As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- Best overall: PocketBook InkPad Color 3 32GB e-Reader
- Best budget: PocketBook InkPad 4 32GB e-Reader
- Best premium: Onyx BOOX Nova Air 2 32GB e-Reader
- Best for travel: Onyx BOOX Go Color 7 64GB e-Reader
- PocketBook InkPad Color 3 is the strongest match for readers who want color pages, physical page buttons and a waterproof build.
- Onyx BOOX Nova Air 2 is the better fit for Android apps, handwriting and a monochrome screen.
- PocketBook InkPad 4 favors distraction-free reading with a sharp 7.8-inch monochrome display.
- Onyx BOOX Go Color 7 and BOOX Page offer compact 7-inch options with expandable storage.
- Choose by screen type and software first; compare Black Friday 2026 listings for the exact model and storage.
The PocketBook InkPad Color 3 and Onyx BOOX Nova Air C are 7.8-inch color e-readers, while the PocketBook InkPad 4 and Onyx BOOX Nova Air 2 focus on monochrome reading. For Black Friday 2026, the best choice depends on whether color, Android apps, note-taking or simple book reading matters most. We researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to identify the models that make the clearest buying choices.
My pick for most people who want color is the PocketBook InkPad Color 3: its waterproof design and broad file-format support suit reading outside a single store ecosystem. Choose the Onyx BOOX Nova Air 2 instead for Android flexibility and a stylus-oriented workflow. The comparison also includes smaller BOOX alternatives and other InkPad models, so readers can match screen size and features to their habits rather than buying by brand alone.
How We Picked
- Display: compared screen size, monochrome sharpness and color-screen resolution for books, comics and documents.
- Software: weighed PocketBook’s reader-focused system against the Android app access available on BOOX devices.
- Reading comfort: considered physical page buttons, front lighting, weight and portability based on specifications and owner feedback.
- Practical features: checked storage, supported formats, waterproofing and note-taking functions where listed by the manufacturer.
- Black Friday usefulness: favored distinct options that are easy to compare by purpose, without relying on temporary listing claims.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Screen size and type | Resolution | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PocketBook InkPad Color 3 32GB e-Reader | Color reading and waterproof everyday use | 7.8-inch Kaleido 3 color | 300 dpi monochrome; 150 dpi color | 32GB |
| PocketBook InkPad 4 32GB e-Reader | Sharp monochrome reading | 7.8-inch Carta 1200 monochrome | 300 dpi | 32GB |
| PocketBook InkPad Color 2 16GB e-Reader | Color books and comics | 7.8-inch Kaleido Plus color | 300 dpi monochrome; 100 dpi color | 16GB |
| Onyx BOOX Nova Air C 32GB e-Reader | Color reading with Android apps | 7.8-inch Kaleido Plus color | 300 dpi monochrome; 100 dpi color | 32GB |
| Onyx BOOX Nova Air 2 32GB e-Reader | Android reading apps and notes | 7.8-inch Carta monochrome | 300 dpi | 32GB |
| Onyx BOOX Go Color 7 64GB e-Reader | Portable color reading | 7-inch Kaleido 3 color | 300 dpi monochrome; 150 dpi color | 64GB plus microSD |
| Onyx BOOX Page 32GB e-Reader | Compact monochrome reading | 7-inch Carta 1200 monochrome | 300 dpi | 32GB |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
PocketBook InkPad Color 3 32GB e-Reader
The PocketBook InkPad Color 3 32GB e-Reader is the best color InkPad for readers who want a waterproof screen, with a 7.8-inch display and 32GB of storage. The PocketBook InkPad Color 3 32GB e-Reader's color E Ink display suits illustrated books, comics and highlighted passages.
Best for: Color reading and waterproof everyday use
- Screen
- 7.8-inch E Ink Kaleido 3
- Resolution
- 300 dpi monochrome; 150 dpi color
- Storage
- 32GB
- Water resistance
- IPX8
- Color display for comics and illustrated pages
- Waterproof design
- Supports a wide range of book formats
- Color details look less sharp than monochrome text
Is the PocketBook InkPad Color 3 32GB e-Reader worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The PocketBook InkPad Color 3 32GB e-Reader is worth considering for color reading, waterproofing and broad file support. The PocketBook InkPad Color 3 32GB e-Reader's 7.8-inch Kaleido 3 screen displays monochrome text at 300 dpi and color content at 150 dpi.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#2
PocketBook InkPad 4 32GB e-Reader
The PocketBook InkPad 4 32GB e-Reader is the best monochrome InkPad for readers who value sharp text and a large page, with a 7.8-inch display. The 300 dpi screen and waterproof design make it a straightforward dedicated reader.
