Category: Amazon

These are the best Kindles and e-readers you can buy, based on our testing and hands-on use.

Love reading but hate lugging books around? Look, I love the smell and feel of real paper as much as the next guy, but when I’m getting ready for a long trip I reach for the best e-reader I can get my hands on to keep me entertained.

There are more e-readers than ever on the market, and my team and I regularly review the top new models fromAmazon, Kobo, ReMarkable and more. But while they all have their strengths and weaknesses, I regularly recommend theAmazon Kindle Paperwhitebecause it doesn’t cost much more than the basic Kindle, yet you get premium features like (limited) waterproofing and adjustable screen warmth for a more comfortable reading experience.

Of course, the basicAmazon Kindleremains one of the best values in e-readers, especially if you don’t mind putting up with lock screen ads to save a little money up front. But if you’re willing to pay a little more for a truly luxurious e-reader, I recommend theKindle Colorsoftbecause it offers all the benefits of the Paperwhite Signature Edition with the added bonus of a color display.

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The best Kindle overall

1. Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024)

The best Kindle overall

Specifications

Resolution (Pixels Per Inch):300

Dimensions (Inches):7 x 5 x 0.3 inches

Weight (Ounces):7.4 ounces

Claimed Battery Life:12 weeks

Physical Page-Turn Buttons:No

Built-In Light:Yes

Water Resistance:Yes, IPX8

Screen Size (Inches):7 inches

Storage:16GB

Reasons to buy

+Balanced and bright backlight
+Large screen
+Waterproof
+Absurd battery life

Reasons to avoid

-Costs $10 more
-Bad power button location

The latestKindlePaperwhite is a study in understated competence. The latest model sports the same basic look as previous Kindles and Kindle Paperwhite models, including the matte black shell and an e-ink screen, but the latest Paperwhite has a bigger-than-ever 7-inch screen that makes it easier to focus on what you’re reading. I also love that the bezels are small and thin, so you tend to forget they’re there when engrossed in a good book.

The Kindle Paperwhite’s sharp 300-ppi display is supported by an array of 17 LED backlights, which affords you the small luxury of incredibly even lighting. Plus, it offers a robust level of waterproofing (IPX8-rated) protection. So while you probably don’t want to take it in the pool, a quick drop in a puddle or bathtub might not spell the end.

The latest model is worth buying because it offers faster performance and smoother page-flipping than earlier Kindles. Flipping through pages is 25% faster than before, and black text on white backgrounds appears clearer and more defined. Though we wish the power button had been moved to the top, we like this e-reader’s premium design and appearance.

The only shortcoming? The latest Paperwhite costs $10 more than the previous model. While that’s a bummer, there are regular sales on Amazon that should help lower the cost if you wait for a good opportunity. But even if you pay full price, I think the Kindle Paperwhite is the best e-reader for most people thanks to its elegant design, premium features and robust library.

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The best value

2. Amazon Kindle

Best Kindle for those on a budget

Specifications

Resolution (Pixels Per Inch):300

Dimensions (Inches):6.2 x 4.3 x 0.32

Weight (Ounces):5.56

Claimed Battery Life:6 weeks

Physical Page-Turn Buttons:No

Built-In Light:Yes

Water Resistance:No

Screen Size (Inches):6

Storage:16GB

Reasons to buy

+Lightweight, comfortable design
+Bright, crisp display
+Killer battery life

Reasons to avoid

-Not waterproof
-Lacks warm display light options

The Amazon Kindle is a great e-reader that meets every need by being bright, long-lasting and comfortable to carry on long trips. The fact that you’re locked into Amazon’s ecosystem is a drag, but you can’t knock the Kindle itself for Amazon’s customer-unfriendly business practices.

That’s not to say it’s perfect, of course. There’s room for improvement, like the fact that it’s still not waterproof. So while I recommend it as a great Kindle at a killer price, it’s key you don’t take it in the bath with you. This remains the biggest differentiator between it and the more expensive Paperwhite, and it feels like a slightly arbitrary difference intended to justify charging more for the Paperwhite.

Also, I missed having the option adjust the warmth of the display light, another minor but meaningful Paperwhite feature — though if you’re fine with using dark mode it’s easy to move past that shortcoming. Admittedly, if Amazon fixed those things there would be no reason to get the Paperwhite, so while we’re disappointed, we aren’t shocked that the base Kindle doesn’t get these useful features.

Ultimately though, the Kindle 2022 is probably the best Kindle for most people. It’s lightweight and comfortable to hold, the display is bright and crisp — a massive improvement over earlier models — and the battery lasts for ages. Unless you really need a waterproof Kindle, it’s tough to advocate spending more than the $100 you’ll pay for a new Amazon Kindle (2022).

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The best Kindle for kids

3. Amazon Kindle Kids Edition

Best Kindle for kids

Specifications

Resolution (Pixels Per Inch):167

Dimensions (Inches):6.3 x 4.5 x 0.5

Weight (Ounces):10.2

Claimed Battery Life:4 weeks

Physical Page-Turn Buttons:No

Built-In Light:Yes

Water Resistance:No

Screen Size (Inches):6

Storage:8GB

Reasons to buy

+No lock-screen ads
+Thankfully minimal interface (for kids)
+Valuable warranty, subscription included

Reasons to avoid

-Distracting interface (in adult mode)
-So-so text resolution

The Kids Edition is a version of the basic Kindle that’s optimized for children by chipping away some of the non-essential cruft that fills up a regular Kindle and including features that make it well-suited for parents and families.

Kids will appreciate the brightly-colored protective cases, for example, while parents will love Amazon’s 2-year no-questions-asked warranty. Even better, there are no lock screen ads on these Kindles, a nicety I wish Amazon would extend to the whole lineup.

In fact, the Kids Edition is so close to my ideal Kindle interface that I wish Amazon would offer it as a mode for adults who just want to read books without having to look at ads or be hassled by Goodreads prompts.

