Looking Beyond the Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look

How Each Alternative Compares

Veidoo 6-Inch 32GB E-Reader

The Veidoo 6-Inch E-Reader offers 32GB of storage, which is a significant upgrade over the original Nook Simple Touch. It includes a built-in speaker, allowing you to listen to audiobooks without headphones. The screen is slightly smaller at 6 inches, and the device is heavier than the Nook. You will not get a front light, so you still need external illumination for night reading. If you want smart features and audio support on a budget, this model is a practical choice. It trades the Nook’s larger screen for added storage and audio capability. The Wi-Fi connectivity remains consistent, ensuring you can download content just as easily as with the original device.

XTEINK X4 Pro 4.3" Touch E-Reader

The XTEINK X4 Pro is much more portable than the Nook Simple Touch, weighing only 2.5 ounces. It features a smaller 4.3-inch screen, which limits your reading area but makes it easy to carry in a pocket. Unlike the Nook, this device includes a front light, allowing you to read in the dark. It also has a touchscreen, which changes how you navigate pages compared to the original’s button interface. You give up screen real estate for extreme portability and low weight. This model is ideal for commuters who need a lightweight companion. The physical buttons are not mentioned, so you rely on touch controls. It is a compact alternative for those who prioritize size and lighting over a larger display.

Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight 4 6-Inch

The Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight 4 is significantly lighter at 5.95 ounces compared to the original’s 12.8 ounces. It has a 6-inch screen, which is smaller than the Nook Simple Touch’s 7-inch display. This model includes a front light, solving the original’s lack of illumination for night reading. It retains physical buttons, offering a tactile reading experience similar to the original. The 32GB storage provides ample space for your library. You trade the larger screen for a more portable, lighter device with better lighting. This e-reader is best for readers who value portability and battery life. It keeps the familiar button layout while improving weight and adding essential features like front lighting for comfortable reading in any environment.

Nook GlowLight 4 Plus 7.8-Inch E-Reader

The Nook GlowLight 4 Plus features a large 7.8-inch screen, offering more reading space than the original Nook Simple Touch. It is waterproof, a feature the original lacks, making it suitable for reading by the pool or bath. The device weighs more due to its size and build. It includes physical buttons, maintaining the tactile control you may prefer. The 32GB storage is generous for large libraries. You gain a larger, water-resistant display but lose some portability. This model is ideal for readers who want a bigger screen without sacrificing the button interface. It is not for those who need a lightweight device. The waterproof design adds durability, and the larger screen enhances readability for detailed text or comics.

OBOOK 5 4.26-Inch E-Reader with Speaker

The OBOOK 5 is a tiny 4.26-inch e-reader that supports audiobooks, a feature the original Nook Simple Touch does not have. It includes a front light and Wi-Fi, matching the original’s connectivity while adding illumination. The device is blue, offering a different color option. It has 32GB of storage, which is a notable increase. You sacrifice screen size for compactness and audio features. This model is best for readers who want audiobook support in a pocket-sized device. It lacks physical buttons, relying on touch controls. The small screen may not suit everyone, but it is perfect for commuters. It combines reading and listening in one lightweight package, offering versatility that the original Nook cannot provide.

Kobo Elipsa 2E 10.3" eReader with Stylus

The Kobo Elipsa 2E has a large 10.3-inch screen, which is much bigger than the Nook Simple Touch. It includes a stylus for note-taking and annotation, a feature the original lacks. The device is heavier at 13.6 ounces and has a touchscreen interface. It offers Wi-Fi and E Ink Carta display technology for clear text. You gain a large display for documents and notes but lose the compact, lightweight design of the original. This model is ideal for users who need a tablet-like experience for work or study. It is not for those who prefer a small, pocketable device. The stylus support adds functionality for writing and drawing, making it a versatile tool for professional or academic use.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch

Best for: basic Wi-Fi reading in good light

Features

Wi-Fi

Color

Black

Dimensions

5 × 5 × 7 inches

Weight

12.8 ounces

View on Amazon: Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch

The Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch is a Wi-Fi eBook reader with a 6-inch display. It measures 5 by 7 inches and weighs 12.8 ounces. This model connects to Wi-Fi for content downloads. It suits readers who want a straightforward device without extra features. The black finish keeps the look simple. You get a dedicated reading tool that focuses on text.

Pros

• Wi-Fi connectivity for content access
• Compact 5 by 7 inch form factor
• Lightweight at 12.8 ounces
• Simple black design

Cons

• No front light for reading in low light
• No touchscreen capability mentioned
• Wi-Fi only, no cellular option

Good fit if

• You read mostly in well-lit environments
• You prefer a lightweight device
• You want a basic Wi-Fi reader

Skip if

• You need a backlit screen
• You want a larger display
• You require cellular connectivity

Verdict: Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch fits readers who want a lightweight, Wi-Fi connected device for well-lit reading. It lacks a front light and touchscreen, making it less versatile for other conditions.

