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Amazon
- Amazon's lineup of Kindles are the best e-readers you can buy.
- Current models include the basic Kindle, Paperwhite, and Oasis, with the all-new Kindle Scribe launching in November.
- Read on for breakdown of each to find which one is best for you.
Amazon began as a bookseller, and Kindle e-readers were among the online retailer's first gadgets. Kindles have a well-earned reputation for their long-lasting battery life and E ink displays that prevent glare and replicate the feeling of reading a printed page.
Kindles are still focused on giving the best reading experience, so they don't carry all the extra apps and features that come with tablets like the iPad or Amazon's own Fire HD devices. Newer models have adopted waterproof designs, brighter lighting, and Bluetooth support for listening to audiobooks via Audible.
A robust ebook store and the optional Kindle Unlimited subscription make it easy to fill your e-reader with fresh titles. You can also load ebooks and PDF files from your local library or other sources to read.
With several different Kindles to choose from, it can be hard to figure out which model is best for your needs. With that in mind, we've detailed the entire Kindle lineup, along with buying advice to help you decide which Kindle is right for you.
How to get a great deal on a Kindle
If you can wait, Kindles see many sales throughout the year, but especially during Amazon's big flagship events, like Prime Day and and the upcoming Prime Early Access Sale. These big flagship deal events offer the best deal prices on Kindle devices and bundles. For example, the price of the Kindle Paperwhite often dips down to the cost of an entry-level Kindle during these events, offering better value for more impressive technology.
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The base model of the Kindle was updated in 2022, and is currently slated to release on October 12. It features a 6-inch screen with a front light, 16GB of storage space, and a USB-C charging port. The battery can last up to four weeks with daily use and Kindle supports Bluetooth to stream audio to other devices. Two color choices are available: black and denim.
While the front light and battery aren't quite as good as the more expensive Kindle Paperwhite, the entry-level Kindle will satisfy the needs of most readers who only need a basic device for casual reading around the house.
If you're wondering how the 2022 model compares to its predecessor, we'll tell you now it'll most likely be worth snagging the newer model if you need a new e-reader. The 2019 basic Kindle only has a storage capacity of 8GB and the 167 pixel-per-inch screen compared to the 2022 model's 300 ppi means you'll be losing out on sharper text.
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Kindle Paperwhite is our top-rated e-reader, though we haven't had a chance to review the 2022 Kindle ahead of its October 12 launch. With a 6.8-inch display, the Kindle Paperwhite has a slightly larger screen than the basic Kindle and features a brighter front light. The battery is significantly better too, lasting up to 10 weeks.
The Paperwhite is also waterproof, making it a bit better suited for beach and pool trips. Paperwhite starts with 8GB of storage, which is less than the base Kindle, but you can upgrade to 16GB for $10 more.
Kindle Paperwhite is a good choice for readers who want to take their Kindle on the go and don't mind paying a bit more for extra perks like a waterproof design.
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The signature edition of Kindle Paperwhite has four times the storage space with a 32GB drive, and it adds wireless charging and automatic light adjustment features. Otherwise, it matches the performance of the regular Paperwhite.
If you feel like you really need the extra storage space for all your ebooks and audiobooks, the Paperwhite Signature Edition is a good option, but most readers won't need its extra features.
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Kindle Oasis is currently the largest Kindle model, boasting a 7-inch screen, an aluminum body and physical buttons for turning the pages. Unlike other Kindle models that require WiFi to connect to the internet and download books, Kindle Oasis offers a free cellular data connection, so you can manage your library on the go.
The device is waterproof and has an auto-adjusting warm light that's brighter than the Kindle Paperwhite and it will adapt to your reading environment. Kindle Oasis comes in 8GB or 32GB models, but the device doesn't have the wireless charging capability that you get with the Paperwhite Signature Edition. Two colors are available: graphite or champagne gold.
Kindle Oasis is the most impressive of the available Kindle devices, but it comes with premium pricing. If cost isn't a concern or you're looking to upgrade to something better than your current Kindle, Oasis delivers just about everything you could ask for in an e-reader. That said, there is one omission: it's missing the USB-C charger that's now standard for the basic Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite.
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Kindle Scribe was announced in September and will launch on November 30. It's the first Kindle device to allow users to write directly on the E Ink display; the 10.2-inch screen also makes Scribe much larger than prior Kindle models.
Handwritten notes can be left inside books or you can free-write on pages with templates for lined paper, to-do lists, journaling, and sketches. Kindle Scribe offers two different stylus choices, the basic pen and the premium pen. Neither pen requires charging or setup; the premium pen comes with an eraser and a shortcut button. Both will attach to Kindle Scribe magnetically when not in use.
Storage starts at 16GB with options available for 32GB and 64GB. Amazon says the battery is designed to last for up to 12 weeks depending on use; Kindle Scribe uses a USB-C charger.
Kindle Scribe isn't available yet so it's hard to say how it stacks up when it comes to value. Scribe is significantly more expensive than the other Kindles, and it's unclear how the writing performance will compare to tablets like the iPad with Apple Pencil. That said, if the writing feature ends up working well, this could be an especially great option for students.
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If you're interested in picking up a Kindle for a little one, Amazon sells the base Kindle and the Kindle Paperwhite in packages designed specifically for kids.
- Kindle Kids: Kindle Kids includes the 2022 Kindle with a 6-inch screen and 16GB of starting storage.
- Kindle Paperwhite Kids: Features a larger 6.8-inch screen, a brighter frontlight, waterproofing, and an adjustable warm light. Storage starts at 8GB, with the option to upgrade to 16GB for $10.
Each edition features a kid-friendly cover, a two-year warranty for accidental damage, and one year of Amazon Kids+, which provides access to children's books and other age-appropriate content.
The warranty alone is worth the money if you plan on giving the Kindle device to a young child, and Amazon Kids+ will help you save money by providing a healthy list of books and apps to keep kids engaged.
source https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/amazon-kindle-buying-guide