But there isn’t much else that sets the Kids Editions of Amazon’s Kindle e-readers apart from their mainline counterparts. These e-readers sport the same 6-inch, 167 ppi display and front lighting as the base Kindle, with the same thick chunk of plastic beneath the e-paper display for easy gripping.

One last extra benefit these kid-friendly slates offer for children: helpful vocabulary building tools and a free year of Amazon’s Amazon Kids+ (a $60 value), which has thousands of kid-friendly books to read.

Best color Kindle

4. Amazon Kindle Colorsoft

Best color Kindle

Specifications

Resolution (Pixels Per Inch):300

Dimensions (Inches):7 x 5 x 0.3 inches

Weight (Ounces):7.7 ounces

Claimed Battery Life:8 weeks

Physical Page Turn Buttons:No

Built-In Light:Yes

Water Resistance:Yes, IPX8

Screen Size (Inches):7

Storage:32GB

Reasons to buy

+Sharp color display
+Comfortable design
+Robust Kindle library
+Long battery life

Reasons to avoid

-Pricier than other Kindles

The new Kindle Colorsoft features all the benefits of a Kindle, only in glorious color. If you want to see your books’ covers or read comics in color, this is the Kindle you’ve been waiting for.

Design-wise, the Colorsoft is identical to the new Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition. It has a 7-inch 300ppi screen that can display both black-and-white and color images, though the latter drops to 150ppi. Don’t worry, as everything still appears nice and sharp even at that lower resolution. Black-and-white content looks better than ever thanks to the display’s higher contrast that makes black lines and text pop on what backgrounds.

We don’t mind that Amazon didn’t radically redesign the Colorsoft since we’re fans of that classic form factor. As before, the matte-black chassis feels good to hold and prevents the device from slipping from your hand. Even though it’s too big to fit inside of a normal-sized pocket, the Colorsoft is slim and light enough to slip into and carry around in your backpack. Unfortunately, the power button still resides on the bottom of the Kindle.

The Kindle Colorsoft finally delivers the promise of a color Kindle. While it’s expensive at $280, we think it’s well worth the price.

The best for writers

5. ReMarkable Paper Pro

The best e-reader for writers

Specifications

Resolution (Pixels Per Inch):229

Dimensions (Inches):10.8 x 7.7 x 0.2 inches

Weight (Ounces):18.56

Claimed Battery Life:Up to 2 weeks

Physical Page Turn Buttons:USB-C, accessory port

Built-In Light:Yes

Water Resistance:No

Screen Size (Inches):11.8 inches

Storage:64GB

Reasons to buy

+Color helps documents pop
+Colors and art tools are fun to use
+Backlight is nice to have
+Slim, elegant design

Reasons to avoid

-Display often feels slow
-Lag on some art tools means there’s a learning curve

While the new Kindle Scribe (2024) is available and offers the option of writing on its e-reader display, the high price of the Scribe makes it hard to recommend. Because of that, we think the ReMarkable Paper Pro is a better choice for those who want an e-reader they can write on.

I say that because it’s an e-reader designed for writers and note-takers. The ReMarkable Paper Pro is built for writing, to the extent that you can’t buy one without a ReMarkable Marker or Marker Plus (which has an eraser tool on the back) bundled in.

And while you can read your favorite ebooks just fine on this slate, you should only buy them if you also want to write on them or jot down your own notes as you go. This tablet is designed to mimic the feeling of putting pen to paper, and I genuinely enjoy the feeling of jotting down notes or editing manuscripts on the 11.8-inch e-paper display in action.

This is the first ReMarkable tablet to support color, too, which is fun if not vital to the tablet’s mission. It supports less than ten colors, but you can still get a pretty good range of colors popping up both in books and under your stylus as you play with the suite of art tools included.

But you should know that this tablet is as slow to update as any other e-reader on this list, due to its e-paper nature. In my testing, I found that I would often notice a delay between when I drew a line or flipped a page and when the action actually happened on-screen.

So while this is a unique device that offers standout value for writers who want a tablet that mimics the feel of pen on paper while you’re reading or marking up PDFs, everyone else should go with a more affordable, more durable Kindle for their e-reading habits.

Battery life claims compared

E-readers are built to go weeks between charges, a clear advantage these pint-sized slates offer over bigger, brighter, more capable tablets like the iPad. Sure, you can read ebooks on any tablet with the right apps, but an e-reader will last a week-long vacation in your bag without needing to be plugged in—can your iPad do that?

In fact, the lengthy battery life of these slates makes them challenging for us to test, because we have to use them for months at a time to see if the battery claims are accurate. We have done that on occasion, and we’ve found that in general manufacturer claims are pretty close to what we actually see in real-world use.

Since battery life is a key data point that can help some people choose between e-readers, we’ve compared the advertised battery life of all the tablets on this page below so you can quickly see which last the longest.

Battery life claims

E-reader	Battery life (tested)
Amazon Kindle	Up to 6 weeks
Amazon Kindle Kids Edition	Up to 5 weeks
Amazon Kindle Scribe	Up to 12 weeks
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite	Up to 10 weeks
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition	Up to 10 weeks
Amazon Kindle Oasis	Up to 6 weeks
ReMarkable Paper Pro	Up to 2 weeks

As you can see, the Kindle Paperwhite is the clear leader of the pack with an advertised battery life of up to ten weeks.

Note that Amazon typically couches these recommendations with the caveat that it’s based on you using the tablet to read for about 30 minutes per day, with the brightness set a few pegs lower than max. If you tend to read more often, you’ll likely need to charge more often too.

How to choose the best e-reader for you

Let’s start with your budget, as that’s the easiest way to make this call. If you’re running tight right now, the entry-level Kindle is a solid recommendation. Its lighting is good enough for a handful of situations and its battery life is nothing to sneeze at. Frankly, as long as you’re careful about keeping it out of the water I think the basic Kindle is just as good an e-reader as anything on this list.

