From the Paperwhite to the Scribe, you can’t go wrong with any Kindle e-reader.

 By 

Samantha Mangino

Samantha Mangino

Shopping Reporter

Boston-based Shopping Reporter, Samantha Mangino, covers all things tech at Mashable, rounding up the best products and deals. She’s covered commerce for three years, spending extensive time testing and reviewing all things home, including couches, steam irons, and washing machines. She thoroughly vets products and internet trends, finding out if those cozy gamer chairs are really as comfortable as TikTok claims.

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 on February 21, 2026

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Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Amazon’s Kindles are the ‘It girl’ of e-readers. For avid readers, they’re a must have for reading on the go. I’ve spent hours with the whole Kindle collection, getting into the minutiae of each model. I have my thoughts on my favorite models, but honestly, Amazon has refined the Kindle so well, you won’t go wrong with any of its e-readers.

Table of Contents In the Venn diagram of tablets and books, our favorite e-readers fall perfectly in the middle. They’re thin and portable like a tablet, but without the distraction of the internet. The best Kindles and e-readers stuff thousands of books — a full library, really — into a tiny frame.

And having tested a lot of e-readers and tablets for Mashable, I can tell you the Amazon Kindle lineup comes closest to perfecting the devices. All over the internet, you’ll find TikTok users enthusiastically singing the praises of the Kindle and how to make the most of it. For parents, Kindles are a screen you don’t have to feel guilty about. For avid readers, Stuff Your Kindle Day and Libby let you cross every last item off your annual reading list. You can even buy Kindle accessories like remote page-turners and gooseneck stands so you don’t have to hold your Kindle while reading.

So, if you’re ready to invest in an e-reader, I can help you find the best Kindle for your reading list.

Our Pick

Good storage option Warm light adjusts from white to amber 20% faster page turns 12-week battery life Fully waterproof Brightness doesn’t auto-adjust Read our full review of the Kindle Paperwhite (2024).

The Kindle Paperwhite is the best kindle — whether you’re a bookworm or looking to get back into reading. Amazon promised that the 2024 Kindle Paperwhite would be the fastest yet, and they delivered. It turns pages without stuttering, never slowing down when you’re in the thick of the action.

The screen’s front light is vibrant and has adjustable brightness, meaning it can adjust when transitioning from reading in the sun or shade. It also comes with adjustable screen warmth, perfect for evening readers who want to give their eyes a chance to relax. It’s lightweight and fits comfortably in small crossbody bags. Plus, it’s waterproof, keeping it safe against poolside vacations and spilled water bottles in bags.

There’s a recurring question we see about Kindles: What’s the difference between the Kindle Paperwhite and Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition? The Signature Edition has twice the storage of the Paperwhite (32GB), auto-adjusting screen brightness, an ad-free lockscreen, and wireless charging, and it costs $40 more. Sure, those things are helpful, but I don’t think those extra features are necessary. 

Not a ton has changed between the 2022 and 2024 models of the Kindle Paperwhite, but we can be certain that the 2024 Kindle Paperwhite is the sleekest, fastest e-reader yet. It now has a slightly bigger screen at 7 inches compared to the previous 6.8-inch model, but the change is minuscule, besides the fact that the bigger model was slightly too big for my old Kindle case. 

The 2024 Paperwhite has gotten a slight upgrade in screen quality compared to the 2022 Paperwhite. While the resolution is still 300 ppi, it appears to have higher contrast, straying away from the like-paper look and edging closer to the look of a tablet. Don’t worry, though — unlike tablets, the Kindle Paperwhite still has a gloriously glare-free screen. It still has an IPX68 waterproof rating, so you can get some leisurely reading in the bath.

In his review of the 2022 model, Mashable senior editor Stan Schroeder found only one extremely minor quibble with the Paperwhite Signature Edition, and I have to agree with him. On all Kindle models (besides the Scribe), the power button sits on the bottom, resulting in many accidental presses. This was the case with the 2021 Paperwhite model, and I was hoping that it’d move up top for the new model, but alas, Amazon has not made all the improvements it could have. Additionally, I wish this Kindle Paperwhite had page-turning buttons like the now-discontinued Kindle Oasis or the Kobo Libra Colour for a more ergonomic design.

