(checked 2026-10-10)A second Amazon listing for the same model (B0D1KWK8WY, 508 ratings) also exists.
Engadget's best e-reader overall and TechRadar's best color pick, and the cheapest mainstream color reader. Colors look muted, text has less contrast than on a black-and-white screen, and some owners find the screen grainy.
Top complaints
- Color costs text clarity
TechRadar says black-and-white text lacks contrast. Engadget says color adds slight noise to white areas and reduces text clarity. Amazon's summary says some owners find the screen grainy.
- Muted color and slower refresh
Wirecutter says color E Ink brings slower refresh, lower resolution and a limited color range that can look washed out, and all of these apply to this Kaleido 3 screen.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT) - Small screen, grainy plastic
TechRadar says 6 inches may be too small, especially for comics. Engadget says the plastic is grainier and the bezels sit less flush than on rivals.
What owners love
- Affordable color
Wirecutter calls it the most affordable color e-reader you can buy. TechRadar says it's arguably cheaper than any other color reader.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT), TechRadar - Responsive, customizable and ad-free
Engadget praises the very responsive touch controls, customizable settings and lack of lock-screen ads. An Amazon owner says they don't have to pay extra to avoid ads, and others praise Libby/OverDrive support.
- Good battery, waterproof, repairable
Engadget measured up to 42 days in its usage test. It's IPX8 and repairable via iFixit (Engadget, TechRadar).
- You mostly read plain text (the Clara BW is sharper)
- You want a bigger screen for comics
- You're invested in Kindle books
- A first color e-reader on a budget
- Library borrowers (OverDrive built in)
- Ad-free, waterproof reading
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Engadget: Best e-reader overall. The only listed con is that Kobo's store isn't as large as Kindle's, though Engadget notes color slightly reduces text clarity.
- TechRadar: Best color e-reader. The cons are that 6 inches can be too small and black-and-white text lacks contrast.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Other e-reader worth considering for color. It's the one Wirecutter recommends for comics, with the usual color E Ink trade-offs.