But hey, if money is no option then you should probably be choosing between the Kindle Paperwhite and the Kindle Oasis, and this is sort of tough. If you prefer your devices to be built with a harder plastic, that still feels reliable, then I recommend the Paperwhite. It offers the same water resistance as the Oasis, and is similar in many regards.

But if you’re tired of futzing with menus and changing brightness, you probably want the Kindle Oasis. Its display automatically adjusts to ambient lighting situations, maybe its best unique feature overall — as its metallic, not-symmetrical design is a bit divisive in our office.

And of course, if you want to be able to jot notes on what you’re reading you’ll probably want to choose between the Kindle Scribe or the ReMarkable Paper Pro. The Kindle Scribe is cheaper, but if you really love the look and feel of handwriting I recommend you at least try to check out ReMarkable’s Paper Pro because, while it’s more expensive, it also has a far more advanced stylus and screen that make it almost feel like you’re writing on paper. It’s a niche experience, but I’ve never felt anything like it on any other tablet.

How to download ebooks

Once you have a good ereader, you need a good library to fill it.

First and foremost, you should check out our guide on how toget free ebooksfrom sources like Amazon, public libraries, the public domain and more. If you have a Kindle you can send files in a range of formats (including .doc, .epub and .pdf) to your e-reader via Amazon’sSend to Emailfeature, though that may not always be the case.

I say that because Amazon has a history of subtly changing its services over time to make them less useful. In early 2025, for example, Amazon stopped allowing you to download your Kindle eBooks as backups. You can still redownload books you’ve purchased on Amazon as many times as you want, but you can no longer back up your library and retain access in the event Amazon decides to stop letting you download a specific book.

If you don’t own a Kindle, you have to deal with the hassle of not having easy access to Amazon’s DRM-ridden Kindle ebook store. I’ve found a few great places on the web to buy books even if you don’t use the Kindle store, so check out our list of the5 best places to buy DRM-free ebooksand keep an eye out for deals!

To keep reading even when your e-reader is charging, I recommend you also download thebest e-book reader appsfor your smartphone or tablet.

How to get free ebooks from your library

As I mentioned above, your local public library is a great place to get free ebooks. You can check out our in-depth guide tohow to read library books for free on your Kindle or other e-reader(including Kobos), but here’s a quick rundown of how to get free ebooks from your library to your Kindle.

• Visit your local library and get a library card for free
• Download the Libby app on Android/iOS and plug in your library card info
• Borrow whatever book(s) you like via Libby
• Select your book from the Libby list and tap “Manage Loan,” then tap the “Read With…” option. Choose “Kindle” to connect to your Amazon account and send the library book to your Kindle!

How we tested these e-readers

To start, we reada loton these Kindles. We don’t just do that to see how much battery life is drained in a set of time (and to then compare against the estimations these manufacturers provide), but to discover what we like and don’t like about a given Kindle. We then keep reading. At home, on the bus, in the park and anywhere else where the lighting changes.

In addition to evaluating e-readers’ size, weight, claimed battery life and design choices, we test their brightness using our light meter. The experience of reading on the device also plays a huge role in these reviews. For instance, we look at the intuitiveness of the interface, the size of the available library and how well the special features (such as web browsers or dictionaries) work.

We’ve also tried alternatives to the Kindle, such as theKobo Nia. While it’s not one of our best picks, its interface is great for those who want to stay focused on books, and isn’t as focused on supplementary content as Amazon’s Kindles are.

We even drop water-proof Kindles into our makeshift dunk tank, and watch as they survive — the first time it was surprising, and now it’s become something we expect. Lastly, we try and see if Amazon’s changed anything about how Kindles work with public libraries. It’s the one thing we prefer about competitors.

Making purchases from your iPhone just got a whole lot easier

It’s finally getting easier to buy ebooks on theiOSKindle app after a major App Store rule change.

In response to a court order in the case ofEpic Games, Inc. v. Apple Inc.,Applehas been forced to stop charging a commission on purchases made outside of the App Store. This is good news foriPhoneusers in general, but solves an especially annoying issue with the iOS Kindle app, which has received an update to make buying ebooks on your iPhonemucheasier.

Thanks to this court order, making purchases from your iPhone just got a whole lot simpler.

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iOS Kindle app gets desperately-needed update after App Store rule change

If you opened the iOS Kindle app recently days, you may have noticed you now have the option to purchase books in the app… sort of.

Prior toa major App Store rule changeon May 1, you couldn’t purchase books through the iOS Kindle app at all (or the Amazon app) and instead had to go through the entire process in your web browser. Now, you can simply tap “Get Book” and the Kindle app will take you directly to the book’s purchasing page in your browser.

This is a far more streamlined process and it’s thanks to a recent court order that forced Apple to stop charging commissions on external purchases.

So, for instance, previously an app developer couldn’t include a link in their app taking the user to their web browser to make a purchase outside of the app. That rule was used to effectively force app developers to only allow purchases through their apps, which would force them to give Apple a 30% commission on every purchase.

Now, developers are allowed to include buttons and links directing users to external purchase mechanisms, mainly web browsers, without being forced to pay a commission. As a result, buying things like ebooks on your iPhone is now much more straightforward and user-friendly.

>>>ST32 Battery for Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 5

The court case slowly opening iOS to third-party app stores

As one might expect,Apple is appealing the rulingthat led to this change in the App Store rules. However, I hope for the sake of iOS andiPadOSusers that the rule change stays in effect since it contributes to a much better user experience with apps like Kindle and others that allow for digital purchases.

In fact, Epic Games, the plaintiff in the case that led to last week’s App Store change, has had an ongoing dispute with Apple over its restrictions and commission system for purchases made on iOS. Epic currently doesn’t have an iOS/iPadOS app available in the U.S. due to those restrictions.

Users in the European Union can download the Epic Games Store on their iOS and iPadOS devices thanks to the Digital Markets Act, which forced Apple to allow the use of third-party app stores, but that ruling only applies to users in the EU. Luckily,that may change soonthanks to rulings in Epic’s case against Apple.

