The best Amazon Fire tablets in 2025: our top picks

These are the Amazon Fire tablets you should buy

Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus tablet used for gaming

I review tablets for a living, and if you’re okay with Amazon’s FireOS I think the the best Amazon Fire tablets are just as good as any iPad or Android slate.

I know because my team and I review all the iPads that come out every year alongside a slew of Android slates from the likes of Google, Samsung and OnePlus. We also test and review every major Amazon tablet, and I use all that data to compile this regularly-updated list of the best Amazon Fire tablets on the market.

For my money theAmazon Fire HD 10is the best Amazon Fire slate for most of us because it offers you good performance, great battery life and a nice screen for significantly less than your average iPad.

If you can afford to splurge and crave something fancier than the HD 10, I recommend you upgrade to theAmazon Fire Max 11because it sports a bigger, brighter display, more power and more storage than the Fire HD 10 for roughly a hundred bucks more.

But if you’re on a really tight budget and just need a cheap tablet to browse the web, I think you can get by with theAmazon Fire 8. It’s a small, cheap slate with sub-1080p resolution, so it’s not great for enjoying your favorite movies—but it’s one of the best tablets you can get for $100.

I’ve got a lot more advice and recommendations to share below, so scroll down for more help finding the best Amazon Fire tablet for you!

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Best overall

Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021)

1. Amazon Fire HD 10

The best Amazon Fire tablet for most people

Specifications

CPU:2GHz octa-core

Camera Resolution:5MP front/back

Display:10.1-inch 1920×1200 LCD Touch

Storage:32GB, 64GB

Memory :3GB RAM

Ports:1x USB-C, headphone jack, microSD

Dimensions:9.69 x 6.49 x 0.34 inches

Weight:15.29 ounces

Reasons to buy

+Good value for the price
+Sharp, bright screen
+Excellent battery life
+Expandable storage

Reasons to avoid

-Amazon’s poor app selection
-Middling performance
-Lock screen ads

The Amazon Fire HD 10 is a great all-around tablet, which is why I generally recommend it as the best Amazon Fire tablet for most people.

While it’s not the fastest or most beautiful tablet on the market, or even the most premium Amazon tablet (that honor belongs to the Fire Max 11), the Fire HD 10 hits a great sweet spot in terms of performance and price.

I say that because (according to our testing) you get great battery life, good performance, and a nice screen for a starting price of $150, making this a more affordable way to enjoy the benefits of having a tablet around without having to pay Apple or Samsung prices.

Its biggest flaws, though, are those endemic to the Amazon Fire tablets in general. Most notably, Amazon’s Fire OS is still app-challenged, missing the Google Play app store — which means you can’t get the full YouTube experience, for example, and you’ll miss out on a lot of great apps not available on Amazon’s app store.

But as long as you’re happy to content yourself with the apps available to you in the Amazon App Store, you can have a lot of fun with the Fire HD 10. It definitely helps to be deeply invested in Amazon’s ecosystem, as these slates are great for streaming videos, reading ebooks and browsing the web.

>>>26S1014 Battery for Amazon Fire HD 8 7th Generation SX034QT

Best budget optionAmazon Fire HD 8 (2022) display

2. Amazon Fire 8

The best Amazon Fire tablet for those on a budget

Specifications

CPU:2GHz hexa-core

Camera Resolution:2MP (rear), 2MP (front)

Display:8-inch 1280×800 LCD Touch

Storage:32GB, 64GB

Memory:2GB

Ports:1 USB-C, 1 microSD slot, 1 Headphone port

Dimensions:7.94 x 5.4 x 0.37 inches

Weight:11.88 ounces

Reasons to buy

+Bright screen
+Excellent battery life
+Fantastic value
+Strong speakers

Reasons to avoid

-Performance limitations
-Rough cameras
-Amazon’s ecosystem

The Amazon Fire HD 8 is a cheap tablet, and for some that’s the main selling point.

I recommend this slate to Fire shoppers on a budget because its slightly nicer than the bottom of the barrel Fire 7, yet still affordable at $99. And while the 8-inch touchscreen isn’t sharp enough to support 1080p content, it’s more than fine for browsing the web and reading books.

This is a great utility tablet because you get good battery life (nearly 14 hours in our testing) and decent speakers, as well as easy access to Amazon’s various content streaming apps and strong parental controls. Of course, the front and rear cameras are pretty bad, but who uses their tablet to take photos anyway?

