If you are looking for an affordable budget eReader under $150 you are in the perfect place. These E-readers come with sharp E-ink displays, long battery life and all reading customization and features without spending a lot.
In this guide we’ll see the best budget eReaders under $150, and I’ll help you choose the best budget e-reader in 2025 according to your needs.
1. Amazon Kindle (Base Model, 2024)
- Price – Starts around $99 with ads, $130 without ads
- Reader Needs – If you want the most affordable entry into the Kindle ecosystem
Technical Specs
| Specs | Kindle Basic 2024 |
|---|---|
| Display | 6 inch e-ink, 300 PPI, Front light |
| Storage | 16GB |
| RAM | 512 MB |
| CPU | 1 GHz Single core |
| Battery | unspecified |
| Waterproof | No |
| USB | Type C |
Why It’s a Good Choice:
- Most affordable option from a major brand
- Compact and lightweight – perfect for travelling anywhere
- Amazon’s vast book library
- Sharp 6 inch E Ink display with a built-in front light for night reading
The Amazon Kindle Base Model (2024) is the best entry level e-reader without spending too much. It offers a crisp 300 ppi display, battery that lasts week with moderate use, and USB-C charging, making it a solid improvement over earlier base models.
Limitations:
- Lacks premium features like adjustable warm lighting or waterproofing (found in the Paperwhite)
- The base price typically includes lock screen ads, which can be removed for an extra fee
Who Should Buy
If you want the cheapest reliable e-Reader with access to Amazon’s ebook library and don’t mind missing some advanced features, this is the one to get.
2. Kobo Clara BW
- Price: $129.99 – $139.99
- Reader Needs: If you want premium features like waterproofing and warm light, but still under $150
Technical Specs
| Specs | Kobo Clara BW |
|---|---|
| Display | 6 inch e-ink, 300 PPI, Front light, Color temperature adjustment |
| Storage | 16GB |
| RAM | 1 GB |
| CPU | 2 GHz Dual core |
| Battery | 1500 mAh |
| Waterproof | Yes, ipx8 |
| USB | Type C |
Why It’s a Good Choice:
- Excellent 6-inch E Ink Carta 1300 display with 300 ppi – sharper and faster than older models
- Waterproof (IPX8) – perfect for the pool, bath, or travel
- Comfort Light PRO -with adjustable blue light / warm light for night reading
- Native OverDrive integration for borrowing library books directly from the device
- No ads – clean and distraction-free reading
The Kobo Clara BW is one of the most balanced eReaders under $150. It offers features that even some mid-range models lack, like waterproofing and adjustable warm lighting. The sharp display makes reading enjoyable, and its support for EPUB and multiple file formats gives you flexibility.
Limitations:
- Kobo’s bookstore isn’t as large as Amazon’s
- Some readers may need to sideload content or use libraries more than buying from Kobo directly.
Who Should Buy
If you want premium reading comfort, prefer library borrowing, or like open ebook formats, the Kobo Clara BW is arguably the best under $150 eReader on the market right now.
3. Important Note on the Kindle Paperwhite 2024
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024) is widely regarded as the best all-around eReader thanks to its larger 6.8-inch display, warm light, and waterproof design.
However, its base price usually starts around $159.99, putting it just over the $150 mark
Here’s the good news: The Paperwhite goes on sale frequently especially during Prime Day, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and other seasonal events. It often drops below $150, making it the best deal if you are not in a hurry and you can time your purchase right
Technical Specs
| Specs | Kindle Paperwhite 2024 |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.8 inch e-ink, 300 PPI, Front light, color temperature adjustment |
| Storage | 16GB |
| RAM | 1 GB |
| CPU | 2 GHz Dual core |
| Battery | 1500 mAh |
| Waterproof | Yes, ipx8 |
| USB | Type C |
Why It’s Worth Considering:
- 6.8″ 300 ppi glare-free display
- Adjustable warm light for night reading
- Waterproof (IPX8)
- Excellent battery life
- Comfortable ergonomic design
Tip: If you’re not in a rush, wait for a major sale to claim the Paperwhite under $150. It gives you premium reading features at a mid-range price. Always best to shop in a sale.
How to Choose the Right Budget eReader
Before you decide, here are a few important factors to keep in mind:
1. Display Quality
Look for 300 ppi resolution for sharp, paper-like text. Both the Kindle Base Model and Kobo Clara BW offer excellent display clarity.
2. Lighting Features
Warm light or adjustable color temperature is helpful for night reading and reducing eye strain. Kobo Clara BW includes this feature, while the Kindle base model does not.
3. Waterproofing
If you read outdoors, near water, or in the bath, waterproofing is a must feature to have. Kobo Clara BW and Kindle Paperwhite offer IPX8 protection, while the Kindle base model does not.
4. Ecosystem & File Support
Kindle – Best for Amazon ebook buyers, but limited to MOBI/AZW formats (ePub requires conversion).
Kobo – Great for ePub, library borrowing, and flexibility.
5. Battery Life
E Ink readers typically last weeks on a single charge. Both Kindle and Kobo models in this list offer excellent battery life
Final Verdict
If you’re on a tight budget and want the most affordable option, go for the Amazon Kindle Base Model (2024). It’s simply good, reliable, and backed by Amazon’s massive library.
If you want extra comfort features like warm light, waterproofing, and library borrowing, the Kobo Clara BW is a better choice – and still under $150.
And if you can get the Kindle Paperwhite on sale, it’s undoubtedly the best value overall, offering premium features at a lesser price.
Hey, it’s the end of this guide, I have listed out the best budget ebook readers and hope it helped. Below are some frequently asked questions to give you more clarity. Thank You. You can bookmark this site and follow me on X.com for more content like this.
FAQs
Q1. Are budget eReaders really worth it?
Yes, Even under $150 models offer sharp E Ink screens, long battery life, and distraction-free reading – making them far better for reading than tablets or phones.
Q2. Should I buy with ads or ad-free?
Buying ad-supported Kindles saves $20, but you’ll see lock screen ads. You can upgrade to ad-free later if it bothers you.
Q3. Can Kobo readers access Kindle books?
No, not directly. Kindle books use Amazon’s format, so you’d need to convert DRM-free files to ePub or use a Kindle device for Amazon purchases.
Q4. Do these eReaders support PDFs?
Yes, but performance varies. Simple PDFs work fine, but for complex layouts or textbooks, the Kobo Clara BW handles them a bit better than the Kindle base model.
Q5. Which is better for students?
For textbook reading and Amazon content – Kindle
For ePub support, library borrowing, and flexibility – Kobo Clara BW
Related Posts:
Kindle Points Explained – How to Make the Most of It?