A studying pill is a must have for the bibliophile on-the-go. As a substitute of lugging round that weighty novel — and probably a back-up e-book — attempt an Amazon Kindle for a light-weight, moveable studying companion. Plus, with Amazon Prime Day developing, you will probably discover the tablets on sale.
Amazon’s Kindle lineup has one thing for everybody. The Kindle Scribe makes annotating a breeze, and the Kindle Colorsoft gives a full-color pill, so you will not miss out on high quality illustrations. Whether or not you need a premium expertise with the Kindle Paperwhite or the budget-friendly base mannequin system.
Additionally: Finest early Amazon Prime Day Kindle offers 2025: My favorites gross sales forward of October
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What’s the finest Kindle proper now?
We have examined one of the best Kindle studying tablets in the marketplace by exploring their options, researching buyer suggestions, and evaluating affordability. Even with extra superior gadgets accessible, Amazon’s base mannequin Kindle stays our favourite.
The $110 base mannequin Kindle is our greatest general choose for its glorious battery life, simple readability, and quick page-turning pace. Learn on for a full breakdown of one of the best Kindle studying tablets
Additionally: The most effective tablets you should buy
The most effective Kindle readers of 2025
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Why we prefer it: The Kindle base mannequin is the proper system to deal with your whole favourite books. The most recent model of the pill gives a brand new colour, Matcha Inexperienced, in addition to improved web page turning charges. Even with the upgrades, this Kindle stays essentially the most reasonably priced within the product household at $110 — primarily the price of 4 hardcover books.
Who’s it for: The handy and accessible 6-inch pill is ideal for a reader on-the-go, and its battery life lasts about six weeks. You may as well select to tack on a 3-month free trial of Kindle Limitless for much more digital books.
After I went hands-on with this Kindle, I would for sure advocate it to any word-lover. It has all of the options you’d want in a good e-reader together with a vivid, glare-free show, reactive and fast speeds, and an amazing battery life at an inexpensive worth.
Who ought to look elsewhere: Whereas this pill’s battery life is not unhealthy, it is the shortest within the Kindle gadgets lineup. There’s additionally no microSD card assist.
Evaluation: Amazon Kindle (Twelfth-generation)
Amazon Kindle specs: Screen measurement: 6 inches | Storage: 16GB, Amazon Cloud | Battery life: As much as six weeks at half-hour per day | Lock display screen adverts: Sure, detachable with payment | microSD card assist: No
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Why we prefer it: The Kindle Paperwhite, which Amazon boasts as its “quickest Kindle ever,” is an upgraded model of the bottom mannequin Kindle. Whereas nonetheless 16GB, the 7-inch, glare-free display screen has a better distinction ratio and even quicker page-turning pace.
Who’s it for: The auto-adjusting entrance mild, quicker page-turning charge, and battery life make the Paperwhite shine.
Maria Diaz, a ZDNET author, went hands-on with the system and most popular it over her present e-reader every day driver.
“After two weeks of every day studying on a single cost, some days for as much as three hours a day, my Kindle Paperwhite’s battery continues to be at 32%. In line with Amazon, the Kindle Paperwhite might final about 42 hours of studying with the brightness at 13,” Diaz mentioned in her overview.
Charlie Osborne, one other ZDNET contributor, mentioned she prefers the Kindle show to utilizing the app on her smartphone.
Who ought to look elsewhere: The Paperwhite’s worth is an enormous soar from the bottom mannequin, however with Prime Day on the horizon, you would possibly have the ability to get it on sale. As well as, you could pay a payment to take away lock display screen adverts, and there is not any microSD card assist.
Evaluation: Amazon Paperwhite (2024)
Kindle Paperwhite specs: Display measurement: 7 inches | Storage: 16GB | Battery life: As much as 12 weeks at half-hour per day | Lock display screen adverts: Sure, take away with a payment | microSD card assist: No
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Why we prefer it: The Paperwhite Signature Version is a boosted model of the unique mannequin, the largest change being the additional storage. The glare-free 7-inch display screen has a better distinction and a quicker page-turn charge in addition to an adjustable heat mild and wi-fi charging.
In line with Amazon, a single cost through USB-C lasts as much as 12 weeks, which provides as much as about half-hour per day at a lightweight setting of 13, in line with the system specs. Audiobook streaming by means of the Amazon Audible app will even drain the battery quicker.
The Kindle Paperwhite Signature Version additionally sports activities a water-proof score of score of IPX8, which is ideal for poolside studying round splashy youngsters.