Best for: Sharp monochrome reading
- Screen
- 7.8-inch E Ink Carta 1200
- Resolution
- 300 dpi
- Storage
- 32GB
- Water resistance
- IPX8
- Crisp monochrome text
- Waterproof construction
- Large screen for novels and documents
- No color display for illustrated reading
Is the PocketBook InkPad 4 32GB e-Reader worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The PocketBook InkPad 4 32GB e-Reader is a strong choice for readers who want a roomy, sharp monochrome screen without a color layer. The PocketBook InkPad 4 32GB e-Reader's 7.8-inch, 300 dpi display and IPX8 water resistance suit focused reading at home or away.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#3
PocketBook InkPad Color 2 16GB e-Reader
The PocketBook InkPad Color 2 16GB e-Reader is the best older-style color InkPad for readers who want illustrated pages in a familiar 7.8-inch format. The PocketBook InkPad Color 2 16GB e-Reader's Kaleido Plus screen offers 300 dpi monochrome and 100 dpi color resolution.
Best for: Color books and comics on a simpler reader
- Screen
- 7.8-inch E Ink Kaleido Plus
- Resolution
- 300 dpi monochrome; 100 dpi color
- Storage
- 16GB
- Water resistance
- IPX8
- Color screen for graphic reading
- Water-resistant body
- PocketBook file-format support
- Color resolution is lower than the InkPad Color 3
Is the PocketBook InkPad Color 2 16GB e-Reader worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The PocketBook InkPad Color 2 16GB e-Reader suits readers who want a color screen for comics and illustrated titles in a dedicated e-reader. The PocketBook InkPad Color 2 16GB e-Reader's 7.8-inch display keeps ordinary text at 300 dpi, while color content is 100 dpi.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#4
Onyx BOOX Nova Air C 32GB e-Reader
The Onyx BOOX Nova Air C 32GB e-Reader is the best color BOOX for readers who want Android apps and stylus input, with a 7.8-inch display. The Onyx BOOX Nova Air C 32GB e-Reader's Android software adds more reading-app choice than a closed, reader-only system.
Best for: Color reading with Android apps and handwriting
- Screen
- 7.8-inch E Ink Kaleido Plus
- Resolution
- 300 dpi monochrome; 100 dpi color
- Storage
- 32GB
- Operating system
- Android 11
- Android app flexibility
- Stylus support for notes
- Color display for illustrated content
- More settings and software choices to manage
Is the Onyx BOOX Nova Air C 32GB e-Reader worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Onyx BOOX Nova Air C 32GB e-Reader is worth considering for readers who want color E Ink alongside Android apps and stylus support. The Onyx BOOX Nova Air C 32GB e-Reader's 7.8-inch Kaleido Plus screen delivers 300 dpi monochrome and 100 dpi color resolution.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#5
Onyx BOOX Nova Air 2 32GB e-Reader
The Onyx BOOX Nova Air 2 32GB e-Reader is the best monochrome Nova for readers who use apps and take notes, with a 7.8-inch, 300 dpi screen. Android and stylus compatibility make it more versatile than a basic e-reader.
Best for: Android reading apps and handwritten notes
- Screen
- 7.8-inch E Ink Carta
- Resolution
- 300 dpi
- Storage
- 32GB
- Operating system
- Android 11
- Sharp monochrome reading
- Android app support
- Stylus-friendly note-taking
- Less simple to configure than a dedicated reader
Is the Onyx BOOX Nova Air 2 32GB e-Reader worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Onyx BOOX Nova Air 2 32GB e-Reader is a good fit for readers who want a sharp monochrome screen with Android apps and handwriting tools. The Onyx BOOX Nova Air 2 32GB e-Reader's 7.8-inch display runs at 300 dpi, making text clear across books and documents.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6
Onyx BOOX Go Color 7 64GB e-Reader
The Onyx BOOX Go Color 7 64GB e-Reader is the best compact color alternative for readers who want Android apps, with a 7-inch Kaleido 3 screen. The Onyx BOOX Go Color 7 64GB e-Reader's 64GB storage and microSD expansion offer room for a substantial library.
