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- Best overall: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 16GB (2024 model)
- Best budget: Amazon Kindle 16GB (2024 model)
- Best premium: Kobo Sage 32GB
- Best for travel: Kobo Clara BW 16GB
- Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 16GB (2024 model) is the best all-around pick for Amazon readers, with a 7-inch, 300-ppi display.
- Kobo Clara BW 16GB is a compact, waterproof choice for readers who want broad ebook-format support.
- Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition 32GB and Kobo Libra Colour 32GB are the color-screen options in this guide.
- Choose an e-reader based on library compatibility, screen size, buttons and storage—not on screen resolution alone.
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 16GB (2024 model) and Kobo Clara BW 16GB are the strongest matches for readers comparing mainstream black-and-white e-readers for Black Friday 2026. We researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to identify the differences that matter most: screen size, waterproofing, file support and access to ebook stores.
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite offers a larger 7-inch screen and a close connection to Amazon’s Kindle library. The Kobo Clara BW has a smaller 6-inch display, physical waterproofing and support for more open ebook formats. My pick for most people is the Kindle Paperwhite for its larger screen; readers who value compact size and format flexibility should look closely at Kobo. The alternatives below cover color screens, page-turn buttons and large-format reading.
How We Picked
- Compared screen size, resolution, lighting features and water-resistance ratings using manufacturer specifications.
- Considered ebook-store access, library borrowing and supported file formats for readers with different collections.
- Checked storage capacity, page-turn controls, color display options and note-taking features.
- Reviewed owner feedback and product documentation to identify practical trade-offs for reading at home and on the go.
- Selected distinct use cases so the product list includes compact, premium, color and large-screen options.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Screen | Storage | Water resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 16GB (2024 model) | Amazon readers who want a larger screen | 7 in; 300 ppi | 16GB | IPX8 |
| Kobo Clara BW 16GB | Compact reading and open formats | 6 in; 300 ppi | 16GB | IPX8 |
| Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition 32GB (2024 model) | More storage and automatic lighting | 7 in; 300 ppi | 32GB | IPX8 |
| Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition 32GB | Color Kindle reading | 7 in; 300 ppi black and white | 32GB | IPX8 |
| Amazon Kindle 16GB (2024 model) | Simple, lightweight Kindle reading | 6 in; 300 ppi | 16GB | Not waterproof |
| Kobo Libra Colour 32GB | Color reading with page-turn buttons | 7 in; 300 ppi black and white | 32GB | IPX8 |
| Kobo Sage 32GB | Large monochrome reading with buttons | 8 in; 300 ppi | 32GB | IPX8 |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 16GB (2024 model)
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 16GB (2024 model) is the best e-reader for most Amazon readers, with a 7-inch, 300-ppi display and IPX8 waterproofing. The larger screen suits long reading sessions, while the adjustable warm light supports comfortable evening reading.
Best for: Amazon Kindle readers who want a larger waterproof screen
- Display
- 7 inches; 300 ppi
- Storage
- 16GB
- Water resistance
- IPX8
- Lighting
- Adjustable warm light
- Large, sharp monochrome display
- Waterproof design
- Easy access to Kindle books and services
- Kindle ecosystem is less open to sideloaded ebook formats
- No physical page-turn buttons
Is the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 16GB (2024 model) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 16GB (2024 model) is a strong Black Friday 2026 pick for Amazon readers who want a waterproof e-reader with a large, crisp screen. The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 16GB (2024 model)'s 7-inch display and warm-light adjustment make it well suited to long reading sessions.
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#2
Kobo Clara BW 16GB
The Kobo Clara BW 16GB is the best compact e-reader for readers who value open formats, with a 6-inch, 300-ppi Carta 1300 screen. IPX8 waterproofing and Kobo’s adjustable ComfortLight PRO make it a capable everyday reading companion.
Best for: Readers seeking a small waterproof reader and broad format support
- Display
- 6 inches; 300 ppi
- Storage
- 16GB
- Water resistance
- IPX8
- Screen technology
- Carta 1300
- Compact and easy to carry
- Supports EPUB and other common formats
- Waterproof body and adjustable front light
- Smaller display than Kindle Paperwhite
- No physical page-turn buttons
Is the Kobo Clara BW 16GB worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Kobo Clara BW 16GB is a worthwhile Black Friday 2026 choice for readers who want a pocket-friendly waterproof e-reader and broader ebook-format support. The Kobo Clara BW 16GB's 6-inch, 300-ppi display keeps text sharp while making the device easy to pack.
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#3
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition 32GB (2024 model)
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition 32GB (2024 model) is the best upgrade for readers who want premium convenience, with 32GB of storage and a 7-inch, 300-ppi screen. Wireless charging and an auto-adjusting front light distinguish it from the standard Paperwhite.
Best for: Frequent Kindle readers who want extra storage and automatic lighting
- Display
- 7 inches; 300 ppi
- Storage
- 32GB
- Water resistance
- IPX8
- Lighting
- Auto-adjusting front light
- Twice the storage of the standard model
- Automatic brightness adjustment
- Wireless charging support
- Extra features matter less to readers with small libraries
- No physical page-turn buttons
Is the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition 32GB (2024 model) worth buying?
