John Lewis up to 50% off
�1 camping pitches
Free Body Shop lip balmCheap Kindles & e-book readers £29 Nook, £69 Kindle or £50 Kobo Mini
Ensure you don't miss out. Join the 8m who get it emailed each week
As e-book readers surge in popularity, you can nab a new Kindle for £69, a Nook for £29, or - if you're lucky and they're in stock - a refurbished Kindle Keyboard for £80.
This is a rundown of cheap dedicated e-book readers and Kindles, where to buy e-books and how to get a stash of books for free.
Of course, the cheapest way to read's by borrowing books from the library, but if you're set on buying one, below is a rundown of the cheapest e-readers. If you're not sure which one would suit you best, read our tips for choosing an e-book reader.
Still undecided? Read our resident tech writer MSE Becca on Kindle vs Kobo.
Already got an e-reader? If you're looking for some cheap books to fill your e-reader with, check out our Free Books guide.
Cheapest Kindles
The original Kindle first hit US shelves in 2007, at a whopping $399 (£249). But as technology has improved and newer models have come out, prices have fallen dramamtically. You can now get a Kindle for less than £70.
Is a Kindle right for me?
What's the difference between a Kindle and a Kindle Keyboard? The new Kindle does not have 3G, so you can't surf the web or add books to your library unless in a wi-fi area. A 3G & Wi-fi version is expected at some point, though Amazon has yet to release any details of this for the UK.
The new Kindle has a one-month battery life if wi-fi's turned off, and storage space for up to 1,400 books. This is paltry when compared to the Keyboard's capacity for 3,500 books (4GB) and a two-month battery life.
Although lighter and smaller, the biggest difference between the new Kindle and the original is that Amazon's done away with the keyboard at the bottom (hence the first model being rebranded as Kindle Keyboard). Instead, on the new model there's a five-way controller below the screen to navigate the menus.
Specialist e-ink technology. All Kindle formats use this; without it you're just reading a computer screen. e-readers with e-ink mean it's like reading a book, and much more comfortable on the eye.
Free web worldwide. This is only available with the 3G Kindle Keyboard. If you opt for the 3G Kindle Keyboard you get free internet access (via mobile networks) across most of Europe and some of the world (see coverage maps).
This means while overseas you can download books or newspapers at no additional cost, even without a wi-fi connection.
Go into the "experimental" option in the menu and there's a web browser. It's black and white, and pretty basic. You can't watch videos with high-end graphics, but for scanning info sites, it's functional. If you've got webmail such as Gmail, you can use it for that at absolutely no cost.
For anyone who travels abroad regularly, this is likely to be a substantial boon.
Download books directly. The beauty of the Kindle is, due to the wi-fi or 3G, you don't have to connect to your computer to download books - get them straight to the device, ready to read.
Long battery life. Kindles have a much longer battery life than other e-book readers. Though if you're not downloading books or using the web, turn wi-fi off to conserve juice.
Decent storage. Though Kindles don't have SD card slots, the Keyboard version can store around 3,500 books, so this shouldn't be a huge issue.
It uses its own format for books. While you can convert other formats, Amazon is currently quite price competitive for e-books so it's not a big problem (though do watch as prices can vary widely, they're often most competitive when a book launches).
Of course, not everyone agrees that the Kindle should be the top pick e-reader. Here's MSE Becca on why she thinks the Kobo beats the Kindle.
Here's a breakdown of all of the Kindles available in the UK today, as well as info on where to get them cheapest.
Kindle - standard model£69 online at Amazon
Amazon's best-selling Kindle e-reader is £69 delivered from Amazon*.
As well as being cheaper than previous models, Amazon also claims the latest Kindle has 15% faster page turns. Like previous versions of the e-reader, it uses e-ink technology, has a 6in screen and weighs only 170g.
It uses Whispersync technology which synchronises the last page you read, along with bookmarks and annotations, across all your Kindle devices and apps, so you can continue reading where you left off, whether online, on a phone/tablet or on your e-reader.