I’m hoping Epic continues to score wins in its case against Apple since this case is finally bringing more freedom to iOS, giving users more choice over the apps they download, where they download them from, and how they purchase digital items like ebooks. Although, admittedlyI still prefer my ereaderover the Kindle app.

Rumors that Amazon would display the extra costs of goods with tariffs have been debunked. However, a few developers have offered an alternative with Chrome extensions. These new extensions take the proposed US tariff rates and display additional product costs across many online retailers.

Tariff Lens Chrome Extension in action (Image Source: Self)

While Amazon has stated that it will not display the additional cost of goods due to imposed tariffs, cost-conscious users still have options for conveniently displaying the estimated cost of tariffs while online shopping. Thanks to a handful of Google Chrome extensions, these new extensions utilize US government-provided tariff rate information to calculate and update the pricing of user-selected items. Currently, there are three extensions, and they all take slightly different approaches to estimating and displaying the updated prices.

The extensions “Tariff Price Adjuster” and “Tariff Shopping List” feature a drop-down menu to help users calculate the additional cost. In the menu, users can select the country of origin, product type, and either gross sum or percentage as the pricing model. For “Tariff Price Adjuster,” the updated price will appear on the website itself, while “Tariff Shopping List” will create a running list that users can reference to see the additional costs associated with the product’s respective tariff.

>>>26S1028 Battery for Amazon Kindle HD Fire

For users wanting a more straightforward approach, the “Tariff Lens” extension will automatically select the country of origin and, in theory, only apply the tariff calculation to affected items. Having just been updated to version 1.0.4, the “Tariff Lens” extension also claims several notable features, such as:

• Improved detection of product origin
• Enhanced product page detection
• Anti-detection measures for site compatibility
• Reduced loading times

However, of the currently offered extensions, “Tariff Lens” takes a more opinionated approach for displaying the updated prices. While the extension is well-intentioned when it comes to informing the consumer, time will tell if it will follow the fourth and now unavailable extension “Add the Trump Tariff”, which was removed due to not meeting best practices for Chrome Extensions. Curious users can find a link to the extensions below. It should also be mentioned that these extensions do not function well together; therefore, flip-flopping between them is not ideal.

>>>ST32 Battery for Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 5

A new software update for the latest Kindle Paperwhite and Colorsoft adds an easier way to flip to the next page.

The latest Kindle update brings a useful new feature to the 12th-generation Paperwhite and Colorsoft. 

Amazon has updated Kindles with a new way to navigate books. While nothing will recapture the tactile pleasure of physical page turn buttons, anyone with a Kindle runningVersion 5.18.1of Amazon’s software will now be able to double-tap the side or back of their e-reader to turn pages.

“Double Tap to Page Turn” can be turned on in the Settings menu under Device Options. Amazon says it works for more than just turning pages. You can also use double taps to scroll through your Home and Library pages, too. Interestingly, the option doesn’t use the touchscreen at all.Good E-ReaderspeculatesAmazon is relying on the accelerometer inside Kindles to detect taps.

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Along with the update, Amazon is also adding a feature it calls “Recaps for Books in Series.” These are short summaries “for thousands of bestselling English language Kindle books in series you have purchased or borrowed.” The company already does things like automatically group books from the same series to make them easier to find, but this should save you the trouble of looking up a summary ofA Dance with Dragonsbefore diving intoThe Winds of Winter— assuming it’s ever released.

>>>ST32 Battery for Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 5

The 5.18.1 update is rolling out now newer Kindles, like theKindle Colorsoft, and devices as old as the 10th generation Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite. It will also be available on the last of Amazon’s e-readers to have physical buttons, theKindle Oasis. If you don’t see it on your device now, you can manually download the updatefrom Amazon’s websiteand install it yourself.

Users won’t have access to the store and its digital currency after August 20.

What you need to know

• Amazon is bidding farewell to its Appstore on Android devices starting Aug. 20 this year.
• In an announcement to app developers, the company stated that this move was made to shift focus on improving the app store experience on its own devices.
• Users will have no access to the store and the digital currency —Amazon Coins will be refunded to them.

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Amazon is discontinuing its app store on Android devices starting Aug. 20 this year. In an update to App developers, the company stated that they will no longer be accepting new apps for the store moving forward. Developers can continue to update existing apps on the Appstore until the above deadline.

The Amazon Appstore is currently available in 200 countries and allows users to download games and mobile apps on supported devices. It is a third-party app store that comes pre-installed on all Amazon devices.

However, it has always been an alternative Appstore for Android users that offers free apps and content that isn’t found on theGoogle Play Store.

On its FAQ page, Amazon stated that “any apps downloaded from the Amazon Appstore will not be guaranteed to operate on Android devices,” after Aug.20.

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An Amazon spokesperson told Android Central in an email that it has decided to take this step with Android devices as the company is looking inward and wants to focus its efforts “on the Appstore experience on our own devices, as that’s where the overwhelming majority of our customers currently engage with it.”

According to the company, only a small number of customers use the app store outside Amazon devices, which pushed them to take this step.

Amazon added that its virtual currency aka Amazon Coins, which users use to purchase eligible apps and in-app items from the Appstore will also be discontinued. The company will refund unused coins to users after Aug.20. That said, the Appstore will remain untouched on Amazon’s devices like the Fire TV and Fire Tablet.

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It looks like Amazon is following suit after what went down with Microsoft devices last year. Windows 11 users at least got a year’s headstart on this shift. As of March 5, even Microsoft devices will no longer support several apps available on the Amazon Appstore once this date arrives.

Download & Transfer via USB is going away

The latest Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

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• Amazon is removing the Download & Transfer via USB option on Kindles
• The feature hadn’t appeared on the latest models
• It’s likely that the move is to combat ebook piracy

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I’ve owned and loved some of thebest Kindlesin the series sinceAmazonfirst introduced the ereader, but using these devices can feel somewhat restrictive – especially now Amazon is killing off a useful USB file transfer feature.

