Quick answer: Amazon Kindle and Kobo are the two most natural picks for Singapore readers—Kindle for its massive store and dead-simple setup, Kobo for borrowing ebooks free from the National Library Board via OverDrive. If you want to scribble notes during meetings, the ReMarkable 2 and Onyx BOOX tablets feel like writing on paper. Xiaomi’s MiReader is the wallet-friendly path to an E Ink screen, while Boyue Likebook handles manga and large PDFs with less lag.
Where to start
The ereader scene in Singapore has quietly moved past just two big names. Now you can pick a device shaped around how you actually read—whether that is on a crowded MRT, by the pool, or annotating a contract for tomorrow.
Kindle by Amazon
Kindle by Amazon puts millions of titles in a device thinner than your kopi sleeve, and you can order one straight to your Singapore doorstep.
The range stretches from the everyday Paperwhite to the premium Oasis, the note-ready Scribe, and the newer Colorsoft with its colour E Ink screen. All models share the same DNA: a high-resolution display that stays crisp under the lunchtime sun, a waterproof body, and a battery that stretches up to 12 weeks. The adjustable warm light is particularly shiok for bedtime reading without the glare.
What makes Kindle worth it is the ecosystem. You buy a book and it is just there on your phone, your iPad, your ereader. The X-Ray feature pulls up character backstories without leaving the page.
Find them: 1 Robinson Road #17-00 AIA Tower, Singapore 048542 (HQ). Online support runs 24/7 through their help page. No retail counter, but delivery is quick.
It suits the person who wants to tap, buy, and read without thinking. If you are already deep in the Amazon universe or just want the safest introduction to an ereader, the Paperwhite is a steady choice.
Kobo
Kobo’s ereaders are the obvious pick if you are the sort who chopes a library book every week.
The lineup includes the Libra Colour, the compact Clara BW, and the larger Elipsa 2E. You get colour E Ink on some models, stylus support for annotations, and a waterproof build. The real draw is direct OverDrive integration: link your National Library Board account and borrow ebooks from the comfort of your sofa. No late fines, no trips to the branch.
Kobo also supports more file formats than most readers and leans into repairability. The adjustable comfort light makes night reading feel natural, and the overall design is clean.
Find them: 138 Market St, #20-01 CapitaGreen, Singapore 048946. Phone: +65 6735 1987. Monday to Friday, open 24 hours (online sales and corporate orders are always running). Kobo website.
If you burn through stories fast and value free access to a deep catalogue, a Kobo will quickly pay for itself. The layout is simple enough that your mum can use it, and the NLB sync is a proper game changer.
None of these are sponsored placements. If you belong on this list, tell us what you do.
MiReader by Xiaomi
Xiaomi’s MiReader is the most budget-friendly E Ink device you can walk into a Singapore shop and buy today.
The single model sports a 6-inch high-resolution screen, runs on Android, and charges over USB-C—no hunting for a micro-USB cable from 2015. Onboard storage is generous, and multilingual support means you can toggle between English, Chinese, Malay, or Tamil without fuss.
Because it runs Android, you can install Libby, Kindle, or any reading app you already use. The battery lasts long enough that you will forget where you put the charger.
Find them: 1 Jurong West Central 2, #B1, Singapore 648886 (among several stores—find a branch here). Phone: 800 852 8474. Stores open daily 11am-9pm. Customer service Monday-Friday 9am-6pm. Xiaomi site.
For a student or anyone just curious about ereaders, this is the kind of price where you can hoot first and think later. Install the NLB app and you essentially have a Kobo-lite at a fraction of the cost.
If you are planning to escape the heat, our Finest Winter Jackets in Singapore guide might come in handy for your next holiday.
InkCase by Oaxis
Oaxis InkCase turns the back of your phone into a second screen—a small E Ink display that lives on your phone case.
The InkCase series snaps onto your phone and sips power through a low-energy connection. It is waterproof and shock-resistant, so a sudden downpour at the bus stop will not ruin your chapter. You can load your reading material onto the case and read without lighting up the main screen, saving phone battery for the important things—like finding supper after your bus reaches home.
Find them: Online-only at shop.oaxis.com. Phone: +65 6909 3630. Email: [email protected].
If you hate carrying two devices and just want to sneak in a chapter while waiting for the MRT or queuing for chicken rice, this is your jam. It is also a conversation starter—people will ask, Eh, your phone backside can read ah?
Boyue Likebook
Boyue Likebook goes big on screen size and processing power, aimed squarely at manga readers and anyone who annotates thick documents.
Models like the Mars and P10 pack a 7.8-inch Carta screen, expandable storage, Android, and an octa-core processor that flips through image-heavy files without stuttering. A stylus comes in the box, and the LED front light keeps everything readable during a late-night binge. The resolution is high enough that fine kanji or tiny footnotes stay sharp.
Find them: Mainly listed on Shopee; warehouse address 60 Paya Lebar Rd, Singapore 409051. You can browse models online.
If your reading list is mostly graphic novels or you are a research student working through scanned PDFs, the large screen and fast processor make everything feel more natural. It is the kind of device that rewards someone who tinkers with settings to get the layout just right.
ReMarkable
The ReMarkable 2 is a paper-like tablet that ships directly to Singapore, built for people who want a notebook that happens to also display books.