And since this tablet isn’t powerful enough to run many demanding apps very well anyway, you won’t miss the full panoply of apps available on Android nearly as much.

>>>58-000119 Battery for Amazon Kindle Fire HD 10 B00VKIY9RG SR87CV

Best upgrade optionAmazon Fire Max 11 review unit

3. Amazon Fire Max 11

The top-tier Amazon Fire tablet

Specifications

CPU:2.2Ghz octa-core Mediatek MT8188J

Camera Resolution:8MP front/back; 1080p video recording

Display:11-inch 2K (2,000 x 1,200 pixels)

Storage:64-128 GB

Memory:4GB RAM

Ports:1x USB-C, headphone jack, microSD

Dimensions:10.2 x 6.4 x 0.29 inches

Weight:1.08 pounds

Reasons to buy

+Bright, colorful screen
+Good battery life
+Premium build quality

Reasons to avoid

-Awkward button/port placement
-Tinny speakers
-Limited by FireOS

The Amazon Fire Max 11 is the biggest Fire tablet you can buy right now, and it’s the only one with a 2K (2,000 x 1,200 pixels) display. So if pixels count, this is the Fire tablet you want to buy for streaming shows on the biggest, most vibrant screen possible.

You pay extra for the privilege, of course, as this is not only the biggest but also the most expensive Fire tablet with a starting price of just over $200. But in return you get a speedy 2.2Ghz Mediatek chip that runs games and apps well, 4GB of RAM for speedy multitasking and a pair of decent cameras on the front and back.

Of course, even this beefy Fire tablet is handicapped by shipping limited to Amazon’s App Store. While you can sideload apps outside the Amazon App Store with enough know-how, it’s a hassle and a lot of effort to go through so you can access Google apps like Gmail and YouTube.

But if you don’t need to use YouTube, Gmail, Google Docs and other Google apps, the Fire Max 11 gives you a pretty premium-feeling slate for over a $100 less than the base iPad. It’s the best Fire tablet to upgrade to if you need more screen and power than the Fire Max 10 can deliver!

Best for older kids

Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro

4. Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro

The best Amazon Fire tablet for tweens

Specifications

CPU:2.0GHz octa-core CPU

Camera Resolution:5 MP (rear) 2 MP (front)

Display:10.1-inch, 1920 x 1200-pixel

Storage:32GB

Ports:1x USB-C, headphone jack, microSD

Dimensions:9.7 x 6.5 x 0.4 inches

Weight:17.8 ounces/1.1 pounds

Reasons to buy

+Vibrant screen makes cartoons pop
+Tenacious battery outlasts the competition
+Comprehensive 2-year warranty

Reasons to avoid

-No native Google apps


-Dull audio compared to the competitors

The Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro is basically the same, hardware-wise, as the excellent Amazon Fire HD 10. It’s got the same octa-core processor, 3GB of RAM and vivacious 1,900 x 1,200 display. The big difference is that it’s designed specifically for use by older kids ages 6-12, so it comes with a one-year Amazon Kids+ subscription, a colorful kickstand case, and a comprehensive, no-questions-asked 2-year warranty that covers accidental damage.

If you’re in the market for a kid-friendly tablet, few competitors can match what the Fire HD 10 Kids Pro offers for $199, particularly with that generous extended warranty. Sure, it has all the same weaknesses as every Fire tablet — most notably, no easy access to the Google Play Store — but if you’re planning to give this to a kid anyway, that’s less of an issue.

Best for younger kids

Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids

5. Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids

The best Amazon Fire tablet for young children

Specifications

CPU:2.0GHz octa-core CPU

Camera Resolution:5 MP (rear) 2 MP (front)

Display:10.1-inch, 1920 x 1200-pixel

Storage:32GB

Ports:1x USB-C, headphone jack, microSD

Dimensions:9.7 x 6.5 x 0.4 inches

Weight:17.8 ounces/1.1 pounds

Reasons to buy

+Durable build
+Great parental controls
+Bright and sharp display

Reasons to avoid

-Lack of Google Play Store apps
-Poor sound quality
-Underwhelming performance

The Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids, like the Fire HD 10 Kids Pro listed above, is effectively a version of the Fire HD 10 that’s tailored for kid-friendly use. It costs as much as the Fire HD 10 Kids Pro ($199) and offers basically the same features, but aimed at children ages three to seven rather than older kids.

