If you’re in the market for an e-reader, Amazon’s Kindle range is likely your top choice. Our team of reviewers has consistently been impressed with each new generation of Kindle since we first reviewed the original many years ago
However, with Amazon now offering a variety of different Kindle models, choosing the right one for your budget and needs can be a bit more challenging. In the past, you could simply buy the latest Kindle, but now there are multiple variations, each with different features.
All the Kindle models reviewed below have the same basic features. They all use Amazon’s excellent Kindle Book store, run on some well-designed software and all have a screen that has a number of LEDs around the edge to allow for night reading. This wasn’t always the case with Kindles, but you don’t need to worry about buying a new Kindle without a light now. The differences are noticeable though and range from the size of the screen, how resistant each model is to water and extras like stylus support, USB-C charging and wireless charging.
Unlike iPads and other tablets, Kindle readers generally have a very long shelf life and models are often sold for around three years without getting updated. We wouldn’t expect the 2021 Kindle Paperwhite to be updated until 2024 or 2025, although we could finally see a new Kindle Oasis this year.
To help you find the right Kindle for your budget and specific needs, we have created this guide that details the best options that we have reviewed and are still available for purchase.
Each Kindle included in the list below has been thoroughly reviewed and used by one of Trusted Reviews’ product experts for at least a week, although often a lot more. During that time, we check all the most important aspects of an e-reader, including ease of use, portability, build quality, battery life, and display clarity and brightness, to ensure our advice is as accurate as possible.
But before you scroll down, keep in mind the Kindle app is available on most tablets and offers access to the same library of content. So if you only sporadically read books and don’t need a Kindle’s lengthy battery life it may be worth checking out our best tablet list as well.
Best Kindle: At a glance
How we test
We use any Kindle we review as our main e-reader for at least a week when reviewing it. During this time we will check its battery life with regular use and how much it discharges on average after an hour with the screen on. On top of this we will check battery recharge times, max brightness levels and how easy it is to read in a variety of different conditions, including outdoor sunlight. We check performance, ease of use and build quality to ensure it is pleasant to use and rugged enough to survive use on the go, or with small children.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021)
The best option for most people
Pros
- USB-C
- Excellent screen
- Durable design
Cons
- Not much support for content that isn’t from Amazon
- Physical buttons for flipping pages would be welcome
Picking the best Kindle model is an easy choice. The Kindle Paperwhite takes the crown even though it isn’t the ‘flagship’ e-reader, but it is the perfect mix of feature set and cost. It’s also the most recent Kindle model and comfortably the most up-to-date in terms of hardware.
With the 2021 version of the Kindle Paperwhite, Amazon upped the screen-size to a larger 7-inches. This makes it a bigger device overall, but it helps the reading experience. If you’re really against the bigger footprint then you’re best off plumping for the basic Kindle.
Like all the Kindles on this list, the Paperwhite is a fairly simple device. It has an accurate, sharp display with a light for aiding low-light reading. There are no buttons for flipping through pages, so you’ll have to rely solely on the touchscreen for that. While we found this a minor annoyance, with the screen occasionally missing a turn page command during testing, in general we found a lot to like about the Paperwhite.
The plastic body only comes in black, but it’s water-resistant for poolside reading and feels very rugged. It’s certainly more rugged than the metal Oasis, and during our months of testing, the Paperwhite has remained free of any notable scratches or dings.
This Paperwhite, along with the Signature Edition we’ll mention below, feels like the most modern Kindle. It replaces the aged micro USB port you’ll find on the Kindle and Kindle Oasis with the far more modern, faster USB-C and feels faster than the other models in everyday use.
Battery Life depends wildly on use and is roughly on par with the other models on this list. Our reviewer managed to make it last throughout a two week holiday, reading two books, without the need to bring along the charger.
Reviewer: Max Parker
Full review: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021) review
![Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition](https://www.trustedreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2022/02/X1004624-1024x683.jpeg)
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition
The best premium option
Pros
- Great screen
- Wireless charging is a handy extra
- Switch to USB-C
Cons
- The cheaper model is the better buy for most people
The Kindle Paperwhite Signature is, at its core, a slightly more beefed up Paperwhite. While the extra features are nice, they won’t be for everyone and that’s the reason this isn’t our number one pick.
All the features of the regular Paperwhite are present here, plus the additions of wireless Qi charging, more onboard storage and a light that automatically changes depending on your surroundings.
Wireless charging is a neat addition, and as it uses the same Qi standard as many of the best phones around, you won’t need to invest in another charger if you’ve already got one. Qi charger is a bit slow here but it’s handy for small top ups.
The additional onboard is another feature we like – although it’s far from vital. The regular Paperwhite has 8GB, while this version has 32GB. eBooks are generally very small in size, so 8GB is plenty of space for hundreds of reads, however 32GB is much better is plan on downloading long audiobooks from Audible. There are no speakers here though, so both the Paperwhite and Paperwhite Signature Edition need to be connected to Bluetooth earphones to make use of the audio features.
The automatic brightness is the least interesting addition, as it doesn’t really work that well. We tend to prefer just altering it manually. If those three features appeal, you should choose the Signature Edition.
Reviewer: Max Parker
Full review: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition review
![Amazon Kindle (2022)](https://www.trustedreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2022/10/Kindle2022-5-1024x683.jpg)
Amazon Kindle (2022)
The best affordable option
Pros
- Compact size sets it apart from the larger Paperwhite and Oasis
- Very sharp display makes reading a pleasure
- The switch to USB-C is welcome
- Access to Amazon Prime’s ebook and audiobook ecosystem
Cons
- Slight price increase
- Misses out on a waterproof body
- Feels a bit cheap
The cheapest Kindle is, as you can probably guess, is the most basic option in this list. If you want a device purely for reading and aren’t fussed about design flourishes then this a great choice for the price.