That said, I still believe the Kindle Paperwhite is the best Kindle you can buy. And if you’re shopping for a loved one, it’s also one of the best holiday gifts of the year.

Compact size Most lightweight Kindle Best of the basics Generous storage space Cover sold separately Not waterproof No warm light Short battery life compared to other Kindle models Read our full review of the Kindle (2024).

If you want to read books on an e-reader but need a budget-friendly model, the standard Kindle is the best option. Like the Paperwhite, it has 16GB of storage, with room for thousands of books. It’s the smallest Kindle, and you won’t miss the size of the Paperwhite. Instead, you’ll be delighted that it’s genuinely pocket-sized. Plus, if you want an e-reader with some flair, it’s now available in black and matcha, a vibrant light green.

After testing the Kindle Paperwhite, I thought I’d be ruined for the standard Kindle, but that just wasn’t the case. The Kindle comes in a smaller package, the lightest device among the bunch. Plus, the 6-inch size makes it practically pocket-sized. Generally, it feels nicer to hold in my hand and bring on the go — exactly what I want in an e-reader.

Sure, it’s not as high-tech as the Paperwhite, but I think it’s an even better size. The screen has the exact resolution as the Paperwhite, but just a bit smaller. You lose some screen space with its plastic casing, but I liked the rimmed front design, which makes it easier to hold. While it also has the bottom power button, it is far less touchy than the other Kindle models.

Functionally, it’s comparable to the Paperwhite. The biggest feature the standard Kindle lacks is adjustable warmth, which I worked around by using Dark Mode at night. However, the standard Kindle would be totally perfect if it were waterproof. That’s the biggest downside to me, as someone who needs to be able to take it to the beach.

That being said, it is the most affordable, and it’s a worthy sacrifice not to have waterproofing for its $109.99 price.

Auto-adjusting light Wireless charging Waterproof protection Fantastic battery life No lockscreen ads Super-sized storage may be overkill Nearly double the price of the entry-level Kindle Cover sold separately Read our full review of the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition.

If you’re reading 100+ books a year, devouring books in days (or hours), the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is for you. It has the most storage of any Kindle at 32GB, which is more than enough storage for your digital library. The average e-book needs 1MB of storage, so the Signature Edition can hold up to 32,000 books. Whoa.

For seasoned e-reader users, spending $200 on the Signature Edition rather than $160 on the standard Paperwhite may be worth it due to the upgraded storage and auto-adjusting screen brightness. It also features wireless charging and is even MagSafe compatible.

Beachside readers can also enjoy the Kindle Paperwhite as it remains waterproof, so the only sparks that fly will be in your romance novel.

I like the Paperwhite Signature Edition for all the same reasons I like the Paperwhite, but it has some key differences.

The Paperwhite and Signature Edition are the same size, weight, resolution, and brightness. They’re both waterproof and have a 12-week battery life, too. Like the Paperwhite, the Signature Edition is plagued by the same issues: the power button on the bottom and the lack of a page-turning button. It also doesn’t feature an internal gyroscope like the Kobo Libra, so you can’t rotate it for reading in different positions.

The 2024 Signature Edition stands out in terms of its upgrades for the same reasons the 2022 version did. Most importantly, the Signature Edition has no lockscreen ads, letting you read without getting fed Amazon’s suggestions.

It also has twice the storage with 32GB. If you’re used to storage in terms of tablets and computers, that might seem wimpy, but for an e-reader, that’s more storage than you’ll ever need, with the potential to hold around 30,000 books. Plus, the auto-adjusting screen brightness is convenient if you’re always reading and moving from different areas and don’t want to adjust the brightness manually. It also has wireless charging, which is a fine perk, except USB-C chargers are plentiful these days.

The Signature Edition is $40 more expensive than the Kindle Paperwhite. I think it’s worth it if you’re looking for the upgrades it offers. However, it’s not necessary for the average reader.

Waterproof Adjustable warm light Worry-free guarantee 6 months of Kindle Kids+ Choice of cover included Black-and-white interface More expensive than regular Paperwhite If you’re raising a voracious reader, the Kindle Paperwhite Kids is the best Kindle for kids. It’s waterproof, which means it stands up to juice spills and dips in the pool. Plus, it comes with a built-in case. It’s designed to be kid-proof, not just physically, but also with built-in parental controls. If you’re concerned about monitoring your kid’s bookshelf, this Kindle allows you to approve downloads by kids and displays age-friendly titles that kids can have easy access to.

