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Pocket-lint

Best kindle: which model of amazon's ereader is right for you.

There are five models of Kindle currently available, and we've reviewed every one over the years. Here's our expert advice on which is the best.

When Amazon launched the Kindle, it probably had no idea the Kindle would become synonymous with all eReaders . Sure, there are other eReader brands out there, but the Kindle in its many forms offers an experience you just don't get from other devices. That's why it's spectacularly popular, with its long battery life, illuminated display, and, in some cases, waterproofing.

Not only is the Kindle incredibly power efficient, but it's also well-connected, meaning you can easily download new books when you're done with your current read. It's also very easy to use and seamlessly integrates with your Amazon account. While there are regular discounts throughout the year, the best prices are often available around sales holidays like Black Friday or Amazon's own Prime Day .

The real decision is which model you should buy. There are currently five models of Kindle offered by Amazon: the Kindle (refreshed in 2022), Kindle Kids (2022), Kindle Paperwhite, Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, and Kindle Paperwhite Kids. Then there's the Kindle Scribe, but that's slightly different. Which one is right for you? We'll help you decide.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021)

Amazon kindle paperwhite signature edition, amazon kindle paperwhite for kids, amazon kindle (2022), amazon kindle kids (2022), amazon kindle scribe, the best kindle: our top models.

The best features overall

Kindle Paperwhite offers a big display, illumination, waterproofing, and color temperature controls -- but there are no buttons for turning pages.

• Display illumination and size
• Water resistant
• Great battery life
• No page turn buttons

The newest Amazon Kindle Paperwhite released in 2021, bringing in a refresh of the previous version. It offers a 6.8-inch display, which means it's larger than other Kindles, so there's plenty of space for reading, which we love. This model also features 8GB of storage space, and it's limited to Wi-Fi connectivity only. While there's no option for cellular connectivity, that shouldn't be a problem as you can always hotspot off your phone.

Kindle Paperwhite (2021): Still the best eReader

Plus, you rarely have to download content on the go anyway. There's a front-lighting system, so you can read in the dark while also adjusting the color temperature. There's a USB-C port for charging, with the battery lasting up to 10 weeks. It is waterproof with an IPX8 rating.

There are no buttons for page turning -- that has to be done through a tap or a swipe, which we don't find as natural as older Kindle models. Nonetheless, given the price and the features offered by the Kindle Paperwhite, we think it's the best Kindle for most users. There's also a full range of accessories, so if you're after a case for your Paperwhite , there's plenty to choose from.

Paperwhite with a bit extra

Adding wireless charging the Kindle Paperwhite along with more storage just adds to the premium experience.

• Wireless charging
• Autobrightness
• Great Paperwhite experience
• It's just a little more expensive

The Paperwhite Signature Edition is based on the 2021 Kindle Paperwhite, but it adds a few changes to make it slightly more premium. While it's the same case and same design from the exterior, it offers 32GB of storage, which is four times what the standard Kindle Paperwhite does. It also offers an auto-adjusting front light to suit the reading conditions you're in, so the display is a little better.

There's also wireless charging, with a Wireless Charging Dock designed specifically for this model (an optional extra), so you don't have to plug it in. This will all make for a slightly more premium experience overall -- but you will pay a little more for just a few small extras. At its core, it is still the same great Paperwhite, it's just a little bit more advanced.

Bundled extras make it worth considering

Bundling up the Paperwhite for kids adds a cover, warranty and access to content - on the same great Kindle Paperwhite device.

• Comes with a cover and Kids+ subscription
• Great reading experience
• It's basically the same as the Paperwhite

The Kindle Paperwhite Kids is the same model as the Kindle Paperwhite (2021), so it has exactly the same features as the "adult" model above -- but it comes in a bundle designed for kids. That includes a cover to keep it protected, a subscription to Kindle Kids+ and a two-year guarantee, so if your kids break it, Amazon will replace it.

The best thing is that when your kids outgrow the kids' content, they can use the Kindle as a normal adult Kindle -- but at the same time, you can just buy the normal Kindle Paperwhite since it has the same parental controls on it. The benefit here is in the Kindle Kids+ subscription, which separately costs $5/month with Prime or $8 without it.

If it's about price, then go basic

Thinner, lighter and with a sharper display, this is an ideal affordable eReader -- but there's no waterproofing.

• Great value for money
• Good display with lighting
• No waterproofing

There are some important changes for the 2022 Kindle. While the display stays the same size at six-inches, it has increased in pixel density over the older entry-level Kindle, so it is sharper and offers a better reading experience. This is now the same resolution as the Paperwhite.

Amazon Kindle (2022) 11th gen: Who needs a Paperwhite?

However, the illumination only uses four LEDs -- compared to 17 on the Paperwhite -- so the illumination is nowhere near as good. But, this is a thin and light Kindle, with plenty of storage, and with USB-C, it's convenient for charging. There's no waterproofing on this Kindle, however.

Ideal Kindle for children

An ideal reader for kids, thanks to the cover and the 1-year subscription to Kids+ for more content.

• Bundled with cover and Kids+ subscription
• It's the same as the Kindle, but costs more

The Kids' edition of the Kindle is the same core device as the Kindle above, but it comes with a cover (there's a choice of three designs), as well as a two-year warranty. There's also a one-year subscription to Kindle Kids+, meaning access to loads of content, ideally tailored for younger readers.

This makes for a cheaper Kids version, but as with the Paperwhite equivalent, you really need to assess the value of the Kindle Kids+ offering -- otherwise you might be better off buying the Kindle with a cover, as all devices have the same parental controls.

A Kindle in a class of its own

The Kindle Scribe has a big display allowing space for notetaking or annotation, while still offering all the Kindle reading functions.

• The largest Kindle
• Supports note taking and document syncing
• It's not as well connected as some writing devices

The Kindle Scribe is designed to open a new frontier in Kindle use, to expand beyond reading and venture into note-taking and annotation. It comes with a pen supplied, allowing writing on a range of paper types, including music. It also allows you to write notes on books you might be reading.

Amazon Kindle Scribe: Write on

There's a huge battery, but this is obviously a much larger Kindle than the others on this list -- and that makes it slightly different. While the Kindle Scribe does everything other Kindles do, the focus here is on note-taking and writing rather than just reading. Better synchronization with other document formats would benefit the Scribe experience, but software updates are adding features.

The bottom line: Which is the best Kindle?

Offering the best combination of features at the best price, from all the Kindles that I've used, the Kindle Paperwhite is the best Kindle and my top recommendation. The large backlit display makes it easy to see in virtually any environment, there's plenty of storage to keep all of your favorite books on hand while on the go, and battery life is never an issue.

How did we select the best Kindle models?

We have been using the Amazon Kindle since it first launched, so we have a lot of practical experience with a full range of Kindle devices throughout its long history. That's given us insight into not just the Kindle hardware, but the software experience that it offers as well, from individual features to the Kindle Store, and the subscription offerings associated with Kindle. We use Kindle devices on a daily basis and have done so for many years, so we have a depth of experience and knowledge about Kindle.

Q: How to choose the right Kindle for you

A love of reading is important when choosing a Kindle because you'll be getting access to a range of services to provide you with plenty of books, from Prime Reading to Kindle Unlimited. While all devices offer access to these services, the space you get on the display differs. We've always found the bigger is better, meaning Paperwhite is our top choice, but it also costs more.

If it's just about value for money, then the standard Kindle is what you want. It offers illumination, access to books, and great battery life, so it will keep you entertained for many weeks.

Much of the decision will come down to price, with Amazon offering two distinct tiers, the standard Kindle and Paperwhite. Over the past few years, those devices lower down the scale have benefited from the developments at the top of the scale. Features once reserved for the top-level device are now common lower down, making Kindles even better value. You get more for your money than ever before.

Q: Are the Kindle Kids models worth it?

If you have a child who's passionate about reading, then the Kids models are definitely worth it. First, they come with access to Amazon Kids+. This digital subscription provides users with access to thousands of books, as well as games, videos, and special Alexa skills. The books are curated based on your child's age, as well as the rest of the content. Parents have an easy way to impose controls like screen time limits and curfews. Kindle Kids models come with a one-year subscription to the service, something that would otherwise cost you $5 per month if you're a Prime member and $8 per month if not.

By far the best part about getting one of these devices is the two-year warranty. If your child breaks it, you can return it and you get a free replacement. Since kids are prone to dropping things or sitting on devices, this should put your mind at ease.

Q: Which Kindle is best for your eyes?

All E-ink screens are good for your eyes because they do not emit blue light like your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Still, even among Kindle screens, there are devices that will be better for you, such as the Paperwhite models. These have a matte finish and don't reflect light more than regular paper. Since they eliminate glare and have numerous LEDs to backlight your screen, the Paperwhite models are super comfortable to read on, no matter the lighting conditions in your room.

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Kindle Paperwhite (2021) vs. Kindle Paperwhite (2018)

Our pick for the best Kindle just got an overhaul. The Kindle Paperwhite now sports a larger screen, faster hardware, longer battery life, and the addition of an amber tone for the front light as new standout features, and that’s just the headliners. (Fans of the USB-C connector can rest easy at last.)

But the new Paperwhite also costs more, especially if you want the version with more storage. To make it easier to decide if you want to upgrade (or which version you want if you see the 2018 edition on sale), we’ve highlighted the key differences for you, along with putting the full specifications for each side-by-side.

Key differences

The 2021 model of the Paperwhite is larger than the 2018 version. It’s about a quarter-inch (7mm~) taller and wider. It does remain about the same thickness, though.

Screen dimension

The new Paperwhite has a screen size of 6.8-inches (172mm), which gives you about another 3/4-inch of real estate. The 2018 model has a 6-inch (152mm) display.

Kindle Paperwhite (2021)

The new Paperwhite models tips the scale by nearly a full extra ounce compared to its predecessor. The 2021 Kindle Paperwhite weighs 7.23 ounces (205g), and the Signature Edition variant weighs 7.34 ounces (208g). The 2018 Kindle Paperweight is a daintier 6.04 ounces (182g) for the Wi-Fi version, and 6.8 ounces (191g) for the Wi-Fi + Cellular version.

Battery life

The likely reason for the new Kindle Paperwhite’s heavier weight is its longer battery life. Amazon says you should get up to 10 weeks of reading on the 2021 edition, up from the 2018 version’s max of 6 weeks. (Both estimates presume 30 minutes of reading per day, with Wi-Fi off and a setting of 13 for the light.)

Brighter screen

According to Amazon, the 2021 Paperwhite’s display is 10-percent brighter at maximum compared to the 2018 version. Also related to screen brightness: The Signature Edition comes with the ability to automatically adjust brightness based on ambient lighting conditions.

Front light color temperature

On the 2021 Kindle Paperwhite, you can change the color of the front light from white to amber. This new feature is meant to provide better nighttime reading (and better sleep hygiene). You can even schedule the change between the cool and warm lighting.

Kindle Paperwhite (2018)

Hardware speed.

Amazon doesn’t reveal technical details about the processors and screens it uses in its Kindles, nor can you reasonably benchmark the e-readers. But according to the company, the 2021 Kindle Paperwhite has 20-percent faster page turns compared to the 2018 model.

New charging connector

People have wanted companies to ditch micro-USB connectors for years—and Amazon’s finally done it for the Paperwhite. The 2021 version uses USB-C for charging, which means you won’t have to think about which way to plug in the cable anymore.

Wireless charging

Those who go for the more luxe version of the new Paperwhite also get the option to use wireless charging. The Signature Edition supports 10W Qi chargers, though you will need to purchase one separately (and verify compatibility before doing so).

Price increase

The upgrades for the Kindle Paperwhite don’t come free, alas. You’ll now pay $140 for the 8GB model (up $10 from the 2018 version), and $190 for the 32GB Signature Edition (up $30 from the previous 32GB version). The Signature Edition takes a larger jump likely due to its support for wireless charging and adaptive screen brightness—the 8GB version lacks those features.

Full specification comparison

Author: Alaina Yee , Senior Editor

Alaina Yee is PCWorld's resident bargain hunter—when she's not covering software, PC building, and more, she's scouring for the best tech deals. Previously her work has appeared in PC Gamer, IGN, Maximum PC, and Official Xbox Magazine. You can find her on Twitter at @morphingball .

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Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021) review: a bigger and better book

The most popular kindle gets its biggest update in nearly a decade.

By Chaim Gartenberg

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It’s been nearly three years since Amazon has updated its best (and bestselling) Kindle: the midtier Kindle Paperwhite, which is getting its biggest upgrade ever . On paper, at least, Amazon has finally built the ultimate Kindle. 

The last Paperwhite update was a relatively minor one, with just a light design tweak and waterproofing serving as the main addition. The new Kindle Paperwhite refresh, on the other hand, adds nearly every update you could imagine for a hardware refresh: a bigger screen, wireless charging, USB-C, adjustable color temperature, and additional LEDs for more consistent backlighting. 

There are actually two different versions of the new Paperwhite this time: the standard model and the “ Signature Edition ,” which adds wireless charging, a sensor to automatically adjust the backlight, and four times the storage (32GB, compared to 8GB on the regular model).

The regular Paperwhite costs $139.99, or $159.99 without lock screen ads, while the Signature Edition costs $189.99 (without ads, there’s no option to get a discount for viewing ads on the fancier model). 

I’ve been testing the Signature Edition for the last week; whether it justifies the extra cost will depend on how important those differences are to you. The additional storage and the automatically adjustable backlight are excellent additions; Qi charging is a little less useful, given that the new Paperwhite needs charging so rarely and charges much faster over USB-C than it does over wireless charging. Plus, you’ll need a pad that actually fits the Paperwhite, which can be difficult if you prefer phone-sized chargers (especially vertically oriented standing ones.) I suspect most people will be fine with the standard models, but if you store a lot of books (and especially audiobooks), really prefer the automatic backlight, or are already shelling out to remove Amazon’s onerous ads, it might be worth the extra money. 

The broad design is largely the same as the old Paperwhite: a flush-mounted touchscreen, a grippy rubberized back, a gray “Kindle” logo on the bottom bezel, and the excellent IPX8 waterproofing that was the standout feature of the last generation. They’re easy to tell apart, though, thanks to the larger screen of the 2021 model. 

As is traditional for a Paperwhite update, many of the biggest features here come straight from the high-end Kindle Oasis , with the Paperwhite getting the larger display and color temperature settings that Amazon already offers on its priciest Kindle. The main differences left are the Oasis’ unique form factor (which includes physical page turn buttons), an incrementally larger display (seven-inch on the Oasis vs. 6.8-inch on the Paperwhite), and slightly more LEDs for lighting up the screen (17 LEDs on the Paperwhite to the Oasis’ 25). 

The additions here mean that the differences between the $249.99 Oasis and the $139.99 Paperwhite are slimmer than ever. Of those, the most notable is the LED count — the extra LEDs let the Oasis light up even brighter, but it’s not a difference worth paying nearly twice as much for on its own. The 2021 Paperwhite gets plenty bright, and I only even noticed the difference by comparing them head to head in a dim room. 

The differences between the Oasis and the Paperwhite are slimmer than ever

Oddly, though, Amazon is also using the Paperwhite to debut several new features to the Kindle lineup, something that it typically does the other way around (with premium upgrades coming first to the Oasis and then later to the other models). Presumably, Amazon will have an updated Oasis down the line that brings it back to parity with the Paperwhite, but right now, Amazon’s midrange model is strangely its most technologically advanced. 

The 2021 Paperwhite is also finally Amazon’s first Kindle to come with USB-C charging, which allows for fast-charging the device and — more importantly — actually being able to use the same cables as most other modern devices. The lengthy battery life means that you still won’t be charging it that often, but it’s another big step for many (myself included) to finally be able to excise Micro USB cables from my life.  

The new Paperwhite features one of the most notable design changes for the e-reader model in its nearly decade-long history . For the first time for the Paperwhite, Amazon has increased the display from a six-inch panel to a 6.8-inch display by slightly increasing the Paperwhite’s physical size and slimming down the bezels around the screen a fraction. 

The display still has the crisp 300ppi resolution that the old model had, despite the larger size. The new design with its reduced bezels (particularly on the top of the display) looks better than ever, and the added screen space for reading is a welcome addition, as are the color temperature options for better emulating the color of actual paper. As was the case with the Oasis’ implementation of the feature, there’s still no option to have the Kindle automatically adjust temperature in response to ambient lighting, which is disappointing to see (especially since it can automatically adjust brightness). 

But by increasing the display size, Amazon might have made the Paperwhite too big. The new model is about a third of an inch taller and wider than the old model and about 26g (almost an ounce) heavier than the 2018 model. And while that may not sound like much, it’s just enough for it to be awkward to hold up with one hand, even for someone like me with relatively large mitts. I often have to brace the new Paperwhite with a second hand to comfortably read it, something I didn’t have to do with the old model. 

