The best Kindle readers of 2023: Expert compared

The best Kindle readers of 2023: Expert compared

Kindle readers are popular tablets among book enthusiasts since they allow users to download and store thousands of comics, novels, and audiobooks. A Kindle device with 32GB of internal storage can hold almost 14,000 titles, which means you can read one new book per week for 269 years before repeating. 

Also: The best iPads models right now

While most Kindle tablets have a fixed amount of internal storage, many support Amazon Cloud backup or microSD cards for expanded onboard storage. Moreover, many Kindle readers are waterproof up to 2 meters, meaning you can take your e-reader to the beach or pool and not have to worry about splashes and sprays ruining your tablet. With anti-glare screens and auto-adjusting backlights, it’s easier than ever to read your favorite books in direct sunlight.

So, which Kindle is right for you? I have gathered a list of the best Kindle readers available to buy right now, including a Kindle kids device and the Kindle Oasis. I have broken down their features and price points to help you decide which is the best fit for both your reading needs and budget. Keep reading below to find the perfect Kindle for you.

Pros & Cons
Pros

  • Post-consumer materials
  • Excellent battery life
  • Waterproof up to 2 meters
  • Easy to use
Cons

  • Audible requires separate app
  • No headphone jack
  • No microSD card support
More Details

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite tech specs: Screen size: 6.8 inches | Storage: 8GB, Amazon Cloud | Battery life: Up to 6 weeks at 30 minutes per day | Lock screen ads: Yes, removable with fee | microSD card support: No

The Kindle Paperwhite is a simple, no-fuss e-reader that allows you to download and store thousands of comics, novels, and audiobooks to enjoy at home or on-the-go. The 6.8-inch display provides 300 points-per-inch for crystal-clear text, and the glare-free coating makes reading easier in direct lamp or sunlight. The integrated battery can last up to 10 weeks on a full charge, letting you read for almost two months straight before needing to plug in. And when you do need to recharge, it uses a USB-C cable, so you don’t have to worry about keeping a special charging cable handy.

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Furthermore, the Kindle Paperwhite is waterproof up to 2 meters for one hour in freshwater or .25 meters for three minutes in saltwater. This means you won’t have to worry about spills and splashes while reading at the beach, by the pool, or at the dinner table. Additionally, with the Kindle Unlimited app, you can browse hundreds of thousands of titles, including Kindle exclusives. If you prefer your e-reader to be eco-friendly, the Kindle Paperwhite is made of 60 percent post-consumer materials, including magnesium, to keep electronic and plastic waste out of landfills and oceans.

Pros & Cons
Pros

  • Under $100
  • Up to 1TB microSD card support
  • Good battery life
  • Alexa built-in
Cons

  • On the heavy side
  • No headphone jack
More Details

Amazon Fire HD 8 tech specs: Screen size: 8 inches | Storage: 32 or 64GB | Battery life: 13 hours | Lock screen ads: Yes, removable with fee | microSD card support: Up to 1TB

Since an e-reader like the Kindle is usually a single-purpose device, it may not always make sense to spend a ton of money on one. Fortunately, the Amazon Fire 8 is an exceptionally affordable Kindle-capable tablet. For just $60, you can get an 8-inch tablet with 32GB of internal storage, which you can expand with up to a 1TB microSD card. The internal battery lasts up to 13 hours, allowing you to listen to audiobooks or read all day before needing to plug in. Moreover, since the Fire 8 is closer to a typical tablet, you can download apps like YouTube to turn it into an entertainment hub for both kids and adults.

With Alexa built-in, you can use voice commands to launch apps, play music, and even make video calls to friends and family. This is an excellent way to keep in touch with your book club or reading circle in a post-Covid world. Alternatively, you can switch Alexa off to prevent any misuse of your Fire 8’s camera and microphones to gather information about you and your family.

Pros & Cons
Pros

  • Auto-adjusting front light
  • Waterproof up to 2 meters
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Page-turning buttons
Cons

  • No cover or stylus included
  • No microSD card support
More Details

Kindle Oasis tech specs: Screen size: 7 inches | Storage: 8 or 32GB, Amazon Cloud | Battery life: Up to 6 weeks at 30 minutes per day | Lock screen ads: Yes, removable with fee | microSD card support: No

For customers who are willing to spend a bit more to get more features, the Kindle Oasis is an excellent option. The chassis features an ergonomic design that is more comfortable to hold and easier to use with its integrated page-turning buttons. The screen has an adjustable warm backlight for reading in both dim rooms and direct sunlight to reduce eye strain. It also uses built-in sensors to automatically adjust screen brightness and light temperature depending on your environment. Alternatively, you can schedule screen lighting changes based on typical use times for different members of your family.

Moreover, the chassis is waterproof, able to be submerged up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) for up to an hour in freshwater or .25 meters for three minutes in saltwater. Although it doesn’t have a regular headphone jack, the Kindle Oasis supports Bluetooth connectivity. You can use wireless headphones and speakers to listen to audiobooks or the screen reader function. Furthermore, if you need to download a few last-minute titles in the airport lounge while waiting for your flight, the Kindle Oasis supports WEP and WPA2 WiFi security to protect your connection.

