Comparing Our Favorite Kindles
What About the New Kindle Scribes?
Amazon has released two new Kindles: the Kindle Scribe ($500) and the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft ($630). The Scribe Colorsoft won’t ship until January, but both models share a similar design. The key difference? The Scribe Colorsoft offers a color screen and has a shorter battery life—eight weeks compared to the twelve weeks of the black-and-white Scribes. Each device sports a new, taller design featuring an 11-inch screen, a slightly slimmer form factor, and an updated stylus. Both models come equipped with a quad-core chip and a revamped homepage, along with plans to support various AI features, including AI search and tools for summarizing books without spoilers (expected next year). Users will also be able to connect to Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive for document markup.
While both devices are solid, I believe the second-generation Kindle Scribe, which is less expensive, remains the better option. It also boasts AI capabilities and will soon feature the updated homepage, making the upgrade unnecessary for many. It’s a bit disappointing to see the high price tag on these new models; for the cost of the Scribe Colorsoft, you could opt for the more robust reMarkable Paper Pro, which includes a color display and the versatility of functioning as an e-paper tablet and laptop with keyboard accessories.
A basic Kindle Scribe model without a front light is set to launch next year for $430, but as someone who loves reading in the dark, I’m not thrilled about this option. I’ll update this guide with my impressions once it becomes available.
Accessories for Easier Reading
If you’ve ever experienced hand cramps during a long reading session, consider these accessories. You can find more options in our Best Kindle Accessories guide.
- Strapsicle E-Reader Hand Straps for $20: Attach these to the back of your Kindle—one angled for your right hand and the other for your left. They’ll keep your hands comfy, prevent accidental screen taps, and help you grip your device securely. Three sizes accommodate different e-reader models, so check the Amazon page or Strapsicle website for compatibility.
- Lamicall Gooseneck Tablet Holder for $18: This handy device is perfect for readers with chronic wrist pain. It clamps easily to bed frames and side tables (there’s also a floor stand version for $60). Lightweight and resistant enough to stay in place, it does wobble a bit when touched. For a fully hands-free experience, pair it with a page-turner remote.
- PopSockets PopGrips starting at $10: Not just for your phone, these grips work wonderfully on e-readers when paired with a MagSafe case or adhesive ring. My favorite is the Heart of Silver ($40), as it provides a comfortable grip for my small hands and includes an adapter ring to convert any case into a MagSafe one.
- Nomad 65W Slim Power Adapter for $55: Though Kindles have excellent battery life, it’s wise to keep a charger handy. This one features two USB-C ports and is slim enough to fit in a bag’s side pocket, allowing you to charge both your e-reader and phone simultaneously.
Best Kindle Cases and Covers
While Amazon Kindles are generally durable, a cover can still protect your screen from everyday wear and tear. Here are some top picks for Kindle cases:
- PopSockets PopCase Kindle for $40: These cases have a MagSafe adapter for easy PopSockets integration. Though they lack a cover and the grip can only be attached in one spot, they’re well made.
- Fabric Covers for Kindle for $32 and Paperwhite for $37: These open like a book and come in various colors. They’re made from post-consumer recycled fabric.
- Fabric Cover for Scribe for $60: This one flips open like a notepad and can be positioned as a stand, plus it has a slot for the pen. It’s also made with recycled materials.
- The Bookish Kindle Cases starting at $36: Each cover includes a built-in strap for added security while reading and comes in fun colors.
- The Quirky Cup Collective E-Reader Sleeve for $29: These beautifully designed velvet sleeves protect your device and feature a small zip pocket.
- CoBak Clear Case for $9: This clear case protects the back of your Kindle while allowing for personal customization with stickers underneath.
Great Reading Lights
If you love to read at night without disturbing others, consider one of these reading lights. Though Kindles now come with a front light, these can be especially useful if you alternate between e-readers and physical books. Check out more options in our Best Reading Lights guide.