Amazon might have made the new Paperwhite too big

It’s not a total dealbreaker, but the increased size and weight had me worried a lot more that the Paperwhite was going to tumble out of my hand when I was holding it. (It’s a problem unique to the bigger Paperwhite’s otherwise unchanged design. The Oasis, after all, has an even bigger display but avoids the issue by offering an asymmetrical design aimed toward one-handed use.) It still barely fits in the back pocket of a pair of jeans, but only just. 

Ultimately, given the choice, I’d rather Amazon had gone with the more streamlined design in a way that kept the physical dimensions the same (or even smaller) rather than trying to fit in an ever bigger screen. It’s a personal preference, though, and I suspect that many Kindle readers who just want more screen real estate may not be bothered by the added bulk. 

Amazon says that it’s boosted the battery life on the new Paperwhite, from the previous six weeks up to 10 weeks on a single charge (which requires using the device’s “Power Saver” mode that trades longer battery life for longer waking up from sleep). I’ve only had the Paperwhite for about a week, so there’s no earthly way for me to verify that claim, but I haven’t had any issues with battery life yet — in the six or seven hours I spent reading, I only saw the battery drop a percent or two, even in “standard” battery mode (although battery life will depend on how much you read, how many times you turn the page, and other factors like screen brightness). 

The company also says that it’s put a new and more powerful processor on the 2021 model, which helps to speed up virtually everything. Books open faster, pages turn faster, and scrolling through one’s library is no longer the interminably laggy experience it once was on the older model. 

The 2021 Paperwhite also ships with Amazon’s new Kindle software, which it debuted earlier in the fall . There are a lot of useful new additions here, including a new home layout that puts recently read books front and center, along with better integration for (Amazon-owned) Goodreads reading lists. The new software also makes it easier to jump back into whatever book you’re currently in the middle of from anywhere using the toolbar on the bottom of the screen. Additionally, there’s a new setup mode that allows you to share login information over Bluetooth from the Kindle app on your smartphone, instead of fighting against the E Ink display to type in your Amazon credentials and Wi-Fi password. 

More importantly, though, the new software makes it much easier to access the swipe-down menu. Amazon has taken a cue from literally every smartphone from the last half-decade and added a swipe-down menu accessible from anywhere on the Kindle’s OS that offers toggles for things like airplane mode, Bluetooth, dark mode, and sync settings, as well as sliders to adjust brightness and color temperature. 

The new software emphasizes the Paperwhite’s main goal: a pipeline for Amazon’s ebook store, for better or for worse. There’s more prominent placement of recommended Kindle books to buy on the homescreen now, which can’t be hidden. But at the same time, Amazon hasn’t improved things like the on-device experience for library lending services like OverDrive or Libby, which remain as clunky as ever and wholly dependent on using a smartphone or computer to actually borrow books. 

As with most Kindle upgrades, if you already own the 2018 Paperwhite, there’s not enough here to be worth shelling out the money for a new upgrade. The larger display is certainly nice but comes with its own drawbacks in the form of a harder-to-hold device. And while USB-C and wireless charging have been at the top of the list for Kindle upgrades for years, neither is worth the investment of an entirely new device. At its core, the reading experience on the new Paperwhite is still too similar to the old model to recommend existing owners rush to upgrade. 

But if you’re buying a new Kindle today for the first time or replacing an aging model, the new Paperwhite is the best hardware that you can buy — possibly the best hardware on any e-reader right now, period. But even as the Kindle’s hardware is getting better than ever, it’d be nice to see Amazon’s software reach a similar level, something that the economics of the Kindle ebook store make a very unlikely possibility. 

The end result is one of the best e-readers ever — so long as you can tolerate living within the increasingly high walls of Amazon’s library.

Photography by Chaim Gartenberg / The Verge

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Kindle Paperwhite 2021 review: A better screen and a nearly perfect size

The new Paperwhite adds USB-C charging, which is good, but the 6.8-inch screen is its biggest improvement.

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One of the problems with having a sophisticated, already excellent e-reader like the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is that it's hard to make it much better. The same might be said for Apple's iPhones and plenty of other devices. But with an e-reader, you're dealing with a limited feature set and a core technology, E Ink, that seems pretty stuck in neutral.

Not surprisingly, then, the new 11th-generation  Kindle Paperwhite (2021) ($140, £130, AU$239) isn't a huge upgrade over the Kindle Paperwhite 2018. Though we can give Amazon credit for enhancing it with new features -- namely, a larger 6.8-inch display with an upgraded lighting scheme and USB-C charging -- that offer just enough improvements to tempt you into buying one, whether you're an existing Paperwhite owner or not. The new version costs $10 more than the previous Paperwhite. And a step-up model, the  Paperwhite Signature Edition , adds wireless charging and additional storage -- 32GB instead of 8GB -- as well an auto-adjusting light sensor for $190 (£180, AU$289).

Kindle Paperwhite (2021)

• Larger 6.8-inch E Ink display in a chassis that's only slightly bigger and a tad heavier
• Light adds warmth settings and is a touch brighter
• USB-C charging
• Improved battery life
• Fully waterproof
• No dedicated page-turn buttons
• A little more expensive than the previous model
• Costs $20 to remove the ads

The biggest change is the screen. While 6.8 inches compared to the previous 6 inches doesn't sound like much, once you see the two devices side by side, you realize it adds more screen real estate than you think. I measured the actual screen sizes -- not the devices themselves -- and recorded that the previous Paperwhite's display is about 4.75 inches tall by 3.55 inches wide, while the new Kindle Paperwhite's screen is about 5.5 inches tall and 4.1 inches wide. Using an average font size, you get three or four more lines of text per page and a few more words per line. 

While the display is larger, the new Paperwhite is only a little bigger and weighs just 23 grams more than the previous Paperwhite (205g vs. 182g). The 2021 model also has a smaller 10.2mm bezel. It'd be nice if it was slightly slimmer and had almost no bezel, but it does feel like it's edging closer to being the perfect size. It remains small and light enough to fit in a jacket pocket with a more spacious screen. You get a similar sensation when you hold the flagship  Kindle Oasis  ($250) for the first time, but its metal back gives it a colder feel compared to the Paperwhite's textured plastic back.

Like other Kindle devices, many cover options are available, including Amazon's own, which now includes a snazzy cork cover ( $50 ). 

Read more :  Best e-readers for 2021

The new Paperwhite (left) vs. the previous version (right).

In some sense, the next-generation Paperwhite is a less fancy-looking version of the Oasis, which has a slightly larger 7-inch display. Like the Oasis and the previous Paperwhite, this 2021 version has a 300-ppi display, so text and images appear with the same degree of sharpness (Amazon calls it "laser-quality" text).

With the Signature Edition, you're getting a Kindle with comparable features to the Oasis such as the auto-adjusting light sensor, but you're also getting USB-C and wireless charging, features we assume will come to the next Oasis. Unlike the Oasis, however, the new Paperwhite doesn't include physical buttons for turning pages -- you'll still need to tap the screen for that.

Upgraded light

Amazon says that at its max setting, the adjustable "warm" light has a 10% brightness boost over the previous Kindle. You can see the difference in brightness, but it's quite subtle. The real lighting upgrade is the ability to adjust the light's color (warmth) from a sort of bluish-white to sepia tone, depending on your preference -- I usually go with a middle setting. This is another feature that's trickled down from the Oasis. (The Signature Edition just adds the auto-adjusting component.) 

The standard Paperwhite (2021) adds color temperature adjustment while the Signature Edition (shown) also has the Oasis' auto-brightness feature. 

Battery life is also improved, according to Amazon: It's rated at up to 10 weeks now. (That's with Power Saver mode engaged.) I left the Wi-Fi on, and after 3 days of light reading (about 5 hours total), the battery was down to 89%. At night while indoors, I read with the light on, and during the day I took the Kindle outdoors, turning the light off.

Of course, the nice thing about E Ink e-readers is that unlike the LCDs on phones and tablets, they're made to be viewed in direct sunlight: You can take them to the beach or pool and not worry about having your screen washed out. And speaking of washing out in the wet sense, this Paperwhite, like the previous model, is fully waterproof (IPX8 certified) and can survive a dunk underwater. That also makes it a good choice if you like to read in the bathtub. 

Along with improved battery life, Amazon says it's equipped the new Paperwhite with a more powerful processor and that page turns are 20% faster. Although E Ink is inherently sluggish compared to the responsiveness of an iPad, I did find the device zippier overall than the previous Paperwhite. It's also worth noting that Amazon recently  redesigned the Kindle interface  for the first time in five years (that redesign is available for legacy Kindles). Most people, including me, like the redesign, as it makes it easier to access the Kindle's most useful -- and used -- features and settings. 

The new Paperwhite is fully waterproof like the previous Paperwhite.

Yay for USB-C

After Amazon's Fire tablets were upgraded with USB-C charging, a lot of folks have been waiting for USB-C to come to the Kindle line. Practically speaking, because the majority of newer devices use USB-C these days, it's convenient to carry around fewer cables, and it's also slightly easier to plug in a USB-C cable than a micro-USB cable. Moreover, you seem to get a performance boost, though Amazon's official charge times have tended not to match my real real-world experiences (you can typically charge to near 100% but the last bit of charging is the slowest part). Instead of taking about 4 hours to charge with the previous Paperwhite, Amazon says that the new Paperwhite takes "2.5 hours to reach full charge time using a 9W adapter or larger." No power adapter is included with either the standard or Signature Edition Paperwhite, and you'll need a Qi charging pad to wirelessly charge the Signature Edition (I tested it, and it worked fine). 

The new Paperwhite also comes in a Kids Edition for the first time for $160. That model includes a cover, a one-year subscription to the Amazon Kids Plus service and two-year "worry-free" guarantee that allows you to replace the device at no charge should it get damaged in any way.

I charged the Signature Edition on a Qi wireless charging stand. If you read like this, you'll never run out of battery.

Cellular connectivity remains an option for the high-end Kindle Oasis, but these new Paperwhite e-readers are Wi-Fi-only. They come with a free four-month Kindle Unlimited membership. Bluetooth connectivity is available for listening to Audible audiobooks over wireless headphones or a Bluetooth speaker. Amazon says both models are built with 60% post-consumer recycled plastics and 70% recycled magnesium. 

Kindle Paperwhite 2021: Final thoughts

When Amazon first announced the new Kindle Paperwhite (2021) I wasn't sure how much of an upgrade it would be. On one level, as I said, it isn't a huge step forward. But once I was able to handle both the new Paperwhite and the previous version, the larger screen was more appealing than I thought it would be, even as someone who's well acquainted with the 7-inch screen of the Oasis.

I wouldn't say it made me want to run out and immediately ditch my old Kindle Paperwhite, but it did give me a little itch to upgrade and had me looking at trade-in options. Aside from the lack of physical buttons for page turns (some people are devotees of those buttons), you get about 90% of what's in the Kindle Oasis for $110 less.

While there are other e-readers out there that don't lock you into Amazon -- Kobo, for instance just announced its Libra 2 and Sage e-readers with 7- and 8-inch E Ink displays respectively -- those models are more expensive. It just shows what a good value the Paperwhite is, particularly when it goes on sale (most likely for $100) this holiday season. At $10 more than the previous Paperwhite, the 2021 Paperwhite remains the best e-reader for the money. 

Which Kindle Should I Buy?: An In-Depth Comparison of Different Kindle Models

Arvyn Cerézo

Arvyn Cerézo is an arts and culture writer/reporter with bylines in Book Riot , Publishers Weekly , South China Morning Post , PhilSTAR Life , the Asian Review of Books , and other publications. You can find them on arvyncerezo.com and @ArvynCerezo on Twitter.

View All posts by Arvyn Cerézo

Whether you like the company or not, Amazon’s Kindle remains the best ereader. Kindle has been around for over 15 years, and it has already launched a variety of devices that have undergone several iterations. It came all the way from a bulky and awkward keyboard-equipped ereader to a sleek, touchscreen one. Through the years, there were variations released and gone, such as the Kindle DX and Kindle Voyage. As of the moment, Amazon keeps seven major devices in the Kindle line. With a plethora of choices, it can be overwhelming to pick one. So I attempt to shed light to every potential Kindle owner’s question: Which Kindle should I buy?

It depends on your needs and budget, and there’s no right and wrong answer here. The best Kindles are the ones that suit your preferences. But before you decide on your next reading companion, I did a comprehensive Kindle comparison by breaking down the differences of each of the seven Kindle models currently available. There’s the basic Kindle; basic Kindle Kids; the Kindle Paperwhite, which has the standard, signature, and kids edition; and the Oasis. I’ll break it down by price, features, pros, cons, and reviews among other things. Being an ebook connoisseur , I also shared my two cents on Amazon’s latest Kindle device, the Kindle Scribe. The new Kindle, which features a big screen and the ability to put sticky notes on ebooks, was released in 2022.

With various options available, I’m sure that there’s a Kindle that would fit your lifestyle. And with this comprehensive comparison, I’m sure that the ever-proverbial consumer question “which Kindle should I buy?!” won’t be so daunting anymore.

Which Kindle Should I Buy?: What Are All the Different Models of Kindle

Entry-level kindle devices.

Basic Kindle : The basic Kindle, which has a 6-inch screen display, encompasses all the standard features of an ereader, except for being waterproof.

Basic Kindle Kids edition : The Kindle Kids edition, designed with children in mind, comes with a child-friendly cover and a 6-inch screen.

With this variation, Amazon introduced the membership service Amazon Kids+ that has audiobooks and ebooks available to children aged 3 to 12. It comes for free in the first year, but the subscription renews at $4.99 USD per month after the subsequent year. This Kindle also has a Parent Dashboard feature that allows parents to see their child’s reading progress, change the age filters, add ebooks from their account to their child’s library, set a device bedtime, and more.

Mid-Range Kindle Devices

Standard Kindle Paperwhite : The Kindle Paperwhite, a step-up from the basic Kindle, features a larger 6.8-inch screen and is waterproof.

Kindle Paperwhite Signature edition : The Kindle Paperwhite Signature edition offers the same features as the standard version, such as a 6.8-inch screen, but also includes additional enhancements like auto-adjusting light, 32GB of storage, and a wireless charging capability. It’s the premium edition of the Kindle Paperwhite.

Kindle Paperwhite Kids edition : The Kindle Paperwhite Kids edition, similar to the basic Kindle Kids edition, features a larger 6.8-inch screen and is waterproof.

High-End Kindle Devices

Kindle Oasis : The Kindle Oasis, a premium ereader, gives off a luxurious feel with its aluminum back cover and comes with side buttons for page navigation. It’s waterproof and equipped with a larger 7-inch screen.

Kindle Scribe : The Kindle Scribe combines all the features of a standard ereader with a whopping 10.2-inch screen, making it ideal for reading, writing, and journaling. This model comes with a basic or premium pen that doesn’t require charging, and it magnetically attaches to the device. The premium pen has an eraser as well as a shortcut button that may be used to quickly move between a pen, highlighter, and other tools.

With this Kindle, readers can import files through Send-to-Kindle from a web browser, the “Share” button of Kindle apps, or directly through Microsoft Word (but a Microsoft 365 membership is required for this). Readers can also add sticky notes to imported Microsoft Word documents or annotate imported PDF files.

In addition, readers can make handwritten sticky notes to most Kindle ebooks. However, this feature is not supported on manga, comics, graphic novels, magazines, or newspapers. It’s important to know that readers can’t directly write on an ebook’s page but that they can make sticky notes on it that they can write on.

Aside from being a notepad and journal, the Kindle Scribe also has templates like lined paper, agendas, to-do lists, and more. Readers can also organize these “notebooks” by folders and subfolders.

All of the aforementioned devices are eligible for Kindle Unlimited , Amazon’s flagship ebook and audiobook subscription service.

Prices and Variations of Each Kindle Model

Note: if you choose the option without lockscreen ads on the devices below, the prices go up higher by $20.

The basic Kindle is priced at $99.99 USD and is only available with a storage capacity of 16GB. The basic Kindle Kids edition is priced at $119.99 USD and is only available with a similar storage capacity. Additionally, it comes with three covers.

The Kindle Paperwhite is available in two storage options, priced at $139.99 USD for the 8GB version and $149.99 USD for the 16GB version. It comes in three color options: black, denim, and agave green. The Kindle Paperwhite Signature edition is priced at $189.99 USD and is available in black, denim, and agave green color options. It offers a storage capacity of 32GB. Meanwhile, the Kindle Paperwhite Kids edition is priced at $159.99 USD for the 8GB version and $169.99 USD for the 16GB version. In addition to the expanded storage options, it also comes in three cover designs that differ from that of the basic Kindle for kids.