As reported byThe Verge, the Download & Transfer via USB option is going away on February 26. That means you’ll no longer be able to download ebooks purchased from Amazon, and then move them to yourKindleover a wired USB connection.

The feature isn’t actually available on the latest generation of Kindles, pushed out last year, but all other models are going to be affected. Amazon doesn’t give a reason for the move, but it’s almost certainly to crack down on ebook piracy.

Using fairly simple tools available online, users could download purchased ebooks from Amazon, crack the DRM (Digital Rights Management) protection on them, and send them to other devices or distribute them widely on the web. That will no longer be possible.

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Less flexibility

An ebook on the Kindle Oasis

As is often the case, efforts to battle digital pirates means rule-abiding users lose out. This means ebooks can no longer be saved on computers as backups, or moved over without a Wi-Fi connection, which gave Kindle owners some extra flexibility.

It’s worth bearing in mind that Amazon does occasionally remove ebooks from its catalog, or replace them with modified versions. Now more than ever, users are going to be at the whims of what Amazon decides to make available.

You will still be able to move ebooks over via Wi-Fi of course, as well as transfer files to your Kindle via USB and software such as Calibre. It’s specifically the ability to download purchases from the Amazon website to a computer that’s disappearing.

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This also gets closer to fully killing off the older AZW3 format for Amazon ebooks: it’s been replaced by the newer KFX format, which is much harder to crack in terms of its DRM, and which is now used in most situations (except downloads to a computer).

Treat yourself with one of these eye-friendly e-paper devices.

If you want the best e ink tablet today, you’re no longer restricted to choosing from kindles. Although Amazon did democratize this product segment, there are dozens of players offering a wide range of devices these days. Over the last few years, e ink technology (and by extension, the devices that utilize it) has improved by leaps and bounds. We’re talking about faster page refresh times, larger screen sizes, and even color displays!

My top vote goes to the Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C Pro, which comes with a big color display, incredible battery life, and Android 12 with full support for Play Store apps. The 10.3-inch screen even works with a stylus and gives you the feeling of writing on a piece of real paper. You also get a 16MP rear camera, dual-speakers, and much more. Then there’s the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024), which is perfect if you just want a well-rounded tablet for reading and don’t really care about fancy extras. It comes with a high-resolution panel, full Audible integration, as well as an IPX8 rating. 

My love for this product segment and my hands-on experience testing numerous models from many brands, are two very good reasons for you to trust my expertise. With that said, here are some of the best e ink tablets worth checking out.

Best for reading

(Image credit: Amazon)

1. Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024)

The best E Ink tablet for reading, especially poolside

Specifications

Screen:6.8 inches

Storage:8GB/16GB

Battery:Up to 10 weeks

Audio:Via Bluetooth accessories only

Stylus:Not included

Reasons to buy

+IPX8 waterproof rating
+300ppi E Ink screen
+8GB or 16GB of internal storage
+Audible integration
+Unbeatably good battery life
+20% faster than before

Reasons to avoid

-Base model has ads
-No Play Store or third-party apps
-No physical buttons

For many years now, Amazon has dominated the e-reader market with its Kindle line of reading tablets, and for a good reason: Kindle e-readers are excellent devices, and many of them have displays with LED backlighting. The new Kindle Paperwhite (2024) takes over from the 11th-generationKindle Paperwhite, and it is arguably thebest Amazon Kindle e-readerout there.

This 12th-generation Amazon Kindle Paperwhite has many of the same features from before, like an IPX8 waterproof certification and five adjustable LED backlights. There’s a faster processor which enables up to 25 percent quicker page turns, and a new oxide thin-film transistor in the display for richer contrast levels.

Its 6.8-inch 300ppi E Ink screen is a delight to look at and replicates paper very nicely. Audible integration makes it the ideal companion for lazy beach days when you want to sunbathe with your eyes closed. You can also connect a pair of Bluetoothwireless earbudsand listen to audiobooks in peace.

There’s just one 16GB model now of the 2024 Paperwhite, which is enough to store thousands of e-books. The battery life is still excellent, and you get a USB-C charging port. Amazon sweetened the deal by setting a low price, but you’ll need to spend a little extra cash for the ad-free version. In a nutshell, if you’re an avid reader, you’ll love Kindle Paperwhite. Some file formats aren’t supported, althoughAmazon did introduce EPUBcompatibility a while back.

also:ST32 Battery for Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 5

Best overall

(Image credit: Onyx Boox)

2. Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C Pro

The best overall E Ink tablet

Specifications

Screen:10.3 inches Kaleido 3

Storage:128GB, microSD, USB-C OTG

Battery:4,600mAh

Audio:Speaker, Microphone

Stylus:Included

Reasons to buy

+10.3-inch Kaleido 3 color display
+Stylus and keyboard support
+128GB expandable storage
+Android 12 with Play Store
+Fantastic battery life
+USB Type-C fast charging
+Unbelievably slim body
+Fingerprint sensor and 16MP camera

Reasons to avoid

-No IP resistance rating
-E Ink display isn’t bright under the sun
-Keyboard case needs to be bought separately
-Expensive

While most E Ink tablets tend to focus on doing the one thing they’re meant for, the Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C Pro does it all. Successor to theTab Ultra C, the Tab Ultra C Pro can display 4,096 colors on its 10.3-inch Kaleido 3 screen, which is quite unusual for most E Ink tablets. Thanks to the included stylus, you can even draw, highlight, or jot down notes in different shades. The Tab Ultra C Pro’s touch functionality for the stylus is powered by Wacom, the company that makes thebest drawing tablets. It imitates the traditional feel of writing on paper with a pen, making for an awesome experience.

Onyx Boox has really taken things to the next level by adding more under the Tab Ultra C Pro’s hood. This stunningly slim tablet runs Android 12 out of the box, so you can install and use apps from the Google Play Store. It also comes with 6GB of RAM, 128GB of onboard storage, a microSD slot, a 16MP camera, stereo speakers, a mic, and a USB Type-C port that supports fast charging. Amazingly, the 4,600mAh battery can last for a week or two with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth in full use. The Boox Tab Ultra C Pro is the complete package; it’s almost comparable to some of thebest Android tablets, except for a few limitations.