Its 10.3-inch monochrome screen works with a pressure-sensitive stylus that feels oddly close to writing on a thick stack of paper. Cloud sync quietly backs up everything, and the battery runs for days on a single charge. There are no notifications, no apps, no browser—just your notes, sketches, and the occasional ebook.
Find them: Online-only. Contact support via this form. Orders are placed through remarkable.com.
For the professional who walks into a meeting with a leather folder and a clean mind, this replaces the Moleskine and the laptop. Your meeting notes appear on your phone while you walk to the car, and the screen is gentle enough that you can review a contract at 11pm without frying your eyes.
Onyx BOOX
Onyx BOOX runs full Android on large e-ink displays, giving you an ereader that thinks it is a tablet.
The range includes the Nova 2, the enormous Tab X, and the phone-shaped Palma. Many models come with a stylus, built-in speakers, colour screens, and enough storage to hold an entire library plus your audiobooks. You can install any Android reading app, play music in the background, or mark up a presentation without switching devices.
Find them: Online-only through onyxboox.sg. WhatsApp: +65 8738 1916. Email: [email protected].
If you want one device that handles everything from light novels to Telegram messages in a pinch, the BOOX line is hard to beat. The Tab X is like carrying an A4 pad that never runs out of pages—steady for architects and designers who scribble sketches as often as they read.
For a proper night out after finishing that ebook, our Finest Italian Restaurants in Singapore list is always there.
None of these are sponsored placements. If you belong on this list, tell us what you do.
How to choose
Start with how you get your books. If most of your reading comes from the Amazon store, a Kindle feels like home. If you rely on NLB, Kobo’s OverDrive integration saves you time every week. Android-based devices (MiReader, Boyue, Onyx BOOX) let you install the Libby app, giving you library access too, but with a bit more setup.
Screen size matters more than you think. A 6-inch display is perfect for one-handed commutes. A 7.8-inch or larger screen makes manga, PDFs, and technical documents readable without zooming and panning until you give up. Colour E Ink remains a premium add-on, worth it if you flip through magazines, comics, or annotate with coloured highlights.
If you want to write or sketch, look for a stylus. The ReMarkable 2 is purpose-built for it. Onyx BOOX and the Kindle Scribe can do it too, while still being capable readers.
Budget-wise, the Xiaomi MiReader anchors the affordable end. Mid-range Kobo and Kindle models sit in the sweet spot for most people. The large note-taking tablets climb higher, so decide whether that extra screen real estate and writing feel is worth the premium.
| Brand | Best For | Standout Feature | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kindle by Amazon | Amazon ecosystem lovers | Endless store, X-Ray insights | Amazon SG online |
| Kobo | NLB borrowers | OverDrive integration, colour E Ink | Kobo website, select retailers |
| MiReader by Xiaomi | Budget-conscious Android users | Android OS, USB-C | Xiaomi stores, mi.com |
| InkCase by Oaxis | Phone-only readers | E Ink phone case | Oaxis online |
| Boyue Likebook | Manga and PDF fans | Large high-res screen, stylus | Shopee |
| ReMarkable | Note-takers and minimalists | Paper-like writing feel | Remarkable.com |
| Onyx BOOX | Power users wanting full Android | Speakers, stylus, colour, apps | Onyxboox.sg |
Summary
Whether you just want a simple device for library books or a full-blown digital notebook, the ereaders available in Singapore cover the whole range. Kobo and Kindle handle the essentials brilliantly, while BOOX and ReMarkable stretch the definition of what an ereader can do. Pick the one that fits how you read, not the other way round.
Disclaimer: Details can change—always confirm with the business before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
Which ebook reader is best for borrowing books from the National Library Board?
Kobo is the simplest choice because it has OverDrive built in. You can browse, borrow, and read NLB ebooks directly on the device without a computer or extra app. Some Android-based ereaders like MiReader and Onyx BOOX can also access NLB through the Libby app.
Can I read manga or comics on these devices?
Yes, but a larger screen makes a big difference. The Boyue Likebook with its 7.8-inch display and octa-core processor handles image-heavy files smoothly. Kobo’s colour E Ink models and Onyx BOOX are also great for comics.
Which ereader has the longest battery life?
Kindle devices can last up to 12 weeks on a single charge with moderate use. Most E Ink readers easily go for weeks between charges because the screen only draws power when you turn a page.
I need to take notes during meetings. Is there an ereader with a stylus?
Yes—ReMarkable 2 is built around note-taking and feels the most like real paper. Onyx BOOX models, the Kindle Scribe, and the Kobo Elipsa 2E or Libra Colour all come with stylus support and work well for annotations and sketching.
How does the Xiaomi MiReader compare to a Kindle?
The MiReader costs significantly less and runs Android, so you can install apps like Libby, Kindle, or Google Play Books. The screen is sharp and the battery lasts long, but it has a smaller ebook store built in compared to Amazon’s ecosystem.
Are these ereaders available in physical shops in Singapore?
Xiaomi’s MiReader is sold at Xiaomi stores and authorised retailers. Kindle and Kobo are mainly sold online, though some electronics stores carry Kobo models. Boyue Likebook, Onyx BOOX, ReMarkable, and Oaxis InkCase are all online-only.