The Kindle Oasis is priced at $249.99 USD for the 8GB version and $279.99 USD for the 32GB version. Meanwhile, the Kindle Scribe is available at a price of $339.99 USD for the 16GB version, $389.99 USD for the 32GB version, and $419.99 USD for the 64GB version. As mentioned, this model offers the choice between a basic pen and a premium pen, with a $30 USD price difference between each. In the 32GB and 64GB versions of this model, the option to choose the basic pen is not available, and only the premium pen is automatically selected.

Pros of Each Kindle Model

The basic Kindle is the most affordable option and provides an adequate reading experience for the majority of readers.

Between the two options in the child-friendly device line, the basic Kindle Kids is the cheaper option, making it a suitable choice for young readers. It has the added benefit of Amazon Kids+ and features a variety of cover designs.

Meanwhile, the Kindle Paperwhite standard edition is waterproof, features a larger screen size, and offers the convenience of an adjustable warm light. On the other hand, the Kindle Paperwhite Signature edition also has all of that and offers additional features such as wireless charging, 32GB of storage, and an auto-adjusting warm light. For children, the Kindle Paperwhite Kids edition provides a waterproof design, a larger screen size, appealing cover designs, and Amazon Kids+ subscription.

In the high-end devices, the Kindle Oasis shines with its side buttons, which is designed to facilitate easier reading. Its aluminum back cover provides additional support and durability. With a larger screen size and the ability to automatically rotate, it offers an upgraded reading experience. Meanwhile, the Kindle Scribe is a versatile device suitable for various purposes such as reading, journaling, note-taking, writing, and doodling.

Cons of Each Kindle Model

The basic Kindle isn’t waterproof, has a smaller screen size (though preferences may vary), and lacks the adjustable warm light functionality found in other models. The basic Kindle Kids edition is also not waterproof, and it’s worth noting that the inclusion of covers may not be necessary. There isn’t an option to exclude them prior to purchase.

For Kindle Paperwhite standard edition, it’s important to consider that the storage capacity of 8GB may be limited if you frequently listen to audiobooks. On the other hand, the Kindle Paperwhite Signature edition comes with a higher price tag, and it’s worth noting that the wireless charging dock is sold separately. For children, the Kindle Paperwhite Kids edition is priced higher compared to the basic model, and it’s also important to consider that the covers may not be necessary. I honestly find it bulky when reading.

Speaking of bulkiness, the Kindle Oasis is considered a more expensive option, and some readers noted concerns about the weight of the aluminum cover as it may add some bulk to the device. And due to its larger size, it might not fit easily into smaller pockets or bags. There have also been complaints of relatively shorter battery life compared to other Kindle models.

Lastly, for the Kindle Scribe, this device comes with a steep price tag, and it’s important to mention its limitations. The device doesn’t support writing notes on sideloaded EPUBs or PDFs, only on those sent or converted via Send-to-Kindle feature. Additionally, it lacks connectivity to cloud storage services and is not waterproof.

Being a relatively new device, there may still be some bugs, with some users noting issues where their notebooks disappear. This device doesn’t also support sticky notes on manga, comics, graphic novels, magazines, or newspapers.

Amazon Reviews: What People Say about Each Kindle Device

Some reviewers on Amazon expressed complaints about the basic Kindle, citing its smaller size as not ideal for reading manga and noting that it may feel sluggish. In addition, it lacks the feature of a warm light, which may be a drawback for certain readers.

The basic Kindle Kids edition was criticized for having limited Amazon Kids+ content. Some also wrote that certain ebooks may not be suitable for a specific age group, and it may not be the best device for reading picture books due to their image-heavy nature and — since it’s powered by black e-ink — lack of color. Additionally, there were reviews about buggy parental control functionality.

On the contrary, the Kindle Paperwhite standard edition received positive reviews, with many considering it to be the most stable model. The same was also written about the Kindle Paperwhite Signature edition, which garnered predominantly positive reviews. The 32GB storage capacity was praised for its ability to accommodate more audiobook listening. Overall, reviewers recommended this model if you’re undecided between the standard Paperwhite and the Oasis.

Based on certain reviews, however, the Kindle Paperwhite Kids edition also received negative reviews for offering a limited selection of Amazon Kids+ content. And just like the basic edition, there were concerns about certain titles not being appropriate for certain age groups.

For Kindle Oasis, some readers expressed dissatisfaction about its inability to disable rotation, the faster battery drainage, and the observation that the aluminum body can feel “cold to the touch.”

Based on multiple reviews, the Kindle Scribe also received complaints from many readers who experienced its buggy performance, including the absence of certain features like document syncing. As a relatively new, first generation device, reviewers advised potential buyers to wait until these issues are resolved. But while some described it as “overhyped,” the device was praised for its impressive hardware.

Which Kindle Suits You Best?: The Best Kindles According to Use Case

The basic Kindle is designed for general reading purposes, and it’s not suitable for use at the beach or in the bathtub. Though an entry-level device, it supports playing Audible audiobooks. Meanwhile, the basic Kindle for kids works just fine for children, providing Audible playback and parental controls for supervision.

In the mid-range devices, the Kindle Paperwhite standard edition is perfect for reading on the beach or in the bathtub as it’s waterproof. Additionally, it supports audiobook playback through Audible. The Kindle Paperwhite Signature edition offers the same features as the standard version but with added features such as increased storage, wireless charging capability, and an adjustable screen light for different reading environments. The Kindle Paperwhite Kids edition has all the features found in the basic Kindle for kids, making it an ideal choice for children who need a slightly larger screen, a water-proof device, or expanded storage for Audible.

In the high-end device line, the Kindle Oasis is for readers who prefer the convenience of physical buttons to navigate pages during reading, need a larger screen for an improved reading experience, and love the luxurious design of a premium device. Lastly, the Kindle Scribe is a versatile device that caters to various activities such as writing, journaling, and drawing, as well as taking notes on ebooks or documents and reading image-heavy ebooks.

Which Kindle Should I Buy?: The Best Kindles According to Your Budget

For the cost-conscious ($100 usd to $120 usd).

The basic Kindle is an affordable ereader suitable for general reading purposes. However, it’s not recommended for reading near the beach or water due to its lack of water resistance.

The basic Kindle Kids edition provides a sufficient reading experience for children, making it an excellent choice for parents on a tight budget.

For Those Who Want to Splurge a Little Bit More for Extra Features ($140 USD to $190 USD)

The Kindle Paperwhite standard edition is an ideal choice if you prefer a slightly larger screen and plan to enjoy reading in places such as the bathtub, near the pool, beach, or sauna.

While the Kindle Paperwhite Signature edition offers features that are not significantly different from the standard edition, it has a larger storage for more audiobooks, automatic screen brightness that adjusts based on your surroundings, and the option for wireless charging.

For children, choose the Kindle Paperwhite Kids edition if you want a water-proof device that they can safely take to the pool or beach. Additionally, if you want a larger storage capacity, this model is the perfect fit.

For Those Who Want a Luxury Device ($250 USD to $450 USD)

The Kindle Oasis caters to individuals who prefer not to tap their screens while reading using buttons on the side. It also appeals to those who want a larger screen compared to that of the Paperwhite. And since this model has an aluminum back cover, it adds a premium feel.

The Kindle Scribe, however, is not recommended if you’re only interested in reading fiction or text-based ebooks. It’s great when it comes to image-heavy ebooks such as manga, comics, and graphic novels. It’s also great for students as it enables note-taking on ebooks and other documents. Artists may find it beneficial for doodling and other creative activities as well.

Kindle still stands the best brand when it comes to ereaders. Since Amazon releases tons of devices, iterations, and variations, sometimes, it’s hard to keep track of the differences of each.

Still undecided? Here’s an in-depth comparison of Kindle Oasis and Kindle Paperwhite, and a review of the Kindle Scribe for when you want to dig deep.

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Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite: Which One Should You Buy?

We tested both e-readers to find the better buy.

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While nothing can top the smell and feel of paper books or the experience of flipping pages, there's no denying that e-readers have a few advantages.

First of all, these compact devices are super portable and compact so you can squeeze them into small backpacks (and even purses). They also tend to be significantly lighter than most physical books. With an e-reader, gone are the days of carrying around bulky hardcovers! Lastly, most e-readers like the Amazon Kindle connect to Wi-Fi so you'll have access to thousands of titles via the Kindle Store. With just one press of a button, you can purchase your next read no matter where you are and skip a trip to the bookstore or library.

Here, we break down some of the key differences between two of Amazon's most popular Kindles, the Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite, to help you decide which one is worth it for you.

What’s the difference between a Kindle and a Kindle Paperwhite?

The Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite share a lot in common: Both of these e-readers are built with glare-free screens that use E Ink, which gives the screen a paper-like appearance. Thanks to this technology, you can read books on the beach or by the pool without feeling blinded by the sun like you might if you were using an LCD tablet.

Other similarities aside, the major difference you'll notice between these two e-readers is their size. While they look almost identical at first glance in terms of design and configuration, the Kindle is notably smaller than the Paperwhite. Amazon sums up their differences perfectly, describing the Kindle as the "lightest and most compact Kindle," while the Kindle Paperwhite features a "larger screen and waterproof reading."

Amazon Kindle

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite: Price

The Amazon Kindle costs $100, which is about $50 cheaper than a Paperwhite with the same storage space, or 16GB.

To save some money on the $150 Paperwhite you could opt for less storage (8GB) and save $10, but this won't be worth it for most consumers. Another factor to consider when making your purchase: If you want a Kindle without lockscreen ads, it'll cost you.

For an ad-free model, the Paperwhite (16GB) price jumps up to $170 while the Kindle increases to $120. Personally, I think you can probably survive with the ads, but I do appreciate having the option to get rid of them.

Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite: Size, weight and design

Similar in design and appearance, both Kindles feature a slim border around their screen as well as one button at the bottom to wake up the device or turn it off entirely. It's worth noting, however, that the Kindle is much smaller than the Kindle Paperwhite. When I held both models in one hand, the Kindle felt easier to grasp and turn pages single-handedly. It's so small that it might even fit into some back pockets.

When it comes to weight, both models are under half a pound. Though the Kindle is technically lighter than the Paperwhite, most readers won't notice a flagrant difference.

Lastly, each Kindle is sold in black and denim (a blue shade), but the Paperwhite offers one additional color: Agave green, which is similar to a pale mint green. For those who love green as much as I do, this could be enough to sway a decision.

Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite: Display

Because the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite aren't the same size, the display isn't either. The Kindle has a 6-inch screen while the Paperwhite has a larger 6.8-inch display. I prefer the Paperwhite's larger screen that squeezes more text onto a page, but I can see the allure of a smaller overall device.

Both displays have the same 300 pixels per inch resolution so there are no dealbreakers there, but the Paperwhite is technically a bit brighter thanks to 17 LEDs (versus the Kindle's 4 LEDs) built-in. When comparing the two in a dark bathroom with no light, I didn't notice a difference, but the Kindle's screen has a bluer undertone. Ultimately, I found that the Paperwhite display looked more natural.

Another reason why I'd opt for the Paperwhite over the Kindle is that you can not only adjust the screen's brightness but also its warmth. For anyone who wants to replicate the look of actual book pages that feature a warmer tone, this is the only way to do it. It's also a handy feature when reading in low-light settings so you can adjust to your liking and what feels best on your eyes.

But it's important to note that both the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite light up so you can read in the dark (or if you have occasional insomnia like me, in the middle of the night). This is especially handy when you want to read but don't want to turn on the lights or wake up a partner.

Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite: Battery life and performance

I've used the Paperwhite for years, and it feels like I never have to charge it. According to Amazon, the battery life can last up to 10 weeks. On the other hand, the Kindle's battery life is a bit shorter and will get you up to 6 weeks. That's still an exceptionally long battery life, but if you hate having to recharge devices you may want to opt for the Paperwhite.

When setting up both Kindles, their performance felt equal. While browsing the Kindle Store is certainly not as speedy as it would be on a more powerful tablet, both e-readers connected to Wi-Fi, flipped pages and ran updates at roughly the same speed.

Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite: Durability and waterproofing

You can expect the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite to gather some scratches and dents over time if you don't use them with a case. But when it comes to waterproofing, only the Kindle Paperwhite has an IP rating similar to shower speakers , which means that it has been tested to withstand two meters of fresh water immersion for up to an hour. As someone who loves to take frequent baths and has even been caught using a Kindle in the hot tub or pool, this IP rating is enough reason for me to pay the extra price for the Paperwhite. I've dropped my Paperwhite in hot water before, and it's still alive and well today.

Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite: Storage

The Kindle comes with 16GB of storage, while the Paperwhite gives you the choice between 8 or 16GB for a difference of $10. While most readers won't need 16GB, if you have avid readers in your Amazon household the upcharge could be worth it. Expert tip: You can share content via Family Library .

Bottom line: Is the Kindle Paperwhite worth the extra cost?

There are several reasons why I'd choose the Kindle Paperwhite over the Kindle, and most of them come down to personal preference.

First, I love being able to adjust my display's warmth. Though it's certainly not a must-have, it's a feature that I appreciate fiddling with. More importantly, the Paperwhite is waterproof while the Kindle isn't. As someone who is notoriously clumsy and likes to read while taking a bath or soaking in a hot tub, this is essential for the survival of my devices. Lastly, I prefer the Paperwhite's slightly larger display.

Nevertheless, I can see the advantages of having a smaller, more compact e-reader at a lower price point, especially for readers who prefer petite devices. I'll admit that it's easier to hold in one hand and it will take up even less space in a purse or tote bag , but for some, it might just be too small.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

GH Institute analyst and writer Olivia Lipski covers consumer electronics, home, travel, fitness and more for GH, including travel gear , noise-cancelling headphones and computer monitors . Not only does she help readers make better buying decisions by testing and reviewing the latest gadgets to hit the market, but she brings years of product review experience to her role. As someone who has lived abroad, frequently travels and commutes on the NYC subway multiple times a week, she's come to appreciate the convenience of Kindles and their lightweight, compact design.

Olivia (she/her) is a media and tech product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute , covering tech, home, auto, health and more. She has more than five years of experience writing about tech trends and innovation and, prior to joining GH in 2021, was a writer for Android Central, Lifewire and other media outlets. Olivia is a graduate of George Washington University, with a bachelor's degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master’s degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.

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Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021) review: The best e-reader gets better

The kindle paperwhite (2021) is slightly larger and still great.

Tom's Guide Verdict

Now that it's waterproof, the Kindle Paperwhite is the only e-reader you need to know about.

USB-C charging

Larger display

Perfectly even backlighting

No cellular option

Another $10 price bump

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.

The Kindle Paperwhite 2021 looks a lot like the previous one, at least from a distance. Amazon isn't trying to re-invent the wheel here: it's already figured out how to make a Kindle that passes the Goldilocks challenge. And this model, despite being a little pricier, is still just right for most out there.

Amazon breathed new life into this Kindle Paperwhite ($139) by giving it a larger display, a screen feature previously exclusive to the high-end Kindle Oasis and a new charging port. 

This keeps in Amazon's patterns with Kindles. Most of its updates haven't been huge enough to push people to run out and buy one the second they're available, but the 2021 Kindle Paperwhite is just like its dad: sitting atop our best Kindle list.

Kindle Paperwhite (2021) review: Specs

Amazon kindle paperwhite (2021) review: price and configurations.

While I'm not happy to see that the Paperwhite costs more than it used to, the Kindle Paperwhite 2021 starts at $139 .

As happened with the 2018 Kindle Paperwhite, the 2021 Kindle Paperwhite is $10 more than it was before.

The Kindle Paperwhite shipped on October 27, 2021.

The default Paperwhite comes with 8GB of storage (same as the 2018 model), and  Amazon is still charging $20 to upgrade to an ad-free experience (which bumps you up to $159. Thankfully, Amazon is no longer calling these ads "special offers." I'd take this upgrade 10 times out of 10, but I just hate ads (I even pay for YouTube Premium ).

What has changed, though, is that Amazon's no longer offering a model with a cellular modem, the other feature it once offered for an upgrade price. For an extra $50, you can upgrade to the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition , which bumps your storage to 32GB, adds automatically-adjusting backlighting and wireless charging. Check out our Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition review for more details .

Really miss cellular connectivity? You can find it in the Kindle Oasis, which starts at $249 .

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021) review: Design

The Kindle Paperwhite 2021 looks just like most other Kindles, a matte-black shell encasing an e-ink display. But this year we've got some key differences. Its bezels are smaller, and its screen is larger, going from a 6-inch panel to a 6.8-inch panel. 