Compared to the Paperwhite above and the Oasis below, the Kindle is missing a few features. There’s no waterproofing, meaning this isn’t a great choice for poolside or beach reading nor does it have the warm light you’ll find elsewhere.
What it does have is a light behind the display, a feature that used to be kept for the pricier Kindle models. The amount of LEDs is only 4 (as opposed to 17 on the Paperwhite and 25 on the Oasis) so the light isn’t as bright, but it still works well enough in regular daylight based on our tests.
A big upgrade this time around is the sharper, 300PPI display which actually matches the pricier models for resolution. It looks great, and is a pleasure to read on. There’s a USB-C port for charging too – you won’t even find that on the Oasis.
For many people the Kindle is a great choice. It has access to the same books as the other models and the smaller form-factor might be a benefit to some.
Reviewer: Max Parker
Full review: Amazon Kindle (2022) review
![Kindle Oasis](https://www.trustedreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2019/07/kindleoasis2019-1-2-1024x683.jpg)
Kindle Oasis
The best for travellers
Pros
- Big and sharp display
- Page-turning buttons are great
- New “warmth” display setting is nice on the eyes
Cons
- With the Paperwhite being so good, the oasis is a hard sell
- Lack of USB-C is annoying
- Minimal updates from the previous model
The Kindle Oasis is a good e-reader, however it is starting to age slightly and could do with a healthy refresh, hence its place this far down on the list. Still, it remains the best looking Kindle model thanks to a metal body and is the only one to have physical buttons for flipping through pages.
It’s also the only model to offer 4G connectivity for downloading books away from Wi-Fi and it has the brightest, most accurate display light. The 4G connectivity is particularly important as, with a sim installed, it makes it the only option there that can download content without relying on a WiFi connection.
However, its use of the older micro USB port along with the high price make it hard to recommend to anyone other than those who really want wider connectivity options and a premium build. For most the high price that make this feel like an e-reader for a very specific users.
Reviewer: Max Parker
Full review: Amazon Kindle Oasis review
![Kindle Kids (2022)](https://www.trustedreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2023/03/Amazon-Kindle-Kids-2022-3-1024x576.jpeg)
Kindle Kids (2022)
The best for kids
Pros
- Excellent, sharp display
- Two-year guarantree
- Free access to Kids+
Cons
- It’s literally an Amazon Kindle (2022) with a jacket
- Kindle Kids+ not a comprehensive library
- Not waterproof
While all Kindle devices can be locked down with parental controls, the Amazon Kindle Kids Edition is well worth it. Undr
It comes with Amazon’s excellent two-year worry-free guarantee (a staple of all Amazon’s Kids edition products): if the device is broken, accidentally or otherwise, Amazon will simply replace it.
Secondly, it comes with a year’s subscription of Kids+, which gives you thousands of books thrown in for free, ranging from comic books, educational titles and bigger books. That said, there are still plenty of big children’s authors whose books aren’t included, so expect to splash out on some titles to keep your kids amused.
Parental controls are built-in as standard, controllable through the web interface. For each child in your house, you can set up a profile, locking down content to titles that are suitable for their age only. Crucially, the controls also prevent children from buying books through your account. Parental controls work brilliantly and, combined with Kids+, it means you can leave children to explore and find a range of books, without the worry that they’ll download something inappropriate.
Otherwise, this is a standard Kindle 2022 you’ll find higher up in this list. It’s got a 6-inch screen and a light making reading at night or in the car easy. We found the screen to be sharp and detailed and a big improvement over the previous model. There’s a healthy 16GB storage and USB-C for charging, although no waterproofing.
Reviewer: Jon Mundy
Full review: Amazon Kindle Kids Edition (2022) review
![Amazon Kindle Scribe](https://www.trustedreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2022/12/kindlescribe-1-1024x683.jpeg)
Amazon Kindle Scribe
The best for writing
Pros
- Great to write on
- Pen included
- Sharp display
Cons
- The software is lacking
- No handwriting recognition
- Sharing notes is tricky and limited
The Amazon Kindle Scribe is very different to the other readers on this list. For one, the 10.2-inch screen makes this the largest option and a good choice for those who find the smaller screens above tough to read.
It’s also the priciest model on this list and hard to recommend to anyone on a budget. But, most importantly, it’s the only Kindle you can write on. The Scribe comes with a pen and a few software tweaks to turn it from a pure e-reader to a smart, modern notebook.
The writing experience is great – the low latency ensures your scribbles are mirrored quickly on screen and the slightly textured display gives a good feeling of paper. There’s even a Premium pen option that includes an eraser and a shortcut button.
The Scribe is let down by its raft of missing features though. Notes can quickly become jumbled up in the messy software, sharing with other devices is tricky and the hardware is missing some basics like an IP rating, physical page turning buttons and a cellular option.
Reviewer: Max Parker
Full review: Amazon Kindle Scribe review
FAQs
There currently isn’t any version of a Kindle with 5G. Outside of the Oasis, which has LTE connectivity, to download books and magazines you need an active WiFi connection. The content is stored locally, however, so you can read it offline
Kindle’s all use black and white e-ink screens. Amazon doesn’t currently sell a colour screen Kindle.
Numerous companies have and do make e-readers including Kobo, Sony, Huawei and many more. We generally recommend Kindles over rivals due to the wealth of content available on the store.
Comparison specs
You can see a detailed breakdown of the all the devices mentioned in this guide’s specs in the table below.