Who’s it for: If you’d like a couple of extra bells and whistles in your Kindle Paperwhite, that is price a glance. It is dearer, however you get a whopping 32GB of storage.
Who ought to look elsewhere: The Paperwhite Signature Version solely gives a pair additional options, but it surely’s about $50 dearer than the unique Paperwhite. Whereas there’s extra storage, there’s nonetheless no microSD card slot. Plus, the $23
As well as, the Signature Version solely gives the identical colours as the unique Paperwhite, however with a metallic end.
Kindle Paperwhite Signature Version specs: Display measurement: 7 inches | Storage: 32GB | Battery life: As much as 12 weeks at half-hour per day | Lock display screen adverts: No | microSD card assist: No
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Why we prefer it: The $340 Kindle Scribe combines a digital library with a digital pocket book. You should utilize the Fundamental Pen to create notes both by means of an app or immediately on the pages of the e-book you are studying.
The show is exceptional, with a high-resolution 10.2-inch display screen. You may even have entry to a number of storage choices at 16, 32, or 64GB. Plus, the battery life will allow you to learn the following bestseller with out worrying about discovering the closest plug for charging.
Evaluation: Amazon Kindle Scribe
Who’s it for: The pill is ideal in case you’re learning for a take a look at or get pleasure from annotating a novel. The Fundamental Pen comes with the pill, however you possibly can improve to the Kindle Scribe
When Matthew Miller reviewed the Scribe, he referred to as it his on-the-go notetaking pill of selection. “My want to search out one thing that does not waste paper and likewise offers the power to protect and share my notes has been met with the Amazon Kindle Scribe,” Miller mentioned.
He provides that the writing and erasing capabilities are prime tier — additional bolstered with the add-on Premium Pen.
Who ought to look elsewhere: Other than the worth tag, there’s definitely room for enchancment. At the moment, you possibly can export notes to a PDF and e-mail them, however sending notes to different packages like Microsoft Phrase could be best. Moreover, we discovered that organizing your notes on the Kindle Scribe is sort of not possible.
General, it is a wonderful foray into the digital note-taking market, however future software program updates will assist refine the product.
Additionally: Finest tablets for college in 2025
Kindle Scribe specs: Display measurement: 10.2 inches | Storage: 16, 32, or 64GB | Battery life: As much as 12 weeks at half-hour per day | Lock display screen adverts: Sure, detachable with payment | microSD card assist: No
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Why we prefer it: The Kindle Colorsoft lastly provides customers what they’ve wished for years: a full-color Kindle choice. In comparison with related e-readers from different corporations, Amazon’s Kindle Colorsoft gives by far the smoothest expertise.
Amazon additionally gives a
Who’s it for: In the event you like graphic novels, illustrative texts, or need to take a bunch of youngsters’s books on a household trip, this Kindle is the proper device to view the artwork at its full potential.
When ZDNET’s Allison Murray examined the pill, she had no points studying within the daylight. It is also waterproof making it the proper companion for out of doors studying.
“I’ve just about no complaints with this Kindle besides maybe its small measurement. The dimensions itself is simple and cozy to carry, however studying colour books or magazines, an even bigger measurement like that of the Boox Observe Air C 3’s 10.3-inch show makes a better affect, and you may actually see and respect the colour pictures higher when seeing your complete web page,” Murray mentioned in her overview.
Who ought to look elsewhere: Just like the Paperwhite Signature Version, the Colorsoft has wi-fi charging capabilities, however the dock is bought individually. As well as, the battery life is barely eight weeks, in comparison with the 12 weeks different Kindles provide.
Evaluation: Kindle Colorsoft and Kindle Colorsoft Youngsters
Kindle Paperwhite specs: Display measurement: 7 inches | Storage: 16GB | Battery life: As much as 8 weeks at half-hour per day | Lock display screen adverts: No | microSD card assist: No
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|
Finest Kindle reader |
Value |
Display measurement |
Battery life |
Storage |
|
Kindle (Twelfth-generation) |
$110 |
6 inches |
6 weeks |
16GB |
|
Kindle Paperwhite |
$160 |
7 inches |
12 weeks |
16GB |
|
Kindle Paperwhite Signature Version |
$200 |
7 inches |
12 weeks |
32GB |
|
Kindle Scribe |
$340 |
10 inches |
12 weeks |
16GB, 32GB, 64GB |
|
Kindle Colorsoft |
$250 |
7 inches |
8 weeks |
16GB |
*Lowest worth on the time of writing. Please word that costs could range based mostly on retailer and accessible promotions, gross sales, or reductions.