Like its siblings the Fire HD 10 Kids sports a bright display, a durable kid-friendly design, and excellent battery life. Plus, the detailed built-in parental controls give you a lot of control over what a child does on the device, with little risk of them going astray. Sure, the lack of Google Play Store apps limits what you can do with this tablet, but that’s hardly a problem if you’re planning to give it to your 5-year-old so they can have something to watch videos on. If you want a durable, long-lasting tablet tailored to young children, the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids is a great choice.

How to choose the right Amazon Fire tablet for you

Still not sure which Amazon Fire tablet is right for you? Here are some important things to consider.

Screen size:The Amazon Fire tablets come in a variety of screen sizes ranging from 7 to 10 inches. If you expect to be watching a lot of videos, you’ll want the biggest, nicest screen possible, so consider the Fire HD 10 or the Fire Max 11. But if you just want a tablet to browse the web and read ebooks, a smaller display, like those on the Fire 7 or Fire HD 8, will be more than enough for your needs.

Budget:While all of the Amazon Fire tablets are more affordable than anything Apple makes, there’s still a wide price range of $50-$200, or more if you splurge on extras. If you can afford the higher end of that spectrum, the $150 Fire HD 10 is probably the best choice for you. But if you’d rather spend $100, or $50, the Fire HD 8 or Fire 7 (respectively) are decent tablets that should meet your needs. If money is no object, you may as well get the Fire Max 11.

Age:How old is the person you’re buying this tablet for? Obviously if it’s for you, buy whatever you like, but if you’re getting a cheap Amazon Fire tablet for a younger person, there are a variety of kid-friendly options depending on their age. For those ages 3-7, the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids offers decent performance, great parental controls, and a colorful drop-resistant case. The Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro offers effectively the same benefits for the same price, but it’s aimed at older kids in the 6-12 range. And if the person you’re buying for is older than that, they should be well-served by the standard Amazon Fire HD 10.

Battery life compared

Battery life is one of the key things to consider when buying a tablet, and even though Amazon’s slates are pretty long-lived you can’t blindly trust the manufacturer’s claims about exactly how long they’ll last.

That’s why we put every tablet we test and review through a series of battery tests, then average the results and compare them against the competition. I’ve assembled the tested battery life of every tablet on this page here in one handy chart, to help you make a more informed buying decision.

Battery test results

 Time (min:secs)
Amazon Fire Max 1113:45
Amazon Fire HD 1012:39
Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro14:12
Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids14:32
Amazon Fire HD 813:42
Amazon Fire 76:56

Frequently Asked Questions

What apps can I run on an Amazon Fire tablet?

I’m so glad you asked! One of the biggest weaknesses of the Amazon Fire tablets is that they run on Amazon’s FireOS, which is a modified version of Android. But while these are technically Android slates, you can’t just buy one and start putting your favorite Google apps on it because the Google Play Store is not accessible on an Amazon Fire tablet.

That means that unless you want to futz around with sideloading apps, you can’t easily install a significant number of Android apps that other Android tablets have access to. Basic Google apps like Gmail, Google Docs and YouTube are not easily available on a Fire tablet. You can still access those services by opening a web browser and using the web versions, but you should know this key limitation of Fire tablets before you buy one.

How do I get rid of lockscreen ads?

Good question! Like Amazon Kindles, Fire tablets can be ordered with or without lockscreen ads. It costs $15 more to buy one without lockscreen ads, but that means you won’t have to stare at promos for products when your tablet is locked.

Luckily, if you decide to get rid of ads later (or you get an ad-supported Fire as a gift and want to banish the advertising) you can. Just head to Amazon’s website, log into your account and navigate to the “Manage Your Devices” page.

From your Devices page, click on the Fire tablet you wish to remove ads on and select the “Special offers” section, then navigate to the “Remove offers” option. Click it, pay a $15 fee and voila—no more ads!

Should I get a Fire tablet or a Kindle?

This is a question I sometimes get from readers, and it has a simple answer.

If all you want your tablet for is to read books, documents and magazines or take notes, get a Kindle. Specifically, check our guide to thebest e-readersand choose which Kindle or Kindle competitor is best for your needs and budget.

But if you want to do anything else with your tablet, like browse the web, watch movies, play games or send emails, you should buy an Amazon Fire tablet. While they’re limited by what apps you can install in FireOS, even the cheapest Amazon Fire tablet is a lot more capable than any Kindle because once you connect it to the Internet you can load the Fire tablet up with all sorts of apps and files.

