Group test: what's the best e-reader?

5. Kobo Touch

• Reviewed on: 16 March 12
• RRP: £99 INC VAT
• Rating:

While many people may be happier with the Kindle's keyboard, we could easily be persuaded to put up with a slightly less touch-typeable on-screen keypad in return for the smaller footprint and lighter weight. The company is obviously betting that a relatively basic reading device like the Kobo eReader Touch Edition can hold its own against the more expansive – and expensive – multitasking e-readers and tablets such as the $249 Nook Color and, of course, Apple's iPad 2.

4. TrekStor Pyrus

• Reviewed on: 19 June 12
• RRP: £69 inc VAT
• Rating:

The TrekStor Pyrus would make a good choice of ebook reader if you’re happy to hunt down most titles yourself and install them manually. Device navigation is generally well-implemented and you get a generous 4GB internal storage. Although a no-frills device, it’s solidly built and easy to use.

3. Sony Reader Wi-Fi PRS-T1

• Reviewed on: 13 December 11
• RRP: £130 inc. VAT
• Rating:

The Sony Reader Wi-Fi lacks the menu finesse and social media hooks that Barnes & Noble's Nook Simple Touch boasts. But its new pricing puts it right in line with its e-reader competition, and as a result it's an attractive choice, especially for people who prize light weight, navigation flexibility, and easy access to reading text PDFs.

2. Amazon Kindle Touch

• Reviewed on: 8 May 12
• RRP: £109 inc VAT
• Rating:

Both the hardware and navigation of the Kindle Touch won us over. With solid Kindle Store integration, near instant book downloads and even a usable web browser, this is the best Amazon e-book reader so far.

1. Amazon Kindle 5 (2012)

• Reviewed on: 18 October 12
• RRP: £69 inc VAT
• Rating:

Given that last year's Kindle cost £89, the new version is great value at £69. Yes, you're effectively locked into Amazon's system, but that's like being locked into Willy Wonka's chocolate factory: no-one is going to mind. The choice of books is first-class, as is the reading experience.