Yes. The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition 32GB (2024 model) suits readers who want more room for books and convenience features. The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition 32GB (2024 model)'s 32GB capacity, wireless charging and auto-adjusting front light make it a more feature-rich choice than the standard Paperwhite.
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#4
Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition 32GB
The Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition 32GB is the best color Kindle for readers of illustrated books, with a 7-inch display that reaches 300 ppi in black and white. The Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition 32GB's color screen renders images and covers in color while retaining Kindle-library integration.
Best for: Kindle readers who want color book covers and illustrations
- Display
- 7 inches; 300 ppi black and white
- Color resolution
- 150 ppi
- Storage
- 32GB
- Water resistance
- IPX8
- Color display for covers and illustrations
- 32GB storage
- Waterproof design
- Color detail is lower resolution than black-and-white text
- A monochrome reader is simpler for text-only books
Is the Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition 32GB worth buying?
Yes, for Kindle readers who regularly read illustrated books, comics or magazines. The Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition 32GB pairs a 7-inch color screen with 32GB of storage and waterproofing, while standard text remains sharp at 300 ppi in black and white.
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#5
Amazon Kindle 16GB (2024 model)
The Amazon Kindle 16GB (2024 model) is the best basic pick for readers who want a light, straightforward e-reader, with a 6-inch, 300-ppi screen. The Amazon Kindle 16GB (2024 model)'s compact design and access to the Kindle store cover essential reading needs without premium-model extras.
Best for: Readers who want a simple, lightweight Kindle
- Display
- 6 inches; 300 ppi
- Storage
- 16GB
- Lighting
- Adjustable front light
- Water resistance
- Not rated waterproof
- Compact and easy to hold
- Sharp 300-ppi text
- Straightforward access to Kindle books
- Not waterproof
- Smaller screen than Paperwhite models
Is the Amazon Kindle 16GB (2024 model) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Amazon Kindle 16GB (2024 model) is a sensible Black Friday 2026 pick for readers who want a light device focused on ebooks. The Amazon Kindle 16GB (2024 model)'s 6-inch, 300-ppi display keeps text crisp, though readers who need waterproofing should choose a Paperwhite or Kobo Clara BW.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6
Kobo Libra Colour 32GB
The Kobo Libra Colour 32GB is the best color e-reader for readers who want physical page-turn buttons, with a 7-inch screen and 32GB of storage. The color display and stylus compatibility add flexibility for illustrated reading and supported annotations.
Best for: Readers who want color, buttons and Kobo format support
- Display
- 7 inches; 300 ppi black and white
- Color resolution
- 150 ppi
- Storage
- 32GB
- Water resistance
- IPX8
- Physical page-turn buttons
- Color display and stylus support
- Waterproof design with broad format support
- Color details appear less sharp than monochrome text
- Larger body than compact Kobo models
Is the Kobo Libra Colour 32GB worth buying?
Yes. The Kobo Libra Colour 32GB is a good fit for readers who want color content, physical page-turn buttons and Kobo’s format flexibility. The Kobo Libra Colour 32GB's 7-inch screen combines 300-ppi black-and-white text with 150-ppi color, plus waterproofing and stylus compatibility.
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#7
Kobo Sage 32GB
The Kobo Sage 32GB is the best large-screen Kobo for readers who want roomier pages and buttons, with an 8-inch, 300-ppi display. Waterproofing, ComfortLight PRO and stylus compatibility make it a flexible upgrade for books and supported notes.
Best for: Readers who prefer a large monochrome screen and page-turn buttons
- Display
- 8 inches; 300 ppi
- Storage
- 32GB
- Water resistance
- IPX8
- Controls
- Physical page-turn buttons
- Large, sharp monochrome display
- Physical page-turn buttons
- Waterproof and stylus compatible
- Less compact than Clara BW
- Premium features exceed basic ebook needs
Is the Kobo Sage 32GB worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Kobo Sage 32GB is worth considering for readers who value an 8-inch screen, page-turn buttons and Kobo format support. The Kobo Sage 32GB's 300-ppi display and IPX8 waterproofing make it a strong large-format option for reading at home or away.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
Which is better, Kindle Paperwhite or Kobo Clara BW?
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 16GB (2024 model) is better for readers invested in Amazon, while the Kobo Clara BW 16GB is better for compact reading and open ebook formats. Both offer 300-ppi text and IPX8 waterproofing, but their screens differ by 1 inch.
Choose the Kindle Paperwhite if a larger display, Kindle-store integration and adjustable warm light matter most. Choose the Kobo Clara BW if a smaller body, EPUB support and Kobo’s reading ecosystem fit your library. Neither is a universal winner: the right choice depends on where your books come from and how you read.
Readers who already own many Kindle purchases should prioritize account compatibility. Readers who collect EPUB files or borrow through supported library services should examine Kobo’s format and borrowing options before choosing.
Which e-reader has the better screen and reading comfort?
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 16GB (2024 model) has a 7-inch, 300-ppi monochrome screen, while the Kobo Clara BW 16GB has a 6-inch, 300-ppi screen. Both deliver crisp text, so screen size and handling are the key differences rather than pixel density.