While the bezel-shrinking helps enable a larger screen, the Kindle Paperwhite 2021 (6.9 x 4.9 x 0.3 inches) is also slightly larger than the 6.6 x 4.6 x 0.3-inch 2018 Paperwhite. It's not much heavier, though, going from 6.4 ounces in the previous model to 7.2 ounces in the new edition.

The 6-inch entry-level Amazon Kindle (6.3 x 4.5 x 0.3 inches, 6.1 ounces) is smaller and lighter, and the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (6.9 x 4.9 x .3 inches, 7.3 ounces) is nearly identical. The 7-inch aluminum Kindle Oasis (6.3 x 5.6 x 0.3 inches, 6.6 ounces) is shorter and wider

Also, there's the matter of the USB-C port in the 2021 Paperwhite, a moment that could have you saying "finally!" (as I did) or "what?" (as one of my relatives did). The move to this reversible port is a bit of catch-up if you think about the Kindle in context of laptops and tablets (save the regular iPad ), most of which have adopted this port. 

Its arrival is important for primarily one reason: reversible ports mean no fumbling to figure out the "right side up." Amazon isn't touting any fast-charging, with claims that it can gain a full charge in under 2.5 hours with a 9W USB power adapter (the Paperwhite 2018 was rated for a full charge in 3 hours with a 5W adapter). Oh, and if you want wireless charging? That's exclusive to the $189 Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition.

We want to compare Kindles to other e-readers, but the Nook lineup hasn't been refreshed since the GlowLight 3 in 2018. We will update this review if B&N or Rakuten (who makes the Kobo e-readers) field a comparable e-reader.

I almost wonder if the bezels on the Kindle Paperwhite 2021 are too small. When I used it, I found myself always having to hold it from the bottom. Gripping it from the now-slimmer side bezel, I found myself accidentally actuating the touch screen controls too often, and unintentionally highlighting text. That said, my mom (the biggest Kindle user I know) didn't find the change to be difficult to get around, as she keeps her Kindle Paperwhite in a case, which gives her more to hold onto.

This is why I prefer the asymmetrical Amazon Kindle Oasis ' design, which has a spot to grip on the side, with page turning buttons. This is highly subjective and personal, though, so your mileage will likely vary. 

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021) review: Durability

Just like the 2018 Kindle Paperwhite the new Kindle Paperwhite (2021) has a waterproof resistance rating of IPX8. And while I could have assumed it will work (the 2018 model survived a bath in a bucket of water unscathed), I decided to put it to the test by dropping the Paperwhite in about 5 inches of tap water in my NYC apartment sink and letting it sit for 20 minutes.

And when I took it out? The Kindle Paperwhite 2021 worked as if nothing had happened. 

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021) review: Display

The Paperwhite's 6.8-inch, 300 ppi display isn't just larger than before, it's also more well-lit than its predecessor. The 2018 Paperwhite had a mere five LED backlights, while the 2021 model has 17. So, if you ever thought the Paperwhite wasn't evenly lit (the 2015 model had only four backlights), you should check out our photos of the Kindle Paperwhite 2021 in the dark. The entry-level Kindle only has four LEDs, the Oasis has 25 and the Paperwhite Signature Edition also has 17.

Text is, of course, still super-crisp, something the Paperwhite hasn't had an issue with for a very long time (the first 300ppi Paperwhite was the 2015 Kindle Paperwhite ). The entry-level Amazon Kindle has a 167 ppi screen, and the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition and Kindle Oasis are also at 300ppi.

As you can see above, the lighting is pretty perfectly even. I tested this out at lower settings, at around 5 ticks on the Brightness meter, and saw that evenly-lit light continue. 

The Kindle Paperwhite 2021's biggest new screen feature (not counting the increased size) is for Display Warmth. Not to be confused with a blue light filter, this setting lets you change the color of the LED light to an amber hue. This feature (seen in the pricier Kindle Oasis), isn't meant to help you fall asleep faster or anything like that (though you can schedule when it turns on), but just as an aesthetic option. 

The one off thing that nit-pickers may notice is that there's a small gap between the screen and the bezel, showing that the display is inset. It's not a huge deal, though I'll note that the reMarkable 2 has a much smaller gap.

Reading a section of the emotionally taxing The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel van der Kolk while outside, I noticed that the Paperwhite's display is still suitable for reading in direct sunlight. 

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021) review: User experience and bonus features

Amazon's made small changes to the Kindle OS interface, and they feel like they're for the better (some change-averse users will likely pop up to say otherwise). The home screen is now split between "Home" and "Library" sections, with the former showing a sample of the latter, along with your reading lists and content that Amazon's algorithms deem worthy of recommending to you. 

The Search bar now takes up much more of the top of the screen, but it's no longer in the menu that appears while reading a book. A new menu "drawer" here contains settings for Airplane mode, Sync, Bluetooth and Dark Mode (introduced in 2020).

One of our long-term issues with the Kindle has been how much it pushes its social extras on you. So, while setting up the Kindle Paperwhite 2021, I was happy to see that Amazon places an option to disable Goodreads (its social network for readers that isn't well-liked ) up front. At this window, I just tapped "No Thanks" and got to experience the rest of the Kindle without using it. 

I don't think I'm alone in that I want my Kindle for reading and nothing else. There's also that page of "about this book" text that pops up and gets in the way. You can get rid of this by opening an ebook, tapping the Font option at the top of the screen, tapping More and turning off About This Book. I also disable Popular Highlights, because it feels weird to have a shared reading experience.

Amazon's still letting you listen to audio books via Bluetooth on your Kindle (though this seems more like a thing people would use their smart phones for), and it's also including its "experimental" web browser, which has never really worked right, and still does not.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021) review: Battery Life

The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 2021 has battery life to spare. Amazon claims it should last up to 10 weeks, but that's based on 30 minutes of reading per day, with Wi-Fi off and brightness set to 13 out of 24. 

Based on my testing, I think they're not far off. I knocked out about 1.5% of battery life per 30 minutes of testing, with Brightness set at multiple levels and Wi-Fi on. Doing the math, I'd probably hit empty a few days earlier than that 70-day estimate. But we don't all read in the same conditions, or for the same amounts of time, so this is a big case for the phrase "your mileage may vary."

Either way, even if it ran out of a charge in 9 weeks and not 10 weeks, the Kindle Paperwhite has impressive endurance.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021) review: Content

If you're looking for a book, the odds say that Amazon has it. And we're not surprised. Since it's one of the biggest online retailers, most would probably want the chance to be in front of that audience. 

And while Amazon doesn't publish numbers, estimates suggest it's at around 9 million titles.

Kobo boasts that it offers "6 million eBooks and audiobooks," while Barnes and Noble, on the other hand, claims it has "millions of eBooks." 

Amazon's also got Kindle Unlimited , a $9.99 Netflix-for-books with "over 2 million titles and thousands of audiobooks." They even throw in three magazine subscriptions. 

In case you're not made of money, the Kindle Paperwhite still supports borrowing books from public libraries for free, using the Overdrive service.

Prime members can take advantage of First Reads (formerly Kindle First), which grants early access to editor's picks. Members also can access two free Kindle books per month, and get access to discounted print editions.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021) review: Verdict

Small updates are interesting, especially when they come with a price bump. This Kindle Paperwhite (2021) review shows that this is such an update, with a slightly larger screen, USB-C charging and display warmth in a model that costs $10 more than its predecessor. The previous Kindle wasn't accused of being too small, having the wrong port or not having enough display options.

So, we're guessing that the Kindle Paperwhite 2021 may be more of a thing people buy to replace a Kindle that's hit the end of its life than one people rush out to buy now. Oddly, though, Amazon isn't offering it with cellular connectivity, something older models are losing . 

Don't want to spend so much money? The $89 Kindle is your best alternative, though you're trading away text crispness with its 167ppi display. And if you want a display that takes away the fiddling with brightness settings, the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition packs that and wireless charging, but it costs an extra $50, at $189.

Lastly, if you're like me and think the slimmer bezels make for awkward handling, there's always the $249 Kindle Oasis. That extra $110 is a lot when most of its other once-exclusive features (such as auto-brightness and display warmth) are found in the 2021 Kindles.

This all adds up to the king keeping the throne: the Kindle Paperwhite (2021) is still the best Kindle for most people — just with a little more screen to love. 

Henry is a managing editor at Tom’s Guide covering streaming media, laptops and all things Apple, reviewing devices and services for the past seven years. Prior to joining Tom's Guide, he reviewed software and hardware for TechRadar Pro, and interviewed artists for Patek Philippe International Magazine. He's also covered the wild world of professional wrestling for Cageside Seats, interviewing athletes and other industry veterans.

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Kindle Paperwhite (11th Generation) Review: The Best E-Reader for Most People

Kindles have come a long way since the e-reader first debuted on Amazon in 2007.

What started as one humble device is now a line of five different devices, the Kindle Paperwhite among them.

As an avid reader, I’ve been using various Kindles since the Kindle Keyboard came out in 2010, and after a lot of testing and reading, I’ve finally settled on the Kindle Paperwhite as my go-to.

It’s the perfect e-reader for most people due to its size, battery life, and price point.

Thinking about making the lead from hardcovers and paperbacks to an e-reader? Keep reading or use the links below for everything you need to know about the Kindle Paperwhite (11th Generation):

• Features and Uses
• Comparison with other Kindles
• Comparison with other e-readers
• Cases and accessories
• The bottom line

The Kindle Paperwhite ‘s 6.8″ screen makes it the perfect size for comfortable reading — it’s the size of a standard trade paperback, and thin enough that it’s not too heavy when you’re holding it for extended periods of time.

Obviously, with a Kindle, the main attraction is reading; with an 8GB model Paperwhite, you can store thousands of books, and you can also buy books directly on the Kindle if you’re connected to Wi-Fi. It’s also incredibly easy to borrow library e-books on a Kindle using the Libby app — you have the option to send books wireless to your Kindle directly inside the app (and pro tip: if you turn your Kindle onto Airplane Mode, your library loans will stay on your device until it’s next connected to Wi-Fi, even if the loan expires and the book is returned).

So now that you have your books, it’s time to play around with the settings. The first settings menu, pictured on the left, is more general — here’s where you’ll play around with brightness, Wi-Fi, warmth, and dark mode (which inverses the colors, so there will be a black background with white letters). The warmth feature can be put on a schedule similarly to night mode on an iPhone. It cuts down the stark blue light of the LEDs into something softer and easier on your eyes. I have mine set on a schedule that mirrors my phone’s night mode.

Inside the book, you can change the font to your liking. There are a number of different styles to choose from, plus a range of font sizes from really tiny to really big (for reference, I have mine set at 8). You can also adjust the margins, or choose one of the preset styles from Amazon.

Lastly, lets talk battery. Amazon’s product page states that the Kindle Paperwhite’s battery lasts up to 10 weeks on one charge if you read for a half hour a day with the brightness set to 13. I use my Kindle for about an hour every day with the brightness set to 12, and I find myself charging it once every two months or so. I am not reaching for the charger often at all.

Depending on the combination of features and storage you want, there are four different prices you could pay for a Kindle Paperwhite.

First, choose how much storage you want: 8 GB or 16 GB. Since an 8 GB model can hold thousands of books, it’s the best option for most people (and it’s slightly cheaper).

Amazon also has a feature that allows you to save a little more on a Kindle by enabling lockscreen ads. This essentially means that when your Kindle is locked, the sleep mode screensaver will be an ad for other Kindle e-books instead of the cover of the book you’re currently reading.

(For the sake of transparency, the Kindle I use is an 8GB model without lockscreen ads.)

With all of that in mind, here are the four possible prices you could pay for a Kindle Paperwhite:

• 8 GB with ads : $140
• 8 GB without ads : $160
• 16 GB with ads : $150
• 16 GB without ads : $170

There are five Kindle devices in Amazon’s family of e-readers: the basic Kindle, Kindle Paperwhite, Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, the Kindle Oasis, and the Kindle Scribe. We’ve broken down some of the core differences below:

Aside from Amazon, the two biggest names in e-readers are the Rakuten Kobo and the Barnes and Noble Nook.

Having used devices from all three brands before returning to my Paperwhite, I can say that the Amazon reading experience is unmatched in terms of battery life and display crispness, but there are some comparable models out there if you are looking for a non-Amazon alternative.

The Kobo Clara 2E is Kobo’s closest model in price (also $140), but the screen is smaller at 6″. However, it has the same waterproof rating as the Kindle Paperwhite, and it also features the adjustable warm light. If you want a slightly bigger Kobo, the Libra 2 has a 7″ screen and page turn buttons.

Barnes and Noble recently released their newest Nook model, the GlowLight 4 Plus , which bears more similarities to the Paperwhite than the Nook did. The screen is much bigger at 7.8″, but it has the same night mode features and flush front screen as the Paperwhite, with the addition of page turn buttons.

Readers who primarily rely on the app Libby and their local library card for access to e-books should know that while it’s incredibly easy to send a library e-book from the Libby app to your Kindle, it’s much more of a process with a Nook — you’ll need a separate Adobe program on your computer to transfer the e-book over.

Amazon sells a few accessories for the Kindle Paperwhite, namely two different kinds of cases. They’re actually the same style of case that clicks onto the back and has a front cover — it opens and closes like a book. The case is available in four fabric colors ($30 each) and four leather colors ($42 each).

I personally use the Mission Cables Clear Case ($22); it’s held up really well after over a year of use, and I love that I can still put stickers on my Kindle without ruining the device itself. It’s not too clunky or big, the way some Kindle cases can be, and it doesn’t make it heavier or harder to hold.

If you’re a Tiktok user who spends some time on #Booktok , you’ve probably seen all different kinds of accessories to make your Kindle reading experience even more luxuirous, aesthetic, or simplified.

Looking for a fun color or pattern to give your Kindle a pop of personality? You can find removable skin decals in different prints and colors on Etsy, like these from BookishDecals . Then, to protect it even further, grab a clear case to pop over it.

my favorite kindle accessories ! 🫶🏼 these items come in clutch when i wanna have a cozy reading night ! #kindle #booktok #kindleaccessories #kindlepaperwhite #booktokforyou #amazon #kindleunlimited #amazonkindle #booktoker #kindlerecs #foryoupage #kindlegirlie #fyp #readers #reading #kindlestickers #fyp

You can also grab a remote control to read hands free, and to really complete the cozy vibes, a gooseneck tablet stand will hold your Kindle for you so you can curl up in bed and read by just pressing a button.

After graduating from my basic Kindle (2019), I have been happily using my upgraded Kindle Paperwhite for a year and a half, and I believe that the Paperwhite is the best Kindle for most readers.

Since Amazon updated the basic Kindle last year and raised the price to $100, the price gap between the two models shrunk to just $40 and it’s $40 worth spending, in my opinion, for a sleeker looking Kindle with more features, a brighter screen, and waterproof rating.

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The Best Kindles to Take Your Library Anywhere

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Best for Most Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021, 11th Generation) Read more

The Smallest and Least Expensive Amazon Kindle (2022, 11th Generation) Read more

Frivolously Awesome Amazon Kindle Oasis (2019, 10th Generation) Read more

Best for Kids Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids Edition (2021, 11th Generation) Read more

We love Kindles here at WIRED. They're simple, reliable, and perfect at what they do—in one palm-sized device, you can bring thousands of books with you to the park or mountain, and they typically get a month of battery life per charge. You can subscribe to get unlimited books from Amazon or get free books from your local library (more on those below). But what's the best Kindle? Our guide will help you decode the differences.

Be sure to check our many other buying guides , including the Best E-Readers , Best Fire Tablets , and Best Alexa Speakers .

Updated October 2023: We've added Strapsicle Kindle holders and a sleeve from the Quirky Cup Collective. We've also updated prices and links throughout.

Special offer for Gear readers: Get a 1-year subscription to WIRED for $5 ($25 off) . This includes unlimited access to WIRED. com and our print magazine (if you'd like). Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

Best for Most

We think most people will like the Paperwhites the best. The step-up, waterproof e-reader went from one to three models, and they rival the more expensive Oasis. We tried the Signature Edition ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ), but all three have bigger, 6.8-inch screens with smaller bezels. The screens are brighter overall at their max and have adjustable warm lighting, but only the Signature can auto-adjust that brightness to your surroundings—we think that should be standard across all models. Its faster page-turn rate means there's no delay while you read.

The Signature has 32 gigabytes of storage and the Standard has 8 gigs. That's a big difference, but you can still read and store a lot of books with 8 gigabytes (around 5,000). If you mostly listen to audiobooks, you may want to go for the Signature, since those tend to take up more room. Still, if you want to save some cash, just clean out your backlog; you can remove a book from your device without deleting it entirely from your Amazon account. The 2021 Paperwhites all have USB-C charging, but the Signature supports wireless charging.

