Buying guide for best Kindle e-readers
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You could use your smartphone or tablet to read books, but the best device for reading is an e-reader. These devices are optimized for reading and can hold lots of books, allowing you to carry your personal library wherever you go.
Amazon’s Kindle has become the leading e-reader in the industry. But if you’re buying a Kindle, which one should you get? We tested several e-readers in the BestReviews Testing Lab to find the best Kindle e-reader. Our testing process involved unboxing and setting up each device and testing its performance, features and functionality.
The clear winner was the compact, lightweight Kindle Paperwhite Signature. It’s an easy-to-read device that charges fast and is waterproof, so you can read in the bath or poolside without worry.
Which Kindle e-Reader is best?
Kindle Paperwhite Signature
Best of the Best
Product specificationsBattery life: 10 weeks | Screen size: 6.8” | Resolution: 300 ppi | Storage capacity: 32GB | Weight: 7.3 oz
The Kindle Paperwhite Signature is the best e-reader for those who want a dedicated device for reading. It has a 6.8-inch glare-free display with a resolution of 300 pixels per inch (ppi) and a 32-gigabyte drive for storing thousands of books. An auto-light feature automatically adjusts screen brightness based on your lighting environment.
We were taken aback by the diminutive size of the Kindle Paperwhite Signature, but this is a massive plus for portability. It has a basic appearance with a matte black casing, a waterproof build and an E-ink display with a warm brightness that helps reduce eyestrain. Charging is super-fast; we got the battery to 100% in under an hour. Page-turning is quick and responsive, and adjusting screen brightness is easy.
The Kindle Paperwhite Signature's lightweight design is a plus for people who read on the go. The bright screen makes it easy to read in any lighting environment, and the battery can last up to 10 weeks. Plus, no computer connection is required to download books.
Amazon Kindle
Best Bang for the Buck
Product specificationsBattery life: 6 weeks | Screen size: 6” | Resolution: 300 ppi | Storage capacity: 16GB | Weight: 5.56 oz
If you want a solid e-reader at an affordable price, look no further than the 2022 release of the Amazon Kindle. It boasts a 6-inch display with a resolution of 300 ppi and 16GB of local storage. At just 5.56 ounces, it’s one of the lightest and most portable e-readers.
We thoroughly tested the Amazon Kindle 2022, beginning with unboxing and the setup process; all we had to do was follow on-screen instructions. The high-quality display was easy to read in most lighting conditions, and we could choose from multiple themes and font styles. Navigating menus for customization was a breeze, and the battery life was superb. After an hour of reading for four days in a row, it only dropped to 72%. Page-turn speed and responsiveness were excellent, especially when we flipped forward.
We were most impressed with this e-reader’s battery life and compact design, which make it suitable for active people who read on the go. Whether you’re a casual or devoted reader, you won’t find a better e-reader at its price.
Kindle Paperwhite
Light and Spacious
Product specificationsBattery life: 10 weeks | Screen size: 6.8” | Resolution: 300 ppi | Storage capacity: 16GB | Weight: 7.23 oz
The Kindle Paperwhite is similar to the Kindle Paperwhite Signature in many ways, but it’s more affordable than the Kindle Paperwhite Signature. In the eyes of many, including our testing team, it’s a fine e-reader for casual reading. However, it lacks a few features that might make the Signature more appealing to some.
Setting it up is a breeze because you simply follow on-screen instructions. The display doesn’t resemble actual paper, but it has a nice, smooth feel and is gentler on the eyes than a computer or tablet. The Kindle catalog is fantastic; we found every title we searched for. As with other e-readers, you can effortlessly change the font, theme and brightness based on your preferences.
We were impressed by how quickly the battery charged, reaching 100% within three hours. We appreciated the lightweight build, which makes it an excellent choice for people who like to read during their commute or on a plane.
Overall, it’s a solid e-reader, and unless you want additional features such as auto-brightness or wireless charging, it’s an excellent choice.
Kindle Paperwhite Kids
Best for Kids
Product specificationsBattery life: 10 weeks | Screen size: 6.8” | Resolution: 300 ppi | Storage capacity: 16GB | Weight: 11.32 oz
Kids can be entertained for hours by a smartphone, but if you want your child to read more and absorb knowledge, an e-reader like the Kindle Paperwhite Kids is better. It’s designed for kids, but it retains many of the premium features of standard Kindle e-readers. The 6.8-inch, 300-ppi display is glare-free, and the waterproof exterior has easy-to-use parental controls.
The Kindle Paperwhite Kids is designed for reading. Unlike standard tablets, it doesn’t feature any apps, so your child won’t get distracted as they read. The battery life can last up to 10 weeks, and kids can easily adjust the warm light based on their environment. It offers learning tools for kids such as Vocabulary Builder and Word Wise, and the OpenDyslexic font makes reading more manageable for kids with dyslexia.
Included with purchase is a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+, which features lots of ad-free books, games, videos, apps and Alexa skills for kids to explore.