A larger screen displays more text per page and gives adjustable font sizes more room. A smaller screen is easier to carry and hold in one hand. Both models include front lighting, and each is rated IPX8 for water resistance.
Color models serve a separate purpose. The Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition 32GB and Kobo Libra Colour 32GB show color images, but their 150-ppi color resolution is lower than their black-and-white text resolution. Choose color for illustrations, not as an automatic upgrade for novels.
Are Kindle and Kobo books compatible with each other?
Amazon Kindle and Kobo book libraries use different store ecosystems, so purchased ebooks do not transfer freely between the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite and Kobo Clara BW. Check the source and format of an existing library before selecting a device.
The Amazon Kindle range is most convenient for books purchased through Amazon and content managed in a Kindle account. Kobo devices support common formats such as EPUB, which helps readers with personal ebook collections and compatible library loans. Digital-rights restrictions still apply to some files and purchases.
For a household with books in both stores, compare the titles that matter most and confirm device compatibility before buying. A library’s borrowing service and an ebook’s format can affect access even when the reader supports that file type.
Which Kindle or Kobo is best for travel?
The Kobo Clara BW 16GB is the best travel pick here for readers who want a compact, waterproof 6-inch device. The Amazon Kindle 16GB (2024 model) is another lightweight option, but it is not rated waterproof.
Frequent travelers should consider screen size, water resistance, battery charging and the books available offline. The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 16GB (2024 model) is larger but remains waterproof, making it a balanced choice for trips that include reading near water.
Readers who want page-turn buttons on the move can consider the Kobo Libra Colour 32GB or Kobo Sage 32GB. Both offer physical controls, but their larger bodies take up more space than a Clara BW.
What should shoppers compare for Black Friday 2026?
The best Black Friday 2026 e-reader choice depends on the model’s features and fit, not a headline alone. Compare the exact version, storage, screen size, lighting and water rating before deciding between the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite and Kobo Clara BW.
Check whether a listing is for the standard Kindle Paperwhite or the Signature Edition: storage and convenience features differ. Color versions also have lower color resolution than monochrome text. Match the model name and specifications to the use case you want.
A practical shortlist is simple: Kindle Paperwhite for Amazon readers, Kobo Clara BW for a compact open-format reader, Kindle Colorsoft or Kobo Libra Colour for color, and Kobo Sage for a larger screen with buttons. Skip it if the upgrade adds features you will not use.
Buying Guide
Start with your ebook library
Choose the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 16GB (2024 model) for a library centered on Kindle purchases. Choose the Kobo Clara BW 16GB when EPUB support and Kobo’s ecosystem better match your books. Confirm library-loan compatibility before ordering.
Match the screen to your reading
A 6-inch screen keeps the Kobo Clara BW 16GB portable; a 7-inch Kindle Paperwhite gives text more room. Pick an 8-inch Kobo Sage 32GB for a larger monochrome page, or choose color when illustrations matter.
Decide whether waterproofing matters
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 16GB (2024 model), Kobo Clara BW 16GB and Kobo Sage 32GB carry IPX8 ratings. The Amazon Kindle 16GB (2024 model) is not waterproof, so it is better suited to dry reading environments.
Choose storage for your collection
The 16GB models suit typical ebook collections, while 32GB versions provide more room for audiobooks, comics or large libraries. Compare your content habits before paying attention to extra storage.
Look beyond the device name
Check whether the listing names a standard or Signature Edition, and confirm screen size, storage and included accessories. A stylus-compatible Kobo is not automatically a better choice if note-taking is not part of your routine.
FAQ
Kindle Paperwhite vs Kobo Clara BW: which should I buy?
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 16GB (2024 model) is the better fit for Amazon readers who want a larger screen. The Kobo Clara BW 16GB is the better fit for compact reading and support for EPUB and other common formats. Both have 300-ppi screens and IPX8 waterproofing.
Is Kobo Clara BW better than Kindle Paperwhite for EPUB?
Yes. The Kobo Clara BW 16GB supports EPUB and other common ebook formats, making it more convenient for readers with compatible personal files. The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 16GB (2024 model) is strongest for books in an Amazon Kindle library. File protections still affect access.
Is the Kindle Paperwhite waterproof?
Yes. The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 16GB (2024 model) has an IPX8 water-resistance rating. The Kobo Clara BW 16GB also carries an IPX8 rating, while the Amazon Kindle 16GB (2024 model) is not rated waterproof. Follow manufacturer care guidance around water.
Which e-reader has a larger screen, Kindle Paperwhite or Kobo Clara BW?
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 16GB (2024 model) has the larger screen at 7 inches. The Kobo Clara BW 16GB has a 6-inch screen. Both screens have 300 ppi, so the Kindle’s advantage is more page area rather than higher text resolution.
Is a color e-reader worth it for novels?
For text-only novels, the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 16GB (2024 model) or Kobo Clara BW 16GB is a focused choice with sharp monochrome text. Color models such as the Kobo Libra Colour 32GB are more useful for comics, illustrated books and magazines.