More than anything else, a Kindle for kids has to be waterproof, which is why the Kindle Paperwhite Kids is the best choice. It comes with everything we like about the standard Paperwhite: a beautiful, high-resolution screen that works faster than any previous generation.

But what makes it great for kids is that it’s a distraction-free device. It doesn’t come with ads, notifications, or the temptation of games or video. I also like that it’s a bit heavier than the standard Paperwhite, giving it a sturdier design. Plus, the built-in case adds an extra level of protection.

The parental controls are easy to use and set up, and the device also comes with a six-month free subscription to Amazon Kids+, which provides unlimited access to thousands of age-appropriate books. The library of books is easy for kids to navigate and offers classics like Lois Lowry’s The Giver and modern classics like Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

What I don’t love is the price. At $179.99, it’s more expensive than the standard Paperwhite. If you want to go for a budget kids’ pick, I’d go for a standard Kindle, which you can set up as a kids’ device during setup to ensure parental controls and add an Amazon Kids+ subscription for $5.99 per month. Plus, as your kid ages, you won’t have to upgrade to a more teen-friendly e-reader.

Great battery life Zoom feature works well Ad-free homescreen No auto-adjusting brightness Some color flashing Expensive — try to buy it on sale Read our full review of the Kindle Colorsoft (16 GB).

If you’ve been waiting to get an e-reader because you need color, the time has come. The Kindle Colorsoft brings color to the digital page, making it great for graphic novel readers, those who like to annotate in color, or fans of experiencing the cover page in full color. Its included zoom feature allows you to focus and get an up close look at illustrations, especially handy when reading comics.

Unfortunately, it’s not really worth its $250 price tag, so I only recommend buying this when it’s on sale. During Black Friday 2025, the price on this e-reader dropped below $200 for the first time, which is a much more reasonable price tag. So, if you have your heart set on a color e-reader, then I would recommend checking out the Kobo Clara Colour as an alternative.

E-reader users have long had to accept reading exclusively in black and white on Kindles, but the Colorsoft changes the status quo. The Colorsoft uses an E Ink Kaleido 3 display to support its color display. In black and white, it has its standard 300 ppi resolution, but in color, it maxes out at 150 ppi.

Amazon currently has four color Kindles: the Colorsoft, Colorsoft Signature Edition, Scribe Colorsoft, and Colorsoft Kids. Our preferred model is the standard Colorsoft, which was released in July 2025. It comes with 16GB of storage and a slightly more affordable price tag of $249.99, better when compared to the Signature Edition’s $279.99.

The color on the Kindle Colorsoft is accurate to what you’d find in a printed copy; however, it is slightly muted. When reading in black and white, it’s as fast as any other Kindle we’ve tested, but the color displays slow things down a bit. When reading in color, I found that the pages sometimes flash as they load, a problem it shares with most color e-readers, unfortunately.

So, while the Kindle Colorsoft works well, I wouldn’t say it’s able to totally justify its $249.99 price for the average reader. Compared to the other Colorsoft models that Amazon offers, it’s certainly a better value. But if you’re looking for a color e-reader, then I recommend avoiding Kindle entirely and going for either the Kobo Clara or Libra Colour.

But if you’re really committed to the Kindle ecosystem, the Colorsoft is your best choice for reading in color.

Better proportions than previous models New front light creates a brighter surface Well-organized home screen Fantastic note organization Expensive Hard to hold for long periods of time Read our full review of the Kindle Scribe (3rd Generation).

If, looking through your bookshelf, your books have dog-eared pages, highlighted lines, and scribbles in the margins, your instinct might be that an e-reader isn’t for you, but I’d like to introduce you to the Kindle Scribe. It’s the only Kindle with writing capabilities and comes with an included stylus pen that magnetically attaches to the side of the e-reader; it’s ready for all your handwritten thoughts.