Pros & Cons
Pros

  • Wireless charging capable
  • Water resistant
  • Cloud storage backup
  • Accessibility options
Cons

  • No microSD card support
  • A bit on the heavy side
  • Only available in black
More Details

Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition tech specs: Screen size: 6.8 inches | Storage: 32GB, Amazon Cloud | Battery life: Up to 10 weeks at 30 minutes per day | Lock screen ads: Yes, removable with fee | microSD card support: No

The best part of having an e-reader is being able to take dozens, if not hundreds, of books with you while you travel for work, family gatherings, or vacations. The Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is built with travel in mind. It supports both USB-C and Qi wireless charging, so you don’t have to keep a special charging cable for a single device. Additionally, the internal battery can last up to 10 weeks on a full charge, allowing you to enjoy your summer reading on the beach even if you forget your charging cable.

The screen features an anti-glare coating for better visibility in direct lamplight or sunlight, as well as an auto-adjusting backlight to suit dim rooms. With 32GB of internal storage, you can store tens of thousands of titles on the tablet. However, if you need even more space, you can utilize Amazon Cloud storage to free up room on the Paperwhite Signature Edition for new books. The tablet is water-resistant, which is great for reading by the pool, on the beach, or anywhere accidental spills may happen.

Additionally, it has a screen reader function for blind and visually impaired users and supports Bluetooth headsets for audiobooks.

Also: How to loan a Kindle book

Pros & Cons
Pros

  • Parental controls
  • 1 year Amazon Kids+ included
  • Waterproof chassis
  • For reading only
Cons

  • Parental controls can be confusing
  • No screen reader function
  • No headphone jack
More Details

Kindle Paperwhite Kids screen size: 6.8 inches | Storage: 8GB, Amazon Cloud | Battery life: Up to 10 weeks at 30 minutes per day | Lock screen ads: Not specified | microSD card support: No

If you have a child who loves to read, the Kindle Paperwhite Kids is the perfect e-reader for them. The 6.8-inch display features a warm, adjustable backlight that’s easier on the eyes and better for reading in both direct light and dark rooms. Parents can set up screen time limits and other parental controls like limits on content type to keep their little ones from accessing books, comics, and audiobooks that may not be age-appropriate. The Kindle Paperwhite Kids doesn’t have the ability to download or use apps like YouTube, so your children won’t be distracted from their reading by games and videos.

This tablet comes with a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+, which is similar to Kindle Unlimited, offering a selection of free books for kids to borrow and read. This is great news for parents of voracious readers. You can also use the Paperwhite Kids with your local library’s app to borrow free titles. The 8GB of internal storage lets your children keep hundreds of titles on their digital bookshelf, and Amazon Cloud backup gives you the ability to safely store already purchased books while making room on the tablet itself for new titles.

Moreover, the Kindle Paperwhite Kids is waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about spills and splashes ruining the tablet. Additionally, if your child is dyslexic, the Kindle Paperwhite Kids works with OpenDyslexic, a font that is easier for some readers with dyslexia to understand.

Also: Best tablets for kids

Pros & Cons
Pros

  • You’re able to sign documents, take notes, and draw
  • Robust 10.2-inch screen
  • Battery live for literal days
Cons

  • It’s expensive
  • Doesn’t offer compatibility with Microsoft Word yet
More Details

Kindle Scribe tech specs: Screen size: 10.2 inches | Storage: 16,32, or 64GB | Battery life: Up to 6 weeks at 30 minutes per day | Lock screen ads: Yes, removable with fee | microSD card support: No

The Kindle Scribe combines a digital library with a digital notebook. For the first time, you can use the basic pen to create notes either through an app or on the book you’re reading, making it convenient if you’re studying for a test and want to organize what you’re reading and your notes in one place. Additionally, you can upgrade to the Kindle Scribe Premium Pen to easily erase notes.

The display is remarkable, with a high-resolution 10.2-inch screen. You’ll also have access to ample storage options, and the battery life will let you read the next bestseller without having to worry about finding the nearest plug for charging.

On the other hand, there is room for improvement. Currently, you can export notes to a PDF and email them. However, it would be ideal to send notes to other programs like Microsoft Word, which will be part of a future software update. Additionally, we found that you have the inability to organize your notes on the Kindle Scribe. Overall, it’s a great foray into the digital note-taking market, and with future software updates, it should become one of the more popular models in the Kindle lineup.

Review: Amazon Kindle Scribe review: 7 ways it could be even more remarkable

What is the best Kindle?

The best Kindle e-reader is the Kindle Paperwhite. You can choose between 8 or 32GB of internal storage to download thousands of comics, novels, and audiobooks. Additionally, you can opt for cloud storage syncing for near-infinite storage space for your digital library. The screen features an anti-glare coating for better visibility in sunlight and flush bezels for better handling. Furthermore, the integrated battery can last up to six weeks on a full charge, allowing you to read as much as you want, worry-free.