Kindle Scribe
Most Versatile
Product specificationsBattery life: 12 weeks | Screen size: 10.2” | Resolution: 300 ppi | Storage capacity: 64GB | Weight: 15.3 oz
Traditional e-readers are fantastic if all you want to do is read. However, if you’re looking to get more out of an e-reader, you might be intrigued by the Kindle Scribe. It offers everything you’d get from an e-reader like the Kindle Paperwhite, but it also lets you draw sketches and take notes.
Once you power it up and sync your Amazon account, the Kindle Scribe is ready to go. The visuals are outstanding; it feels like you’re reading a paper book, and you can adjust the brightness or choose warm or cool tones at any time. Charging it takes just a few hours, and the battery can last for several weeks in standby mode. Writing on the screen feels a bit strange, but it’s much more comfortable than using a stylus on an iPad.
The Kindle Scribe is bulkier than other Kindle e-readers, which might turn off those who prioritize portability. However, the ability to write with it is highly intuitive, and for those who want to take notes, that feature alone makes it worth a look.
Kindle Kids
Bargain Pick
Product specificationsBattery life: 6 weeks | Screen size: 6” | Resolution: 300 ppi | Storage capacity: 16GB | Weight: 9.03 oz
The Kindle Kids shares many similarities with the Kindle Paperwhite Kids, though it’s a smaller e-reader with a 6-inch display and six weeks of battery life. It’s also slightly more lightweight, making it suitable for younger children.
It has all the features you’d expect from a kids’ reading tablet including parental controls, adjustable brightness and a glare-free display with 300 ppi. The parental dashboard lets you add books from your account to your child’s library, view their reading progress, adjust age filters and set a device bedtime. The 16GB of storage is enough to hold thousands of books or audiobooks, and because you get a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+, your child can start reading right away.
The Kindle Kids e-reader is excellent for parents who want their kids to read more. It’s a terrific starter e-reader, and you can save around $50 if you choose this model over the Kindle Paperwhite Kids.
How we tested
We tested four models: the Kindle Paperwhite, Kindle 2022 version, Kindle Scribe and Kindle Paperwhite Signature. We unboxed and set up each device and performed basic tasks, such as reading e-books and adjusting brightness settings. We also noted performance factors like responsiveness and battery life.
What to expect from a Kindle e-reader device
A Kindle device is designed for reading. If you’re interested in a tablet for browsing the internet or catching up on emails, there are a variety of alternatives suitable for your needs. A Kindle, however, is best for the bookworm.
These highly specialized devices allow you to store hundreds of books for your reading enjoyment. The low-glare construction makes it easy on the eyes and mimics the look and feel of a paper page.
If you enjoy borrowing books from your local library, ask your librarian which types of e-readers are compatible with their borrowing system before you invest in a Kindle e-reader. You can also log in and buy e-books from the Amazon Kindle store for your device. Let’s say you just finished the first book in an awesome trilogy. You can grab the sequel right away, with a few taps on the screen.
File compatibility
These are some of the common file types compatible with Kindle e-readers.
- AZW: Amazon’s proprietary e-book file type
- Unprotected MOBI and PRC
- PDFs: Read work or class documents right on your Kindle
- ePub
- Word documents (doc and Docx)
- Rich Text Format (RTF)
- Plain text (txt)
With a little know-how, you can convert incompatible files so that they can be read on your e-reader.
Remember that when you download an e-book from the Amazon Kindle store, the file is protected by copyright. Therefore, it cannot be transferred to other e-readers that aren’t registered to your account. You can, however, read a Kindle book on any Kindle device, whether it’s your physical e-reader or a Kindle app on your PC, Mac or smartphone.
Device size
Kindle screen size varies from 6 to 10 inches. They are designed to feel like books in the hand, and they’re light enough to be held in one hand.
Naturally, the bigger the display, the bigger the font can potentially be. However, a larger screen makes e-readers less portable than those with smaller screens. The smallest e-readers easily fit into a handbag or purse.
In addition to size, consider the weight of the e-reader. The more it weighs, the more uncomfortable you may find it, especially if you like to read for hours on end. Most Kindle e-readers are ultra-lightweight, so this isn’t necessarily an issue. That said, some Kindle e-readers are heavier than others.
Region
Be sure to buy a Kindle from the right Amazon store. For instance, if you're primarily based in Canada, you may run into problems if you purchase a U.S. Kindle.
Key features to consider
Display quality
The display quality of your e-reader impacts how easy it is to read in a given lighting situation. All current-generation Kindle e-readers have a screen resolution of 300 ppi, rendering clear text and images.
Traditional tablets have LCD screens, but e-readers typically have E-ink displays, which consume less power and are easier on the eyes. E-ink displays resemble real paper, providing a reading experience comparable to reading a physical book. They’re better suited for reading in bright lighting conditions such as the beach or park.
Our top picks: Display quality
- Kindle Paperwhite Signature: Although it doesn’t look like paper, it’s softer and gentler on the eyes than a smartphone or regular tablet.
- Amazon Kindle: The screen is clear and easy to read, and it works well in most lighting conditions.
- Kindle Paperwhite Kids: The adjustable light lets kids read indoors or outdoors, and the E-ink display makes it suitable for daytime and nighttime reading.