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When searching for a brand new Kindle reader, except for worth, you also needs to contemplate how a lot space for storing you will want to your digital bookshelf.
Each the essential Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite have 16GB of storage. The Paperwhite Signature Version has 32GB of storage, but it surely’s dearer. The Colorsoft additionally has 32GB of storage, however a shorter battery life. As well as, in case you’re not planning to take notes whereas studying, the Scribe in all probability is not for you.
Under is a desk that outlines which Kindle corresponds to particular wants:
|
Select this Kindle reader… |
In the event you want… |
|
Kindle (Twelfth-generation) |
A fundamental reader that’s simple to deliver anyplace. It is reasonably priced and can go well with informal customers. |
|
Kindle Paperwhite |
If you’d like one thing extra fashionable and lighter than the everyday Kindle, this could possibly be finest for you. |
|
Kindle Paperwhite Signature Version |
If you’d like the Paperwhite expertise with extra storage and a wi-fi charging choice. |
|
Kindle Scribe |
Finest for notetaking, annotating whereas studying, and even journaling. |
|
Kindle Colorsoft |
A full colour studying system finest for comics, manga, and graphic novels. |
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- Value: Kindles are usually reasonably priced, however with extra options, like drawing capabilities, sturdy battery life, and ample storage, you’ll pay a better worth.
- Storage capability: The purpose of a tool like a Kindle is to retailer as many books in a single compact system as doable. We checked out Kindles with huge storage capacities that may maintain hundreds of titles.
- Environmental components: Numerous fashions provide water resistance, so you possibly can learn inside and out of doors. Nevertheless, keep in mind that Kindles are nonetheless digital gadgets, in order that they shouldn’t be uncovered to excessive circumstances.
- Show: Kindles include quite a lot of show sizes. Do need a pill about the identical measurement as the common novel, or a bigger display screen?
- Youngsters: In the event you intend to permit your youngsters to make use of a Kindle, you would possibly need to go for a mannequin designed with child security and safety in thoughts. No less than spend money on a case.
- Colour: It is a minor consideration, however colours is likely to be restricted within the mannequin you in the end choose.
- Battery life: The e-readers on this listing ought to ideally final a couple of weeks earlier than recharging. Turning off Wi-Fi when not in use can drastically enhance your Kindle’s battery life. Turning on airplane mode and reducing the brightness setting also can hold you studying longer.
Additionally: The way to purchase books on Kindle
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ZDNET solely recommends merchandise we’ve got used and may communicate to. We do that by spending a couple of weeks always utilizing the merchandise and evaluating them for efficiency, battery life, usability, particular options, and extra.
We give attention to the common client’s wants in addition to an important components in selecting a Kindle. This may occasionally embrace show measurement, readability, and storage.
We write product spotlights or evaluations and along with finest lists. Every month, we consider which merchandise nonetheless deserve a spot on this listing and change out older fashions or these out of inventory with newer ones.
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Newest Amazon Kindle information
- Amazon introduced a brand new Kindle Scribe Colorsoft throughout its September gadgets occasion. It comes with ten drawing colours and 5 spotlight colours, in addition to a extra responsive writing expertise with the brand new pen. Keep tuned to see our official overview on the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft as soon as we spend extra time with it.
- Amazon Prime Day is ready for Oct. 7-8 with gross sales sitewide. In the event you’re available in the market for a Kindle pill, that is the proper time to buy.
A Kindle will prevent shelf area, however some readers love an in-home library. Carrying a e-book with you is additional weight, however Kindles are small, slim, and light-weight.
You do not have to decide on a facet, and you do not want a Kindle pill to entry Kindle’s library. You possibly can obtain the app in your cellphone to learn digital books and magazines, however a Kindle pill’s sole function is to perform as an e-reader is distraction-free.
In brief, it is all in your choice.
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Sure. Kindles are usually waterproof and sport glare-free shows, making studying in sturdy daylight a cushty expertise.
A skinny Kindle could possibly be a splendid various in case your seashore bag is simply too heavy for a thick e-book. Plus, you do not have to decide on between two or three books to learn — you possibly can deliver all of them in your pill.
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A Kindle is a sturdy system in case you take correct care of it. I had a take a look at the r/kindle Reddit web page and located a number of folks boasting that their Kindles have lasted them over a decade lengthy.
