Kobo (Rakuten)Kobo Clara BW

For readers who want a small, focused device without Amazon's advertising or format lock-in, the Kobo Clara BW is the standout value pick. Its 6-inch 300ppi Carta 1300 screen is sharp with good contrast, the ComfortLight front light offers adjustable warmth, and IPX8 waterproofing is a genuine bonus at this price. The real advantage is openness: it reads EPUB natively, works with Adobe DRM, and has built-in OverDrive integration so you can borrow directly from your local library (the same catalogue behind the Libby app) through your Kobo account. There are no lock-screen adverts. You give up the 7-inch real estate of pricier models and the Kindle store's sheer size, but as an everyday paperback replacement it is hard to beat for the money.