Six Recommended E-Readers for Books on the Beach
Our selection of top e-readers for your next novel in the sunshine
Kaspars Grinvalds / Shutterstock
The crashing of waves, the warmth of the sun, and the occasional salty breeze create the perfect backdrop for getting lost in a great book. But let’s be real—paperbacks can be a pain. Sand sneaks into the spine, pages curl with humidity, and if you drop one in the water, it’s game over. That’s where e-readers shine. They’re lightweight, waterproof (well, some of them), and can store thousands of books in one sleek device.
If you’re serious about reading on the beach, you need an e-reader that won’t leave you squinting, worrying about battery life, or frantically drying it off after an accidental dip. Here are six of the best e-readers that will turn your next beach trip into a literary escape.
1. Kindle Paperwhite (11th Generation)
Amazon has perfected the e-reader formula with the Kindle Paperwhite. The latest model features a 6.8-inch glare-free display with adjustable warm lighting, meaning you can read comfortably in bright sunlight without eye strain.
More importantly, it’s fully waterproof (IPX8), so you don’t have to panic if it takes a dive into the ocean or gets splashed by an overly enthusiastic beachgoer. With weeks of battery life and access to Amazon’s massive Kindle library, it’s hard to go wrong with this one.
2. Kobo Libra
For those who prefer an alternative to Amazon’s ecosystem, the Kobo Libra 2 is an excellent pick. It has a 7-inch E Ink Carta 1200 display, making text sharp and clear, even under direct sunlight.
Like the Paperwhite, it’s waterproof and features an adjustable warm light for evening reading. What sets it apart is its support for multiple file formats, including EPUB, meaning you can load books from various sources without being tied to Amazon. Bonus: it also supports OverDrive, allowing you to borrow e-books from your local library effortlessly.
3. Kindle
If you’re looking for a solid beach read experience, the OG Kindle in its latest form is worth the money. With a 6-inch display and bright display, it’s a great all-rounder.
The screen offers crisp text and adaptive lighting that automatically adjusts to your surroundings. Plus, you can get a whopping six weeks of use out of a single charge, so you probably won’t have to lug the cable around.
4. Onyx Boox Poke 5
If you want an e-reader with a bit more versatility, the Onyx Boox Poke 5 is a fascinating option. This Android-based e-reader allows you to install third-party apps, including Kindle, Kobo, and other reading platforms.
Its 6-inch E Ink display is sharp, and while it’s not waterproof, it offers the most customization of any device on this list. If you don’t mind being extra careful around water, this is a great choice for tech-savvy bookworms who want more than just a dedicated e-reader.
5. Kobo Clara 2E
Compact, eco-friendly, and perfect for travel, the Kobo Clara 2E is a budget-friendly yet powerful e-reader. It has a 6-inch glare-free screen, warm light adjustment, and—yes—it’s waterproof.
What makes it stand out is its construction; it’s made from 85% recycled plastic, making it a solid pick for environmentally conscious readers. Like the Libra 2, it supports EPUB and library borrowing, giving you more freedom in choosing where to get your books.
6. PocketBook InkPad Color 2
Sometimes, black-and-white text just doesn’t cut it. If you love graphic novels, comics, or color-rich magazines, the PocketBook InkPad Color 2 is the e-reader for you. Featuring a 7.8-inch color E Ink display, it brings illustrations to life while still maintaining the eye-friendly benefits of e-paper. It’s also waterproof, so you can enjoy a more vivid reading experience without worrying about accidental splashes.
What to Look for in a Beach-Friendly E-Reader
Not all e-readers are made equal, and when you’re reading on the beach, certain features make a huge difference. A glare-free screen is essential; even the best LCD tablets will be unreadable in direct sunlight.
Waterproofing (IPX8) is another must-have if you want to avoid ruining your device with a little water exposure. Battery life matters too—you don’t want to hunt for a charger after just a few hours. And if you’re someone who likes borrowing e-books, make sure your e-reader supports library services like OverDrive.
The Verdict
The Kindle Paperwhite remains the best overall choice for most beach readers, thanks to its balance of price, performance, and waterproofing. If you prefer to avoid Amazon, the Kobo Libra 2 is a fantastic alternative with broader format support.
For those who want the best of the best, the Kindle Oasis delivers a luxurious reading experience. And if you’re into comics or colorful content, the PocketBook InkPad Color 2 is a unique option that brings a splash of vibrancy to your beach bag.
No matter which e-reader you choose, the right one will make your beach days even better. Just don’t forget the sunscreen—you don’t want to turn as red as the drama in your latest thriller.
Read Next