The Smallest and Least Expensive

The difference between Kindle models is not as stark anymore, so you'll probably be happy with whatever price point you prefer. This base Kindle was finally updated in 2022 and is the cheapest one at $100. It's the smallest of the lot at 6.2 inches tall and 4.3 inches wide, with a 6-inch screen (the same screen size as the new Kindle Kids). If you find tablets too cumbersome to hold with one hand, consider this one.

The price increased by $10 from the last version, but it doubled the storage from 8 gigabytes to 16, and the screen is a 300-pixel-per-inch (PPI) resolution versus the old one's 197 PPI. It gets the same USB-C port for charging as the Paperwhite models, and it charges quickly. However, it's not waterproof, and it doesn't get warm lighting or auto-adjusting light.

Frivolously Awesome

There's no practical reason to buy a $270 ebook reader, but the Oasis has a sleek aluminum design with a ridge on one edge and physical buttons to turn the pages. These make it ideal for one-handed reading. The light-up display also looks a little more natural and automatically adjusts the brightness.

Many of the Oasis' features now show up in the Paperwhites, like adjustable warm lighting, water resistance, and a faster processor. At 7 inches, the touchscreen is only slightly bigger too. After years of use, reviews editor Adrienne So has noticed that the battery on her Oasis now only lasts several days. It's also been unavailable on and off. We think it's due for an update.

Best for Kids

The 2021 Paperwhites include a Kids Edition, which brings a bigger and sleeker screen, more lighting options, and IPX8 water resistance for the first time over the original Kindle Kids Edition. The rest of the features are pretty much the same as the new Kindle Paperwhite, except you'll get a year's subscription to Amazon Kids+ , a kid-friendly content library with parental controls. (You can access the same platform across other Amazon devices, like Fire Tablets or Echo speakers .) It also comes with a case and a two-year no-questions-asked replacement guarantee. If your kid smashes it just once, you get your money back. If you're going to get your kid an entertainment device, an ebook reader that doesn't have access to social media is a safer choice. There is a web browser, but it's restricted by default (you can completely disable it too). There are 8- and 16-gigabyte storage options

★ A cheaper alternative with more storage: The newest base Kindle Kids ($120) is cheaper than the 8-gig Paperwhite Kids, but for 16 gigabytes (that's also double what the original Kids Edition was). But this one isn't waterproof if you think that will be a problem with your kiddos, and there's no adjustable warm lighting.

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For Note-Taking

Thanks to the included pen, you can now write on your Kindle ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends )! There's no lag, and the outcome looks very similar to your handwriting. It's already pricey at $340, but you can spend an additional $30 for the premium pen that includes an eraser on the opposite end. You can't write directly on most books, which is frustrating—you have to instead use sticky notes. There are now some options available with that functionality, but it's mostly crosswords and guided journals.

The enormous 10.2-inch screen is ideal for taking notes, marking up PDFs, or doodling, and there are numerous paper formats you can choose, like college-ruled or dotted. The screen size does make reading easy too, especially if you need to increase the font size, but it takes away some of its portability if you prefer to keep an e-reader in your pocket or small purse. There are 16-, 32-, and 64-gigabyte options. Since it was released, Amazon has updated it with additional brush types, a convert-to-text in export tool, and better page navigation and subfolders. Weirdly, it's not waterproof like the other pricier Kindles. We've tried other E Ink tablets for writing , but this is probably the best (and cheapest) option.

For Easy Holding

When I'm a couple of hours into a reading session and my hands start to cramp, I fantasize about setting up one of those hands-free tablet holders so I can lie in bed with it directly in front of my face. I'm not quite there yet, but I do love these silicone Strapsicles. Attach one or both to the back of your Kindle—one is angled for your right hand and the other for your left—and slide your hand in. Your hands won't cramp, you won't accidentally hit the screen and flip pages, and the reader won't slip out of your hands. People also use Popsockets for this reason, if you prefer that. I love my phone Popsocket, but after a particularly long scrolling session, my fingers start to ache. These straps eliminate that altogether.

There are three sizes meant to hold different types of e-readers. You should see exactly which models they work with on the Amazon pages, as well as on this page on the Strapsicle website . If you use a case, these might not work, but the brand sells its own thin clear option for $13.

Do You Need a Cover?

Kindles are, thankfully, not as fragile as our pricey smartphones, but you may still want to add a cover to protect the screen if you're frequently toting it around in a bag. These are meant mostly to protect the screen and add some protection from minor bumps, but they're not padded for serious drops. If you get a Kids Edition, those come with a case already.

The fabric covers for the Base Kindle ($30) , Paperwhite ($35) , and Oasis ($40) open like a book and come in some variation of black, blue, pink, or green. All but the Oasis one is made from post-consumer recycled fabric.

If you've upgraded to the Scribe ($60) , that case flips up and over like a notepad, and you can position it into a stand too. There's also a slot for the pen if you don't want it to be attached magnetically all the time. This one is also made with recycled materials.

Or Get This Pretty Sleeve

When this mystical Kindle sleeve graced my TikTok For You Page—it was the Sun and Moon version —I knew I needed it. It's beautiful and will protect your device when you aren't using it, so you can throw it in your bag without worry. The outside is velvet and the inside satin, with some padding in between and a zip closure. On the back is a small zip pocket. There are several pretty designs, including a luna moth and an hourglass.

On each page, you'll see which devices fit. This size is good for the Kindle Paperwhites and Oasis, plus a bunch of Kobos and the iPad Mini. But if you use a bulky case, consult the measurements. There are also separate, and larger, book and iPad sleeves .

The Quirky Cup Collective is a small business out of Australia, and there's an informational page on tracking times and pricing. It may default to AUD, but the company will charge you accurately for the country you're in (I haven't seen it as anything but US dollars).

Do You Have an Older Kindle Model?

Have an old Kindle lying around—or are looking at a used one for sale—and aren’t sure which one it is? This Amazon page includes photos, specs, and release years for the entire lineup. Once you know which one you have, you may be able to trade it in for credit toward a newer model.

Most old models probably still work, just with fewer bells and whistles. We think it's best to avoid Kindles with keyboards or any other physical buttons—page-turn buttons on the latest Oasis are OK.

Some older Kindles lost the ability to browse, purchase, or borrow new books directly from the device. However, you'll still be able to do so on Amazon.com on your computer or phone and have it sent to your Kindle, which is a better experience anyway. According to the company, the models affected are the Kindle 2nd Generation (International), Kindle DX International, Kindle DX Graphite, Kindle Keyboard, Kindle 4th Generation, and Kindle 5th Generation.

Start Reading

If you buy every single book you want to read at Kindle, it can add up! But there are ways to save some money while reading as much as your heart desires.

You may want to subscribe to Kindle Unlimited for $12 a month . You can only choose from the Unlimited catalog, but there are millions of titles there, including audiobooks and magazines. Start out with the 30-day free trial. Since I got into romance thanks to #BookTok, this has been incredibly rewarding and I typically hate paying a membership for anything.

If you already pay for a Prime account, you're eligible for some free books through Prime Reading . There are not as many options as with Kindle Unlimited, and in a lot of cases you'll see both Unlimited and Prime options lumped together, so you'll have to look closely to find the free ones. But it's still something, and there are even some magazines included.

But if you don't want another monthly subscription and don't want to continue giving your money to Amazon, take advantage of ebooks available with your library card . Browsing a digital catalog is not as magical as spending an afternoon looking over every shelf in a library, but such is the ebook life (no one says you can't read both!). We have a detailed how-to on this that you should check out, but here are some of the takeaways:

• Get a library card for your local branch
• Check your branch's website for its ebook offerings. Many use the website OverDrive .
• Download directly to your Kindle library. They'll automatically be removed when they're due back.

If you know someone else with a Kindle, you can lend books between your libraries, just as you would with a physical copy. Follow these instructions from Amazon to do so, and keep in mind not all books can be loaned.

What Else Can a Kindle Do?

Kindles have helpful features that you may want to take advantage of it. Long-press a word or phrase to see its definition , highlight it, or take notes . You can also search the entire book for that particular word or phrase or translate it to or from other languages.

Word Wise shows short definitions in small text within the lines. Unfortunately, it's not available for all books, but when it is, you can turn it on or off and choose more and fewer hints. Clicking the short definition opens a longer one from Word Wise and the New Oxford American Dictionary or Oxford Dictionary of English (you can switch between the two), plus translations, and a Wikipedia page, if applicable.

While reading, tap the top of the screen and click “Aa” to change font size or type —there's even a font called OpenDyslexic that helps make reading easier for people with dyslexia. You can control margin sizes and line spacing from that menu too.

When a Kindle is connected to a Bluetooth speaker or headphones, VoiceView Screen Reader (accessed through Settings > Accessibility ) allows you to use gestures to navigate your device and reads aloud what you've pressed. It will also read a book aloud, though it doesn't sound nearly as nice as an audiobook does.

Amazon owns Goodreads , so it syncs seamlessly to Kindles (press the three-dot menu > Goodreads ). If you have a Goodreads account, you can review the Kindle books you've read or browse your bookshelf and recommendations. Long-pressing a word or phrase, in addition to what is mentioned above, opens up an option to share quotes directly to Goodreads.

There's a web browser too if you're connected to the internet ( three-dot menu > Web Browser ). It's not the best, so I'd reserve it for emergency searches.

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Amazon Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite: don’t buy the wrong e-reader

The Amazon Kindle is probably the first name that comes to mind when you think of the best e-readers , but what you may not realize is that the Kindle name represents an entire lineup of devices, from the humble Kindle (2022) that defines the brand to the all-new Kindle Scribe released last fall.

Amazon Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite: specs

Amazon kindle vs. kindle paperwhite: design and durability, amazon kindle vs. kindle paperwhite: performance, battery life, and charging, amazon kindle vs. kindle paperwhite: display, amazon kindle vs. kindle paperwhite: software and special features, amazon kindle vs. kindle paperwhite: price, overall winner: kindle paperwhite.

While the Scribe and Kindle Oasis are a duo of pricey flagship e-book readers that are each very distinctive in their own way, there’s also the Kindle Paperwhite that’s much more visually comparable to the entry-level Kindle. It’s so similar, in fact, that you may have a hard time deciding which one to go with. Certainly, the basic Kindle will offer a solid e-book reader for anyone on a budget, but more serious bookworms may want to take a closer look at the differences to decide if it’s worth spending a bit more on the Paperwhite — and if that extra money translates into a better reading experience.

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At first glance, the 2022 Kindle and 2021 Kindle Paperwhite don’t look all that different. They both feature a plastic construction with an e-ink screen, plus the Kindle logo emblazoned on the front. You’ll also get USB-C charging on both — a welcome upgrade over the Micro-USB of the prior models.

Once you take that second glance, though, you’ll quickly notice some subtle but important design differences that set the premium Paperwhite apart. It’s slightly larger — a little over half an inch in both directions — but not so much that you really notice it. However, it also manages to sport a distinctively larger screen at 6.8 inches thanks to the smaller bezels. While opinions are mixed on whether that’s a good thing, since it provides less space for your thumb when reading, it’s hard to argue against a larger display.

The Kindle Paperwhite also features IPX8 water resistance, which the standard Kindle lacks entirely. This means you can feel more confident taking it to the beach, using it by the pool, or even sitting in your hot tub — all of which are great places to use a standalone e-book reader instead of a more expensive and fragile tablet.

In fact, the Paperwhite goes beyond the water resistance ratings of most other electronics, with the ability to withstand immersion in up to 2 meters of fresh water for up to 60 minutes and up to 0.25 meters (about 10 inches) of seawater for up to three minutes. Most smartphones can’t handle saltwater at all — at least not officially.

Both the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite are available in Black and Denim, but the Paperwhite also adds an Agave Green to the mix for those who want something a bit different. However, while the standard Kindle’s Denim applies to both the back and the front frame, the Kindle Paperwhite features black bezels on the front for all colorways.

Nevertheless, a larger screen, IPX8 water resistance that includes saltwater, and a wider choice of colors give the Kindle Paperwhite an easy win for this round.

Winner: Kindle Paperwhite

Amazon doesn’t go into a lot of detail when it comes to specs for its e-readers, but that’s not surprising as there wouldn’t be much to compare a Kindle to outside of another Kindle. After all, these aren’t tablets that run traditional apps and games, so all you need to know is how long it takes to load up a book and flip between the pages.

In that regard, you’ll find that both the Kindle and the Kindle Paperwhite perform equally well, which makes sense since they both pack in the same MediaTek MT8113 chip. Downloading books is done over Wi-Fi — gone are the days when entry-level Kindles offered free cellular connectivity — but with dual-band Wi-Fi operating on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz, it’s more than speedy enough that you shouldn’t be waiting too long to start reading. Page-flipping is smooth and effortless to the point where you won’t feel like you’re lagging between pages, although the e-ink display won’t give you the fancy animated transitions of an LCD or OLED screen.

However, while the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite may be on par for performance, the more expensive model edges it out when it comes to battery life, delivering up to 10 weeks on a single charge under the same conditions where the Kindle only lasts for six; those being 30 minutes of reading a day with Wi-Fi off and the front light set to 13. As for charging, both models only support wired charging over USB-C; you’ll need to spring for the Paperwhite Signature Edition if you want wireless charging, but wired charging shouldn’t be too much of a hassle for a device that you’ll probably only need to plug in once a month.

Although your actual mileage will vary depending on how much you read, it’s safe to say that, on average, the Paperwhite will last you about 60% longer between charges, which makes it an easy winner for this round.

The Kindle offers a 6.0-inch display with a resolution of 300 pixels per inch (ppi) — again, Amazon doesn’t get into the precise number of pixels on the screen because it doesn’t really matter for a device like this. That’s a nice improvement over the prior generation’s 167 ppi display that puts it more on par with the Kindle Paperwhite, although the latter still has it beat with a 6.8-inch screen in the same 300 ppi resolution. This gives you a more expansive reading canvas with room for more text and, therefore, less page flipping.

The Kindle Paperwhite display also wins in more areas than mere size. The flush-front design looks and feels more elegant, plus it sports 17 LEDs (versus four on the Kindle) for more uniform front lighting. Contrary to the “paperwhite” name, you can also adjust the display for a warmer amber look that’s easier on the eyes and feels more like reading a traditional paperback novel. You can also set up a schedule so that your Kindle Paperwhite shifts to warmer lighting at bedtime, although auto-adjustment is limited to the pricier Signature edition.

Both the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite now feature a dark mode for those who find that to be a more comfortable reading experience, and the front-lit e-ink screen on either will be a joy to read on for folks who stare at backlit computers, phones, and tablets all day long. However, while the Kindle gets the job done for simple reading, the adjustable color temperature and better front lighting make the Paperwhite the much better choice for avid bookworms.

The Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite run Amazon’s proprietary operating system that’s dedicated to reading e-books, although they do have a few other tricks up their sleeves.

The reading side includes everything you’d expect, including the ability to pull up a table of contents, highlight passages, add notes, and even use Smart Lookup to find definitions for words, related Wikipedia entries, and translations for any selected text. There’s also Amazon’s X-Ray feature that helps to summarize the most important information from a book, including notable clips, the names of people, places, terms, and images, and a Vocabulary Builder that will help you learn new words by keeping track of anything you look up. Highlights and reading positions for a book will sync using Amazon’s WhisperSync technology, which is particularly handy if you want to pick up where you left off using the Kindle app for a smartphone or tablet.

You can also see popular highlighted passages from others who have read the same book before you and share your own highlights via email or post them to your Goodreads profile, where you can also automatically share the books you’re reading with others online.

However, there’s more to the Kindles than just reading. You can also download audiobooks from Amazon’s audiobook service,  Audible , and listen to them using a Bluetooth headset or speaker. Just be aware that while the storage available on both models is more than enough for thousands of books, audiobooks will eat that up much more quickly. The Kindle Paperwhite is available in an 8GB version, but you’ll want to opt for the 16GB if you’re looking to carry around more than a couple dozen audiobooks.

Both Kindle models also support magnetic covers that can automatically sleep the device when closed and wake it up again as soon as you flip it open to start reading. Amazon naturally sells its own versions of these, but there are also numerous stylish third-party options available.

While the Kindle Paperwhite offers better hardware, it’s equally matched with its smaller and more affordable sibling when it comes to the software experience.

Winner: Tie

The Amazon Kindle (2022) starts at $100 for the “Lockscreen Ad-Supported” version, which will display ads related to Amazon products and services on the screen when it’s in sleep mode. If you prefer a more relaxing sleep screen, you can opt for the ad-free version for $20 more. 