Unfortunately, if you want the complete package, you’ll have to pay for it since this thing isn’t exactly cheap in comparison to “regular” tablets. It also lacks any IP rating water and dust resistance, which is a bummer, and E Ink displays are famously dim under the Sun. We believe you can live with these shortcomings, as the combination of features in the Tab Ultra C Pro is just too good. Unlike competitors like the Kindle Scribe, it provides more value and has a lot more to offer.

Best mid-range

3. Onyx Boox Note Air4 C

The best E Ink tablet for $500

Specifications

Screen:10.3 inches Kaleido 3

Storage:64GB, microSD, USB-C OTG

Battery:3,700mAh

Audio:Speaker, Microphone

Stylus:Included

Reasons to buy

+Extremely thin and lightweight
+Battery-free stylus included
+Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
+Runs Android 13 and has Google Play Store
+Weeks of battery with Type-C charging
+Improved display with quicker response time
+Supports a wider range of file formats than Kindle e-readers
+Keyboard support and color display

Reasons to avoid

-No IP rating
-Keyboard case comes separately

At $500, the Onyx Boox Note Air4 C improves upon the awesomeBoox Note Air3 Cby retaining its value-packed features but bumping up the processing power for better response and a brighter display. Boox tablets beat Amazon, Kobo, and every competitor easily because they all have the Google Play Store support and Android 13.

The Boox Note Air4 C has a 10.3-inch E Ink Kaleido 3 display that can produce 4,096 colors and has excellent contrast and a lovely crispness to it. It comes with a battery-free stylus that can register up to 4,096 levels of pressure, and you get native optical character recognition (OCR). This is such a vital feature for any tablet, whether it’s an E Ink device or a full-blown traditional Android or iOS tablet. You also get native OCR or handwriting recognition and conversion with the Note Air4 C.

Apart from the stylus and excellent e-paper display, the Note Air4 C has all the advantages of E Ink tablets and e-readers, and some extra goodies. Its 3,700mAh battery provides weeks of battery life, and you get a USB-C port with OTG support as well. Other additions include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth connectivity, support for loads of file formats, built-in speakers, and even a microphone. You can also get a keyboard case separately to enable typing input. There’s now 6GB of RAM instead of 4GB, and the tablet is 10g lighter.

When looking for a writing tablet with an e-paper display, the Onyx Boox Note Air4 C is easily the winner. This is saying something, considering the rivals include devices like theAmazon Kindle Scribe and the ReMarkable 2. If you don’t mind the lack of water resistance and the need to buy the keyboard case separately, this is the E Ink tablet to get for $500.

Best small

4. Onyx Boox Palma 2

The best pocket-sized e-paper tablet

Specifications

Screen:6.13 inches E Ink Carta Plus

Storage:128GB, microSD, USB-C OTG

Battery:3,950mAh

Audio:Speaker, Microphone

Stylus:Not included

Reasons to buy

+Positively tiny and splash-proof
+Fingerprint reader built-in
+Runs Android 13 and has all Play Store apps
+Lovely E Ink Carta Plus B&W display with no ghosting issues
+Lots of onboard storage, USB-C OTG, and a microSD slot
+Unbeatable battery lasts for months

Reasons to avoid

-No stylus support
-No SIM slot

The Onyx Boox Palma 2 is an iterative update to theOnyx Boox Palmaand is more of an E Ink smartphone than a tablet. Its compact form factor enables you to carry it around anywhere in your pocket. The sub-$300 price tag might feel a bit high for the size, and you could easily get a basic entry-level Kindle for less than half that money. However, no Kindle comes with Google Play Store support, and that’s just one of the many enticing draws of the Boox Palma 2.

The Onyx Boox Palma 2 has a microphone, speakers, and all modern connectivity options thatfull-fledged Android tabletshave, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The only connectivity option missing is cellular support. The new version does come with a fingerprint sensor for added security.

You get Android 13, and the Google Play Store pre-installed, granting you access to millions of apps. And because the device uses a B&W E Ink display, the battery lasts for months! The 128GB of native storage is insane, but if that somehow isn’t enough for you, you alsoget a microSD cardslot and USB-C OTG support forUSB-C thumb drives.

It’s hard to find another handheld e-ink device that’s this capable because honestly, there isn’t one! The Palma 2 is one of a kind.

Best entry-level

(Image credit: Amazon)

5. Amazon Kindle (2024)

A great budget e-reader

Specifications

Screen:6 inches

Storage:16GB

Battery:Up to six weeks

Audio:Via Bluetooth accessories only

Stylus:Not included

Reasons to buy

+Adjustable front light
+300ppi display is a joy to read
+Immortal battery backup
+USB-C port
+16GB of internal storage
+Very affordable

Reasons to avoid

-No IP rating
-Doesn’t support third-party apps
-Ads in cheaper model

E Ink tablet lovers out there on a budget can still get one for a nifty price. The entry-level Amazon Kindle (2024) is a budget e-reader sporting a 6-inch 300ppi e-paper display. It doesn’t have many funky features like a waterproof rating or Sudoku, but it can support a healthy number of file formats and looks brilliant too.

It isn’t that bright in sunlight, but the adjustable front light comes in quite handy for reading at night. The basic Amazon Kindle has some more no-nonsense specs such as 16GB of storage, fantastic battery life, Wi-Fi, and audiobook support. If you don’t want to use the Kindle app, you can transfer files to the Amazon Kindle (2024) e-reader from your PC too.

