here.