2 Best built-in speaker

Veidoo 6-Inch 32GB E-Reader

Best for: budget buyers wanting smart e-reader features

Screen Size

6"

Storage Capacity

32 GB

Display Type

E-Ink

Front Light

Adjustable brightness and color temp

Battery Life

Several weeks

Features

Wi-Fi, Built-in Speaker

View on Amazon: Veidoo 6-Inch 32GB E-Reader

The Veidoo 6-inch e-reader features a 212 DPI E-Ink display with adjustable SMARTlight for comfortable reading in various lighting. It includes 32GB of storage and Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing access to the Google Play store for apps and audiobooks. The 3000mAh battery offers weeks of use. This device suits readers who want a slim, portable option with smart capabilities and eye protection features.

Pros

• 6-inch 212 DPI E-Ink screen
• Adjustable SMARTlight with color temperature control
• 32GB internal storage
• Wi-Fi and Google Play access
• 3000mAh battery for weeks of reading

Cons

• Lower 758 x 1024 resolution compared to modern 300 DPI standards
• Requires a protective cover for wake/sleep functionality
• No mention of waterproofing or advanced format support beyond EPUB, PDF, MOBI

Good fit if

• You want a slim 6-inch device for one-handed reading
• You need access to the Google Play store for additional apps
• You prefer adjustable warm and cool light for night reading

Skip if

• You require a high-resolution 300 DPI screen for crisp text
• You need a waterproof device for reading in the bath or pool
• You want a device with a built-in sleep/wake sensor without a case

Verdict: Veidoo 6" E-Reader with 32GB Storage is a solid choice for readers who value smart features and battery life over maximum screen resolution.

3 Best budget

XTEINK X4 Pro 4.3" Touch E-Reader

Best for: portable text reading with physical buttons

Screen Size

4.3"

Display Type

E-Ink

Front Light

Dual-tone front light

Battery Life

weeks

Features

Front Light, Touchscreen

Color

Black

View on Amazon: XTEINK X4 Pro 4.3" Touch E-Reader

The XTEINK X4 Pro is a compact 4.3-inch E-Ink reader designed for portability. It weighs just 2.5 ounces and features a 5.95mm ultra-thin profile. You get a dual-tone front light for clear reading in any condition. The device includes physical page-turn buttons alongside touchscreen controls. It supports microSD cards up to 256GB for expanded storage.

Pros

• Ultra-thin 5.95mm profile and 2.5 oz weight
• Dual-tone front light with warm and cool settings
• Physical page-turn buttons for tactile navigation
• MicroSD support up to 256GB

Cons

• Small 4.3-inch screen limits PDF readability
• No mention of waterproofing or IP rating
• Limited to single-point touch gestures

Good fit if

• You want a reader that fits in a pocket
• You prefer physical buttons for page turning
• You read mostly text-based eBooks

Skip if

• You need a large screen for comics or PDFs
• You require a waterproof device for baths
• You prefer a standard 6-inch e-reader size

Verdict: XTEINK X4 Pro 4.3" E-Reader is a pocket-sized companion for commuters who value physical controls and extreme portability over screen real estate.

4 Best premium

Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight 4 6-Inch

Best for: portable reading with physical buttons

Screen Size

6"

Storage Capacity

32 GB

Battery Life

Weeks

Color

Black

Dimensions

6.2 × 0.3 × 4.8 inches

Weight

5.95 ounces

View on Amazon: Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight 4 6-Inch

The Nook GlowLight 4 offers a 6-inch, 300-dpi screen with front lighting for clear reading in any light. It includes 32GB of storage and physical page-turning buttons. The device weighs 5.95 ounces and lasts for weeks on a single charge. It suits readers who prefer tactile controls and a compact, lightweight form factor for portable use.

Pros

• 6-inch 300-dpi high-resolution display
• 32GB internal storage capacity
• Physical page-turning buttons included
• Weeks of battery life per charge
• Lightweight 5.95-ounce design

Cons

• 6-inch screen is smaller than larger models
• Renewed condition may vary
• No mention of waterproof rating

Good fit if

• You want physical buttons for page turning
• You prefer a compact 6-inch screen
• You need long battery life for travel

Skip if

• You require a large 7-inch or bigger display
• You need a brand-new sealed unit
• You want a waterproof device for baths

Verdict: Nook GlowLight 4 6-inch E-Reader fits readers who value physical buttons and a lightweight design. It is ideal for portable reading sessions where battery life and screen clarity matter most.