The pen moves nicely across the screen, mimicking the texture of writing on paper. In addition to a library of books, the Kindle Scribe also comes with a journal section where you can take notes. The notes feature is especially great for students who want to handwrite notes and convert their handwriting into text.

The 2025 Kindle Scribe got a much-needed upgrade. All the good stuff has held over with the addition of some major improvements.

It’s still big, with an 11-inch display, which does make it a little more awkward to hold while reading, but for writing or annotating, it’s optimal. Unlike other tablets (I’m looking at you, iPads) that require you to buy a pen separately, the Kindle Scribe comes with a pen that conveniently attaches to the side so it doesn’t get lost. However, it’s not the most secure magnetic hold, so be careful not to bump the pen off accidentally.

Writing on the Kindle Scribe is a joy. Before testing this e-reader, I used my iPad and Apple Pencil to annotate readings, but I never loved it because the screen felt too slick for the Apple Pencil. The Kindle Scribe does not suffer this problem, as the matte screen lends some friction to the pen, making it feel like you’re writing on paper. I enjoyed writing with the pen, and I swear my handwriting looked better on the Kindle Scribe than on my iPad.

It finally got a processing update that makes it as speedy as every other Kindle. Gone is the lag when switching between journals and books. Plus, the displays have greatly improved, too, as the 2025 Kindle Scribe has virtually no ghosting. Like the Kindle Paperwhite, the Scribe’s battery life lasts 12 weeks. It also has multiple storage options, as you can choose between 32GB or 64GB.

It’s not your only option if you want a Kindle that can write. The Scribe Colorsoft is also available, and while we appreciate that model, it’s quite a bit more expensive. The 2025 Scribe is a better value, it just doesn’t have the wow factor of color.

Which Kindle is right for you?If you’re concerned about buying the newest tech, that’s not an issue. There are six updated Kindle models for sale, as well as older editions still in stock.

Before you choose a Kindle, you need to ask one question first: Do you want it to be waterproof? If you prefer reading near a body of water — whether in the bath, by the pool, or at the beach — that immediately narrows down your options. Since the Kindle Oasis is no longer available, your waterproof options are the Kindle Paperwhite, Paperwhite Signature Edition, Colorsoft Signature Edition, and Paperwhite Kids.

The Kindle Paperwhite Signature edition settings screen. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Beyond water resistance, here are a few other features to consider:

Display size: The basic Kindle has a 6-inch display, while the largest has a 10.2-inch display.

Storage capacity: Kindles range from 16GB to 32GB of storage capacity.

Battery life: The new Kindles generally have outstanding batteries. On the low end, they last up to six weeks per charge, while others last up to 12 weeks.

Writing capability: The Kindle Scribe is the only model that allows you to write with the included stylus. 

The latest Kindles all boast a maximum brightness of 94 nits and a 300 ppi, high-resolution display with zero glare, so you can enjoy sharp text and images at any viewing angle. Kindles are also equipped with WiFi connectivity, allowing you to download all the reading material you could ever want. Plus, you can listen to audiobooks on Audible via the built-in Bluetooth connection.

Not to mention, out of all the e-readers I’ve tested, Kindles have the best compatibility with Libby. I love the digital platform because I can read for free and support my local library. Some other e-readers require you to download your library e-book to a computer and then upload it to an e-reader, but with Kindles, your e-books are sent straight to your device with a click.

And if you were a die-hard Kindle Oasis fan and are attached to page-turning buttons, you may need to stray from the Kindle line-up. Now, your best bet will be the Kobo Libra Colour.

How to get free e-books on Kindle

With just a click, transfer your Libby e-book to your Kindle device. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Your Libby ebook will automatically populate in your Kindle library. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The best way to read free e-books on a Kindle is with Libby. Libby allows you to borrow e-books through libraries, and all you need is a library card. Through the Libby app, borrow books and then select the “read with Kindle” option, which allows you to send these e-books to your Kindle library.

Another option for finding free e-books is through Stuff Your Kindle events. These are author-driven events that offer limited-time deals on e-books, often making them heavily discounted or totally free.