The Kindle Paperwhite (2021) comes in the same ad-supported and ad-free configurations, starting at $140 for the 8GB model or $150 for the 16GB. As with the Kindle, $20 more on top of each of those will get you the ad-free configuration. There’s also a Signature Edition of the Kindle Paperwhite that packs in 32GB of storage, plus wireless charging, an auto-adjusting front light, and no ads for $190 — only $20 more than the ad-free 16GB Kindle Paperwhite.

It’s also worth adding that Amazon frequently discounts its entire Kindle lineup during special sales events like Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, so it’s worth keeping your eyes peeled for some great deals during those seasonal events.

The standard Kindle is a solid and affordable option for casual e-book readers, but if you’re somebody who loves consuming books, the Kindle Paperwhite will be the better investment by far.

You get a substantially better screen that your eyes will thank you for, plus the kind of waterproofing that will have you reading comfortably while relaxing in the middle of a lake. This is also joined by substantially better battery life and a more refined design all around. The regular Kindle is good for the money, but if you can afford it, the Kindle Paperwhite is really the way to go.

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Apple took the wraps off this year's iPhone 15 lineup at its September 2023 event. The phones offer some nice design refinements and significant camera improvements across the board, plus a powerful new A17 Pro chip for the highest-end models.

However, with the usual two tiers of iPhone to choose from, we're presented with the same dilemma every year. Does Apple's iPhone Pro model pack in enough to justify its higher price tag, and what's more, do you really need everything it has to offer? Or would you be better off saving some money and sticking with the standard iPhone?

If you're a voracious reader and you like to travel, an e-book reader is an ideal device for you. Many of the best e-readers are made by Amazon, but working out which model to go for is easier said than done. Much depends on what features you crave. Should you push the boat out and go for the top-of-the-line Kindle Oasis? Or, should you save yourself some cash to buy more books and opt for the latest Kindle Paperwhite?

Amazon has continued to refresh its range over the years, but the choice between these two models is still a tough one to make. Here's how the choice between the Kindle Oasis and Kindle Paperwhite breaks down and which one you should buy.

Screen Rant

Kindle vs. kindle paperwhite: which affordable e-reader should you buy.

The $89 Kindle and $139 Kindle Paperwhite are both compelling e-readers. But which one is really the best value? Let's take a closer look.

The Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite are two of  Amazon's   most affordable e-readers, but which one is ultimately the better value? Although they may not be the most exciting devices on the market in 2022, e-readers remain a vital niche . While it's  technically  possible to read books on smartphones and tablets, the experience of reading on digital paper is infinitely better than any LED or AMOLED panel. It's more comfortable, easy to see in direct sunlight, and just a better experience overall.

Furthermore, now that e-readers have been on the market for a few years, buying one has never been more affordable. The baseline Kindle is readily available for just $89, while the upgraded Kindle Paperwhite can be purchased for $139. The standard Kindle is the most appealing of the two for folks trying to spend as little as possible. However, the Kindle Paperwhite offers numerous upgrades for a modest $50 premium . If you're not sure which Kindle is right for you, here's a closer look at how the two compare.

Related: How To Exit A Book On Amazon Kindle

Design-wise, the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite are fairly similar . Both feature touchscreen e-ink displays surrounded by a soft-touch plastic body. They're also compatible with Amazon's custom-designed covers, giving them simultaneous protection and an added pop of color. Beyond that, however, there are some differences to take note of. For one thing, the Kindle Paperwhite is a slightly larger device all around. It measures 4.9 x 6.9 x 0.32", compared to the regular Kindle's 4.5 x 6.3 x 0.34" measurements. The larger size of the Paperwhite does afford it a significantly bigger 6.8" display , enabling more reading room than the 6" canvas on the baseline Kindle. Another design advantage of the Kindle Paperwhite is its IPX8 water resistance rating — protecting it for up to 2 meters of fresh water submersion up to 60 minutes. This is something the regular Kindle lacks entirely, meaning it's not an ideal candidate for reading by the pool, bath, or beach.

Other Advantages Of The Kindle Paperwhite

Going back to the display, a larger size isn't the only upgrade the Kindle Paperwhite sees over the regular Kindle. The more expensive e-reader also has a sharper resolution and additional front light LEDs. Where the baseline Kindle has 167 pixels-per-inch and 4 LEDs, the Paperwhite has 300 and 17, respectively. This means the text on the Paperwhite appears much sharper and easier to read . The additional LEDs also make the front lighting more uniform and enable users to change the temperature of the Paperwhite's lighting (making it more comfortable in the dark or at night).

There's also a big difference regarding battery life. The Kindle is rated to last up to 4 weeks on a single charge, while the Kindle Paperwhite can go for 10 weeks. The Paperwhite also has more convenient recharging thanks to its USB-C port (the regular Kindle has an older MicroUSB one). The playing field levels out a little bit on the storage front, with both models shipping with 8GB of space.

While both Kindles run the same operating system and have access to identical e-books/audiobooks, the experience of the Kindle Paperwhite is better in almost every way. It has a larger and sharper display, LED temperature controls, water resistance, over double the battery life, and more convenient charging . Those are a lot of upgrades for an extra $50. Anyone who can't spend a penny more than $89 will still get a good experience with the regular Kindle, but if you can afford it, the Kindle Paperwhite is the  Amazon  e-reader we recommend.

Next: Echo Show 15 Vs. Echo Show 10

Source: Amazon

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021) review

Once again the best ereading experience for most people.

TechRadar Verdict

The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite remains the must-have ereader for those who don’t want to spend a lot of money on a gadget but also don’t want the most basic option out there. The introduction of USB-C and a larger battery are exciting, but it may not be worth upgrading if you own a relatively recent Amazon ereader.

Large and clear display

Switched to USB-C

Comfortable reading experience

More expensive than previous models

Lacks wireless charging

Limited to Amazon’s store

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Editor's Note

• Two-minute review
• Price and release date
• Design and display
• Battery life
• Should you buy it?

• Original review date: February 2022 • Newer 16GB version available as of 2022 • Launch price: $129 / £129 / AU$199 • Official price for 2022 model: $149 / £149 / AU$269

Updated: January 2024. Despite being a little old in Kindle terms, the 2021 Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is still a fine ereader. It’s got a great display, has USB-C connectivity and makes for a very good digital reading experience. However, you should note that the version reviewed here is no longer on sale, replaced instead by a 16GB version introduced in 2022. We've not reviewed it, but other than coming in a couple of extra colors (Agave Green and Denim) and having the extra storage space, it's unchanged from the model we reviewed below. Price is the only other difference – it's a little more expensive than the 8GB model we tested. However, we believe this offers the sweet spot in terms of price vs space – particularly if you can score a great deal on it during sales events like Black Friday or Amazon Prime Day. We wouldn't be surprised if Amazon updated the Kindle Paperwhite again in 2024, but right now this remains the best Kindle you can buy. The rest of this review remains as previously published.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite: Two-minute review

The Kindle Paperwhite remains the best ereader for those who are looking for a simple gadget that lets you read for hours on end. It isn’t the top of Amazon’s range and the new Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition means some features aren’t included here.

Instead, the Kindle Paperwhite is built for those who want a comfortable reading experience with top-end tech but don’t need the extra features of an all-metal design or wireless charging.

The design of the Kindle Paperwhite is largely unchanged from what we’ve seen before. There’s still a clear 6.8-inch E Ink display with 300 pixels per inch resolution at the core of the device that makes for enjoyable reading.

Its plastic rear isn’t a premium touch, but it’s easy to grip and the lightweight design means you can read this device without cramping your wrist. 

Battery life remains strong on the Kindle Paperwhite with it lasting for around five weeks from a single charge. It’s not as long-lasting if you’re reading for long periods, but it’s still enough for most people’s library habits.

A big upgrade is the introduction of a USB-C port for the first time. Amazon stubbornly stuck to the micro USB method for recharging its readers in recent years, but now you can use the more modern charging standard on this device.

That isn’t a reason to upgrade your recent Kindle, but it is a useful quality of life improvement that makes for a more well-rounded product.

If you own a Kindle Paperwhite from 2018 onward, you’re unlikely to see a big improvement on this device. If you’ve never owned an ereader, you want to upgrade from the standard Kindle, or you have an aging Paperwhite, this is the ereader to get right now.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite review: Price and release date

This edition of the Kindle Paperwhite was launched in September 2021, and it went on sale soon after. It was unveiled alongside two new editions: the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition and the Kindle Paperwhite for Kids.

This standard Paperwhite version is available directly from Amazon and a variety of other retailers. Its launch price was $129.99 / £129.99 / AU$199.99 (around £100 / AU$190) with ads included or $139.99 / £139.99 (about AU$260) without ads. 

That’s the price for an 8GB model, which should be enough storage for hundreds of ebooks and some audiobooks too.

That Signature Edition comes with some premium features, including 32GB of storage, an auto-adjusting front light and support for wireless charging. This is a new addition to this series of Kindles, and it costs far more at $189.99 / £179.99 / AU$289.

( Update – September 20, 2022: Amazon quietly added a 16GB configuration of the standard Paperwhite , priced at $149.99 / £149.99 / AU$259)

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite review: Design and display

The form factor and design of previous Kindles is relatively unchanged on this new model, but it’s a look that didn’t need changing.

The defining feature is its 6.8-inch display which means the device has a footprint similar to the average paperback book. It’s easy to hold as it only weighs 205 grams, which is just a touch more than the average smartphone.

That’s particularly helpful if you’re reading a hefty tome as it makes for a more comfortable reading experience.

Its overall dimensions are 174.2 x 124.6 x 8.1 mm. The rear of the device is a plastic material that doesn’t feel particularly premium but after some use you’ll find it allows for a stronger grip than the metal rear of the Kindle Oasis.

The Amazon “smile” logo is emblazoned on the rear of the device, but otherwise it’s particularly limited in its design. This is only available in black, so you’ll have to buy a new case for your Kindle Paperwhite if you want a more vibrant look.

The left, top and right edges are all clear from buttons with the power button, LED light and USB-C port all sitting at the bottom edge of the device. That means you won’t accidentally hit any buttons during long reading sessions.

And this device is built for long reading sessions with bezels along the edges of the screen where you can rest your thumbs so you can grip the device without pressing on the screen to turn the page.

The screen is the most premium we’ve seen on a Kindle Paperwhite yet, with a 300 pixels per inch resolution and strong brightness levels. These are easily changed in the software, but you won’t get an auto-adjusting display.

That’s one of the biggest draws of the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, which makes that process much smoother. For example, if you’re reading outside but then you next open up your book when reading in bed the Signature Edition will realize you’re in a darker location and dim the screen.

The borders around the side of the display sit flush with the screen, which is something the company’s standard Kindle model doesn’t have. If you’re looking to upgrade from that device, you’ll notice this as a big difference.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite review: Reading

The Kindle Paperwhite offers a very comfortable reading experience with a clear display that is easy to look at for hours at a time. 

The E Ink technology means the screen is easier on the eyes for long periods than the one on your smartphone or TV.

You can easily edit the display options to find your optimum reading experience. For example, you can change the font style, the font size, the brightness of the screen, the dark mode setting, and much more.

Other features include a dictionary, so you can quickly look up words that you haven’t come across before, and Whispersync, which means it’ll sync pages across your ereader and any other Kindle apps you have (such as on your smartphone).

To navigate through the pages, you swipe on either side of the screen to go through to other parts of the book. This is useful, but some may miss the buttons that other ereaders provide if you prefer something more tactile.

You’re unlikely to fill the Kindle Paperwhite with ease. It comes with 8GB of space, but ebooks generally take up around 1MB of space each. Amazon claims this device will hold 1000s of books, and it’s right about that.

You can upload audiobooks (through Audible) onto the Kindle Paperwhite so you can listen to them through Bluetooth headphones. That will start to take up a lot more space though. If you’re worried about that you’ll want to opt for the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition as it comes with 32GB of space as standard.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite review: Battery life

Amazon claims the Kindle Paperwhite will last for 10 weeks from a single charge, and we got similar results in our testing. If you’re reading every day, you may find the battery will run out quicker but it still lasts a long time.

Extra battery is a helpful element with an ereader as it allows you to have this in your bag without worrying about whether it has enough charge. It’s much more pick-up-and-go than your phone or a traditional tablet.

It’s charged with a USB-C cable (which is provided in the box) and this is the first time we’ve seen a Kindle move away from micro USB. That’s a big deal as it means most people can use their modern smartphone charger to recharge the ereader.

If you own an iPhone, it’ll mean you have to have a different charge for your Kindle but it’s still a much more common standard than micro USB that we’ve seen on previous ereaders.

The Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition has wireless charging built-in, which is unlikely to be a must-have for your Kindle but you may want to spend more on your ereader if you want that.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite review: Software

Amazon’s Kindle platform has become more mature in recent years, and it’s some of the best software you’ll find in an ereader. In addition, you’ll find a huge selection of books on the brand’s bustling estore to download directly to your Kindle.

If you buy books directly from the store they’ll appear on your ereader within a matter of seconds (if you’re on a solid internet connection).

Navigating around the Kindle Paperwhite is smooth for an ereader, and it’s always easy to find the different options you’re looking for.

Simply press on books in your library to download them, and then press on the right-hand side of the screen to cycle through the pages. If you want to go back, you’ll press on the right.

As with most ereaders, this can be slow but Amazon claims it’s 20% faster than previous editions. It isn’t noticeably faster on this edition, but it does feel smooth and it’s unlikely to be something you find frustrating.

Should I buy the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 2021?

Buy it if… 

You’re looking for a comfortable reading experience

The Kindle Paperwhite has an ergonomic design that makes it comfortable to hold for long periods. The screen is clear and bright and the display settings are easily adjusted, so you’ll find this a pleasant reading experience overall.

You want your Kindle to work on USB-C chargers

This is a minor thing, and it isn’t a valid enough reason to upgrade your Kindle, but we’d recommend opting for this if you want it to work with a better charging standard than micro USB.

You’ve got an older Kindle model

The upgrades over recent generations of Kindle Paperwhite are minimal, but if you’re running a much older ereader it may be the time to upgrade to this version. It’s also a great stepping stone if you’ve previously used less feature-rich ereaders.

Don’t buy it if… 

You’re looking for the cheapest ereader

If you just want the cheapest option, you should look to the standard Kindle or an alternative from a brand like Kobo. The standard Kindle is a suitable product for most people, especially if you’re looking for the lowest price possible.

You want wireless charging

Wireless charging is far from a must-have feature on an ereader, but it’s one of the standout features of the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition. If you’re keen to drop all the wires from your gadgets, look to that ereader instead.

You don’t want an Amazon product

You can download other books and upload them to your Kindle, but it’s far more complicated than buying books directly from the Amazon store. If you’re looking for a product that isn’t reliant on Amazon’s store, this isn’t the ereader for you.

First published: February 2022

James is Managing Editor for Android Police. Previously, he was Senior Phones Editor for TechRadar, and he has covered smartphones and the mobile space for the best part of a decade bringing you news on all the big announcements from top manufacturers making mobile phones and other portable gadgets. James is often testing out and reviewing the latest and greatest mobile phones, smartwatches, tablets, virtual reality headsets, fitness trackers and more. He once fell over.

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Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite: Which Kindle Should You Buy

So, you recently discovered that using a Kindle is sustainable and efficient. However, when you go to Amazon to finally make the purchase, you are confused about picking up the regular Kindle or the Kindle Paperwhite. We’ll help you make the right choice by showing you everything you need to know about Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite.

Given that a Kindle easily lasts for five to six years when maintained well, you must make an informed decision while purchasing. In this article, we’ll show you all the features and differences between the latest entry-level Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite readers. We’ll have a detailed comparison, including the pricing, to help you make the perfect choice.

1. Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite: Specifications

Here’s a quick spec comparison between Amazon Kindle Paperwhite and Kindle:

2. Design and Display

A significant visual difference between the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite e-reader is that the latter has a larger 6.8-inch display compared to Kindle’s 6.2-inch display. Therefore, the Kindle Paperwhite, at 7.23 oz (205 g) is slightly heavier than the Kindle, which weighs 5.56 oz (158 g).

Further, the display on the Kindle Paperwhite is flushed with bezels, and the Kindle reader has its bezels raised on top of the display. Moreover, the Kindle Paperwhite sports thinner bezels at the sides compared to the regular Kindle reader. But none of them has uniform bezels.

The display on the Kindle Paperwhite is significantly better and brighter both during the day and the night compared to the Kindle. The Paperwhite also sports more LEDs – 17 in the background than the 4 LEDs in the Kindle reader. However, we assure you that both readers provide a great E-Ink display reading experience – since both displays are crisp and have the same 300ppi density.

