Amazon Kindle devices are among the most popular e-readers in the world, so if you want to know which one is right for you then you’re in the right place.
At the time of writing, we’re not too far off from a full two decades since the launch of the original Amazon Kindle, and while the 3G connectivity and large built-in keyboards of older models have come and gone, our processes in testing the latest Kindles are still as rigorous as ever.
To give you the best idea of what it’s like to actually use a Kindle device, we run through all the key details you need to know including durability, how intuitive the software is, how long the battery lasts and whether or not additional features, such as a warm light function, are worth the extra cost at the checkout. Any Kindle devices that do not hold up under scrutiny are omitted from this list.
Because Kindles have been around for so long, Amazon has been able to build an envious library of digital books which makes the experience great for those who want to be able to buy all their desired reads in one place, without having to jump to another digital store. It also helps that Amazon regularly offers Kindle books as a discount, with recent bestsellers often found for as little as 99p/99c.
However, it is worth asking yourself what it is that you want from a Kindle device. If you want to read graphic novels or books with illustrations then you may be better suited with using the Kindle app on one of the best tablets or the best iPads. Similarly, if you plan on downloading e-books from your local library then you’ll need a device from Kobo or Onyx, the likes of which feature in our overall round-up of the best e-readers and the best E Ink tablets.
If you find yourself just wanting to have a great device that features an industry-leading E Ink display, a battery life that lasts several weeks and access to a ton of e-books across all genres, then you’re going to find the optimum experience on a Kindle.
- The best option for most people: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024) – check price
- The best affordable option: Amazon Kindle (2024) – check price
- The best for writing: Amazon Kindle Scribe (2024) – check price
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Learn more about how we test Kindles
We use any Kindle we review as our main e-reader for at least a week when reviewing it. During this time we will check its battery life with regular use and how much it discharges on average after an hour with the screen on.
On top of this, we will check battery recharge times, max brightness levels and how easy it is to read in a variety of different conditions, including outdoor sunlight. We check performance, ease of use and build quality to ensure it is pleasant to use and rugged enough to survive use on the go, or with small children.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024)
Pros
- Excellent screen
- Nice colour options
- Improvements to the build quality
Cons
- Signature Edition required for some features
- Uneven light
Amazon Kindle (2024)
Pros
- Tasteful new colour
- The smallest Kindle option
- Bright light
Cons
- No warm light
- No waterproofing
Amazon Kindle Scribe (2024)
Pros
- One of the best digital writing experiences around
- Exceptional battery life
- Fantastic big-screen reading experience
Cons
- Handwriting recognition and transcription could be more in-depth
- No wireless charging like cheaper Kindles
- Stylus can easily become detached from the Scribe
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024)
The best option for most peoplePros
- Excellent screen
- Nice colour options
- Improvements to the build quality
Cons
- Signature Edition required for some features
- Uneven light
Our current favourite Kindle option is the Kindle Paperwhite (2024) – this mid-tier model ticks all the boxes and doesn’t break the bank. The reasons to choose this model instead of the cheaper Kindle (2024) which sits below on this list, include the addition of a warm light for easier night reading, a larger display and around double the battery life.
While not a huge upgrade from its predecessor, the Paperwhite 2024 edition features a larger screen, a faster user interface and better text reproduction. It also comes in two sleek new colours, including a rather fetching pinkish hue.
The screen is now 7 inches, up from 6.8 before and this larger panel offers a more comfortable reading experience and looks better to the eye. The device itself isn’t too much larger, but Amazon has slimmed down the bezel surrounding the display. It’s still a monochrome panel – go for the Colorsoft if you’re after a colour reader – but the contrast is better this time around and in our testing, we found it looked more like printed paper than ever before.
We did notice that the lighting system – which is there for reading when it’s dark – isn’t quite as even as before, however this is far from a dealbreaker.
Constructed from smooth, matte plastic, the Paperwhite is lightweight and easy to hold in one hand, making it comfortable for extended reading sessions. Despite its portability, it still feels durable, and thanks to the IPX8 water-resistant rating it should survive an accidental drop in the bath or pool too.
Like all of its hardware, if you’re part of the Amazon ecosystem then you will get more from the Paperwhite. If you don’t plan on ever using the Amazon Kindle Store or Audible’s audiobook service, or you prefer to borrow books from local library apps then you’d be much better off with an e-reader from a brand like Kobo. We recommend the Kobo Libra Colour.
