If you love to read, there’s never been a better time to own an e-book reader. In 2025, these devices have truly changed the way we enjoy books, giving us an entire library that fits right in our hands. Thanks to big leaps in display quality, battery life, and wireless connectivity, e-book readers have become must-haves for bookworms, students, and professionals alike. Whether you’re getting lost in a novel or tackling a dense textbook, knowing what today’s e-readers can do—and which file types they support—can make your reading experience even better. Let’s dive into the latest trends and formats to look out for!
The Evolution of E-Book Readers
E-book readers have come a long way since they first hit the shelves. Today’s top models—like the Kindle, Kobo, and new options from Rakuten and PocketBook—feature crisp, high-res E Ink screens, adjustable lighting, and even waterproof designs. In 2025, there’s a big focus on sustainability, with more devices made from eco-friendly materials, and lots of ways to personalize your reading experience, from custom fonts to layout tweaks. Fast wireless syncing (thanks to 5G) and smart home integration are also on the rise, so you can access your books from just about anywhere.
Battery life is still a huge selling point, with many readers lasting weeks on a single charge. Lightweight designs (some under 200 grams!) make them perfect for travel or marathon reading sessions. And with support for audiobooks and note-taking, e-book readers are more versatile than ever.
Why Pick an E-Book Reader?
The biggest draw of e-book readers is their convenience. Unlike tablets or phones, they’re built for reading, with glare-free screens that are easy on your eyes. You can store thousands of books, adjust the text size for comfort, and download new reads instantly from online stores or public libraries. For students, features like built-in dictionaries and highlights make studying easier, while commuters love how compact and portable these devices are.
E-book readers now cater to all kinds of readers. Waterproof models are perfect for the beach, and larger screens (think 8 inches or more) are great for comics or PDFs. With more people working remotely, these devices even double as handy tools for annotating documents on the go.
Top E-Book Readers in 2025
Here are some of the standout e-book readers this year:
- Amazon Kindle (Oasis and Paperwhite): Still a favorite, with a huge e-book library and adjustable warm lighting. The latest models offer better contrast and faster page turns.
- Kobo Clara 2E: Made from recycled plastics and supports lots of file types—great for eco-conscious readers.
- PocketBook InkPad 4: With a roomy 7.8-inch screen and support for multiple languages, it’s ideal for international readers and those who read lots of PDFs.
- Rakuten Kobo Elipsa 2E: A big 10.3-inch screen and stylus support make this one perfect for note-takers and sketchers.
Each device has its own strengths, but one of the most important things to consider is which file types they support.
What File Types Do E-Book Readers Support?
E-book readers work with a variety of file formats, each with its own perks. Here’s a quick rundown of the most common ones:
- AZW and AZW3 (Kindle Format): Amazon’s own formats, designed for Kindle devices. They support DRM (Digital Rights Management) and have reflowable text. You can use tools like Calibre to convert other files to AZW3, but DRM might limit this.
- EPUB: The most popular open standard, used by Kobo, PocketBook, and others. EPUB files adjust to your screen size and support images, fonts, and even some multimedia. The latest versions offer more interactivity.
- PDF: Universally supported and great for fixed-layout content like manuals or comics. They don’t reflow, so they can be tricky to read on smaller screens. Some devices let you annotate PDFs.
- MOBI: An older format, still supported by some devices (especially older Kindles), but less common now.
- TXT: Plain text files—super lightweight, but with no fancy formatting.
- RTF and HTML: Supported by some devices, but not as popular these days.
- Audiobook Formats (AA/AAX): Devices like the Kindle Scribe can play Audible audiobooks, and many support Bluetooth headphones.
Device-Specific Support
- Kindle: Mostly AZW, AZW3, and MOBI, with limited EPUB support (you might need to convert files). PDFs work, but aren’t always ideal.
- Kobo: Supports EPUB, PDF, MOBI, TXT, and more—especially good for DRM-free files.
- PocketBook: Handles EPUB, PDF, MOBI, TXT, and even DJVU for niche users.
- Rakuten Kobo: Similar to Kobo, plus support for comic book files (CBZ/CBR).
Always check your device’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for the latest info, since support can change with updates.
Managing Your E-Book Files
Want to get the most out of your e-reader? Here are some tips:
- Use Conversion Tools: Online services (like fileconvertz) can change EPUBs to MOBIs or PDFs to AZW3. Just make sure you have the rights to convert any DRM-protected files.
- Side-Load Files: Transfer books via USB or email (Kindle’s “Send to Kindle” is handy). Organize your files in folders for easy access.
- Update Your Device: Manufacturers often release updates that add new features or improve compatibility—so keep your device up to date!
Things to Watch Out For
Not every file type works perfectly. DRM can block conversions, and some PDFs might not display well, especially on smaller screens. Files with lots of images or multimedia can drain your battery faster. And sometimes, new formats don’t play nice with older devices, so it’s smart to test files before you settle in for a long read.
What’s Next for E-Book Readers?
Looking ahead, we might see support for new formats like EPUB4, which promises even better interactivity and accessibility. AI could help personalize your reading experience, suggesting file conversions based on what you like to read. And as sustainability becomes more important, expect more devices to help you manage your digital library in eco-friendly ways.
Final Thoughts
E-book readers in 2025 offer a fantastic blend of new tech and classic reading comfort. Understanding which file types your device supports is key to a smooth reading experience. Whether you’re a Kindle fan or prefer the flexibility of Kobo, knowing your formats means you’ll always have the right book, right when you want it. So, grab your favorite device, load up your e-books, and get ready to explore a world of stories—tailored just for you.
What’s your favorite e-book reader? Got any tips or favorite file formats? Share your thoughts below!