Best tablets for kids in 2025: our top child-friendly picks

These are the best tablets for kids, based on my research and testing

Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro on a desk

Not every top-rated tablet is actually a good pick for kids — trust me. I’ve seen more than a few end up cracked, frozen, or forgotten in a drawer. A solid kids’ tablet needs to be tough enough to survive daily chaos, flexible enough to grow with them, and loaded with the kinds of games and apps that make learning feel like play. And of course, built-in safety controls are a must.

That’s why I personally test a huge range of thebest tabletseach year, but only a select few make the cut for this kids list. They have to tick all those boxes and still be worth the money — because let’s face it, just like they outgrow shoes and uniforms, kids eventually need something more capable.

If you’re looking for something with an ocean of content and versatility across all age groups,Apple’s iPadis a great way to go (provided you buy a case)! But of course, there are better value for money options provided you are willing to upgrade as they grow — going from theAmazon Fire HD 10 Kidsfor the younglings, and graduating to theFire HD 10 Kids Prowhen they hit elementary school age.

To help you buy the best kids tablet for your needs, here are some key questions to ask.

Are there safety and parental controls?

All the tablets in my list have built-in parental controls to limit screen time and restrict what content is seen. Always be sure to check what these are before buying. For example, theAmazon Fire HD 10 Kids Prohas a phenomenal suite of options to tweak specific to every child who uses it.

That’s not to say the iPaddoesn’thave parental controls. They just take a little tweaking 

How durable is it?

All too often, tablet makers focus on making their hardware slim and sleek, but don’t really think about the fact that a kid is clumsy. Check for a sturdy case and a good warranty.Amazon’s Fire HD 10 Kidsis the best on this list for that purpose — offering a 2-year warranty and a chunky shockproof cover.

Is there a lot of kid-friendly content?

Kids get bored easily (I know firsthand with my nephew). So is there a lot of stuff available for a child to watch, play and learn? Out of these three picks, for the sheer wealth of child-friendly apps in the app store,Apple’s iPadreigns supreme.

So whether you’re on the lookout for a big slab to distract your younger kid with Bluey, or you need an all-in-one slate for homework and entertainment, here are the best tablets for kids that I recommend right now.

>>>58-000377 Battery for Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus T76N2P

The best tablet for kids overall

iPad 2022 with Magic Keyboard Folio and Apple Pencil

Apple iPad 10th Gen (2022) 

1. Apple iPad

The best overall for kids

Specifications

CPU:A14 Bionic

Camera Resolution:12MP (rear), 12MP (front)

Display:10.9-inch (2360 x 1640) Liquid Retina

Storage:64GB, 256GB

Ports:USB-C

Dimensions:9.7 x 7 x 0.2 inches

Weight:1.05 pounds

Wi-Fi:Wi-Fi 6, optional 5G

Who is this for?

The 2022 iPad is a great all-round tablet for kids of all ages. There are other tablets on this list that are more directly catered to certain age ranges, but if you wanted to make one purchase and accessorize with different cases as they grow up, this is the one to buy.

Why is it the best overall tablet for kids?

Looking beyond the design (which will just be covered up by a case to protect it from clumsy moments), the three superpowers here are its big and bright display for all your kid’s needs, impressive performance and power efficiency to keep running on long journeys, and the amount of child-friendly experiences you can find on the App Store. And all of this comes in at agood price of $299.

What do we like?

👍A16 Bionic performs well for kids:We’ve done all the lab testing to prove this is the fastest tablet on this list for apps and games. I’ll spare you the jargon and simply say this guarantees the A16 Bionic is zippy enough for zero temper tantrums while using it, and with over 11 hours of battery life, long enough for those big journeys.

👍Apps and accessories to match your child’s imagination:With any child-friendly tablet, you want to not just distract them from eating broccoli, you want to inspire learning and creativity. FromLegoDuplo world to Crayola Create and Play, the options are endless in iPad’s app store. And on top of that, the optional Magic Keyboard or Apple Pencil can take that creativity one step further when the time is right.

What don’t we like?

👎An expensive bet:I know I mentioned the cases to protect your iPad, along with the $299 price being good value for money as a whole. But if you need something quick and cheap to do the job, there are cheaper options on this list that aren’t a potentially fragile combination of aluminum and glass.