Best Kindle reader

Price

Screen Size

Storage

Battery life

microSD card support

Kindle Paperwhite

$140

6.8 inches

8GB, Amazon Cloud

6 weeks at 30 mins per day

No

Amazon Fire 8 HD

$60

8 inches

32 or 64GB

13 hours

Up to 1TB

Kindle Oasis

$250

7 inches

8 or 32GB

6 weeks at 30 minutes per day

No

Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition

$180

6.8 inches

32GB or Amazon Cloud

10 weeks at 30 minutes per day

No

Amazon Paperwhite Kids

$160

6.8 inches

8GB or Amazon Cloud

10 weeks at 30 minutes per day

No

Kindle Scribe

$340

10.2 inches

16, 32, or 64GB

Weeks at a time, depending on daily use

No

Which is the right Kindle for you?

When shopping for a new Kindle reader, aside from price, you should also consider how much storage space you’ll want or need for your digital bookshelf. The Kindle Paperwhite has 8GB of storage, which is enough for hundreds of books, audiobooks, PDF files, and graphic novels. On the other hand, the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition has 32GB of storage, which allows your digital bookshelf to store almost 14,000 titles. Furthermore, no matter which model of Kindle reader you use, many support either microSD cards up to 1TB or cloud syncing for near-infinite storage.

Below is a table that outlines which Kindle corresponds to specific needs:

Choose this best Kindle reader

If you want…

Kindle Paperwhite

The best overall due to its outstanding battery life, waterproof body up to 2 meters, and it’s easy to use.

Amazon Fire 8 HD

Best for budget option with a large, 8-inch screen, generous memory, and Alexa built-in.

Kindle Oasis

A top-of-the-line Kindle reader with a large screen size, auto-adjusting front light, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition

A travel companion with wireless charging capabilities, water resistant, and cloud storage.

Amazon Paperwhite Kids

A kid-friendly option with parental controls, one year of Amazon Kids+, and it’s waterproof so oopsies can happen.

Kindle Scribe

A note-taking powerhouse with a 10.2-inch screen, ample storage options, and the capability to transfer notes to PDF.

How did I choose these Kindles?

I chose Kindle readers that have relatively affordable price points for budget-minded shoppers as well as customers who are willing to spend a bit more to get all of the features they want. I also chose models that support microSD cards for expanded storage to allow for truly huge digital libraries.

I also selected an option designed for kids, so they can read their favorite books and discover news ones on their own device.

Also: How to buy books on Kindle

Moreover, we also chose a high-end model for those wanting a large, waterproof screen with Bluetooth connectivity.

How many books will 32GB hold?

It all depends on what kinds of books you want to download, as different media files have different sizes. For example, a single comic book issue file can be as small as 650MB, while a graphic novel can be up to 1.5GB. On the other hand, plain-text files like novels, nonfiction titles, and even school textbooks have fairly small sizes, allowing you to have up to 13,500 books in your digital library with 32GB of storage space.

However, longer titles like War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy will have a larger file size than something like F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. If you like longer reads, you’ll probably store fewer books, though you should still be able to download and store thousands of titles.

You can even download audiobooks from the Kindle app, though the audio files are quite large. This means that a 32GB Kindle will only hold about 150 audiobooks, depending on the length of the recording.

Can I read Kindle books on an iPad?

Absolutely! If you have an iPad, you can download the Kindle app from the iOS App Store. This allows you to buy and download digital books to your iPad, turning it into a true multimedia entertainment device and eliminating the need for a single-purpose tablet.

Moreover, it’s not just iPads. Samsung, Lenovo, and other tablet makers allow you to download the Kindle app so you can take your digital library with you.

Are Kindle books free?

They can be. Whether you’re looking to fill out your library or to finally get around to reading those classics that were assigned back in your high school English class, it’s pretty easy to find free Kindle books. Lots of classic literature is in the public domain, which just means that they are no longer protected by copyright laws and can be provided for free. If you’re looking for new titles, you don’t have to spend a fortune.

Also: How to get (great) free books on Kindle

You also can find thousands of titles for very low prices, sometimes as low as 99 cents. However, these are often self-published works. And while self-publishing is a great way for writers to get their work in the hands of readers without going through literary agents and publishing houses, it also means that sometimes the work isn’t entirely up to snuff. So if you’re tempted to buy that ultra-low priced title, make sure you read reviews first so you don’t end up buying something you won’t like.

Are there alternatives to the Kindle worth considering?

If you don’t like the idea of a single-purpose tablet taking up space in your home, but still want the ease and portability of a digital library, you’re able to download the Kindle app to just about any tablet on the market. Here is a short list of Kindle alternatives that I thought were great:

amazon-fire-hd-10

BEST PRICE

Amazon Fire HD 10

A polished Kindle reader with a 10.1-inch, 1080p, HD display, 4GB of RAM and wireless charging capabilities.

View at Amazon

ipad-air-5th-gen

BEST PRICE

iPad Air (5th Gen)

A fantastic reader if you want 5G connectivity, fast performance, and good battery life.

View at Best Buy

samsung-galaxy-tab-s8

BEST PRICE

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8

A perfect option if you want the functionality of note-taking with the S-Pen coupled with a vibrant display.

View at Amazon

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