Kindle Paperwhite can also change the backlight glow and increase the temperature of the screen, making it warmer and a more soothing reading experience at night or in dark environments.

Both have the same matte finish design. However, the Kindle provides you with two colors – Black and a dark blue Denim option. The Kindle Paperwhite only comes in Black.

3. Supported Formats and Other Features

Both Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite support all major formats for E-books. Here are all the formats that both these readers support:

Kindle Format 8 (AZW3), AZW, TXT, PDF, MOBI, PRC, PDF, DOCX, DOC, HTML, EPUB, TXT, RTF, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP (through conversion), Audible Audio AAX

Using these formats, you can view and download books from the Kindle Library or transfer books to your Kindle reader from email or PC . Further, both readers come with a built-in web browser.

Regarding connectivity, both readers support 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth so that you can listen to Audible audiobooks via Bluetooth devices.

Kindle offers 16GB storage, whereas the Kindle Paperwhite supports 8 and 16GB storage options.

4. Battery Life: Which Kindle Lasts Longer

The Kindle Paperwhite has a larger battery life (1700 mAh) in comparison to the Kindle (1040 mAh). Amazon says that with thirty minutes of reading daily, the Kindle Paperwhite lasts 10 weeks, whereas the Kindle reader lasts 6 weeks.

Both readers support 9W USB-C charging through the power adapter. The Kindle charges faster and takes 2 hours to recharge completely than Kindle Paperwhite’s 2.5-hour charging time. However, you must remember that Kindle Paperwhite’s battery is larger as well.

Also Read : Why Is my Kindle battery draining fast

5. Are Both Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite Waterproof

The Kindle Paperwhite has an IPX8 water-resistant rating. Unfortunately, the Kindle reader does not offer any water resistance. Amazon also says that the Kindle Paperwhite can withstand 2-meter water immersion for 60 minutes.

6. What is the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition

Amazon also has another iteration of the Kindle Paperwhite, called the Kindle Paperwhite Signature edition, and it has a few more advantages over the Kindle Paperwhite as listed below :

• It offers a higher storage option of 32GB.
• It supports Qi Wireless charging.
• It can automatically adjust brightness.
• An additional blue and green color option.

7. Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite: Pricing

The entry-level Kindle reader is priced lower than the Kindle Paperwhite. Further, you can also save a few bucks if you opt for the Kindle/Kindle Paperwhite that supports lock screen ads. The readers are also available with a Kindle Unlimited subscription for three months without an additional cost, provided you select the option while purchasing.

However, remember that it is subject to auto-renewal after three months. Here’s how the Kindle and the Kindle Paperwhite are priced:

Kindle 2022 Price:

Kindle 2022

Kindle paperwhite price:.

Kindle Paperwhite

Kindle paperwhite signature edition price:, kindle paperwhite signature.

Now that you are aware of everything about Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite, here’s our verdict between the two.

Which One Should You Buy: Kindle or Kindle Paperwhite

Our pick has to be the Kindle Paperwhite, given that it offers a slightly better reading experience and a larger display. The 8GB variant should be sufficient if you do not plan on loading it with many audiobooks or if you read or listen to one book at a time. If you are not willing to spend a lot of money, you should be fine with the regular Kindle reader as well.

We also regularly publish articles and guides about Kindle to help you make the best use of it, so do check them out!

Last updated on 29 June, 2023

The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.

DID YOU KNOW

Supreeth Koundinya

Supreeth is passionate about technology and dedicates himself to helping people figure it out. An engineer by education, his understanding of the inner workings of each device is what ensures he provides top-quality assistance, tips, and recommendations. When away from the desk, you will find him traveling, playing FIFA, or hunting for a good movie.

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Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (8 GB) – Now with a larger display, adjustable warm light, increased battery life, and faster page turns – Black

Sustainability features.

This product has sustainability features recognized by trusted certifications.

Carbon emissions from the lifecycle of this product were reduced compared to similar products or previous models.

The Reducing CO2 label applies to products certified by the Carbon Trust, that are lowering their carbon emissions year after year for the full lifecycle of the product. The Carbon Trust was formed in 2001 and introduced the world’s first carbon label in 2007. It produces its certifications to global leading and independently verified standards. The Carbon Trust has a mission to accelerate the move to a sustainable, low carbon economy.

Learn more about this certification

With 3 Months Free Kindle Unlimited

Without Kindle Unlimited

Lockscreen Ad-Supported

Without Lockscreen Ads

• Kindle Paperwhite – Now with a 6.8” display and thinner borders, adjustable warm light, up to 10 weeks of battery life, and 20% faster page turns.
• Purpose-built for reading – With a flush-front design and 300 ppi glare-free display that reads like real paper, even in bright sunlight.
• More books in more places – Store thousands of titles, then take them all with you. A single charge via USB-C last weeks, not hours.
• Easy on the eyes – Now with adjustable warm light to shift screen shade from white to amber.
• Waterproof reading – Built to withstand accidental immersion in water, so you’re good from the beach to the bath.
• Find new stories – With Kindle Unlimited, get unlimited access to over 2 million titles, thousands of audiobooks, and more.
• Go hands-free – Pair with an Audible subscription and Bluetooth headphones or speakers to listen to your story.
• Your device

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Lose yourself in a book— wherever, whenever

Kindle Paperwhite is thin, lightweight, and travels easily so you can enjoy your favorite books at any time. With our signature 300 ppi glare-free Paperwhite display—now 10% brighter at its max setting—you can read in any light. And now, a single battery charge via USB-C lasts up to 10 weeks. Battery life may vary depending on use.

Make a splash

With the waterproof Kindle Paperwhite, you’re free to read and relax in more places—from the beach to the bath. Kindle Paperwhite is IPX8 rated to protect against accidental immersion in up to two meters of fresh water for up to 60 minutes, and up to 0.25 meters of seawater for up to 3 minutes. Learn more about waterproof features .

Better together

Our covers are designed by Amazon to perfectly fit your Kindle, thin and lightweight design allows for hours of comfortable reading. They automatically put your Kindle to sleep when closed and wake upon opening, making it easy to get back to your story. Shop Kindle accessories .

FABRIC COVER Designed by Amazon to perfectly fit your Kindle, these slim, form-fitting covers attach securely and fold back for one-handed reading. Shop fabric covers

GLASS SCREEN PROTECTOR Ultra-clear and scratch resistant glass provides protection without compromising the display. Shop glass screen protector

LEATHER COVER Textured natural leather cover with microfiber interior protects your display from scratches. Cover folds back for easy one-handed reading. Shop leather covers

Every day is an earth day

You don’t have to be an environmental scientist to make sustainable choices. We considered sustainability in the design of this Kindle device. Here’s how:

60% post-consumer recycled plastics in device 70% recycled magnesium in device

Device Packaging

95% of this device’s packaging is made of wood fiber-based materials from responsibly managed forests or recycled sources.

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There may come a time when you want to trade in or recycle your device. Explore options with Amazon Second Chance .

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Customer reviews.

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the readability, screen size and battery life of the digital bundle. They mention that it makes reading so much easier, and convenient. They appreciate the larger screen and battery, which lasts for days. Customers are also happy with lighting, and portability. However, some customers have mixed opinions on color, quality, and ease of use.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers like the readability of the digital bundle. They say it makes reading so much easier, convenient, and like reading a real book. They also appreciate the warm light feature, and the adjustable backlight. Customers also say the text is crisp and clear, and it's nice to read while in bed at night. They mention that the battery life is insane.

"...The text is crisp and clear , and the adjustable backlight ensures that I can read comfortably in any lighting conditions, even in bright..." Read more

"...The Library screen is a bit better because you can list your books by title or author (three lines at top right screen give you "Sort by" screen),..." Read more

"...options on the kindle, including the warm light feature makes it easy to read regardless of where I was and what kind of lighting is available,..." Read more

"...Yes, its easy on the eyes . The ads run when the screen is closed and isn't a bother while on & reading...." Read more

Customers like the battery life of the digital bundle. They say it can hold tons of books, the battery lasts a long time, and it integrates easily. Some mention that they barely ever have to charge it when they're always reading.

"... Battery Life : I'm amazed by how long the battery lasts on this device...." Read more

"... LONG BATTERY LIFE Yes, the battery really lasts for days or weeks...." Read more

"...Pretty well. The "10 weeks" battery life claim seems exaggerated , but still if you pick it up to go somewhere, it will probably be charged and last..." Read more

"...IDK. Basically it lasted a long time , long enough for me to be impressed...." Read more

Customers find the digital bundle portable and easy to carry around. They say it's lightweight, and holds a whole library of books. Customers also mention that the screen looks lighter in the sun. Overall, customers find the product to be a nice travel ereader.

"...Size and Weight: The Paperwhite is incredibly lightweight and easy to hold, making it perfect for extended reading sessions...." Read more

"...PORTABLEThe kindle paperwhite is small and light and fits easily into my purse, even with a cover...." Read more

"...It's basically pocket sized so it was extremely portable ...." Read more

"...It's thin, lightweight and battery life last long (not the whole 10 weeks) like I explained above (rolls eyes)...." Read more

Customers like the screen size of the digital bundle. They mention that it is responsive, slightly larger, and can adjust the warmth. They also say that the page is a little bigger than their old one, and that the reading screen is bigger. Customers also say it fits in just about any bag for easy transfer. Overall, they are satisfied with the larger display, adjustable warm light, and the ability to change the font, spacing, orientation, margins, and more.

"...Here's why: Display: The Paperwhite's high-resolution display is a delight to read on...." Read more

"...The screen lighting of the kindle paperwhite is adjustable and reading is pleasant. I prefer to read with black background and white letters...." Read more

"...TPU Skin Bumper Back Cover Shell, Clear” from Amazon and it fits the Kindle ideally , and most importantly this case DOES go on the proprietary..." Read more

"...and it doesnt take very long to charge either!- Perfect size too! I love how thin it is and light weight...." Read more

Customers like the lighting of the digital bundle. They say the screen light is amazing, and the subtle light keeps their eyes more engaged. They also appreciate the backlight and warm light, saying it's easy on the eyes and a game changer. Customers also mention that the lighting allows for easy reading in the night or in dark places.

"...The various light options on the kindle , including the warm light feature makes it easy to read regardless of where I was and what kind of lighting..." Read more

"...The onboard dictionary, the highlights, the backlit screen , the insane battery life (I charge this thing once a month), all of it together creates..." Read more

"...Want to read in a dimly lit room? No worries; the backight and warm light are perfect for any situation...." Read more

"...I do most of my reading before bed and having the screen backlit with adjustable brightness and warmth is a game changer, and the screen really does..." Read more

Customers are mixed about the quality of the digital bundle. Some mention that the device is great, easy to use, and great for traveling with. They also say that it's near-perfect in its execution, but there are some aspects that could use improvement. However, some customers say that the touchscreen is not great, and the device does not appear to have that longevity.

"...It's a fantastic device that has rekindled my love for reading!" Read more

"...I hate the Home screen because most of the screen is taken with book recommendations rather than your own library...." Read more

"...read an embarrassingly cringleworthy, but suprisingly emotional and fantastic , harlequin romance novel while on the plane...." Read more

"...Perspective: The device is great , easy to use, great for traveling with...." Read more

Customers are mixed about the ease of use of the digital bundle. Some mention that the screen light is amazing, much easier and effortless to use than bringing a book light, and the technology is simple. However, others say that the GUI took some getting used to, the device is very difficult to navigate, and cumbersome.

"...Integration with Kindle Store: The seamless integration with the Kindle Store makes it incredibly easy to discover, purchase, and download new..." Read more

"...This is tedious. It also breaks my train of thought and forces me to use my dreadful phone with all of its notifications and apps and stuff that..." Read more

"...Perspective:The device is great, easy to use , great for traveling with...." Read more

"...Web Browser" turned into the "Web Browser" and the navigation improved markedly (addressing issues I read in other 1-star reviews)...." Read more

Customers are mixed about the color of the digital bundle. Some mention that the paperwhite is perfect, looks like real paper in direct sunlight, and is refreshing. Others say that they don't love the lack of color, saying that it remains dark gray text in light gray background.

"...This device acts like printed media rather than a tablet -- once your book is open there are no ads and no distractions, simply fast reading on a..." Read more

"...I do not like that it’s only in black and white and I know that it’s like that for a reason but the part of that which annoys me is the highlighting..." Read more

"...Now don't get me wrong, the Charger is nice and the fabric cover is very nice , but for a device Amazon says you only need to charge 5 times a year,..." Read more

"...Instead, it remains darkest gray text in lightest gray background , not ideal. Happy reading!" Read more

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Amazon Kindle (2022)

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

78 facts in comparison

Amazon Kindle (2022) vs Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

Why is amazon kindle (2022) better than amazon kindle paperwhite.

• 3 more file types supported ? 16 vs 13
• Supports text-to-speech ?
• 55 g lighter ? 158 g vs 213 g
• Has anti-reflection coating ?
• 14GB more internal storage ? 16GB vs 2GB
• 41.51% higher pixel density ? 300 ppi vs 212 ppi
• Wi-Fi version ? Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
• 2x higher resolution ? 1072 x 1448 px vs 758 x 1024 px

Why is Amazon Kindle Paperwhite better than Amazon Kindle (2022)?

• Gets direct OS updates ?

Which are the most popular comparisons?

Amazon Kindle Touch

Amazon Kindle Voyage

Amazon Kindle Kids (2022)

Kobo Clara HD

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021)

Kobo Clara 2E

Kobo Libra 2

Amazon Kindle (2014)

Amazon Kindle Scribe

PocketBook Touch Lux

PocketBook Touch Lux 4 Limited Edition

Tolino Shine

Cheap alternatives

Onyx Boox KON-TIKI 3

User reviews

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Be the first. Use your experience to help others in the community make a decision.

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1072 x 1448 px

758 x 1024 px

Performance

Connectivity.

Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)

Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)

Miscellaneous

Which are the best e-readers.

Huawei MatePad Paper

Onyx Boox Tab Mini C

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Onyx Boox Note 4

Onyx Boox Nova Air 2

TCL Nxtpaper

Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C

Onyx Boox Palma

Onyx Boox Tab Ultra

Onyx Boox Page

How-To Geek

Kindle vs nook: which e-reader is best for you.

Two big names in the book world go head to head.

Quick Links

Kindle is king of ebooks, nook is less intrusive, kindle ereaders have nicer hardware, nook ereaders still have page turn buttons, kindle is better for library cards, nook ereaders are cheaper, but barely, which is best, key takeaways.

• Kindle dominates ebooks, with 12 million titles compared to Nook's 4 million.
• Nook has page turn buttons, but Kindle boasts better hardware overall.
• Kindles are superior for library cards; easier to connect with Libby for checking out ebooks.

When it comes to ebooks, there aren't many names that can compete with the mighty Kindle. It's become synonymous with eReaders, almost like what Kleenex is to tissues. One of the few competitors worth knowing about is Barnes & Noble's Nook series, but can it really stand up to the behemoth that is Amazon?

Kindle is far and away the most well-known name in the eReader world. ebooks have been outselling physical books on Amazon since 2010, and its library has continued to grow. When it comes to sheer number of titles and the ease of purchasing, it's hard to beat Amazon and Kindle.

As of March 2023, it was estimated that there are over 12 million ebooks available in the Amazon Kindle Store. Barnes & Noble claims the title of "world's largest bookstore," but when it comes to digital goods , there are only around 4 million titles available in the Nook Books store. Kindle is the clear winner in sheer volume, though bestsellers and popular authors are available on both platforms.

One of the biggest knocks on Kinde eReaders is their pure, unadulterated Amazon-ness . A Kindle may not be as blatantly stuffed with Amazon services as a Fire Tablet , but there's no mistaking who owns it. Clearly, if you're not a fan of Amazon, a Kindle is not for you.

The Kindle ecosystem is loaded with ads, even if you pay extra for an ad-free Kindle. There are book recommendations (a fancy word for "ads") everywhere you turn, not to mention plugs for the Kindle Unlimited subscription service . Kindle eReaders will also try to get you to use Goodreads , which is owned by Amazon, too.

All that being said, I have to admit I am not a fan of Amazon, but I still opted for a Kindle eReader. You may feel the same way after reading more about the trade-offs of using a Nook.

Maybe you don't care about ecosystems as much, and you just want the best hardware. Both Amazon and Barnes & Noble offer a few different models, though Amazon tends to refresh its lineup more often. At the time of writing in March 2024, there are six current-generation Kindles and four current-generation Nooks.

Looking at the company's baseline models, the Kindle Paperwhite and Nook GlowLight 4 , there are several key hardware advantages in the Kindle's favor.

