It’s easy to forget that Amazon started exclusively by selling books. Reflecting on that, it’s no surprise that Amazon’s Kindle tablet and the associated app and subscription service remain today’s most effective e-reader platform. There aren’t many models to choose from, but the existing versions are very different in some fundamental ways. Regardless, these e-readers are a great way to carry your books everywhere or even from your local library.
So, which one is right for you? We here at Android Police have done the research so that you can get the most out of your e-reader. Here are the best Amazon Kindle options available right now and what they can do. And who knows? You might be able to grab one at an even better price on Prime Day.
If you love to read and want a premium experience complete with advanced features in any setting, it’s hard to pass up the 3rd-generation Amazon Kindle Oasis. It’s not the first and won’t be the last to feature optional 4G cellular connectivity, which ensures you can always get your hands on new books, as long as you have a little reception. The version with cellular connectivity is a bit more expensive than the base model, but not enough to bypass the premium option.
Note that while Amazon doesn’t exactly guarantee lifetime cellular data, the only reason the feature has been disabled on previous models was the phasing out of 3G cellular networks.
From a general usage standpoint, the Oasis sports the highest-resolution screen of any Kindle and is waterproof for poolside or bathtub use. It’s also the slimmest model. Most of it measures barely over 0.1 inches thick, with most of the hardware packed into a slight bulge on the side (and even that’s just more than 0.25 inches thick). The only major reason to reconsider getting this premium model is that it’s notably more expensive than the rest, although it also uses an outdated micro USB port.
- Screen: 7 inches
- Resolution: 1,264 x 1,680
- Storage: Up to 32 GB
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, optional 4G cellular
- Front Light: Yes
- Weight: 6.6 ounces
- Dimensions: 6.3” x 5.6” x 0.13-.33”
- Lifetime cellular connectivity
- Automatic brightness adjustment
- Customizable backlight warmth
- IPX8 waterproofing
- Uses a micro USB port
- Costs quite a bit
The Kindle Paperwhite family sits between the high-end Oasis and the affordable base model. The Signature Edition Paperwhite isn’t a huge upgrade over its slightly less advanced predecessor, but anyone who takes in a lot of content will appreciate it. The storage has been quadrupled to 32 GB, which is crucial if you enjoy visual media such as graphic novels. The front light now automatically adjusts itself based on ambient brightness, and this is the first Kindle to support wireless charging for an especially convenient experience.
It also now sports a USB-C port for wired charging, and Amazon claims that the battery should last up to 10 weeks of moderate usage. Since it comes with a free 3-month subscription to Kindle Unlimited, it’s an excellent choice for newcomers to e-readers as well as seasoned veterans.
- Screen: 6.8 inches
- Resolution: 1,236 x 1,648
- Storage: 32 GB
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Front Light: Yes, auto-adjusting
- Weight: 7.3 ounces
- Dimensions: 6.9” x 4.9” x .32”
- Wireless charging
- 32 GB of storage
- Self-adjusting front light
- Zero ads
- Not available with cellular connectivity
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition
If you’re not concerned with fancy features or an ultra-high-resolution, the basic Amazon Kindle is a perfectly functional e-reader that should satisfy most users. It’s relatively lightweight, offers reliable wireless connectivity, and is the most affordable recently released model. It includes a three-month subscription to Kindle Unlimited, and you can save a little money by purchasing the ad-supported version. Unfortunately, it does have a couple of drawbacks.
The battery life is less than half that of the Paperwhite series, the resolution is nothing to write home about, and its micro-USB port is pretty antiquated. But, if you like to read and don’t want to make a huge investment, it’s probably your best bet.
- Screen: 6 inches
- Resolution: 600 x 800
- Storage: 8 GB
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Front Light: Yes, manual adjustment
- Weight: 6.1 ounces
- Dimensions: 6.3” x 4.5” x 0.34”
- Relatively affordable
- Lighter than most
- Subpar screen resolution
- Below-average battery life
The Kindle Paperwhite is a significant upgrade to the base model Kindle, sporting a premium design that includes a much higher resolution and a massively upgraded lighting system. You can adjust the color temperature and even set it to change on a timer, so it automatically gets warmer when the sun goes down. Plus, with 17 lights instead of just four on the base model, the entire viewing experience is more consistent in the dark.