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All of it relies on what sorts of books you need to obtain, as completely different media information have completely different sizes.
Longer titles like Warfare and Peace by Leo Tolstoy can have a bigger file measurement than one thing like F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Nice Gatsby. Picture-heavy graphic novels may additionally take up extra space. Usually, plain-text information like novels, nonfiction titles, and even faculty textbooks have pretty small sizes. Your 32GB pill might plausibly home as much as 13,500 books.
You possibly can even obtain audiobooks from the Kindle app, though the audio information are sometimes giant. Which means a 32GB Kindle will solely maintain about 150 audiobooks, relying on the size of the recording.
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The Kindle Paperwhite boasts a extra outstanding show, a heat mild adjustment characteristic, longer battery life, and an improved waterproof construct. These options make the system dearer as nicely.
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All Kindles provide text-to-voice narration by means of Alexa. If you wish to purchase an audiobook particularly, you will have to make use of Amazon’s Audible. Audible is built-in into all newer Kindle fashions, and you may typically reap the benefits of free trials or low cost subscriptions throughout gross sales occasions.
As well as, just like the Kindle app itself, you do not want a pill to make use of the Audible app.
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Kindles want Wi-Fi to obtain a e-book and entry the web. When you obtain the e-book, you possibly can learn it with out a Wi-Fi connection.
I take my Kindle on the subway, the place there is not any Wi-Fi connection, and haven’t any drawback studying my favourite titles. For different ZDNET authors, together with Charlie Osborne, a Kindle is a should on airplanes. Retaining a Kindle on airplane mode will even enhance its battery life.
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There isn’t any goal reply to this. Like studying in your smartphone, a Kindle merely gives another and a option to digitally retailer your e-book assortment. Arguably, an important factor is having fun with your studying time.
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Sure, you may get Kindle books at no cost. Numerous traditional literature is within the public area, or now not protected by copyright legal guidelines, and might be offered at no cost. You may as well go to Amazon and search “free Kindle books.”
Additionally: The way to get (nice) free books on Kindle
You can also discover hundreds of titles for very low costs, generally as little as $0.99. Nevertheless, these are sometimes self-published works. You may as well hold a watch out for “Stuff Your Kindle Day” to seize a couple of free e-books.
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Newest updates
- September 2025: We carried out substantial editorial format modifications, verified costs and product availability, and included the most recent Kindle information, together with the discharge of the brand new Kindle Scribe Colorsoft
Options to Kindles
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Amazon additionally makes tablets you should use to learn, watch leisure, make the most of productiveness apps, and play video games. The Amazon Hearth HD 10 is nice for all these functions. On the time of writing the Hearth HD 10 is 50% off at $70 forward of Prime Day.
The ten.1-inch pill gives a 32GB or 64GB model. It boasts a 1080p full HD show with 13-hour battery life, and 1TB of expandable storage with a separate microSD card buy.
It is available in three colours — Lilac, Black, and Ocean.
Additionally: Amazon Hearth HD 10
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Apple’s Tenth-generation iPad is a good Kindle various.
The pill sports activities a ten.9-inch Liquid Retina show with True Tone, and the A14 Bionic chip. The iPad is appropriate with the unique Apple Pencil and the Magic Keyboard Folio. It is also accessible in a 64GB or 256GB model with 4 colour choices — blue, silver, yellow, and pink.
The iPad can be appropriate with the most recent iPadOS 26.
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The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is an ideal choice if you need the performance of notetaking with the S-Pen coupled with a vibrant show.
The 11-inch Tab S8 is available in a 128GB and a 256GB with three colours to select from — Graphite, Pink Gold, and Silver.
This pill is the most costly on this listing, sometimes retailing at $700, it is at the moment on sale for $600.
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The Amazon Kindle Youngsters pill, at the moment on sale for $95, gives 16GB of space for storing and a kid-friendly, secure atmosphere for studying.
The 6-inch pill options like Vocabulary Builder and Phrase Sensible, together with studying purpose settings, and comes with a six-month subscription to Amazon Youngsters+.
In line with Amazon, the system lasts six weeks on a single USB-C cost at about half-hour of studying per day. It is solely accessible in Black, however has enjoyable covers like Area Whale, Ocean Explorer, and Unicorn Valley.
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For extra, take a look at our favourite tablets, and why this ZDNET author loves the TCL Nxtpaper 11 Plus. Additionally by no means miss a sale this Amazon Prime Day — ZDNET is monitoring one of the best offers right here.
Tablets Reviewed & In contrast
