10 best Onyx Boox e-readers in 2026 (33+ compared)

Onyx eReaders are made by Onyx International Inc., a Chinese company founded in 2006 and based in Shenzhen.

The brand is best known for its Boox line of eReaders and tablets, which run on Android and support a wide range of reading formats. The company focuses on E Ink technology and produces devices that combine eReader functions with tablet features.

Onyx International started as a small team of engineers with backgrounds in consumer electronics and software. Over the years it expanded its reach worldwide, with products sold in Europe, North America, and Asia. The company operates with a few hundred employees and works closely with E Ink Holdings, the supplier of the electronic paper displays used in its devices.

Onyx e-readers are a niche but growing player worldwide, with shipments in 2024 estimated at about 2 million units and a global market share near 5 %, which placed the brand among the top 3 vendors. The Boox Note Air 3, Tab Ultra, and Leaf 2 were the main drivers, targeting users who wanted larger screens, Android support, and stylus input.

Onyx performed strongest in Asia and Europe, while in North America its presence stayed smaller but rising.

The main Onyx eReader series are as follows.

• Boox Note: Note is the core 10.3-inch line for larger-page reading, handwriting, and professional document work. It is usually the most balanced Onyx series for buyers who want a serious note-capable E Ink device without going to the largest screen tier.
• Boox Max: Max is the largest-screen Onyx line, centered on 13.3-inch reading and document workflows. It is aimed at academic papers, technical PDFs, and other use cases where page size matters more than portability.
• Boox Nova: Nova is the mid-sized 7.8-inch line that tries to balance portability with more room for PDFs, comics, and note use than a basic 6-inch reader. It sits between compact handheld reading and large work-focused devices.
• Boox Poke: Poke is the compact, simpler reading-first line in the Onyx range. It makes the most sense when you want Android flexibility in a smaller body without paying for the larger note-centric hardware tiers.
• Boox Tab: Tab is the more performance-focused productivity line with stronger hardware, stylus support, and larger-screen options. It is closer to an E Ink work tablet than to a simple ebook reader.
• Boox Leaf: Leaf is a thinner 7-inch reading-first line that emphasizes handheld comfort and casual reading more than heavy note-taking. It is a better fit for buyers who want lighter reading hardware without moving back to the smallest screen tier.

Onyx eReaders cost between £170 and £765 depending on the model and specifications.

Entry-level devices start near £170, while mid-range models with larger screens and extra features usually range from £255 to £425. High-end models with advanced hardware and larger displays can reach £595 or more, and the most advanced professional devices are close to £765.

The following factors matter most while choosing the best Onyx eReader.

• Screen class: Onyx spans compact reading devices, 7-inch handhelds, 10.3-inch note readers, and even 13.3-inch document models. Start by deciding whether you want a portable reader, a balanced note device, or a large-format work screen.
• Size and portability: Poke and Leaf stay easier to carry, while Note and Tab-class devices are better for PDFs and writing but much less pocketable. Onyx has one of the widest size spreads in the category, so this choice affects daily use immediately.
• Stylus and handwriting: Note and Tab lines are much stronger if handwriting, annotation, and pen workflow matter. Compact Onyx readers are better treated as reading devices first, not as substitutes for the larger writing models.
• Software flexibility: Onyx's Android system is a major advantage only if you actually want multiple reading, cloud, and productivity apps on one device. If you prefer a simpler reading-first interface, too much flexibility can become extra complexity instead of a real benefit.
• Battery behavior: Smaller and simpler Onyx readers usually last longer, while larger screens and heavier Android workflows consume more power. Compare runtime with your real use pattern, especially if you expect lots of Wi-Fi, note use, or third-party app activity.
• Connectivity and storage: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are common, but higher-end models may add more storage, stronger accessory support, and better document workflows. This matters most if your library includes large PDFs, audiobooks, or work files rather than simple ebooks.
• Extra hardware: Speakers, microphones, keyboards, and other productivity extras differ a lot across the range. They can be useful on larger Tab and Note-class devices, but they are not equally important for buyers who only want a strong reading screen.