Surviving a long-haul flight means finding ways to stay entertained without draining your devices. E-readers offer the perfect solution with their lightweight design and incredible battery life. Whether you’re crossing oceans or continents, these seven e-readers will keep you immersed in your favorite books from takeoff to landing.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024)
Flight attendants frequently recommend this reader for its impressive 10-week battery life—no need for mid-flight charging anxiety! The 6.8-inch glare-free display handles harsh cabin lighting beautifully, making reading comfortable even under those annoying overhead spots.
Accidentally spill your complimentary beverage? No problem. The IPX8 waterproof rating means this Paperwhite survives coffee mishaps with ease. At just 205 grams, it’s lighter than many inflight magazines.
The warm light feature reduces blue light exposure, helping you wind down when you’re ready to catch some sleep between chapters.
Standard Amazon Kindle (2022)
Budget-conscious travelers rejoice! This featherweight champion weighs a mere 158 grams—about the same as your passport and boarding pass combined. The surprisingly sharp 300 ppi screen delivers crisp text that rivals pricier models, perfect for those marathon reading sessions when you’re stuck in the middle seat.
USB-C charging means one less cable to pack. Simply use the same charger as your phone or laptop to top up this little powerhouse.
The six-week battery life easily outlasts even the longest round-the-world itineraries. Frequent flyers appreciate its slim profile that slips effortlessly into seat pockets without bulging.
Kobo Clara 2E
Environmentally conscious travelers will appreciate that this compact reader contains recycled plastic—including 85% repurposed ocean-bound waste. The eco-friendly design doesn’t compromise performance, with a crystal-clear 300 ppi display that renders text beautifully even during turbulence.
The Clara 2E’s astonishing 12-week battery life means you could fly around the world multiple times without needing a charge. Its IPX8 waterproofing protects against everything from rain at your destination to accidental spills in the airport lounge.
Library lovers particularly value the built-in OverDrive support, allowing you to borrow books directly without carrying a separate device.
Kobo Libra Colour
Comic book enthusiasts and magazine readers have finally found their perfect travel companion! The Libra Colour’s 7-inch Kaleido 3 display brings vibrant color to your reading experience without the eye strain of traditional tablets. Travel guidebooks come alive with their colorful maps and photos.
Weighing just over 200 grams, this lightweight device won’t add significant bulk to your carry-on. The ergonomic design includes physical page-turn buttons—a godsend when you’re squeezed into economy class with limited elbow room.
The waterproof construction means you can continue reading poolside immediately after landing at your beach destination.
Kindle Scribe
“I finished my novel AND planned my entire itinerary!” raved one frequent flyer about the Scribe’s multitasking capabilities. With its generous 10.2-inch screen and included pen, this device transforms from e-reader to digital notebook in seconds.
The premium front light adjusts automatically to cabin conditions, preventing eye fatigue during those overnight red-eyes. Journal your travel thoughts, annotate business documents, or sketch the landscape visible from your window seat—all on one versatile device.
Despite its larger size, the 12-week battery life ensures you won’t be hunting for outlets in unfamiliar airports. The matte display eliminates glare from those harsh overhead reading lights.
Onyx Boox Palma 2
Imagine an e-reader that slips into your pocket like a smartphone but offers hours of comfortable reading. The phone-sized Palma 2 delivers exactly that convenience, running Android 13 for unprecedented versatility during your journey.
Unlike traditional e-readers, this pocket powerhouse supports audiobooks through Bluetooth headphones—perfect for those moments when you need to rest your eyes but still want to continue your story. The fingerprint unlock feature adds welcome security for travelers concerned about personal information.
Access to Android apps means you can switch between your Kindle library, Libby borrows, and PDF travel documents without changing devices. A true all-in-one for the minimalist traveler.
Boox Note Air3 C
First-class multitaskers swear by this color e-ink tablet that transforms how you work and play at 35,000 feet. The split-screen capability lets you read a novel while keeping your travel itinerary visible—no more switching between apps or devices.
The vibrant color display brings life to everything from destination guides to digital magazines without the eye strain of LCD screens. Extensive note-taking features mean you can jot down travel observations or brainstorm work projects during those productivity-perfect hours above the clouds.
Though larger than pocket-sized options, the slim profile and lightweight design make it worth the space in your personal item. Perfect for business travelers who need to maximize productive flight time.
