Best Waterproof E-Readers
With a waterproof e-reader you can stop worrying about a splash in the bath, a wave at the beach, or a spilled drink poolside. Most premium readers now come waterproof as standard, so the question is which waterproof reader suits you. Here is what the rating means, and my picks.
By Emily Book reviewer
What a waterproof rating really means
Most waterproof e-readers carry an IPX8 rating, which means they can survive being submerged in fresh water to a specified depth for a set time, typically enough to handle a drop in the bath or the pool. It does not mean you should read underwater for fun, and salt water and sand still deserve a rinse and wipe afterward. For normal splashes and accidents, IPX8 is enough.
Best waterproof readers overall
The Kindle Paperwhite is the default: IPX8, a very good warm-lit screen and a fair price. On the Kobo side, the Libra 2 and Libra Colour add waterproofing to physical page-turn buttons, which suits one-handed bath reading. The choice between them comes down to ecosystem and whether you want colour or buttons.
Best waterproof colour options
If you want colour and waterproofing together, the Kindle Colorsoft and Kobo Libra Colour both deliver IPX8 with a colour screen. The compact Kobo Clara Colour is the budget waterproof colour pick. Colour e-ink is muted, so do not expect vivid colour.
What to avoid for water use
Not everything is waterproof. The basic Kindle has no water rating, and most writing tablets, including the Kindle Scribe and the reMarkable, are not waterproof either. If you specifically want to read or write near water, check the rating before buying, and skip the note tablets for poolside use.
Tips for reading near water
Even with an IPX8 reader, a little care helps: rinse off salt water and sand with fresh water and dry the device afterward, avoid pressing buttons or charging while wet, and let the port dry fully before plugging in. Waterproofing covers accidents; it does not make the device careless-proof.
Frequently asked
What is the best waterproof e-reader?
The Kindle Paperwhite is the default pick, with IPX8, a great screen and a fair price. The Kobo Libra 2 and Libra Colour are excellent alternatives that add physical page-turn buttons, ideal for one-handed bath reading.
What does IPX8 mean?
IPX8 means the device can survive submersion in fresh water to a set depth and time, enough to handle a drop in the bath or pool. Salt water and sand still need rinsing off, and it is not meant for deliberate underwater use.
Are writing tablets waterproof?
Mostly no. The Kindle Scribe, reMarkable and most note tablets have no water rating. If you want to use a device near water, stick to waterproof e-readers like the Paperwhite or a Kobo Libra.