How to make the most of your KindleThrough our testing and daily use, we’ve spent a lot of time with Kindles, learning how to make the most of them. We’ve written extensively on all the ways to maximize your Kindle, so be sure to browse through our guides and explainers:

How to make the most of your Kindle: 8 features you need to use

The best Kindle accessories for reading in luxury

What is Stuff Your Kindle Day? The best way to fill your e-reader with free books

I’ve read hundreds of free Kindle books with Libby. Here’s how.

What is Kindle Rewards? Earn free credits when shopping the Kindle store

What is Kindle Unlimited? A library of books at your fingertips for just $12 a month

Where to get free e-books: Load up your e-reader without spending a dime

Prime members can get a free e-book every month with Amazon First Reads

How to download EPUB files on your Kindle

8 Kindle features you should be using

How to delete books from Kindle

Frequently Asked Questions The Kindle Paperwhite and Paperwhite Signature Edition are essentially the same device with minor differences. In design, they’re identical in size and screen resolution. Both have adjustable brightness and warmth, but the Signature Edition features a few upgrades that the Paperwhite doesn’t.

The Signature Edition has twice the storage space at 32GB, no lock screen ads, auto-adjusting brightness, and wireless charging. Those extra features will cost you about $40 more than the Paperwhite. While there are some fun extras, I don’t think they’re necessary if you want to save some money.

Unfortunately, while a lot of Amazon devices get regular discounts throughout the year, we only see Kindle discounts during big shopping events like Prime Day and Black Friday. During the most recent Black Friday shopping event, the base Kindle was marked down to $79.99 while the Kindle Paperwhite was marked down to $124.99. However, even at full price, both of these devices earn a strong recommendation from Mashable.

Kindle Kids editions come with built-in parental controls. It displays a library geared toward kid-friendly and age-appropriate content. Plus, it allows your kid to request books to read that you have to approve in the Kindle app — that way, you know exactly what they’re reading.

Unlike other Kindle models, the Kindle Kids includes a built-in cover and a free one-year Amazon Kids+ subscription that provides access to thousands of books for kids ages 6 to 12. Plus, it comes with a worry-free guarantee: If the Kindle Kids gets damaged within two years of purchase, they’ll replace it totally free.

However, any Kindle can technically be a suitable device for kids. When setting up a Kindle, you’ll receive a prompt asking if the device is for children, which enables parental controls on it.

Yes, you can buy new Kindles at Best Buy. However, if you’re searching for the best price and a convenient shopping experience, we recommend sticking with Amazon. Since the Kindle store is also hosted at Amazon, you’ll need an account there anyway, and it’s hard to beat Amazon’s prices on its own products.

The Mashable team is split on this question. Our resident Kindle expert Samantha Mangino (yours truly) recommends most people opt for the ad-supported version. However, Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth recommends paying a little more to get a Kindle without lockscreen ads. Though this increases the price by $20 to $25, you won’t be subjected to annoying ads for books every time you lock your e-reader. Instead, you’ll see black-and-white photographs of writing implements and other book motifs.

When you’re buying a Kindle, you’ll notice that Amazon selects the “Lockscreen Ad Supported” version by default. Shoppers must manually select “Without Lockscreen Ads” if they want to remove advertisements from the lock screen. This increases the cost of the base Kindle from $109.99 to $129.99; the Kindle Paperwhite increases from $159.99 to $179.99. For serious readers who hate ads, we think it’s worth the added cost.

To select the best Kindles of 2026, I assessed the current lineup of Kindle devices. I tested each of these e-readers to get a comprehensive view of each device. I also compared them to the other e-readers I’ve tested.

I made sure to pinpoint which models are waterproof for a worry-free outdoor reading experience as well as those better suited for children.

Kindle models vary wildly in price; I made sure to include an affordable Kindle as well as splurge-worthy, treat-yourself picks.

This includes auto-adjusting displays for indoor/outdoor reading, warm light settings to block blue light, and page turn buttons for one-handed reading.

How easy was it to download and read new books from Libby or the Amazon store? Did the Scribe’s stylus work smoothly?

Boston-based Shopping Reporter, Samantha Mangino, covers all things tech at Mashable, rounding up the best products and deals. She’s covered commerce for three years, spending extensive time testing and reviewing all things home, including couches, steam irons, and washing machines. She thoroughly vets products and internet trends, finding out if those cozy gamer chairs are really as comfortable as TikTok claims.