I tested every Kindle to find the absolute best Amazon e-reader
In the evolving landscape of digital reading, e-readers like the Amazon Kindle have carved a niche that perfectly marries the portability of tablets with the focused experience of traditional books. With the ability to store thousands of titles in a sleek, lightweight frame, Kindles have become the go-to choice for avid readers. Recent trends highlight a surge in popularity, particularly among parents seeking a guilt-free screen time option for their children, as well as among adults eager to tackle their reading lists with the help of services like Libby. The Kindle’s allure lies not just in its functionality but also in its community, with users sharing tips and tricks on platforms like TikTok, enhancing the overall reading experience.
The Kindle lineup has seen significant advancements since its launch in 2007, with the latest models showcasing impressive features that cater to diverse reading preferences. The introduction of the Colorsoft e-reader in late 2024 marks a notable shift, offering a color display for the first time, alongside the revamped Kindle Scribe, which boasts a thinner design and enhanced functionality for note-taking and sketching. As of September 2025, Kindle models range from the basic version to the Paperwhite and the Colorsoft editions, each tailored to meet specific needs, such as waterproofing and storage capacity. The Kindle Paperwhite remains a popular choice for those who enjoy reading by the pool or on the beach, while the Scribe appeals to users looking for a multifunctional device that supports writing.
Choosing the right Kindle ultimately depends on individual reading habits and preferences. Factors such as display size, battery life, and storage capacity play crucial roles in the decision-making process. Additionally, the seamless integration with Libby allows users to borrow e-books from their local libraries directly to their devices, making it easier than ever to access a vast array of literature without incurring costs. For those who love to explore new titles, events like Stuff Your Kindle Day offer fantastic opportunities to stock up on free or discounted e-books. As the Kindle continues to evolve, it remains a steadfast companion for readers, blending technology and literature in a way that enriches the reading experience. Whether you’re a seasoned reader or just starting your literary journey, there’s a Kindle model designed to meet your needs, ensuring that the joy of reading remains accessible to all.
In the Venn diagram of
tablets
and
books
, our favorite e-readers fall perfectly in the middle. They’re thin and portable like a tablet, but without the distraction of the internet. The best Kindles and e-readers stuff thousands of books — a full library, really — into a tiny frame.
And having
tested
a lot
of e-readers and tablets for Mashable
, I can tell you the Amazon Kindle lineup comes closest to perfecting the devices. All over the internet, you’ll find
TikTok
users enthusiastically singing the praises of the Kindle and
how to make the most of it
. For parents, Kindles are a screen you don’t have to feel guilty about. For avid readers,
Stuff Your Kindle Day
and
Libby
let you cross every last item off your annual reading list. You can even
buy Kindle accessories
like remote page-turners and gooseneck stands so you don’t have to hold your Kindle while reading.
So, if you’re ready to invest in an e-reader, I can help you find the best Kindle for your reading list.
Meet the newest generation of Kindle e-readers
Can’t decide between the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite? We put them head-to-head..
Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable
SEE ALSO:
I read over 50 books a year. Here are my favorite e-readers.
A lot has changed since the Kindle first debuted in 2007. While it was released just a few months after the first
iPhone
, the Amazon Kindle has received fewer updates. As of 2025, we’re on the 12th generation of Kindles; the latest arrived in October 2024. Every model — the basic Kindle, the Paperwhite, Signature Edition, Scribe, and Kids models — all got upgrades. And unfortunately, the Kindle Oasis, a waterproof model with page-turning buttons, was discontinued.
Kindle’s first
color e-reader
arrived in late 2024, and as of July 2025, the Colorsoft lineup includes three models. The Colorsoft is the second most expensive option among Kindles, and after finally getting our hands on a model, we’ve added it to this guide.
As of Sept. 30, 2025, Amazon also
announced a revamped Kindle Scribe
. The new model is exceptionally thin and has a front light for a brighter display. Plus, the new Colorsoft edition of the Scribe lets you annotate, journal, or sketch in color. However, as of November 2025, neither the Kindle Scribe nor Kindle Scribe Colorsoft is available for preorder yet, but we’ll update this guide once we’ve fully tested the devices.
No matter which model you choose, all of the latest Kindles are lightweight, easy to use, and compatible with
Libby
, so you can support your local library (and get free books, of course). Basically, it’s hard to make a bad decision in this product category.
So, what’s the best Kindle for you? Let me help you decide.
Which Kindle is right for you?
If you’re concerned about buying the newest tech, that’s not an issue. There are
six updated Kindle models
for sale, as well as older editions still in stock.
Before you choose a Kindle, you need to ask one question first: Do you want it to be waterproof? If you prefer reading near a body of water — whether in the bath, by the pool, or at the beach — that immediately narrows down your options. Since the Kindle Oasis is no longer available, your waterproof options are the
Kindle Paperwhite
,
Paperwhite Signature Edition
, Colorsoft Signature Edition, and Paperwhite Kids.
The Kindle Paperwhite Signature edition settings screen.
Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable
Beyond water resistance, here are a few other features to consider:
Display size:
The basic Kindle has a 6-inch display, while the largest has a 10.2-inch display.
Storage capacity:
Kindles range from 16GB to 32GB of storage capacity.
Battery life:
The new Kindles generally have outstanding batteries. On the low end, they last up to six weeks per charge, while others last up to 12 weeks.
Writing capability:
The Kindle Scribe is the only model that allows you to write with the included stylus.Â
The latest Kindles all boast a maximum brightness of 94 nits and a 300 ppi, high-resolution display with zero glare, so you can enjoy sharp text and images at any viewing angle. Kindles are also equipped with WiFi connectivity, allowing you to download all the reading material you could ever want. Plus, you can listen to audiobooks on Audible via the built-in Bluetooth connection.
Not to mention, out of all the e-readers I’ve tested, Kindles have the best compatibility with Libby. I love the digital platform because I can read for free and support my local library. Some other e-readers require you to download your library e-book to a computer and then upload it to an e-reader, but with Kindles, your e-books are sent straight to your device with a click.
And if you were a die-hard Kindle Oasis fan and are attached to page-turning buttons, you may need to stray from the Kindle line-up. Now, your best bet will be the
Kobo Libra Colour
.
How to get free e-books on Kindle
With just a click, transfer your Libby e-book to your Kindle device.
Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable
Your Libby ebook will automatically populate in your Kindle library.
Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable
The best way to read free e-books on a Kindle is with Libby.
Libby
allows you to borrow e-books through libraries, and all you need is a library card. Through the Libby app, borrow books and then select the “read with Kindle” option, which allows you to send these e-books to your Kindle library.
Another option for finding free e-books is through
Stuff Your Kindle events
. These are author-driven events that offer limited-time deals on e-books, often making them heavily discounted or totally free.
How to make the most of your Kindle
Through our testing and daily use, we’ve spent a lot of time with Kindles, learning how to make the most of them. We’ve written extensively on all the ways to maximize your Kindle, so be sure to browse through our guides and explainers:
How to make the most of your Kindle: 8 features you need to use
The best Kindle accessories for reading in luxury
What is Stuff Your Kindle Day? The best way to fill your e-reader with free books
I’ve read hundreds of free Kindle books with Libby. Here’s how.
What is Kindle Rewards? Earn free credits when shopping the Kindle store
What is Kindle Unlimited? A library of books at your fingertips for just $12 a month
Where to get free e-books: Load up your e-reader without spending a dime
Prime members can get a free e-book every month with Amazon First Reads
How to download EPUB files on your Kindle
8 Kindle features you should be using
How to delete books from Kindle