First, the Paperwhite has a 6.8-inch flush display, while the GlowLight has a smaller 6-inch display that's inset from the bezels. The flush display may not make a huge usability difference, but it feels less cheap than an inset display. The Kindle display is also brighter, and the touchscreen is more responsive.

The Paperwhite's battery is considerably better , only draining 12% in a week compared to 55% on the GlowLight. It's also heavier than the GlowLight, which may not be the best for long reading sessions, but it does make the Paperwhite feel more durable. Speaking of durability, the Paperwhite has an IPX8 rating, while the GlowLight has none.

Amazon has been making eReaders longer than Barnes & Nobile, and it's put out many more models over the years. That experience shows in the hardware. Even when comparing models in the same price bracket, the Kindle often feels like a more premium product.

Now, if you're looking for a very specific hardware feature, there is one area where the Nook comes out on top: page turn buttons. As of March 2024, all of Nook's eReaders still include physical page turn buttons. The most recent Kindle to still have page turn buttons is the Kindle Oasis from 2019.

Nooks not only use these buttons for page-turning but they can also be used to jump chapters. Some say the buttons are not as responsive as the touchscreen. However, a physical button can't be replicated, and some people just find it more comfortable. If that's a big deal for you, the Nook is your choice.

One big reason why I personally chose a Kindle despite my feelings about Amazon is library books. Technically, both Kindle and Nook eReaders can read library books from the Libby app. However, it is far, far easier to do with a Kindle.

Kindles integrate with Libby very well . You simply link your accounts and device, and when you check out an eBook in the Libby app, it is automatically sent to your Kindle. Easy peasy.

To get books from Libby onto a Nook, you'll need to get your computer involved. You have to download the EPUB or PDF from the Libby website, open the file in Adobe Digital Editions, and then manually transfer it to the Nook that's connected to your computer. It's certainly doable but far more involved than the Kindle.

Let's talk about pricing. Across, the board, Nook eReaders are a bit cheaper than Kindles, but it's very close. The Kindle Paperwhite 11th Generation is $159.99 without lock screen ads, while the Nook GlowLight 4 is $149.99 . However, if you don't mind the ads, you can get the Paperwhite for $139.99.

Barnes & Noble's "budget" option, the Nook GlowLight 4e is $99.99 , while the standard Kindle is $119.99 without ads and $99 with ads. B&N also offers the 7.8-inch Nook GlowLight 4 Plus for $199.99 , which doesn't really have a current Kindle equivalent. The old 7-inch Kindle Oasis can be had for $239 refurbished , and the larger 10-inch Kindle Scribe costs over $300 when not discounted.

In short, Kindles are cheaper if you're okay with lock screen ads, but Nook has the edge when you compare ad-free to ad-free models. Considering we gave the hardware crown to Kindle, you're probably better off spending the extra $10 for an ad-free Kindle.

This is one comparison where there's a pretty big clear winner with just a couple of asterisks. Most people will be happiest with a Kindle eReader . The Kindle Store has a much bigger selection of ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, comics, and more. They also have nicer, more premium-feeling hardware, and the experience of checking out free books from your local library is super easy. The pricing comparison is so close it's not worth factoring into the equation.

There are only two main reasons why someone might want to choose a Nook over a Kindle. First and foremost, you don't like Amazon, and you want to stay as far away from the Amazon ecosystem as possible. If that's the case, your question should be "Nook or Kobo?" Second, you really, really like page turn buttons.

Love it or hate it, Amazon has firmly entrenched itself at the top of the eReader market. As long as you don't mind using Amazon products, a Kindle is an excellent device for your reading needs.

We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

I love my Kindle Paperwhite, and now it's cheaper than ever in this Amazon Spring Sale deal

You've got until midnight to save 23% on one of Amazon's bestselling ereaders.

I've owned a Kindle Paperwhite for a while now and it's one of my favourite devices – I've more than doubled my yearly book count since I bought one.

Amazon's Spring Sale has seen huge discounts on all sorts of tech, from Fire Sticks to Fitbits , but this deal might be one of the best we've spotted.

The Kindle Paperwhite (11th generation, 16GB, Denim Blue with Ads) has dropped to its lowest-ever price for non-Prime members at £114.99 . That's a huge 23% discount from its RRP of £149.99. We have only seen it this cheap a couple of times before.

If you're thinking about buying one, be quick – Amazon's sale ends on Monday, March 25th .

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 16GB Denim Blue

What is the Kindle Paperwhite?

The Kindle Paperwhite sits towards the middle of the Kindle range. This one has a 6.8-inch screen, 17 LED front lights with an adjustable warm light, weeks of battery life, and a flush front design. You get 16GB of storage that will hold thousands of books.

It's also waterproof so you can use it by a pool without worrying about splashes, or outside in the temperamental British summer without worrying about a sudden downpour of rain.

I've been using my Kindle Paperwhite for a couple of years now, and I still love it. It only weighs 205g which is the same as some smartphones, and it's small enough to fit into most of my bags.

I take it everywhere with me – I read it on my commute and it comes on holiday in my hand luggage. Plus the adjustable warm light makes it easy on the eyes for nighttime reading.

The Kindle Store has what seems like endless titles available from the latest bestsellers to Pulitzer Prize winners, each taking a matter of minutes to download.

If you are considering buying a new Kindle, you might also be interested in this Kindle Unlimited deal which gives new customers two months for free when they sign up. You'll get access to millions of books, thousands of audiobooks and a fair few magazines too.

Is this a good deal?

Absolutely. We've only seen the Kindle Paperwhite drop to this price a handful of times. You can buy cheaper Kindles from as little as £85, but you'll miss out on some features like waterproofing and the warm adjustable front light.

If you'd rather buy it in a different colourway then you're out of luck, but if you're a fan of the Denim Blue design, then don't miss out on this deal. It's also worth remembering that you can buy a case in almost any colour to go with your Kindle.

Shop Kindle Paperwhite deal

Shopping for your little ones? The Kindle Kids (2022 release) has also been featured in the sale, dropping the price down from £104.99 to only £89.99 .

Amazon Kindle Kids (2022 release)

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The Best Amazon Deals on Kindle E-Readers to Shop Now: Save on the Kindle Paperwhite, Scribe and More

Bring your reading experience on-the-go this spring with these Amazon deals on the Kindle and Scribe.

Book lovers looking for a portable and comfortable reading experience can save on a new Kindle e-reader with Amazon deals . Whether you enjoy reading outside or just reading under the covers, Kindle e-readers offer a convenience that's hard to beat. 

Right now, Amazon is offering deals on a number of its Kindle device bundles for up to 24% off. You can get the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition Bundle, regular Paperwhite bundle, and Kindle for kids at a discount for access to a ton of books no matter where you are. 

Shop Kindle Device Deals

Thanks to their flush-front design and glare-free display, Kindle Paperwhites read like real paper, even in bright sunlight. The adjustable color temperature makes nighttime reading just as simple. You can store thousands of titles and take all the books  with you without worrying about battery life since a single charge last weeks, not hours. With Kindle Unlimited, you'll get unlimited access to over 2 million titles, thousands of audiobooks , and more.

With its 6.8-inch display lit from the sides and adjustable lighting, the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite helps minimize eye strain and it’s also waterproof. Shop all the best Amazon Deals on the Kindle and Scribe, below. 

Best Amazon Deals on Kindle Devices & Bundles

Kindle paperwhite (16gb).

The Kindle Paperwhite is the perfect companion for bookworms and those who love to read as it houses thousands of stories.

$150   $130

Kindle Scribe

Read and write as naturally as you do on paper. The latest Kindle Scribe was featured on Oprah's 2023 Favorite Things List. This Kindle Scribe is the world’s first 10.2” glare-free Paperwhite display and included Premium Pen.

$340   $255

Kindle Paperwhite Kids

The Kindle Paperwhite Kids has a larger black & white 6.8” glare-free display and up to 10 weeks of battery life to help establish healthy reading habits. 

$170   $135

Kindle Scribe Essentials Bundle

Read and write as naturally as you do on paper. The latest Kindle Scribe features the world’s first 10.2” glare-free Paperwhite display and included Basic Pen.

$500   $440

Kindle Essentials Bundle including Kindle (2022 release)

Get a great value on this 2022 release Kindle Paperwhite bundle. The fabric Kindle cover is also available in blue, pink, and black as well. 

$150   $135

Kindle Paperwhite Essentials Bundle

The Kindle Paperwhite has up to 10 weeks of battery life making sure your reading time is rarely interrupted. The glare-free display and waterproof capacity allow you to enjoy your book in endless outdoor settings. This Essentials Bundle includes a Kindle Paperwhite, Amazon Fabric Cover, and Power Adapter. 

$195   $175

Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition Essentials Bundle

Get more with the Kindle Signature Edition: this has everything the Kindle Paperwhite does, plus wireless charging, auto-adjusting front light, 32 GB storage, wifi, without ads, & comes with an Amazon Leather Cover.

$265   $245

For even more savings on best-selling products, check out our ultimate guide to all the  best Amazon deals  on tech, fashion, beauty, home and more to shop today.

Sign up for More Deals Here!

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16GB Kindle Paperwhite Now On Sale for $129

March 28, 2024 by Nathan Leave a Comment

After a long lull of Kindle sales to start the year, Amazon has put several different Kindle models and bundle packages on sale this past week.

Now they have the 16GB Kindle Paperwhite marked to $129.99, and that includes the black, the denim, and the agave green color options. The bundle packages are on sale as well.

The 8GB model is still out of stock so it’s not included in the sale, but the kids version of the 16GB Kindle Paperwhite is still on sale from last week too.

In some ways the Kindle Paperwhite Kids is a better deal for $5 more because it includes a cover and an upgraded 2-year warranty that covers accidental breakages, unlike the standard Kindle warranty, but the kids version doesn’t have the option to add 3 months of Kindle Unlimited to the purchase for free since it comes with a 1-year free subscription to Amazon Kids+ instead.

I’ve seen some people saying the kids model is also a better deal because it doesn’t have screensaver ads, but that is no longer true. The 8GB version was an ad-free model but they phased that one out and now both kids Kindles have ads when not using kids mode. You have to pay an extra $20 to remove the ads or you can usually get rid of the ads for free with this tip .

It’s good to see the regular Kindle Paperwhite go on sale again after being full price for so long, but this is another one of Amazon’s weird sales where they’re only taking $20 off. They used to discount Kindles by a lot more than that; the 8GB version used to regularly go under $100, but I guess those days are gone.

The Kindle Scribe and Kids Kindles are still on sale as well, but Amazon ended the Prime exclusive sale on the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition.

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The Onyx Boox Page is the ultimate reading companion

Filling the void left by the departure of the kindle oasis..

Android Central Verdict

With the Kindle Oasis being discontinued, there are even fewer e-readers with physical page-turning buttons, but the Onyx Boox Page performs admirably. It has full access to the Play Store, a gorgeous backlit screen, and is a great companion for those wanting to just sit back and catch up on a book or read the news. Just don't expect to see very many updates, and you might want to be careful taking this to the beach.

Lightweight and comfortable

Physical page-turn buttons

Access to the Google Play Store

Includes a microSD card slot

Supports up to 24 different file formats

No water resistance

Android apps don't perform very well

Why you can trust Android Central Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

One of the things that I love about foldable phones is that I can use them for everything from playing games to getting work done or trying to force myself to read a book. The versatility offered by foldable phones is also one of the biggest hindrances, as I'm easily distracted, so I'll start reading something and then a notification will come in and I'll end up forgetting what I was doing.

That's just one of the problems that I've been attempting to solve with the Onyx Boox Page, a 7-inch E Ink tablet with access to the Play Store. However, the journey of making this my go-to reading device has proven to be more of an adventure than I thought.

The problems first arose as soon as I took the Page out of the box and started trying to get everything set up. For one reason or another, it just would not connect to my home Wi-Fi network. I tried everything I could think of before stumbling across others who had the same problem.

It seems that if you have your network set up to use both 2.4GHz and 5GHz, some devices just won't connect, including the Page. Thankfully, I use the TP-Link Deco X90 , so all I had to do was quickly set up a guest network that only uses 2.4GHz. After getting the Page connected, it was pretty much smooth sailing. I was even able to switch back to my primary network after installing a software update.

Considering that the Boox Page is the successor to the Boox Leaf 2 that I've already reviewed, I'm already pretty familiar with the form factor and what to expect. One of the nice things, however, is that unlike the Leaf 2, I didn't need to jump through a bunch of hoops to get the Play Store installed.

Within minutes, I had the Kindle and Play Books apps installed, giving me access to my library of e-books, all without needing to fiddle around or worry about being limited to what's available in Onyx's own Boox Store. While Onyx packs its store full of free books, you won't find anything recent on tap. It's still kind of frustrating, but I guess it's there if you're really trying to avoid using either Google or Amazon's digital storefronts.

Now that everything was set up and I got signed into the apps I installed, the reading experience with the Boox Page is just what I expected. The backlit screen is nice, automatically adjusting based on the light around me. Onyx has also done a great job of providing plenty of settings to adjust and tinker with how the screen looks and operates.

Unlike trying to use something like the Galaxy Z Fold 5 or OnePlus Open , the 7-inch Boox Page is lightweight and comfortable to hold. Sure, it might not fold up for me to throw it in my front pocket, but it's an e-reader, not a phone.

As for the rest of the hardware, this is about as solid of a build as it comes, despite being made from a combination of glass and plastic. I actually had to double-check the official specs just to make sure that this wasn't aluminum because that's how good it feels.

Much like its predecessor, the Boox Page also has the added benefit of offering dual page-turning buttons on the front. These work as you'd expect, but there's a bit of a twist. If you dive into the Settings app, you can customize how the buttons work in other apps.

By default, any non-reading apps will just adjust the volume up or down. However, I replaced that shortcut with "Scrolling" whenever I'm browsing the web in EInkBro or catching up on my reading list in Instapaper. Onyx even includes long-press shortcuts, which come in quite handy as I can manually invoke the screen refresh functionality or pull up the E Ink Center to change settings on the fly. I still keep the "NaviBall" enabled, but it's often just minimized and moved out of my way unless I need it in a pinch for something else.

Outside of reading books, browsing the web, or catching up on your reading list, you're not really going to venture outside the world of words. That means when it comes to watching videos, you're better off just grabbing your phone. It's really not worth trying to torture yourself even if you enjoy using the Boox Page that much.

The same sentiment rings true for games outside of maybe Wordle, Sudoku, or a crossword puzzle. Just for fun, I wanted to see what the experience would be like when loading up the original Legend of Zelda for NES . Surprisingly, it didn't look as bad as I thought it would, and I didn't even need to manually refresh the screen all that often.

What I did need to do is pair a controller with the Boox Page because it's almost impossible to see the on-screen controls with the NES emulator I was using. But again, this isn't the intended use case, so I don't really recommend any gaming or watching videos here.

Parlor tricks aside, I really do enjoy the Boox Page and what it offers as not just an e-reader but also as an E Ink tablet . It's not cumbersome to hold and use, even with one hand, and the buttons on the front are a nice inclusion. I haven't really mentioned battery life because, frankly, it's been just as good as one would hope. The Page is always ready for me to pick up where I left off, and I haven't encountered any issues that I can remember.

The elephant in the room, however, is the price. Amazon no longer sells the Oasis, which would be the most comparable model given that it, too, featured page-turning buttons. With that in mind, the Page and its $249 retail price is just $5 less than the Kindle Scribe but is much smaller, lacks an IP rating, and doesn't offer stylus compatibility.

On the other hand, thanks to the inclusion of the Play Store, you're not limited to only using Amazon's Kindle app to read your books. Even still, with the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition priced at $190, the added functionality might not be enough to justify the additional $60 for some.

It's also worth mentioning that Onyx doesn't have the greatest track record with software support. Occasionally, you'll see a random update come through that might fix some bugs or add a few features. But don't expect to see one arrive with Android 12 in tow, let alone Android 14 . It's really fine for the time being, but with Android 15 around the corner, it's a bit of a let-down. Then again, it's an e-reader, first and foremost, and until the Play Books or Kindle apps stop supporting Android 11, it really won't be much of an issue.

That all being said, I really do like what Onyx is doing with its various e-readers and E Ink tablets. There are enough features to help differentiate these from much of the competition. As for the Boox Page, if you're willing to make a few concessions, it's definitely worth every penny.

Portable and versatile

Arriving as a successor to the Leaf, the Onyx Boox Page offers an excellent experience from top to bottom. You can download many of your favorite reading apps from the Play Store, or load up a microSD card with your own library of books to enjoy.

Andrew Myrick is a Senior Editor at Android Central. He enjoys everything to do with technology, including tablets, smartphones, and everything in between. Perhaps his favorite past-time is collecting different headphones, even if they all end up in the same drawer.

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