Kindles are available from other retailers, though discounts are pretty rare. When they are available cut-price though, they will be mentioned in the free weekly MoneySaving email. Consider a refurb model if you want it a little cheaper. Prices are around £59 delivered.
Full specification
Display: e-ink
Screen size: 6in
Storage: 1,400 books (2GB internal)
Format: AZW, TXT, PDF, unprotected MOBI, PRC natively; HTML, DOC, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP through conversion
Battery life: One month
3G or wi-fi: Wi-fi only
Kindle Keyboard - with free 3G£149 online at Amazon
The Kindle Keyboard is a step up from the Wi-fi-only model above, and it costs a lot more, at £149 from Amazon* (it's currently unavailable, but check back as stock levels change very quickly).
The big sell for this model over the others is that it offers free 3G web access almost everywhere via the Vodafone network, meaning you can download books or papers wherever you are, even when not connected to a wireless network.
If you've got a Kindle Keyboard with 3G, there are loads of things you can do with it, making it much more than just an e-book reader. Here are a few of our favourites, but please bear in mind, they're all very basic. If you have any more suggestions, please share them in the forum discussion.
Play games on your Kindle Keyboard
Die-hard gamers may be disappointed - the Kindle Keyboard's gaming capabilities aren't a patch on the Nintendo 3DS or the Sony PSP. However, the Kindle Keyboard does hold a hidden copy of 90s classic Minesweeper. To start a game, go to the Home menu and press Alt, Shift and M at the same time.
Use the arrow keys to navigate and the select button to mark a mine. When you get bored of that, press G to start GoMoku - a kind of "noughts and crosses" version of Connect 4, where you play against the Kindle and have to get five in a row.
You can go back to your Minesweeper game at any time by pressing M, and the Kindle will remember your scores.
Get driving directions on your Kindle
It won't work the same as a TomTom and there won't be a voice telling you to "at the next roundabout, take the first exit" but if you bookmark maps.google.com/m/directions in your Kindle's web browser, you can use it to get directions if you ever get lost.
With the 3G version you'll be able to get online anywhere there's a 3G mobile phone signal (so not entirely helpful if you get lost in the middle of nowhere). And though the Kindle can display Google Maps, the text-only version will load quicker.
View photos on your Kindle Keyboard
Connect your Kindle Keyboard to your PC with the USB and open it via My Computer to view its folders. Add a new folder called "Images" (or try "Pictures" if this doesn't work), and then, within this, create a subfolder called "Images". Stick some JPEGs in this second folder, unplug your Kindle and press Alt and Z from the Home menu to rescan.
The subfolder you created should be there - just click on it to launch the Image Viewer and scroll through your photos. Press Q and W to zoom in and out, E to reset the zoom and R to rotate the photo. F puts the viewer into full screen mode. Pictures will be black and white, and the quality not that hot, but you'll be able to look at your favourite snapshots wherever you are.
As this model was launched in July 2010, refurb models are less scarce. They cost around £100. More details on the device are below.
Full specification
Display: e-ink
Screen size: 6in
Storage: 3,500 books (4GB)
Format: AZW (Amazon's own format) PDF, HTML, TXT, RTF, JPEG, GIF, PNG,
BMP, PRC and MOBI
Battery life: Up to two months, though wi-fi eats battery power
3G or wi-fi: 3G (using the Vodafone network) and wi-fi
Kindle Paperwhite - read in the dark£99 online at Tesco Direct
With its revolutionary new techonolgy that lets you read in the dark, reviews suggest the Kindle Paperwhite is Amazon's best and most advanced e-reader. It costs £109 (including delivery) from Amazon*.
The Paperwhite is also available at Tesco* for £109. However, enter the code TDX-TFNG at the online checkout before 11.59pm on Mon 27 May and you'll get £10 off, making it £99 with free delivery. Full info in Tesco Direct deals.
