Boox Picco Preorders Open at $109.99 — Here’s What the Tiny E-Reader Actually Is

Boox is finally taking the wraps off its Picco, the tiny e-reader it has been teasing for months. The 3.97-inch device went live for preorder today, and it comes with a price tag of $109.99.

The Picco was first shown in July at IFA 2026 in Berlin, where Boox gave the world a first look at the device in person. Now that preorder is open, the question is whether the Picco delivers on the promise of a pocket-sized reading companion.

What the Picco Is

The Picco is part of Boox’s new Tile line of devices. That distinction matters, because Boox’s other readers, like the Palma and Go 6, are classified as tablets. The Picco is a Tile, and the source suggests that is likely meant to differentiate between operating systems.

The Picco runs on its own native library rather than on Android. There is no Google Play Store, which means you cannot install additional apps. Instead, you read from the Picco’s built-in selection of titles.

The Apps You Get

The Picco does come with a couple of extras. It includes a Pomodoro timer and a Todo app, which is a to-do list manager. Those are the only apps you get out of the box.

We suspect the Picco will operate similarly to Xteink e-readers, which are best for DRM-free files. That suggests the Picco is designed for books and documents that do not carry digital rights management restrictions.

How You Get Files On It

To load files onto the Picco, you can use a USB-C cable. Or you can use the new Boox Tile app, which is designed for the Tile line of devices.

The Picco is about the size of a deck of cards, which makes it easy to carry around. It can even attach to the back of an iPhone using MagSafe, though the source does not specify whether that attachment is official or a third-party accessory.

The Screen and Controls

The Picco has a dual-tone front light, which lets you adjust both the warmth and the brightness of the display. That is a useful feature for anyone who prefers a warmer or cooler reading experience depending on the time of day.

There is a power button and a page-turning button on the side. There is also a function switch on the side that swaps the device between front light and dark mode.

The Price and Availability

The Boox Picco retails for $109.99. It is now available for preorder on Boox’s site. No exact ship date has been provided, but according to Boox’s site, the device will ship in October.

However, a Boox representative told us it will ship by November. That discrepancy between the site and the representative is worth noting, though neither date is final.

Comparing the Picco to Other Boox Devices

The Picco stands apart from the Palma and Go 6 in a few key ways. It is smaller, it runs on a native library rather than Android, and it comes with fewer apps.

Why Boox Is Doing This

The Picco is clearly aimed at readers who want a simple device. The lack of an Android operating system removes the need to manage apps, updates, and permissions. For someone who just wants to read, that is a relief.

The MagSafe attachment is a clever addition. It allows the Picco to attach to an iPhone, though the source does not say whether it is an official accessory or a third-party one.

Our Take on the Picco

Here is what we think about each feature:

1. The $109.99 price is very reasonable for a dedicated reading device.
2. The lack of a Play Store is a drawback for anyone who wants to read outside the Picco’s native library.
3. The Pomodoro timer and Todo app are nice touches, but they are small consolation for app lovers.
4. The MagSafe attachment is a fun bonus, though it is not clear how official it is.
5. The dual-tone front light is a practical feature that will appeal to users who care about reading comfort.

The Picco is a niche product, but it fills a niche that has not been well served. Small e-readers exist, but they often trade features for size. The Picco seems to have found a balance between the two.

Whether it becomes a hit depends on execution. Preorder interest will be a quick test of demand.

For now, the Picco is a promising addition to Boox’s lineup. It is a small step, but it is a step in the right direction for a company whose other readers are tablets.

If you are ready to add another reader to your collection, the Picco is worth considering. Just remember that it is not a full Android device, and it is not meant to be one. It is a reading machine, pure and simple.

The Picco is now available for preorder at $109.99. Ship by November, per the Boox representative.

Source material: “The Boox Picco is coming — heres how to preorder the tiny e-reader,” Mashable.

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