- Vekkia 14 LED Book Light for $16: Our top choice, this clip-on light features an adjustable gooseneck and two swiveling light bars with seven LEDs each. You can adjust brightness across five levels and switch between three warm colors.
- Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light for $22: This unique light wraps around your neck for a hands-free experience. Lightweight and adjustable, it offers three color temperature modes and six brightness levels, lasting up to 80 hours at lower settings.
About Those Older Kindles
Amazon doesn’t roll out new Kindles very often, so when one appears, older models tend to dwindle. While we don’t necessarily discourage buying older models, it’s best if you can snag them on sale. Always compare the price with new models to ensure you’re getting a good deal.
- Kindle (2022, 11th Generation): This compact model measures 6.2 inches tall and 4.3 inches wide, featuring a 6-inch screen. With doubled storage (16 GB) and an improved display (300 PPI), it’s typically priced under $50 if you find one.
- Kindle Paperwhite (2021, 11th Generation): This upgraded version offers a 6.8-inch screen, adjustable warm lighting, and waterproof capability. Look for the Signature Edition for extras like auto-brightness and 32 GB of storage. Aim to spend no more than $100.
- Kindle Scribe (1st Generation): Ideal for note-takers, this model features a 10.2-inch screen, a Basic Pen for easy note-taking, and a variety of paper formats. It’s worth considering for under $230.
- Kindle Kids (2022): This kid-friendly model includes a cover, a year’s Amazon Kids+ subscription, parental controls, and a two-year warranty. Don’t pay more than $70.
- Kindle Paperwhite Kids (2021): A step up from basic models, it has a high-resolution display and is also waterproof. Prices should stay below $110.
FAQs
What’s the Best Way to Buy or Sell an Older Kindle?
If you have an old Kindle or are considering a used one, check out this Amazon page for photos, specs, and release years to identify the model. Most older Kindles still function, but try to avoid models with physical keyboards or buttons beyond the page-turn buttons, as many lost the ability to browse or borrow books directly from the device. You can still make purchases on Amazon and send them to your Kindle.
How Do You Get Free Ebooks on a Kindle?
To save money on ebooks, consider subscribing to Kindle Unlimited for $12 a month, which includes millions of titles along with audiobooks and magazines—start with a 30-day free trial. If you’re a Prime member, you can access some free ebooks via Prime Reading, though you’ll find fewer options than Kindle Unlimited. Libraries also offer digital ebooks, accessible with a library card. Just check your local branch’s offerings; many use OverDrive, allowing you to borrow and read ebooks on your Kindle. You can also lend books between Kindles just like with physical copies, following Amazon’s lending instructions.
Do All Kindles Have Dark Mode?
Dark mode is indeed popular among e-readers, and most modern Kindles support it. However, the new Colorsoft model doesn’t feature a true dark mode because of its screen design, allowing only a dark page color option in the Quick Actions menu.
What Else Can a Kindle Do?
Kindles come packed with features like long-pressing to define words, highlight text, or take notes. You can also search for specific words or translate them to different languages. Word Wise displays brief definitions for aided comprehension, though it’s not available for every book. Adjust font size and type from the “Aa” menu, which even includes a font designed for dyslexia. With Bluetooth, VoiceView Screen Reader can navigate your Kindle and read aloud, although it may not sound as polished as an audiobook. You can easily sync with Goodreads to review and share quotes, and there’s a basic web browser available for emergency searches.
How Do You Update a Kindle?
Amazon automatically downloads and installs software updates when your Kindle is connected to Wi-Fi. To check for updates, go to Settings > Device Options > Advanced Options > Update Your Kindle. If an update is available, it will prompt you to download it.
Is This a Good Time to Buy a Kindle?
The best times to buy a Kindle are during major sales events like Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday, where you can score significant discounts. Although those events have passed, keep an eye out for winter and spring sales, as they often feature good deals on Kindles. With Amazon recently refreshing its Kindle lineup, it’s an excellent time to shop for the latest models.
Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting and exclusive subscriber content that’s too important to ignore. Subscribe Today.