In comparison to almost every other e-paper device out there, the Amazon Kindle is the winner, hands down, when it comes to price. The base model Kindle performs a tad bit slower, and it doesn’t have waterproofing, but it is still the best E Ink tablet for reading on a tight budget.

also:58-000271 Battery for Amazon Kindle PaperWhite4 2018

Best extra large

6. Onyx Boox Tab X

The biggest and baddest e-paper tab

Specifications

Screen:13.3 inches E Ink Mobius

Storage:128GB, USB-C OTG

Battery:6,300mAh

Audio:Speaker, Microphone

Stylus:Not included

Reasons to buy

+Impossibly thin and lightweight for the size
+Premium E Ink Mobius display is a delight to the eyes
+Smooth performance
+Weeks of battery life
+Stylus support and USB-C OTG

Reasons to avoid

-Insanely expensive
-No color output
-No microSD card slot

Onyx Boox has ventured into all corners of the e-paper tablet world, giving us the tiniest of devices like the Boox Palma and the biggest of slabs with theOnyx Boox Tab X. This gigantic 13.3-inch E Ink tablet doesn’t display color, but has a viewing experience that’s sublime nonetheless. This is the most premium Android tablet with an E Ink display made by the brand.

I tested the Tab X and was very impressed by its thin profile and lightweight yet solid build quality. The tablet is quite literally as slim as a tea biscuit! And this narrow waist does not impede the tablet’s performance in any way. Apart from that, the Tab X has all the signature features of Onyx Boox devices like Android, the Google Play Store, a speaker, a mic, and even a stylus.

If the 128GB of onboard storage isn’t enough for all your files, e-books, mangas, and apps, then the USB-C OTG feature should help you expand the storage even further. There’s no microSD slot, but that shouldn’t be a big issue, all things considered. The one major drawback here is the extremely expensive price tag. But if you can afford it, you won’t have much to complain about.

How to choose

After staring at bright screens day in and day out, your eyes really need a break. The best E Ink tablet not only provides relief but also lets you carry out various tasks. Pick one based on your specific needs. If you intend to read basic e-books, an entry-level e-reader should be fine. But if you intend to do more like drawing and taking notes, take those use cases into consideration before making a final choice.

The Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C Pro is the best E Ink tablet due to its fabulous soft colors, extremely sleek and lightweight build, and multitasking capabilities. It isn’t limited to just being an e-reader, but if you want, you can use it for that purpose. However, if the need be, you can also use it to take down notes, sketch some lovely drawings, or underline passages of text.

Let’s also not forget that you get native optical character recognition with the Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C Pro, enabling you to convert your handwriting into digital text in real-time, whether it’s to use the search bar in the Google Play Store or to use the search function in your handwritten notes. This alone is a remarkable feat for any decent tablet with a stylus.

The Tab Ultra C Pro accommodates office use as well as home use. You don’t have to sacrifice battery life or connectivity. It even has stereo speakers and a mic, which no other electronic ink tablet on this list offers. What’s even more brilliant is its ability to run almost anyAndroid app. You can actually use it as a full-blown tablet for most tasks related to reading and writing. The Tab Ultra C Pro pushes the boundaries of an E Ink tablet in the best sense, which is why it’s the best one to buy right now.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 2024

“The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 2024 is the best Kindle for most people, with its gloriously sharp screen making it really enjoyable to read books on.”

Pros

• Sharp, high-contrast E Ink screen
• Adjustable warmth
• Slick performance for ease of use
• Dark Mode
• Long battery life
• Water-resistant

Cons

• Screen attracts smudges
• Rear gets easily scuffed

I went from reading on the Amazon Kindle Colorsoft to reading on the 12th-generation Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 2024, thus giving up the color screen for the monochrome life. The latest Paperwhite is neatly positioned in terms of price between the basic Kindle and the all-new Colorsoft.

Would the Paperwhite turn out to be the best of all worlds or an awkward in-between device that’s hard to recommend? I’ve been finding out.

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Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 2024 specs

Size	127.5 x 176.7 x 7.8mm
Weight	211g
Display	7-inch, front-lit300ppi, 16-level greyscale
Storage	16GB
Battery life	Up to 12 weeks
Charging	9W wired
Durability	IPX8
Colors	Black, Raspberry, Jade

The new Paperwhite has an ordinary design

I’m reviewing the black version of the Kindle Paperwhite, and unfortunately, it’s not the most exciting-looking piece of tech I’ve used. Choose the Jade or Raspberry versions, or put it in some kind of case if you want to give its looks a bit of life. You’d be wise to use a case right from the start anyway, as even after 10 days of normal use — at home and on the move, so in and out of backpacks and pockets — the soft-touch rear has picked up some unsightly scuffs.

That gets the main negative about the 2024 Kindle Paperwhite’s design out of the way. At 7.8mm thick and 128mm wide, it’s a joy to hold. The 211-gram weight is just right to keep the device balanced without introducing fatigue, and it has an IPX8 water resistance rating. However, I appreciatethat it’s right for my hands and recognize that those with smaller hands may struggle with the overall size a little. Thebasic Kindleisn’t as wide and only a tiny bit thicker, so it may be the better choice for some.

A reason for the change in width comes from the 7-inch screen, up from the 6-inch screen on the Kindle, and an increase from the previous 11th-generation Kindle Paperwhite’s 6.8-inch screen too. A larger screen means more text can be displayed and there are fewer page turns. It’s the same size as the Kindle Colorsoft, so there were no differences for me to spot, but it’s a significant enough change for owners of older Paperwhite models with a 6-inch screen to consider upgrading.

I did notice the slight weight reduction from the 219-gram Colorsoft to the 211-gram Paperwhite, with the color reader feeling more substantial due to it. The Paperwhite’s rear panel also has a slightly different texture and more of a matte finish compared to the Colorsoft. It’s more of a traditional Kindle look and feel and isn’t quite as high quality. The power button is on the bottom of the e-reader, and I find I press it by accident, especially when I put it in my pocket — yes, it fits in my jeans pocket — or bag.

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New and improved screen

The 12th-generation Kindle Paperwhite has a new high contrast e-ink screen with a 300 pixels-per-inch (ppi) density, plus internal performance improvements mean page turns are supposed to be 25% faster than on the previous generation. If there is a difference in page turn speed, it’s very hard to spot, but the Paperwhite does move along at a decent enough pace, so it’s never frustrating to use.

