WIRED's 2026 Guide Highlights Non-Amazon E-Readers from Kobo, Boox, and Xteink

WIRED published an updated guide to the best e-readers that are not Kindles, with a focus on alternatives from Kobo, Boox, and Xteink. The guide, updated in October 2026, moves all Kindle recommendations out of the top picks to focus entirely on non-Amazon devices. The top pick is the Kobo Libra Colour, priced at $260, which features a 7-inch color screen, page-turner buttons, and optional stylus support for digital note-taking. The Kobo Clara is recommended as the best budget option at $180 for the color version, offering a 6-inch screen and up to 42 days of battery life. The Boox Go 6 (Gen II) is highlighted for its Android 11 OS and access to the Google Play Store, allowing users to install apps like Libby and Kindle, priced at $200. The Xteink X4 Pro Pocket E-Reader, at $99, is noted for its portability and support for DRM-free EPUB files. The guide also mentions honorable mentions like the Boox Go 7, Boox Palma 2, Nook GlowLight 4 Plus, and Nook 9-inch Lenovo Tablet. Upcoming models to be tested include the Boox Palma 3, Boox Picco, and Boox Note Mini C, as well as new 2026 Kindles. The article explains how to get ebooks, supported file formats, app installation, and accessories. It emphasizes that e-readers offer a distraction-free reading experience with E Ink screens. The guide is authored by Nena Farrell, who also provides photographs and videos.