Best Budget 7-Inch e-Readers Under $300 on Amazon

In our growing digital world e-Readers continue to play an important role as the bridge between avid readers and the books they want to read, thanks to their glare-free screens, feather-light portability, and battery life that outlasts nearly every other consumer device. Among all available sizes, the 7-inch format remains a sweet spot, providing enough screen real estate for text and illustrations without sacrificing one-handed convenience.

The market in 2025 is especially exciting because devices once reserved for high-end models have become extremely affordable at less than $300 offering vibrant color e-ink, stylus-enabled notetaking, waterproof bodies, advanced lighting systems, and even open-format support that allows for greater library freedom. These improvements transform the e-reader into not just a book replacement but a versatile tool for productivity, creativity, and learning.

Below are five carefully selected e-readers available on Amazon US, each from a different brand. Every model balances price and performance to meet distinct needs, whether your priority is integration with Amazon’s massive library, open format flexibility, digital handwriting, or color e-ink technology. 

Our Top 5 Picks

 1. Kindle Paperwhite (2025 Edition, 7-Inch)

Key Specs:

• 7-inch glare-free e-ink display (300 ppi)
• 20 percent faster page turns
• Adjustable warm front light
• IPX8 waterproof rating
• USB-C charging with weeks-long battery life

Why Pick This:
The Kindle Paperwhite remains the benchmark for mainstream e-readers. Its crisp, high-resolution display makes text feel like print on paper, and its waterproofing ensures peace of mind whether you read at the beach or in the bath. Amazon’s unmatched ecosystem is the real advantage, granting instant access to Kindle Unlimited, Prime Reading, and Audible audiobooks. The convenience of syncing across multiple devices makes it ideal for readers who switch between an e-reader, smartphone, or tablet. For anyone fully invested in Amazon’s digital library, no alternative can compete with the seamless experience.

2. Kobo Libra Color

Key Specs:

• 7-inch E Ink Kaleido 3 color display (300 ppi B/W, 150 ppi color)
• Waterproof (IPX8), tactile page-turn buttons
• 32 GB storage, Bluetooth for audiobooks
• Dark mode, EPUB & OverDrive library support

Why Pick This:
The Kobo Libra Color is a versatile e-reader that caters to users who prefer openness and flexibility over being locked into a single store. Its vivid Kaleido 3 screen makes illustrated books, comics, and magazines come alive in a way monochrome displays cannot. Beyond visuals, Kobo’s support for EPUB, PDF, and library borrowing through OverDrive opens a much wider selection of books than closed ecosystems allow. Page-turn buttons add a tactile comfort many readers appreciate, while waterproofing ensures practical durability. For those who want both color and freedom in their reading choices, this is a strong contender.

3. BOOX Go Color 7 Gen II (Onyx Boox)

Key Specs:

• 7-inch Kaleido 3 color e-ink (300 ppi B/W, 150 ppi color)
• 64 GB storage, Android 13 OS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
• Stylus support (InkSense), page-turn buttons, microSD slot

Why Pick This:
The Boox Go Color 7 Gen II stands out for its Android-based flexibility. Unlike closed ecosystems, it runs Android 13, allowing users to install apps ranging from Kindle and Kobo to Evernote and Pocket. This versatility is paired with stylus compatibility, enabling notes, sketches, and document markup directly on the display. The high storage capacity ensures you can carry thousands of books, documents, and even audiobooks without running out of space. It is the right balance between a traditional e-reader and a light productivity tablet, perfect for those who want more than reading alone.

4. PocketBook Go 7 (Monochrome)

Key Specs:

• 7-inch E Ink Carta 1300 display (300 ppi)
• 64 GB storage, lightweight build (~190 g)
• Android OS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
• Stylus support available

Why Pick This:
The PocketBook Go 7 is designed for simplicity and mobility. At under 200 grams, it is one of the lightest 7-inch readers available, making it easy to carry for long reading sessions without fatigue. While it lacks color, its Carta 1300 screen provides sharper contrast and faster refresh than many competing models. PocketBook’s software supports multiple formats including EPUB, MOBI, and PDF, which means compatibility is rarely an issue. Readers who value portability and practicality above extras like stylus tools or advanced app ecosystems will find this device to be a dependable and distraction-free choice.

5. Bigme B751C Color E-Paper Reader

Key Specs:

• 7-inch E Ink Carta 1200 (300 ppi B/W, 150 ppi color)
• Android 11, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB internal, microSD support
• 36-level warm and cool front light
• Stylus included, handwriting-to-text, voice-to-text, auto ghosting elimination

Why Pick This:
The Bigme B751C is one of the most advanced, feature-rich e-readers under $300. It combines a sharp e-ink display with full Android support, opening access to multiple book platforms and apps. The bundled stylus is more than a simple pen, offering accurate handwriting recognition and real-time transcription. Students and professionals can use it as a portable digital notebook, while readers benefit from color display capabilities that bring diagrams and illustrations to life. Bigme’s ghosting elimination feature ensures clear visuals even during fast page turns. For users who want their e-reader to double as a productivity companion, this model provides exceptional versatility.

Conclusion

For readers seeking an affordable 7-inch e-reader, today’s market offers incredible choices that cater to different needs. Kindle remains unbeatable for those immersed in Amazon’s ecosystem, providing seamless content delivery and excellent hardware quality. Kobo is the option for readers who demand openness and vivid color, while Boox adds an extra layer of Android-based flexibility that goes far beyond books. PocketBook’s lightweight design makes it perfect for minimalist reading, and Bigme provides unmatched productivity tools for under $300.

Together, these devices show how far e-readers have evolved from being single-purpose gadgets. Whether you are building a portable library, diving into manga and magazines, or using an e-ink notebook for study and work, these models bring premium experiences into the affordable range. Investing in any of these ensures long hours of comfortable reading, with features tailored to fit your lifestyle and preferences.