5 Best 8"

Nook GlowLight 4 Plus 7.8-Inch E-Reader

Best for: waterproof reading with a large screen

Screen Size

7.8"

Storage Capacity

32 GB

Water Resistance

Waterproof

Color

Black

Dimensions

7.8 × 5.8 × 0.31 inches

View on Amazon: Nook GlowLight 4 Plus 7.8-Inch E-Reader

The Nook GlowLight 4 Plus offers a 7.8-inch display for comfortable reading. It includes 32 GB of storage for your library. The device is waterproof, allowing use near pools or baths. You can connect Bluetooth headphones for audiobooks. Physical buttons help turn pages without touching the screen. This model suits readers who want a larger screen and water resistance.

Pros

• 7.8-inch glare-free display
• 32 GB internal storage
• Waterproof construction
• Bluetooth audio support
• Physical page-turn buttons

Cons

• Larger size than standard 6-inch readers
• Renewed condition rather than new
• No mention of stylus support

Good fit if

• You want a larger screen for detailed text
• You read in the bath or by the pool
• You prefer physical buttons for navigation

Skip if

• You need a compact 6-inch device
• You require a brand-new unit
• You need a stylus for notes

Verdict: Nook GlowLight 4 Plus 7.8-inch fits readers who prioritize a large screen and water resistance over portability. The waterproof design and physical buttons add practical value for daily use.

6 Best audiobooks

OBOOK 5 4.26-Inch E-Reader with Speaker

Best for: Compact reading with audiobook support

Screen Size

4.26"

Storage Capacity

32 GB

Front Light

Adjustable front light

Battery Life

Weeks

Features

Audiobooks, Front Light, Wi-Fi

Color

Blue

View on Amazon: OBOOK 5 4.26-Inch E-Reader with Speaker

The OBOOK 5 is a compact 4.26-inch e-reader with 219ppi resolution. It features an adjustable front light and 32GB storage. A built-in speaker and Bluetooth support audiobooks. It connects via Wi-Fi for downloads. The device is ultra-thin at 0.32 inches. Battery life lasts for weeks. This model suits readers who want audio and text in a pocket-sized form.

Pros

• 4.26-inch glare-free E-paper display
• Built-in speaker for audiobooks
• 32GB internal storage capacity
• Adjustable front light for night reading
• Weeks-long battery life on single charge

Cons

• Small 4.26-inch screen size
• No mention of physical page-turn buttons
• Lower 219ppi resolution compared to higher-end models

Good fit if

• You want to listen to audiobooks without a phone
• You prefer a pocket-sized device for travel
• You need basic e-reading with audio support

Skip if

• You require a large screen for comics or PDFs
• You need physical page-turn buttons
• You want a high-resolution display over 219ppi

Verdict: The OBOOK 5 4.26" Pocket E-Reader fits readers who want audiobook support in a tiny package. It is not for those who need large screens or physical buttons.

7 Best 10.3"

Kobo Elipsa 2E 10.3" eReader with Stylus

Best for: document annotation and large-screen reading

Screen Size

10.3"

Storage Capacity

32 GB

Display Type

E Ink Carta 1200

Front Light

ComfortLight PRO

Stylus Support

Includes Kobo Stylus 2

Battery Life

Up to several weeks

View on Amazon: Kobo Elipsa 2E 10.3" eReader with Stylus

The Kobo Elipsa 2E is a 10.3-inch e-reader featuring an E Ink Carta 1200 display with ComfortLight PRO. It includes the Kobo Stylus 2 for direct note-taking on eBooks and PDFs. With 32GB of storage, it holds up to 24,000 books. The device weighs 13.6 ounces and offers several weeks of battery life. It suits readers who need a large screen for documents and annotation.

Pros

• 10.3-inch E Ink Carta 1200 glare-free touchscreen
• Includes Kobo Stylus 2 for writing and markup
• ComfortLight PRO with adjustable color temperature
• 32GB storage for up to 24,000 eBooks

Cons

• Heavier at 13.6 ounces compared to 6-inch readers
• Larger 10.3-inch size is less portable
• No mention of audiobook playback hardware support

Good fit if

• You need a large screen for PDFs and documents
• You want to annotate eBooks with a stylus
• You prefer adjustable blue light for night reading

Skip if

• You prioritize ultra-lightweight portability for one-handed use
• You only read standard 6-inch eBook formats
• You need a device smaller than 7 inches

Verdict: Kobo Elipsa 2E 10.3" E-Reader is ideal for users who require a large display for document annotation and note-taking. It fits those who value stylus support and adjustable lighting over compact portability.

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