Since it’s much larger than the standard model, more words fit on each screen, so you won’t have to turn the page so often. The increased size also makes the Paperwhite perfect for manga and other graphic novels. All in all, it’s the perfect midrange option for anyone who loves to read and wants to take extra steps to avoid eye strain.
- Screen Size: 6.8 inches
- Resolution: 1,236 x 1,648
- Storage: 8 GB
- Weight: 7.2 ounces
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Front light: Yes, manual adjustment
- Dimensions: 6.9” x 4.9” x .32”
- IPX8 waterproof rating
- High pixel density
- Adjustable backlight color
- Limited to 8 GB of storage
The big selling point of the Paperwhite Kids model is the included Kindle Kids+ subscription, which lasts a year and gives access to a massive variety of kid-friendly reading material. The vast catalog of books makes it a good choice for youngsters who can’t decide what they want to read. Effective parental controls also help caretakers limit the available content to what’s appropriate for each child. Additionally, the Kid’s version of the popular e-reader isn’t even available in an ad-supported version to keep distracting and influential advertisements from encroaching on children’s experience.
Also appealing is the included case, which helps protect the already durable device from damage at the hands of young people. Even if it does get damaged, it’s backed by a two-year warranty because Amazon recognizes that kids aren’t always easy on electronics. The combination of the case and warranty make it an all-around better choice than the introductory-level Paperwhite. The only things that might give you pause are its relatively high weight and cost.
- Screen: 6.8 inches
- Resolution: 1,236 x 1,648
- Storage: 8 GB
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Front Light: Yes, manual adjustment
- Weight: 11.3 ounces
- Dimensions: 5.1” x 6.9” x .5”
- Amazon Kindle Kids+ subscription included
- IPX8 waterproof rating
- No distracting ads
- Comes with a durable cover
- Weighs more than the rest
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids
The best Amazon Kindle for you
Really, there are only a few Kindles to choose from. Released just last year, the 5th-generation Paperwhite instantly became a fan favorite because it balances premium features with a reasonable cost. In particular, the Signature Edition boasts 32 GB of storage, USB-C charging, and self-adjusting lighting that helps minimize eye strain. It also sports wireless charging and has no ads baked in, although it comes at a slightly higher cost than the standard Paperwhite.
If you don’t need the wireless charging or auto-adjusting backlight and rarely listen to audiobooks or podcasts, you’ll save money and get the same great overall experience by opting for the standard Paperwhite instead of the Signature Edition. The basic Kindle Paperwhite gives you the option of saving about $20 if you allow it to display ads on the lock screen. It’s also available with three free months of the Kindle Unlimited subscription service.
The Paperwhite Kids is almost identical to the standard version, although it’s only offered without lock screen ads and therefore comes at a higher price. The more significant differences are that it comes with a durable case and a worry-free two-year warranty. It also includes a one-year subscription to Amazon’s Kids+ curated catalog. Since it’s durable, delivers plenty of kid-friendly content, and doesn’t cost a fortune, it’s perfect for young readers.
If you insist on peak performance from your e-reader, or if you travel or commute long distances regularly, the Kindle Oasis might be up your alley. It’s as high-end as they get and sports a variety of features that the less expensive models can hardly compete with. One of those features is optional cellular connectivity, which lets you collect new books, comics, and other content without connecting to Wi-Fi. If you’re willing to make the investment, the Oasis is one of the best e-readers.
Finally, the base model Kindle is still a great device, although it’s noticeably lower quality than the rest. If you’re on a tight budget, though, it’s still an excellent way to read your favorite books. It’s also a significant upgrade from any of the older-model kindles that will soon be barred from purchasing new ebooks (although you’ll still be able to send already-purchased books to the obsolete models). So if you’re not super picky about resolutions and color-changing backlights, the vanilla Kindle is worth a look.