>>>26S1014 Battery for Amazon Fire HD 8 7th Generation SX034QT

The best value

The Amazon Fire 7 tablet

Amazon Fire 7 tablet 

2. Amazon Fire 7

The best budget-friendly tablet for kids

Specifications

CPU:Quad-Core 2.0 GHz processor

Camera Resolution:2MP (rear), 2MP (front)

Display:7 inches, 1024 x 600 pixels

Storage:16GB, 32GB

Memory:1GB

Ports:headphone jack. microUSB, microSD,

Dimensions:7.6 x 4.5 x 0.4 inches

Weight:0.6 pounds (10.1 ounces)

Wi-Fi:802.11a/b/g/n

Battery life (tested):6:56

Who is this for?

Looking for a cheap and cheerful tablet that’s got enough going for it to keep the kids entertained during the times they need to be quiet? Look no further thanAmazonFire 7 Kids edition.

Why is it the best value tablet for kids?

$109. That’s it. That’s the reason. Well, it’s actually$54 right now over on Amazon, but I’m being a little ignorant of the many other reasons this is the best value tablet for kids. From its 2-year worry-free guarantee ensuring replacements if they’re broken, award-winning parental controls, and a 1 year subscription to Amazon Kids+ content, this is a fully thought-out package for children.

What do we like?

👍Speedy for the price:That Quad-core 2GHz chipset with 2GB of RAM is more than enough for the many books, games and learning apps your child will interact with — all without any signs of slow down or performance hitches.

👍Decent battery life:With nearly 7 hours of battery life in our testing, this small tablet can go for a while on one charge — perfect for road trips that can get a little long and boring.

👍A case that Amazon has confidence in:Amazon has worked hard and iteratively over years to land on the Kid-Proof Case you see here. With a good amount of heft for drop protection, and an adjustable stand for hands-free use. Oh, and if your kid does manage to break it, Amazon’s 2-year warranty is pretty open-ended on this — just return it and get a free replacement.

What don’t we like?

👎Dull display:With a 1024 x 600-pixel resolution and 370 nits of brightness, this is a dim, fuzzy panel that isn’t too colorful either. Not the best for bringing out the yellow in Big Bird’s feathers.

👎Watch out for ads:Out of the gate, you’ve got Amazon Kids+ free for a year — giving you access to great entertainment and educational content from the likes of Disney, Lego and National Geographic. This subscription also stops ads from being served too. So if you’re using this beyond a year, you’ve got a choice to make: $5.99 a month, or a deluge of ads.

>>>58-000119 Battery for Amazon Kindle Fire HD 10 B00VKIY9RG SR87CV

The best tablet for younger kids

Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids

3. Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids

The best tablet for young children

Specifications

CPU:2.0GHz octa-core CPU

Camera Resolution:5 MP (rear) 2 MP (front)

Display:10.1-inch, 1920 x 1200-pixel

Storage:32GB

Ports:1x USB-C, headphone jack, microSD

Dimensions:9.7 x 6.5 x 0.4 inches

Weight:17.8 ounces/1.1 pounds

Battery life (tested):14:02

Who is this for?

The Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids tablet has been purpose-built for children aged 3-7 years old — from its ultra durable and colorful hardware construction to the tailored OS with engaging apps and robust parental controls.

Why is it the best tablet for younger kids?

With a specific focus on younger kids, the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids tablet is a fantastic option for any child to grow up with — packing enough performance and battery life to keep that 1080p panel going for a long time, comprehensive child safety controls for setting limits, and all the entertainment your kids will love from the likes of Disney and Blippi’s treehouse.

What do we like?

👍Kid-proof from all angles:Yes, this is a big 10-inch tablet, but Amazon has pulled out all the stops with its Kid-Proof case, parental controls to set screen time limits and restrict apps, and a dense library of content catered to every year, so the tablet actually grows with your child.

👍Performant and power efficient:To limit frustration, you’ve got to make sure its zippy and lasts a long time. While Geekbench scores (1,523 multi-core) may fall well behind iPad, the 2.0GHz octa-core processor is more than enough for the far more simplistic OS you get in the Fire HD 10 Kids tablet. Plus, this slab can last over 14.5 hours on one charge.

👍Big, bright display:The 10.1-inch display is a true eye-catcher with color and brightness — paired effectively with loud and clear speakers. The bass production is poor, but from personal experience with my nephew, a kid is going to miss that bassy warmth when watching Paw Patrol in the car seat.

