This document categorizes and compares different types of eReaders including Kindle eInk devices, other eInk readers, tablets and smartphones, and Windows devices. It outlines the hardware, software, and file formats supported by Kindle, Nook, Kobo, iOS, Android, and Windows eReaders.

1. Types of eReaders
Kindle eInk
eInk (non-Kindle) Tablet / Smart Phone (LCD) Windows 8.1/10
Hardware:
Kindle
1,2,3
DX
Touch
Paperwhite
Voyage
Hardware:
Nook
Simple Touch
Glowlight
Kobo
Aura
Glo
Mini
Touch
Sony Readers (discontinued)
Hardware:
iOS
iPod Touch
iPad / iPad Mini
iPhone
Android
Nook Color/HD
Google Nexus 5/7/9
Samsung Galaxy
Kindle Fire
Kobo Arc/Vox
Windows Phone
Hardware:
Microsoft Surface
Tablets, Laptops & Desktops
running Windows 8.1 or 10
Software:
None
Software:
Adobe Digital Editions
downloaded to a Mac or
Windows computer
Software:
OverDrive app
Software:
OverDrive for Windows 8
Adobe Digital Editions (PDF)
Compatible Formats:
Kindle
Compatible Formats:
EPUB & PDF
Compatible Formats:
EPUB & MP3 (w/OverDrive
app)
Compatible Formats:
EPUB & MP3 (w/OverDrive for
Windows app)
PDF (with ADE)
Created by Michael P. Sauers & Susan Knisely Last Updated: 11/24/2014
CC BY-NC 3.0 Nebraska Library Commission