The screen is responsive when pulling down the menu, changing the font size, and swiping between pages. I can’t see any difference in performance between it and the Kindle Colorsoft when reading books. Text and magazines, but not comics so much, look brilliant on the Paperwhite’s sharp, bright screen, and any accompanying monochrome images get the point across, just not as vibrantly as on the Colorsoft.

Comparing the Colorsoft’s screen to the Paperwhite’s showed an unexpected difference. The Paperwhite has a lovely warm glow to it, with astonishingly sharp letters and a tone most would associate with real paper. The Colorsoft’s screen is far cooler and has a tangible yellowness (no, notthatyellowness) to the screen when set at maximum brightness and warmth. Reduce the warmth setting to zero, and the Paperwhite’s screen still has a paper quality to it, while the Colorsoft’s screen has what I’d call a “daylight” tone. It’s not harsh. It’s just not quite as friendly as the Paperwhite’s screen.

You can get an idea of the difference in the example photo above, but the camera does make its own adjustments for the difficult conditions, and the actual real-world view isn’t quite as severe. I really enjoyed reading on the Colorsoft and was surprised at the difference between the two devices, so I don’t see it as a negative. I don’t think one is more pleasurable to look at than the other, but if all you’ll ever do is read books without pictures, the Paperwhite will give you a more paper-like experience.

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Forget the comparisons for a moment

While it’s important to note these considerable differences between the Paperwhite and Colorsoft, I want to talk about what it’s like to use and read only on the Paperwhite for a bit. I stopped buying physical books, for the most part, years ago because I didn’t have the space needed for them (I hoard, unfortunately), and the Kindle took over. It took a bit to adjust, but only in terms of in-hand feel and performance and not because of the text on the page. Reading on the Paperwhite is lovely, from holding the device to scanning the words on the screen.

The Paperwhite’s additional speed improves the experience as there’s barely a pause between page turns, but more importantly, it’s also smoother with less flicker and sudden dimming. It’s easier on the eyes and makes reading more pleasurable. This is ultimately what I want. Words on a Kindle book page may not be as solid and “romantic” as words on a paper page for some people, but once you get past the fact that it’s digital and not physical, reading on a Kindle is really enjoyable. Adding speed and flicker-free performance minimizes the electronic barriers.

I also really like the Dark Mode setting. Many will be familiar with this from their smartphone, and it works in the same way on the Kindle Paperwhite. It replaces the color inverter setting, where the black and white colors were reversed, and applies systemwide. The black background is deep and text is very sharp, plus because it’s part of the software itself, it looks entirely natural and doesn’t suffer from any white color bleeding like the old color inverter setting could.

The Paperwhite 2024 does not have an auto-adjustment for the front light, and you have to pay even more for the Paperwhite Signature Edition to get it. After wrangling with the often unreliable auto-brightness on the Colorsoft and eventually resorting to just setting it myself, I haven’t missed it and certainly wouldn’t pay more for the feature on its own. I love the Paperwhite’s flat screen and its matte, glare-free finish, but it does attract smudges.

Low maintenance

What I like most, and really the most important thing to understand about the Kindle in general, is its incredibly low maintenance. Once you’ve got the settings how you like, there’s almost no need to ever visit the settings page again, leaving you free to pick it up and read when you want. This convenience even extends to waking the Kindle up with the power button, which immediately puts you back on the page where you left off. There’s no opening apps or dealing with cloud-loading times here.

You can purchase books directly from the Kindle store on your Kindle, but even if you use Amazon online on your laptop, your purchases sync practically straightaway. The Paperwhite’s Wi-Fi has been utterly reliable, the initial setup is easy and mostly performed through the Kindle app on your phone, and there’s Bluetooth to pair headphones and listen to audiobooks. Unlike your phone or tablet, once you’re done setting everything up, there’s not much else to do apart from reading on it, as there are no notifications to interrupt you either.

I’ve been reading on the Paperwhite for 10 days, usually for about an hour a day, and the battery has dropped from 100% to 85%. Amazon suggests you’ll get 12 weeks of use out of a single charge, and this seems achievable. It’s recharged using a USB-C cable plugged into the bottom of the device. At a mere 9 watts, it won’t charge as fast as your phone — expect it to take two-and-a-half hours — but seeing as you’ll only do it every few months rather than each day, it’s unlikely to be an issue. All of this means the Kindle Paperwhite is a relaxing device to own and use, making it perfect for quietly enjoying a book.

Is the Paperwhite the Kindle to buy?

The Kindle Paperwhite has long been the sweet spot for Kindle buyers, with the desirable front light and adjustable display, durability, and higher-contrast screen making it more practical for not much more money than thestandard Kindle. The slicker performance and larger screen of the latest version make it even more modern and more pleasurable to use.

You are paying another $50 over the basic $110 Kindle for these features, and although the $160 price is higher than it has ever been, the Paperwhite is still going to please most people. While the basic Kindle is also better than ever, it is still a compromise, and we’d recommend spending just a little more to get the Paperwhite so you can enjoy reading books everywhere you go, at all times.

Amazon’s extensive Kindle range means you can spend more on your e-readers, too. Unfortunately, the Kindle Colorsoft looks like a pretty poor value when you understand that having the color screen will mean you’ve got to spend$280 for the pleasure. I recently switched from one to the other and can tell you I’ve hardly missed the color screen. I really only thought about it when I glanced at the library page, where seeing a splash of color was always nice.

Amazon makesa second Paperwhite model, which it calls the Signature Edition, and it comes with 32GB of internal storage rather than 16GB, wireless charging, and auto-brightness. Reviewing the Colorsoft definitely showed me how an e-reader doesn’t always greatly benefit from frills, and the Signature Edition is the Paperwhite with frills you probably don’t really need.

What all this means is that the Paperwhite is still the Kindle you should buy, but if you’d rather spend less, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with the basic Kindle. What I don’t think you need to do is spendmoreon a Kindle, though. It’s best to keep reading a relatively no-frills affair.