Image: Rob Schultz
The Kindle is the reigning leader among e-readers. But Amazon makes several models—knowing which Kindle to buy depends on your budget and your reading preferences. That’s where this guide comes in. With our help, you’ll find just the right Kindle for you or your lucky loved one.
Amazon’s E Ink slabs were first introduced to the world in 2007, and currently there are four models with different feature sets—plus a variant designed for kids. A few scrappy competitors may nip at the Kindle’s heels, but none can hold a candle to the sheer volume of books, comics, and periodicals available for easy download and consumption on a Kindle.
Purchasing one of Amazon’s less expensive Kindles could mean missing out on features that could make your reading time more pleasurable. But that doesn’t mean the most expensive Kindle is the always right choice—don’t pay for features you won’t use. Let’s break it down.
The current Kindle lineup.
The current Kindle lineup.
Amazon
The current Kindle lineup.
Amazon
Amazon
Latest news
September 2022: A revamped entry-level Kindle with an upgraded screen and more storage has been announced. With its souped-up specs, it may be a fierce challenger for the “Best Kindle” title when it arrives on October 12th.
Should you choose the ‘Ad-Supported’ discount?
With all models, you can buy an ‘Ad-Supported’ model, which has advertisements that appear on the Kindle’s lock screen, or pay an additional $15 to $20 for a version ‘Without Ads,’ which should be self-explanatory. We show the price for the ‘Ad-Supported’ model in our reviews. Click the Without Ads button on any Kindle’s product page to get the version free of marketing campaigns.
If you’ve already chosen Ad-Supported and now have regrets, you can still ditch the ads. You just have to pay the fee you would’ve at checkout for an ad-free Kindle. Our guide to removing ads from your Kindle explains how to do it.
The best Kindle for most readers
Kindle Paperwhite (2021)
Read our reviewPrice When Reviewed:$139.99
Though the price of the Kindle Paperwhite drifted upward with its 2021 refresh, its upgraded features justify the extra cost. With its bigger screen, improved front light, higher resolution, and waterproofing, it’s an easy pick over the basic Kindle. Read our full review.
The best waterproof Kindle
Kindle Paperwhite (2021)
Read our reviewPrice When Reviewed:$139.99
If you enjoy reading by the pool, in the bathtub, or lead a lifestyle that places your expensive electronic devices in liquid peril on a regular basis, you’ll be happy to know that the best waterproof Kindle is also our pick for the best Kindle for most people: The Kindle Paperwhite.
With its IPX8 rating, it can survive in two meters of fresh water for up to an hour at a time. Want to read in the bathtub or by the pool? Not a problem, especially since the Kindle Paperwhite also allows you to disable taps as touch input, in order to avoid the touchscreen mistaking a splash of water for user input. Read our full review.
The luxury Kindle
All-new Kindle Oasis
Read our reviewPrice When Reviewed:$249.99
The very name of Amazon’s “All-new Kindle Oasis” would seem to herald a radical overhaul. But the changes to Amazon’s top-shelf e-reader are far less dramatic. Beyond the introduction of a new color-adjustable front light that can warm or cool the screen’s illumination, the All-new Kindle Oasis remains strikingly similar to its predecessor. And that’s good news. It’s still the best e-reading experience you can buy—and your only option if you want a Kindle with cellular connectivity included. Read our full review.
All our latest Kindle reviews
Kindle Paperwhite (2021)
Pros
Larger screen (6.8-inch) Long battery life (up to 10 weeks+) Front lighting is more even and supports cool and warm tones USB-C charging port Waterproof (IPX8 rating) Automatic screen brightness & wireless charging support (Signature Edition)
Cons
Higher price Noticeably heavier than previous model Limited navigation options Price When Reviewed:$139.99Read our full Kindle Paperwhite (2021) review
All-new Kindle Oasis
Pros
New color-adjustable front light lets you cool or warm the lighting Waterproof Light weight and sharp text makes it comfortable to read for hours
Cons
Can only play audiobooks from Audible Expensive Price When Reviewed:$249.99Read our full All-new Kindle Oasis review
All-new Kindle (10th generation, 2019), Ad-Supported
Pros
Frontlighting for comfortable reading in all environments Can play audiobooks over Bluetooth speaker Improved E-Ink and touchscreen technology
Cons
Audiobooks will deplete 4GB of storage quickly Price When Reviewed:$89.99Read our full All-new Kindle (10th generation, 2019), Ad-Supported review
