Key Points
- Our choice for the overall Kindle is the Kindle Paperwhite due to its affordable price and updated features.
- Some Kindles are waterproof for up to a minute, so you really can read anywhere.
- When shopping for the best Kindles you can buy today, keep the following in mind: battery life, storage capacity, adjustable lighting capabilities, and if the pricing is worth the features.
Have you shopped for Kindles lately? If you haven’t been browsing Amazon for their e-readers, you may be surprised at how far they’ve come. Today’s best offerings come with adjustable light and dark modes and plenty of storage; some of them will even survive an accidental dunk in the pool. In this article, we’ll explore the newest and the best Kindles you can buy today. We’ve got everything from the best choice for your budget to the best choice for any little readers you may have in your life. So, if you’ve been thinking about picking up a new Kindle, let’s dive right in. After much research, here are our top choices for the best Kindles:
- Best Overall: Kindle Paperwhite
- Best Budget Option: Kindle 2022
- Best for Storage: Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition
- Best for on the Go: Kindle Oasis
- Best for Writers: Kindle Scribe
- Best for Kids: Kindle Kids 2022
Best Overall Kindle: Kindle Paperwhite
- 6.8-inch 300 PPI glare-free display
- Up to 10 weeks of battery life
- Available in three different colors
- Now includes 20% faster page turns
Our pick for the best overall Kindle is the Kindle Paperwhite. It has a 6.8-inch display; you can choose between 8GB or 16GB of storage. Additionally, go fully wireless with wireless charging and Bluetooth speakers or headphones, leaving your hands free to do the page-turning. While a single charge can last up to ten weeks, it takes two and a half hours to charge using a 9W USB adapter and up to five hours to charge using a USB cable.
©History-Computer.com
Finally, feel free to take your Kindle Paperwhite into the tub because this baby can withstand immersion of up to two meters of fresh water for about a minute. Waterproofing is a lifesaver if you’re prone to dropping your devices into the tub. Unfortunately, the Paperwhite does not come with page-turning buttons, and there is no speaker or headphone jack, which some might feel is a deal breaker. Check out the Kindle Paperwhite on Amazon.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The Paperwhite is waterproof for up to 60 seconds. | This version doesn’t have buttons to turn the page. |
| The battery life is long. | There is not jack for headphones or speakers. |
| This version allows wireless charging. |
Best for Your Budget: Kindle 2022
- 300 PPI display (glare-free, paper-like)
- A single charge via USB-C lasts up to 6 weeks
- 16GB of storage
- Access to Kindle Unlimited with over 2 million titles
Our pick for the best budget reader is the Kindle 2022 version. This device boasts the most lightweight and compact device to date. With a 300 ppi high-resolution screen and an adjustable front light, and an optional dark mode, reading under all lighting conditions is easy on the eyes. While you still have to pay to go ad-free, you won’t see any alerts or messages while reading. Finally, the newest version of Kindle will last a whopping six weeks on a single charge. Check out the Kindle 2022 version on Amazon.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The 2022 version is affordable. | There’s no speaker or headphone jack if you want to listen to audiobooks, so you will need a Bluetooth speaker or headphones. |
| It’s the most lightweight option available. | It is not waterproof. |
| You can personalize all lighting aspects, including an optional dark mode. | This version still doesn’t have page turn buttons. |
Best for Storage: Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition
- 32GB of storage
- 300ppi anti-glare display
- Wireless charging
- Lasts up to 10 weeks on a single charge
- Adjustable screen and auto-adjusting front light
Our best pick for large amounts of storage is the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition. This Kindle Paperwhite features a useful 64GB of storage, leaving plenty of room to download books to your heart’s content. Also, when you’re not reading, this version won’t annoy you with lock screen ads.
One way the Signature Edition sets itself apart is with wireless charging; unfortunately, the device doesn’t come with a wireless charger, so you’ll have to pick that up separately. However, while the regular Paperwhite edition has up to six weeks of charge time, the Paperwhite Signature Edition offers ten weeks of charge time. Hence, you never have to worry about draining too much battery life while you’re checked out on an extended reading binge.
Finally, the Paperwhite Signature Edition has an adjustable warm light and auto-adjusting front light, making your reading experience more personalized wherever and whenever you want to enjoy a good book. Check out the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition on Amazon.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The Signature Edition doesn’t require extra cash to avoid ads. | Most people won’t need the extras, so it’s expensive. |
| The Signature Edition comes with two storage capacity choices. | You have to buy the wireless charger yourself. |
Best for Avid Readers on the Go: Kindle Oasis
- 7-inch, 300 PPI flush-front display
- Waterproof (IPX8)
- Ergonomic design with page-turn buttons
- E-ink technology
- 64GB storage
Our best pick for avid Kindle readers on the go is the Kindle Oasis. Like the Paperwhite Signature Edition, you can get an Oasis with 64GB of storage. And if you’re an avid reader, you undoubtedly need a lot of storage. However, the Oasis is great for avid readers on the go because it features a more ergonomic design. In addition, you can rotate the page orientation, making it even easier to hold for extended periods of time.