The Kindle Paperwhite is a step up from its predecessor, the Kindle Touch, which Amazon no longer sells. Touch models are still available at high street retailers, though as prices are the same as Paperwhite prices, we think you're better off plumping for the Paperwhite.
Full specification
Display: Paperwhite display with patented built-in light and e-ink
Screen size: 6in
Storage: 1,400 books (2GB internal)
Format: AZW3, AZW, TXT, PDF, unprotected MOBI, PRC
Battery life: Two months
3G or wi-fi: Wi-fi only
Kindle Paperwhite 3G - free web & read in the dark£169 online at Amazon
At only £50 more than its wi-fi only counterpart, the Kindle Paperwhite 3G is worth considering as an alternative to tablets, which need monthly subscriptions for web access.
It's £169 delivered from Amazon* and offers free unlimited 3G web access. The experimental web browser is based on WebKit, and the 3G enables you to connect to the Kindle Store and access Wikipedia. Unfortunately web browsing on other websites is only available over wi-fi.
It isn't available at other retailers just yet, but Tesco hopes to have it in stock soon.
Full specification
Display: Paperwhite display with patented built-in light and e-ink
Screen size: 6in
Storage: 1,400 books (2GB internal)
Format: AZW3, AZW, TXT, PDF, unprotected MOBI, PRC
Battery life: Two months
3G or wi-fi: 3G (using the Vodafone network) and wi-fi
What about refurbished Kindles? Look out for stock online from Amazon Warehouse and Argos, as well as on eBay
Amazon Warehouse, Amazon's legit outlet, sells returned refurbished items.
It sometimes offers both Kindle Keyboard models (the original wi-fi only model which is no longer available as new, and the 3G model above) at a seriously reduced price, as well as other refurbished Kindle models.
The refurbished models we've seen in the past look like new, so are worth considering if you're looking to save money on a gift. Stock levels fluctuate, though, so keep checking the Amazon Warehouse Kindle page*, even if there are none in stock at the moment.
Argos's eBay outlet* often has refurbished Kindles too.
It's also worth checking eBay for bargains on Kindles*, as well as other brands of e-reader. eBay is a mammoth marketplace with thousands of deals, but it's easy to get scorched if you're not careful. Read the full eBay Buying Guide for scam-busting tips and other tricks.
Click to read FAQs about buying refurbished Kindles.
What does refurbished mean?
Amazon Warehouse site says refurbished Kindles are usually products that have been returned. Amazon checks the item works and assesses the quality before selling it on.
The packaging may not be the same as buying it brand new, and there may be minor cosmetic damage, but the refurb Kindles we've seen all look pretty good.
Unfortunately refurbs only come with a USB adaptor (so you can charge via a PC), but you can buy a mains socket adaptor for around £5 from Amazon Marketplace.
Do you still get a full one year warranty?
Yes. All refurbished Kindles come with a standard one year warranty (see full details). This means if something goes wrong it will repair or replace your Kindle (possibly with another refurbished model).
It's also worth noting the fact it is refurbished has little impact on your consumer rights - it still must obey the Sad Fart rules and be "Satisfactory quality, As Described, Fit for purpose And last a Reasonable length of Time".
How much stock is available?
Amazon won't confirm how much refurbished stock is available, but the page will update as and when it runs out and comes back in. So if there aren't any available when you check, always go back, as more may come in stock.
What's the return policy?
The standard refund policy applies to Warehouse items: you have 30 days to return your Kindle if you change your mind.
Cheapest Kobos
The Kindle's biggest rival is the Kobo, which entered the UK market in 2011. While not as well-known as the Kindle, it is a competitively-priced alternative to the Amazon e-reader, with prices starting from £49.
It's worth noting the Kobo allows books of almost any format to be downloaded onto it, while the Kindle only allows AZW files. This means that there's a wider choice of free books available, and you can shop around for cheaper prices before you download any that you have to pay for, meaning it's much more MoneySaving.