What don’t we like?

👎Limited app selection:Just like the HD 7, you get a year of Amazon Kids+. The content selection is wonderful for kids, but beyond the Kids+ subscription, Amazon’s tablet app library is extremely constrained.

The best tablet for older kids

Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro

4. Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro

The best tablet for older kids

Specifications

CPU:2.0GHz octa-core CPU

Camera Resolution:5 MP (rear) 2 MP (front)

Display:10.1-inch, 1920 x 1200-pixel

Storage:32GB

Ports:1x USB-C, headphone jack, microSD

Dimensions:9.7 x 6.5 x 0.4 inches

Weight:17.8 ounces/1.1 pounds

Battery life (tested):14:12

Who is this for?

For slightly older kids aged 6-12 years old, that’s where the Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet comes in. The case is slimmer, the OS is tweaked to allow for more advanced interactions (while keeping those robust parental controls), and Disney,Marveland lego are all part of that Amazon Kids+ subscription.

Why is it the best tablet for older kids?

For the kids growing up and getting used to using tech/expanding their horizons of learning/being inspired by the gadgetry they use, the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro Tablet is a respectively powerful slab with storage to take your films and TV shows on the go.

What do we like?

👍Big, bright display:With a 10.1-inch 1080p display, this is a big, bright and colorful canvas for your kids to interact with. Whether it’s jumping into all the age-appropriate Amazon Prime Video content or the apps and games built into the Kids+ service.

👍Enough under the hood to do more:It’s still not iPad-levels in terms of power, but for the limited amount of tasks that are possible on the Fire HD 10 Kids Pro Tablet, the Octa-core chip is fast enough for keeping apps running at a smooth 60 FPS with plenty of multitasking capability too — say for when you’re flipping between a word processor for your homework and Duolingo for learning foreign languages. Oh, and did we mention this has over 14 hours of battery life in our testing!?

👍Award-winning parental controls:Amazon goes on about the controls being award-winning a lot, but what that means in practice is so much more important when it comes to older kids. Those guardrails are critical in this transitional phase of a kids life, and being able to fine tune them along with screen time use limits too has limited my sister’s anxiety when it comes to making sure my nephew stays safe on the tablet.

What don’t we like?

👎Limited app selection:At this point in a child’s development, sometimes what you need to do isn’t necessarily going to be a purpose-built education app or a storybook. You need the ability to get stuff done, and the productivity side of Amazon Fire tablets has always been a bit of a weakness.

How to choose the best tablet for kids

Still not sure which tablet is the right fit for your child? Don’t worry — picking the right one can feel a bit overwhelming, especially with so many out there. I go through tons of tablets every year, and here are the key things I always think about when deciding which ones are actually worth recommending for kids.

Screen size:Think about how your child is going to use the tablet. If they’ll be watching lots of videos or playing games with detailed visuals, a bigger screen — up to 10 inches — will give them a better experience.

Battery life:All the tablets I recommend here last at least 7 hours, so you can expect them to survive a full school day or a long car ride. That said, some last even longer — over 12 hours — perfect for those long haul flight moments for vacation.

Budget:You can spend as little as $50 or as much as $600 on a kids’ tablet. But honestly, most parents don’t need to go anywhere near the top of that range. A good rule of thumb is to only spend what you’re comfortable losing if (okay, when) it gets dropped, sat on, or left behind somewhere.

Age matters:A tablet that works great for a preschooler probably won’t cut it for a pre-teen. For little ones (around ages 3–7), the Fire HD 10 Kids is ideal — it’s easy to use, durable, and has excellent parental controls built in. For kids a bit older (around 6–12), the Fire HD 10 Kids Pro offers the same reliability but with a more “grown-up” feel. And once they’re in their teens, they’ll likely want something more capable, like the iPad

How we tested these tablets

When we test tablets for kids (or anyone, really), we don’t just take a quick look and call it a day — we put them through their paces to make sure they’re really worth your money.

First, we check how fast they are compared to other tablets. Some are better at handling games and apps than others, and we try to measure that as clearly as possible.

Then we take a close look at the screen. Is it bright enough to use comfortably? Do colors look rich and vibrant? We actually use tools (like light meters) to check this, so it’s not just based on how it “feels” to us.

Battery life is a big one too. Nobody wants a tablet that dies halfway through a long car ride. So we run a set test that browses the web nonstop until the battery runs out — that gives us a consistent way to compare how long each one lasts.

