The Kindle Colorsoft e-reader is one of the latest releases with its color e-ink display. However, there’s a significant drawback: its price. With a launch price of $299, it’s quite expensive.
Here’s a selection of 3 e-readers that offer nearly the same features but are more budget-friendly.
Onyx Boox Go Color 7
For a few dozen dollars less than the Kindle Colorsoft, you can get the Onyx Boox Go Color 7, which also features the same 7-inch color e-ink screen based on Kaleido 3 technology.
A bonus is that this e-reader runs on an Android system, allowing you to install new reading and productivity applications. You can find a complete review of the Onyx Boox Go Color 7 (including a video) on this page.
See the e-reader Onyx Boox Go Color 7 on Amazon.com.
Kobo Libra Colour
The Kobo Libra Colour also boasts a 7-inch color screen (the same Kaleido 3 technology) as the Kindle Colorsoft.
Essentially, it’s a comparable model with similar features but priced at $70 less.
The standard price is set at $219, and you can sometimes find it for under $200 when there’s a discount.
| Kobo Libra Colour | |
| Image |  |
| Screen size | 7" |
| Resolution | 150 PPI for Color / 300 PPI for B&W |
| Color | Yes |
| Backlight | Yes |
| Waterproof | IPX8 |
| Storage | 32 GB |
| Pen / Stylus | Yes (optional) |
| SD card | No |
| Ebook formats | EPUB, EPUB3, PDF, MOBI, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP, TIFF, TXT, HTML, RTF, CBZ, CBR |
| Blue light filter | Yes |
| Other | Kaleido 3 color screen, Bluetooth, Kobo audio Books |
| Review | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Link (where to buy?) | Check on Amazon.com - Official website Kobo.com |
Pocketbook Verse Pro Color
The Pocketbook Verse Pro Color has a slightly smaller 6-inch color screen, but it allows you to purchase this e-reader for about $180 (again, excluding promotions), which is a significant saving compared to the Kindle…
| Pocketbook Verse Pro Color | |
| Image |  |
| Screen size | 6" |
| Resolution | Black and White : 1072 × 1448 pixels, 300 PPP - Color : 536 × 724 pixels, 150 PPP |
| Color | No |
| Backlight | Yes |
| Waterproof | Yes (IPX8) |
| Storage | 16 GB |
| Pen / Stylus | No |
| SD card | No |
| Ebook formats | ACSM, AZW, AZW3, CBR, CBZ, CHM, DJVU, DOC, DOCX, EPUB(DRM), EPUB, FB2, FB2.ZIP, HTM, HTML, MOBI, PDF (DRM), PDF, PRC, RTF, TXT (+ audio: M4A, M4B, OGG, OGG.ZIP, MP3, MP3.ZIP) |
| Blue light filter | Yes |
| Other | Audiobooks with Bluetooth 5.4, Kaleido 3 color e ink screen |
| Review | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Link (where to buy?) | Amazon.com - Official website |
Bonus: Pocketbook InkPad Color 3
For just a bit more than the Colorsoft, you can get a much better deal with the large-format Pocketbook InkPad Color 3, featuring a 7.8-inch screen.
This e-reader costs $319 without discount, but you can often find discounts by checking this page and reading the instructions carefully.
Additionally, this e-reader offers a text-to-speech feature with a speaker (also useful for listening to audiobooks).
So, even though the InkPad Color 3 isn’t necessarily cheaper than the Colorsoft, I felt it was worth mentioning in case you missed it during your search.
| Pocketbook InkPad Color 3 | |
| Image |  |
| Screen size | 7.8" |
| Resolution | 1404 x 1872 pixels (greyscale) 702 x 936 pixels (color) |
| Color | Yes |
| Backlight | Yes |
| Waterproof | IPX8 |
| Storage | 32 GB |
| Pen / Stylus | No |
| SD card | No |
| Ebook formats | EPUB, PDF, FB2, FB2.ZIP, TXT, DJVU, HTM, HTML, DOC, DOCX, RTF, CHM, TCR, PRC (MOBI), JPEG, BMP, PNG, TIFF + audio : M4A, M4B, OGG, OGG.ZIP, MP3, MP3.ZIP |
| Blue light filter | Yes |
| Other | Color screen : E Ink Kaleido™ 3 color screen capable of displaying 4096 colors. Text-to-speech and audiobooks support. |
| Review | One of the best color e-reader with the last Kaleido 3 color technology ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Link (where to buy?) | Amazon.com - Official website |
What Are the Benefits of the E-Ink Screens on These E-Readers?
As you can see, these e-readers are relatively expensive compared to other devices. The reason is straightforward: they utilize color e-ink screens, which offer numerous advantages over other types of electronic displays:
- Less Eye Strain: E-ink screens resemble paper, making them more comfortable for long reading sessions.
- Read in Direct Sunlight: You can read on these screens even in bright sunlight without losing image quality.
- Low Energy Consumption: These screens use very little power, allowing the battery to last longer (several weeks with 2 hours of daily reading).
- Better Visual Comfort: These screens don’t emit blue light unless their backlight is used (which I recommend avoiding), reducing eye fatigue.
- Extended Battery Life: Devices with these screens can operate for several weeks without needing a recharge.
If you’re in the market for an e-reader, don’t forget to check out the buying guide on the site.
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