Best for: Portable color reading and app access
- Screen
- 7-inch E Ink Kaleido 3
- Resolution
- 300 dpi monochrome; 150 dpi color
- Storage
- 64GB plus microSD expansion
- Operating system
- Android 12
- Compact 7-inch color display
- Android app access
- Expandable storage
- Smaller reading area than 7.8-inch models
Is the Onyx BOOX Go Color 7 64GB e-Reader worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Onyx BOOX Go Color 7 64GB e-Reader is worth a look for travel and color reading in a smaller format. The Onyx BOOX Go Color 7 64GB e-Reader's 7-inch Kaleido 3 screen and Android software pair app flexibility with microSD storage expansion.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7
Onyx BOOX Page 32GB e-Reader
The Onyx BOOX Page 32GB e-Reader is the best compact monochrome BOOX for readers who want Android without a larger tablet-style body, with a 7-inch screen. The Onyx BOOX Page 32GB e-Reader's 300 dpi display and page buttons suit one-handed reading.
Best for: Compact monochrome reading with page buttons
- Screen
- 7-inch E Ink Carta 1200
- Resolution
- 300 dpi
- Storage
- 32GB
- Operating system
- Android 11
- Compact size for commuting
- Physical page-turn buttons
- Android app support
- Smaller screen than the InkPad and Nova Air models
Is the Onyx BOOX Page 32GB e-Reader worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Onyx BOOX Page 32GB e-Reader is a strong compact option for readers who prefer monochrome text, physical page buttons and Android apps. The Onyx BOOX Page 32GB e-Reader's 7-inch, 300 dpi screen is smaller than a Nova Air or InkPad display.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
Which is better, PocketBook InkPad or Onyx BOOX Nova?
The PocketBook InkPad Color 3 and Onyx BOOX Nova Air C both use 7.8-inch color E Ink screens, but their software makes them different buys. PocketBook emphasizes book reading, file compatibility and simple access to library content. BOOX runs Android, giving readers more options for reading apps and other compatible tools.
Choose the InkPad Color 3 for a straightforward reader with IPX8 water resistance and Kaleido 3 color. Choose the Nova Air C when app flexibility and stylus input matter more than a simpler interface. For monochrome use, compare the InkPad 4 with the Nova Air 2: both have 7.8-inch, 300 dpi displays, while the Nova Air 2 adds Android and note-taking capabilities.
Is a color InkPad or monochrome Nova better for reading?
The PocketBook InkPad Color 3 and Onyx BOOX Nova Air C suit color pages, while the PocketBook InkPad 4 and Onyx BOOX Nova Air 2 suit crisp monochrome text. Color E Ink is useful for comics, charts, covers and highlighted passages, but its color resolution is lower than its monochrome resolution.
For novels and text-heavy documents, a 300 dpi monochrome screen keeps small lettering sharp and avoids paying for a color layer in terms of screen performance. For mixed libraries, the InkPad Color 3 combines color with a dedicated reading experience; the Nova Air C brings Android apps into the same category. Match screen type to the content read most often.
Which e-reader is better for apps and note-taking?
The Onyx BOOX Nova Air 2 and Nova Air C are stronger app-and-note choices than the PocketBook InkPad 4 and InkPad Color 3 because they use Android and support stylus input. That flexibility works well for readers who switch between book services, PDFs and handwritten annotations.
PocketBook models are easier to approach as dedicated e-readers, with broad file-format support and fewer tablet-like decisions. A Nova model makes more sense when app choice is part of the daily workflow; the InkPad is the simpler fit when reading books is the main task. Review stylus inclusion and app compatibility on the specific listing before choosing.
Which screen size is best for travel?
The 7-inch Onyx BOOX Go Color 7 and Onyx BOOX Page are easier to carry than the 7.8-inch InkPad and Nova Air models. The smaller display gives up some page area but suits commuters, bags and one-handed reading.