Here's a rundown of the latest Kobo devices, and where to get them cheapest:
Kobo Mini - pocket-sized e-reader£50 online & in-store at WHSmith
If you're looking for an affordable touch screen e-reader, the Kobo Mini is £49.99 online and in-store at WHSmith*. You can get it delivered free, or order it to collect at your nearest store.
With a 5in screen, it's a lot smaller than other e-readers, but on the plus side, it can fit snugly in your pocket. Having a small screen doesn't mean it compromises on features though, as all the standard Kobo features are available, including Kobo Everywhere, Social Reading and Kobo Picks.
And if you're in the mood for changing the colour of your Kobo, the Kobo Mini is the only e-reader with interchangeable backs. Choose from coloured backs such as pink, teal and purple (sold separately).
Full specification
Display: e-ink
Screen size: 5in
Storage: 1,000 books (1GB internal)
Format: ePub, PDF, Adobe DRM
Battery life: One month
3G or wi-fi: Wi-fi only
Kobo Glo - read in the dark£100 online at WHSmith
Want to read in bed, but don't want to disturb your partner by keeping the light on? The Kobo Glo is just the ticket, and it only costs £99.99 online from WHSmith* with free delivery.
The ComfortLight technology incorporated into the Glo model illuminates the screen with a soft, adjustable glow, so you can read any at any time, no matter what the lighting conditions, without any glare.
Like the Kobo Mini above, it includes all the standard features, and you can adjust the text, font size and sharpness of your screen, for a tailor-made reading experience.
It's available in a range of colours, but not all colours are sold in all stores, so check before making a visit to a retailer if you're after a specific colour model.
Full specification
Display: Built-in ComfortLight technology with e-ink
Screen size: 6in
Storage: 1,400 (2GB internal) and slot for micro SD memory cards up to 32GB
Format: ePub, PDF, Adobe DRM
Battery life: One month
3G or wi-fi: Wi-fi
Kobo Touch - touchscreen e-reader£80 online or in-store at WHSmith
If you want something a little more hi-tech than the Kobo Wireless, but cheaper than the Kobo Glo, the Kobo Touch is £79.99 online or in-store at WHSmith*, with free delivery.
It uses e-ink technology, has a choice of fonts and sizes, comes with 100 free pre-loaded e-books, and a 6in screen. The big difference with this model is it uses a touchscreen, allowing you to flip the pages by simply swiping the screen.
Reviews suggest the touchscreen makes this Kobo model more suitable for left-handed readers, though it isn't quite as responsive as the touchscreen on the iPad or iPhone.
Note: The link above is to the black version, but lilac, silver and blue versions are also available (pictured).
Full specification
Display: e-ink
Screen size: 6in
Storage: 1,000 (1GB internal) and slot for SD memory cards up to 32GB
Format: ePub, PDF, Adobe DRM
Battery life: 10 days or 10,000 page turns
3G or wi-fi: Wi-fi
Cheapest Nooks
Nook Simple Touch - touch screen e-reader£29 in-store at Argos - if you can find one!
US book retailer Barnes & Noble's rival to the Kobo Touch, the Nook Simple Touch, has been slashed in price to £29 - a ridiculously cheap price for a touch-screen e-reader.
Stock seems to be limited though, and it's out of stock on at most online retailers, including Barnes & Noble UK. Try looking in-store at Argos* or John Lewis* though.
Like the ones above, the Nook uses the same e-ink technology as the Kindle, so reading on the device is similar to reading an actual book. It has a whopping two-month battery life and a 6in touch screen.
Where to get books?
You can buy most mainstream books via the Nook store using the device's wi-fi connection, though the choice isn�t as wide as some of the other big stores.
Crucially, the book allows the universal ePub format - so you can access public library files, many of the 100,000s free e-books in our guide, or use Calibre to convert books from Kindle.
Why is the Nook so cheap?
- It's a limited time price as Barnes & Noble is participating in the Get London Reading campaign, backed by the London Evening Standard (more info on the Standard website).
- The price has been slashed to £29 everywhere, but stock is limited at most retailers.