Battery life is estimated by Amazon at 12 weeks and this tallies with our lab results, although it does depend heavily on how much you read per day. When it comes to charging, there’s a USB-C port on the bottom.
Reviewer: Cam Bunton
Full review: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024) review
Amazon Kindle (2024)
The best affordable optionPros
- Tasteful new colour
- The smallest Kindle option
- Bright light
Cons
- No warm light
- No waterproofing
The cheapest Kindle is, as you can probably guess, the most basic option in this list. If you want a device purely for reading and aren’t fussed about design flourishes then the Amazon Kindle (2024) is a great choice if the Paperwhite (2024) is out of your budget.
Compared to the Paperwhite, the Kindle is missing a few features. There’s no waterproofing, meaning this isn’t a great choice for poolside or beach reading. What it does have is a light behind the display, a feature that used to be kept for the pricier Kindle models. The light is just as bright as the Paperwhite, but it lacks the orangey warm light which is easier on the eyes at night.
Now, the size of the Kindle (2024) could be a plus or a negative. If you want a pocketable device, that slips in smaller bags and is lighter then this model is best. Its 6-inch screen is smaller than the 7-inch Paperwhite and is close in size to a larger phone. However, the smaller screen naturally makes the text smaller and this could be an issue for some.
For many, the Kindle is a great choice. It has access to the same books as the other models, lasts numerous weeks on a charge and is fast to navigate. It’s also excellent value for money.
Reviewer: Max Parker
Full review: Amazon Kindle (2024) review
Amazon Kindle Scribe (2024)
The best for writingPros
- One of the best digital writing experiences around
- Exceptional battery life
- Fantastic big-screen reading experience
Cons
- Handwriting recognition and transcription could be more in-depth
- No wireless charging like cheaper Kindles
- Stylus can easily become detached from the Scribe
The Kindle Scribe (2024) stands out from the crowd, not just for its high price, but also because it’s the only Kindle you can write on. This capability helps transform the Scribe from an e-reader into a more versatile smart notebook.
The 2024 model, in particular, fixes some of the hardware and software complaints we had with its predecessor, the Amazon Kindle Scribe.
With its improved screen texture and more balanced stylus design, the new Scribe offers one of the best digital note-taking experiences around. Writing on the 10.2-inch screen feels more like writing on paper and the colour temperature has been tweaked slightly.
The large screen is responsive when compared with other e-ink displays, resulting in much less lag when tapping to change the page and scrawling notes on the screen. In fact, it offers one of the best writing experiences around, save for perhaps the Remarkable 2.
Amazon has added the ability to take notes directly in eBooks rather than just PDF files, which is a major improvement compared to its predecessor. There’s also AI handwriting recognition for sharing text via email, though this feature is limited with no full OCR or ways way to translate your handwritten notes into regular text.
The battery life is also exceptional, though we’d like to see an IP rating, automatic temperature adjustment and wireless charging included in the next generation.
Reviewer: Lewis Painter
Full review: Amazon Kindle Scribe (2024) review
Test Data
| Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024) | Amazon Kindle (2024) | Amazon Kindle Scribe (2024) |
|---|
Full Specs
| Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024) Review | Amazon Kindle (2024) Review | Amazon Kindle Scribe (2024) Review | |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK RRP | £159.99 | £94.99 | £379 |
| USA RRP | $159.99 | $104.99 | $399 |
| Manufacturer | Amazon | Amazon | Amazon |
| Screen Size | 7 inches | 6 inches | 10.2 inches |
| Storage Capacity | – | 16GB | 16GB, 32GB, 64GB |
| Rear Camera | N/A | NA | – |
| Front Camera | N/A | NA | – |
| IP rating | IPX8 | No | No |
| Size (Dimensions) | 127.6 x 7.8 x 176.7 MM | 108.6 x 8 x 157.8 MM | 196 x 5.7 x 230 MM |
| Weight | 211 G | 158 G | 433 G |
| ASIN | B0CFPJYX7P | B0CP31T5M6 | B0CZB5RHWX |
| Operating System | – | – | Kindle OS |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2024 | 2024 |
| First Reviewed Date | 19/11/2024 | 14/11/2024 | 27/01/2025 |
| Resolution | x | x | 1860 x 2480 |
| Ports | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C |
| Colours | Black, Raspberry, Jade | Matcha, Black | Tungsten and Metallic Jade |