- Kindle Paperwhite: It has a warm, consistent brightness across the display and a resolution of 300 ppi.
- Kindle Scribe: The visuals are fantastic, and it feels like you’re reading on actual paper.
Built-in lighting
E-readers have customizable options, including brightness. If you want to read comfortably in a variety of lighting conditions, this feature is invaluable.
For example, you’ll need to turn up the brightness to read outdoors when it’s sunny. To read in a dark room, you’ll probably want to lower the brightness so it doesn’t feel blinding.
Also consider whether an e-reader has a front or backlit display. Smartphones and tablets have backlit displays that illuminate the panels. These screens look stunning, but they can cause eyestrain. Front-lit displays increase brightness without changing the contrast, making them suitable for extended reading sessions.
Touch screen vs. physical buttons
It’s your choice whether you want an e-reader with a touch screen or physical buttons for turning pages. Note that touch-screen controls aren’t always as responsive as physical controls. They’re more convenient and give the device a sleek appearance, but if the input lag is too noticeable, your reading experience can become arduous.
Water resistance
Many people enjoy reading at the beach or lounging poolside. However, as you likely already know, water is the enemy of electronics. Many Kindle e-readers are built to withstand water splashing and exposure. If you plan to read in a spot where your e-reader could get wet, choose one with adequate water resistance.
Our top picks: Water resistance
- Kindle Paperwhite Signature, Kindle Paperwhite Kids and Kindle Paperwhite: These three Paperwhite models offer IPX8 water resistance, which means they can be submerged for up to 30 minutes.
- Amazon Kindle and Kindle Scribe: These e-readers have not been tested for water resistance.
Audiobook support
Reading is one of the best ways to absorb information, but it isn’t always practical. Amazon Kindle e-readers are compatible with another Amazon service called Audible, which offers audiobooks. That means your Kindle doubles as an e-reader, so you can listen to your favorite books as you drive, wash dishes or rest your eyes.
Our top picks: Audiobook support
- Kindle Paperwhite Signature: Our top pick offers audiobook support via Bluetooth speakers or headphones.
Battery life and charging times
The battery life of an e-reader depends on how much you use it. On standby mode, most Kindles last at least six weeks; some last up to 12 weeks.
If you read for a few hours every day, your Kindle’s battery will likely deplete after one to two weeks. All Kindle e-readers have USB-C ports for charging, and the battery can be juiced up to 100% within three hours.
Our top picks: Battery life and charging times
- Kindle Paperwhite Signature: The battery can last up to 10 weeks. Charging it fully takes less than two hours.
- Amazon Kindle: This e-reader’s battery life is roughly six weeks. Charging takes no more than three hours.
- Kindle Paperwhite Kids: The battery life in standby mode is 10 weeks. Fully charging it takes two and a half to three hours.
- Kindle Paperwhite: The battery can last up to 10 weeks. Charging it to 100% takes two to three hours.
- Kindle Scribe: The Kindle Scribe can last up to 12 weeks on a single charge. Rejuvenating it to 100% takes about two hours.
Download speeds and storage
Internal storage allows you to store several books or audiobooks on your device for offline reading. Most Kindle e-readers have at least 8GB of storage, but there are some with 16GB, 32GB and 64GB.
You might think that doesn’t sound like a lot of storage space, but unlike tablets, e-readers aren’t loaded with applications that consume space. You also can’t download anything except ebooks and audiobooks, which are relatively small files that take up little space. This means you can store thousands of titles on a Kindle with just 8GB or 16GB.
Tips
- You can send files directly to your Kindle device without connecting it to your computer via USB. Visit your Amazon accounts page to view your content device settings. From there, go to Preferences. Select Personal Document Settings. You’ll find an email address associated with your Kindle device. You can email documents to this address; they’ll automatically be sent to your Kindle. You can also add approved email addresses to the Approved Personal Document E-mail List to receive documents from verified emails (yours or others you trust).
- Your Kindle can learn your reading speed and estimate how long it’ll take you to read the next chapter of your book. Tap the bottom left of the screen to change the “percentage complete” view to one that delivers a time estimate.
- You can read on multiple Kindle devices without losing your place. Kindle will keep track of your progress using Whispersync technology.
- Don’t forget to check out Amazon’s Kindle Deals page regularly. You’ll often find bestsellers on sale for less than $5.
- Are you a Goodreads member? You can connect your account on your Kindle (not compatible with all versions) and easily mark books as read from your device.
- You can share books with family members with Kindle’s Amazon Household function.
- You can create collections on your Kindle device and sort books into categories, just like you might group them on an actual bookshelf. Create categories like horror, contemporary fiction, non-fiction and more to keep track of your many books.
- There are plenty of online resources for free books. Check out Project Gutenberg or Open Culture, where you can browse and download Kindle-compatible e-books no longer under copyright in the U.S. Enjoy the classics that you always meant to read but never got around to!
- You may be able to link your local library account to your e-reader. Apps like Libby and OverDrive let you link your library card to borrow e-books.