Another way the Oasis helps avid readers is the page turn buttons, making it easier and faster to devour your favorite read. While the Oasis isn’t as light as the newest 2022 Kindle, it’s still more lightweight than the paperweight at 6.6oz. Check out the Kindle Oasis on Amazon.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The Oasis has a lot of storage. | The Oasis is expensive. |
| The Oasis has a long battery life. | There’s no headphone or speaker jack. |
Best for Writers: Kindle Scribe
- 10.2”, 300 PPI glare-free display
- Take notes with the included Basic Pen
- Four brush types to write and sketch
- A single charge via USB-C powers months of reading and weeks of writing
Our choice for the best Kindle for writers is the Kindle Scribe. If you constantly find yourself taking notes, needing to sign PDFs, or just making random doodles, consider the Scribe. The massive screen on this Kindle makes it easy to read your favorite books and take handwritten notes in the margins. And any notes you do take will be available to browse in one place. Additionally, you can take those notes and export them quickly using email.
The Scribe is perfect for journalers, obsessive notetakers, artists, and compulsive list makers. The Scribe has its faults, though. It’s the most expensive Kindle on our list, and its 10.2-inch screen is enormous, which means it’s not easily portable. Check out the Kindle Scribe on Amazon.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| You can write on the screen using a special pen. | The Scribe is expensive. |
| It’s a bit too large to be portable. |
Best for Kids: Kindle Kids 2022
- Designed for reading only, so there are no apps or games
- A single charge lasts up to 6 weeks
- 16GB of storage
- Comes with a 1-year subscription to Amazon Kids+
If you’re raising budding readers, the Kindle Kids 2022 is our best choice for youngsters. The kid’s version of the e-reader comes with the same 300 ppi high-resolution as the other Kindles on our list. It also boasts a six-week battery life and 16GB of storage. It is a bit heavier than some Kindles, coming in at 9.03oz, but some of that weight is due to its protective cover.
You and your kids will enjoy a free one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+ subscription, which lets you access thousands of books and audiobooks at your fingertips. And while your tot is reading, you can rest assured they’re reading age-appropriate material with the included parental controls. While a Kindle explicitly meant for kids is a brilliant idea, the Kindle Kids is pretty much just a regular Kindle with an included cover protector. Check out the Kindle Kids 2022 on Amazon.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The included protective case makes personalization easy. | It’s not waterproof. |
| It comes with a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+. | You can most definitely pick up a regular Kindle for less money. |
How to Pick the Best Kindle: Step-By-Step
While shopping for the best Kindle, there are a few things to consider. Most people take the following into consideration:
- Size
- Display
- Battery life
- Price
Size
First, think about what you’ll be using it for. Next, think about how and where you’ll be reading. For example, if you’re an avid reader wanting to take your library with you everywhere, you’ll want a durable device with plenty of storage space. The Paperwhite or the Paperwhite Signature Edition will be your best bet, as both offer large amounts of storage without being too heavy. However, if you’re looking for the best option that is more lightweight and easy to carry around, then a smaller, regular 2022 Kindle might be best.
Display
Next, you’ll want to consider the display. If you plan on reading in bright sunlight, you’ll want a Kindle with a glare-free screen or one you can adjust. If you want to read at night, an e-reader with a built-in light should be at the top of your list.
©History-Computer.com
Battery Life
Another important factor for people is the battery life. If you like to read for long periods, you probably get annoyed when you have to charge your device. To avoid this frustration, think about getting a Kindle with long battery life, as it will serve you well. For example, the Kindle Paperwhite has the largest battery that also lasts the longest.
Price
Finally, don’t forget to think about how much you want to spend. While some Kindles may have everything you want, the cost may be out of your price range. One way to get around this and stay strong is to have a list of your top three must-have features and find the most affordable Kindle that offers your priorities. Just because a Kindle is the most expensive doesn’t mean it suits your needs.
If you take these factors into consideration, we’re sure you can find the best Kindle to fit your needs. However, you may have other personalized criteria you’ll want to think about that will help enhance your reading experience.
What to Know Before Buying Kindles
Before buying a Kindle, you’ll want to think about what type of Kindle you’ll need. Because they last for years and can cost upwards of $400, it’s best to nail down your must-haves.
If you first consider the device’s price, it can help you narrow down your choices. For example, consider both newer and older models to stay under budget. While newer models may have tantalizing extras, older Kindles work just as well and will save you a few bucks.
Also, you’ll want to consider things like screen size, battery life, and weight. Because you don’t want to hold something heavy and cumbersome in your hand, no matter how long it takes before the battery drains.
One other thing to note is that you can buy a subscription service called Kindle Unlimited. With Kindle Unlimited, you have access to thousands of books and magazines. While Kindle Unlimited is a good deal if you read a lot, not all readers will find the service cost-effective. If you come into the Kindle buying process with an idea of what you want, you’ll have an easier time deciding between the many options out there.
Using Kindles: What It’s Like
The reading process on Kindles has mostly stayed the same throughout the years. With the high-resolution display and an adjustable backlight, reading is easy on the eyes, whether you’re in bright sunshine or a dimly lit room. Plus, the waterproof design of many Kindles means you can take one wherever you may wander, even to the beach or pool. Overall, using a Kindle is a convenient and portable way to enjoy your favorite books and magazines.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©TYSB/Shutterstock.com.