- There have been rumours that Barnes & Noble is considering dropping its Nook readers (see here). That isn�t confirmed, but is worth bearing in mind. However, for £29, this is a very cheap way of getting into e-books, and as it uses the universal ePub format, you should be able to keep using it even if support stops.
Full specification
Display: e-ink
Screen size: 6in
Storage: 1,400 books (2GB internal), expandable to 32GB with Micro SD card
Format: ePub, PDF
Battery life: Two months
3G or wi-fi: Wi-fi
Other budget e-readers
These e-book readers, while offering many of the same functions as Amazon's Kindle devices, don't use the special e-ink technology, so reading is not so easy on the eye. They can undercut the Kindle though.
Binatone ReadMe Daily eReader £50 online at Maplin
Maplin is currently stocking the Binatone ReadMe Colour eReader* for £49.99 - order online and collect in-store, or get it delivered for free. Unlike Amazon Kindles, it doesn't use e-ink technology, so reading on it in bright light may not be ideal. However reviews suggest this isn't a problem for most.
You can select from three different font sizes though, or rotate the page so it's landscape or portrait, whichever you prefer.
Full specification
Display: TFT colour
Screen size: 7"
Storage: 128MB internal and expandable SD card memory slot supports up to 16GB
Format: TXT, PDF, HTML, CHM, RTF, FB2, EPUB, TCR, OPEN e-book, OPEN READER and MOBI
Battery life: 4 hours
3G or wi-fi: No
Choosing an e-book reader
When it comes to choosing an e-reader, whether you're buying for yourself or for someone else, there's a lot to consider. Price is obviously a big factor for MoneySavers, but you'll also need to look at size, storage capacity, the display and the connectivity of the device.
To help you choose the right e-reader for you, we've summarised these things in the table below for Kindles, Kobos and Nooks.
| E-book reader Quick comparison | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Display | Wi-fi 3G? | Touchscreen? | Screen size | Storage | More info |
| Kindles | ||||||
| Kindle | e-ink | Wi-fi | No | 6in | 2GB | View |
| Kindle Keyboard 3G | e-ink | 3G + wi-fi- | No | 6in | 4GB | View |
| Kindle Paperwhite | Backlit e-ink | Wi-fi | Yes | 6in | 2GB | View |
| Kindle Paperwhite 3G | Backlit e-ink | 3G + wi-fi | Yes | 6in | 2GB | View |
| Kobos | ||||||
| Kobo Mini | e-ink | Wi-fi | Yes | 5in | 1GB | View |
| Kobo Glo | Backlit e-ink | Wi-fi | Yes | 6in | 2GB | View |
| Kobo Touch | e-ink | Wi-fi | Yes | 6in | 1GB | View |
| Other e-readers | ||||||
| Nook Simple Touch | e-ink | Wi-fi | Yes | 6in | 2GB | View |
| Binatone ReadMe Colour | TFT colour | No | No | 7in | 128MB | View |
Once you've decided which is the best e-reader for you, make sure you get it at the best possible price.
Unfortunately Amazon is very strict on the pricing of its products, so deals and discounts are rare. When they are available cut-price, they'll be in the free weekly MoneySavingExpert email.
Spotted a cheap e-book reader we've missed?
Share in the Cheap e-book readers discussion
Latest News & Blogs
Payday loan campaigner Stella Creasy excluded from crunch summit
Bank failed to cancel regular payment? Claim cash now
House prices up at fastest rate in three years
Flood-risk homes to be helped by insurance cap
'Broken' payday loans market referred to Competition Commission
"Who can I complain to if a shop is overpricing goods?"
Doing something rather brave � I won't be working next Tuesday
Should MoneySavingExpert encourage tax avoidance?
A poem of modern Britons � written in the strangest way
Dad, I've made it, I'm on Corrie!Cheap Travel Money
Find the best online rate for holiday cash with MSE's TravelMoneyMax.
Find the best online rate for your holiday cash with MoneySavingExpert's TravelMoneyMax.
