Which E Readers Compare Best For Sideloading Novel PDFs?

I've been sideloading PDFs onto e-readers for years, and my go-to is the Kindle Paperwhite. The screen is easy on the eyes, and it handles PDFs pretty well, though you might need to convert them to MOBI or AZW3 for the best experience. The Kobo Libra 2 is another solid choice—it supports PDFs natively and has a bigger screen, which is great for novels with small text. I also like the PocketBook InkPad 3 because it’s super flexible with formats and has a 7.8-inch display, making PDFs way more readable. If you’re on a budget, the older Kindle Basic does the job, but the lack of a backlight can be a downside.

One thing I’ve noticed is that PDFs aren’t always optimized for e-readers, so devices with larger screens and adjustable layouts tend to perform better. The Onyx Boox devices are Android-based, so you can use apps like KOReader to enhance the PDF reading experience. They’re pricey but worth it if you sideload a lot.

As someone who reads a ton of sideloaded novels, I swear by the Kobo Forma. Its 8-inch screen is perfect for PDFs, and the ergonomic design makes it comfortable to hold for hours. The Kindle Paperwhite is a close second, especially if you use Calibre to convert PDFs, but the Kobo’s native support gives it an edge. I’ve also tried the Onyx Boox Poke 3, which is smaller but runs Android, so you can use third-party apps to tweak PDFs to your liking.

Another standout is the PocketBook Color, which adds a bit of vibrancy to illustrated novels. It’s niche but fun if your PDFs have color elements. The reMarkable 2 is overkill for novels but amazing if you like to annotate. For pure readability, the Kobo Libra H2O’s adjustable warm light is a lifesaver. Avoid the basic Kindle if you read a lot of PDFs—it’s just not built for it.

When it comes to sideloading novel PDFs, the Kobo Clara HD is my top pick. It’s lightweight, has a crisp screen, and supports EPUB and PDF out of the box. The built-in ComfortLight Pro is a game-changer for late-night reading. I’ve also tested the Kindle Oasis, which is sleek and has physical buttons, but it’s pricey and less forgiving with PDF formatting. The PocketBook Touch Lux 5 is another underrated option—it’s affordable and handles PDFs decently, though the 6-inch screen can feel cramped for dense novels.

For a more premium experience, the Onyx Boox Note Air 2 is fantastic. It’s essentially an e-reader tablet hybrid with a 10.3-inch screen, making PDFs look almost like physical books. You can annotate, highlight, and even split pages for easier reading. The downside is the learning curve and cost, but if you’re serious about PDFs, it’s hard to beat.

I’d avoid the Nook GlowLight Plus for this purpose—it struggles with PDFs and lacks customization. The Likebook P78 is a mid-range alternative with a 7.8-inch screen and expandable storage, which is handy if you have a large PDF library. Overall, the best choice depends on your budget and how much you’re willing to tinker with settings.