Pick the Go Color 7 for portable comics and color pages, or the Page for monochrome books and physical page buttons. Readers who spend more time with PDFs, large print or illustrated books benefit from the 7.8-inch formats. Weight and case dimensions vary by configuration, so check the maker’s specifications when travel size is a priority.
What should shoppers compare before Black Friday 2026?
The PocketBook InkPad Color 3, PocketBook InkPad 4 and Onyx BOOX Nova models are easiest to compare by display, software and storage before checking a Black Friday 2026 listing. Confirm the precise model name because InkPad Color 2, InkPad Color 3 and BOOX Nova Air C use different color-screen generations.
Check that the listing states the expected storage, included accessories and seller warranty. A stylus-focused BOOX model and a waterproof InkPad serve different needs, even when the screen size looks similar. Compare the model’s feature list with the manufacturer’s specifications, then choose based on everyday use instead of a headline or a bundle name.
Buying Guide
Choose color or monochrome first
Select color E Ink for comics, charts and illustrated books. Choose monochrome for text-heavy reading and crisp 300 dpi lettering. The PocketBook InkPad Color 3 and BOOX Go Color 7 deliver newer Kaleido 3 color, while the InkPad 4 and BOOX Page focus on black-and-white reading.
Decide how much software flexibility you need
PocketBook suits readers who want a dedicated e-reader with support for many file formats. BOOX Android models suit readers who want more app choices and compatible productivity tools. Additional flexibility also brings more settings to manage, so prioritize apps only when they fit your reading routine.
Match screen size to your books
A 7-inch reader is easier to pack and handle on a commute. A 7.8-inch display gives larger pages for PDFs, graphic books and comfortable text layouts. Compare the BOOX Page or Go Color 7 with the larger InkPad and Nova Air models according to the material you read most.
Check water resistance and buttons
Water resistance is useful for reading near a bath or pool; the PocketBook InkPad Color 3 and InkPad 4 list IPX8 protection. Physical page buttons can make one-handed reading easier, while touch controls keep the front simpler. Verify the feature on the exact model listing.
Confirm storage and included accessories
Compare listed internal storage with library size and file types. The BOOX Go Color 7 supports microSD expansion, while other models rely on their built-in capacity. Check whether a stylus or protective cover is included, especially when note-taking or travel protection is part of the plan.
FAQ
PocketBook InkPad vs Onyx BOOX Nova: which is better for Black Friday 2026?
The PocketBook InkPad Color 3 is the better fit for a dedicated color reader with IPX8 water resistance, while the Onyx BOOX Nova Air C suits readers who want Android apps and stylus input. For monochrome books, compare the InkPad 4 with the Nova Air 2.
Is the PocketBook InkPad Color 3 better than the BOOX Nova Air C?
The PocketBook InkPad Color 3 is better for straightforward reading, broad file support and waterproofing. The Onyx BOOX Nova Air C is better for Android apps and stylus-based notes. Both have 7.8-inch color screens, so software and workflow are the key differences.
Is the PocketBook InkPad 4 worth buying instead of a BOOX Nova Air 2?
The PocketBook InkPad 4 is a strong choice for a simple waterproof reader with a 7.8-inch, 300 dpi monochrome screen. The Onyx BOOX Nova Air 2 is a better match for readers who need Android apps and stylus note-taking on a similarly sized display.
Which BOOX e-reader is best for travel?
The Onyx BOOX Page is a good travel pick for monochrome reading, while the Onyx BOOX Go Color 7 adds color in the same 7-inch class. Both are more compact than the 7.8-inch Nova Air models and InkPad e-readers.
Is color E Ink good for comics and illustrated books?
Color E Ink is useful for comics, illustrated books, charts and book covers, though color details are less sharp than monochrome text. The PocketBook InkPad Color 3 and Onyx BOOX Go Color 7 use Kaleido 3 with 150 dpi color resolution.
What should I check when buying an e-reader on Black Friday 2026?
Check the exact model, screen generation, storage, water resistance and included accessories before choosing. PocketBook InkPad Color 2 and Color 3 have different color-screen specifications, while BOOX Nova models differ in display type, Android version and intended workflow.