And finally, we use the tablets the same way you and your kids might. We browse the web, watch videos, play games, write things — all the everyday stuff. If the tablet has a keyboard attachment, we’ll even try typing the entire review on it, just to see how it holds up in real-life.

All of this helps us figure out which tablets are actually worth recommending — and which ones aren’t ready for life with kids.

Echo Show 15 vs Echo Show 21: is bigger always better?

Amazon’s latest Echo Show devices are the prime screens for Alexa+, but does size matter?

Amazon Echo Show 15Echo Show 15

Price:$299 / £299 / AU$549
Screen size:15.6 inches
Dimensions:
15.8 x 9.9 x 1.4 inches / 40 x 25 x 3.5cm
Resolution:
1080p resolution
Connectivity: Matter, Wi-Fi, Thread, Zigbee, Bluetooth
Voice assistant:
Alexa
Camera:
13MP
Weight:
4.85lbs / 2.2kg

Pros

  • Improved camera and audio hardware
  • Built-in Fire TV interface
  • Supports Vision ID
  • Matter, Zigbee, and Thread support

Cons

  • Audio quality still poor
  • Smart-home controls take a backseat
  • Table stand sold separately

also:RE78VS Charger for Amazon Echo Wireless Speaker

Amazon Echo Show 21

Echo Show 21

Price:$299 / £299 / AU$549
Screen size:21.5 inches
Dimensions:
21.4 x 13.2 x 1.5in / 54 cm x 34 cm x 3.8 cm
Resolution:
1080p resolution
Connectivity: Matter, Wi-Fi, Thread, Zigbee, Bluetooth
Voice assistant:
Alexa
Camera:
13MP
Weight:
10.7lbs / 4.9kg

Pros

  • M4 chip delivers top-notch performance
  • Design is still the best
  • All-day battery life
  • Lower price

Cons

  • – Apple Intelligence is still a mixed bag

If you want yourAlexa smart speakerto do more for you than tell the time and play some tunes, you’ll want to invest in a largersmart displaylike the Echo Show 15 or 21; but which is better?

Amazonannounced the devices just ahead of the official announcement ofAlexa+, Amazon’s new AI upgrade to its ever-popular voice assistant, positioning these larger Echo Show screens as the favored interfaces for its new, agentic AI, so there’s more reasons than ever before to consider a smart display-cum-speaker-cum-TV; deciding which is your only barrier. So, here’s how the two models line up.

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Echo Show 15 vs Echo Show 21: Price

TheAmazon EchoShow 15 costs $299 / £299, while the Echo Show 21 is $100 / £100 more expensive, and both are available directly from Amazon.

Both are wall mountable, but if you want a desktop or counter stand you’re looking at $100 / £100 on top of that for the official stand. There are a wide range of compatible VESA mounts available online, however, and our top tip is to find a rotating mount, as both of these screens can be installed in portrait or landscape orientation.

It’s also worth considering the price of Alexa+. By itself, the AI subscription service will be $19.99 as it rolls out in the US, or it’s free as part of an Amazon Prime membership. Global pricing and release plans are to be determined.

Overall, it’s slim pickings between the two screens, with the $100 / £100 difference mostly accounting for screen size. I’d argue the Show 15 is slightly better value as, for less, you get pretty similar specs across the board otherwise.

The Amazon Echo Show 15 being used to watch TV shows

(Image credit: Amazon)

  • Winner:Echo Show 15

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Echo Show 15 vs Echo Show 21: Design

Amazon Echo Show 15 Review : The heart of your home?Echo Show 15

亚马逊 Echo Show 21 侧面的拆分图

Echo Show 21

Modeled after a simple picture frame, the Echo Show 15 and 21 screens are laid on a white mat surrounded by a black frame. Along the top here are its speakers, volume controls as well as two pinhole microphones. There are manual privacy features, too; a microphone mute button that glows red when activated and a privacy shutter that covers the 13MP camera.

You’ll also have to factor in the 1.5m power cable when considering placement, which needs to be inserted into a recess on the back of the display and could limit your options when it comes to positioning your Echo Show. Also included is the Alexa voice remote, which is a neat addition, albeit one that falls a little flat owing to the fact that it can’t be used for skills and services outside of the Fire TV interface.

There’s minimal difference other than size, really, but that can be a big deciding factor. It all comes down to what you want from your smart display; if you want a visuals-first entertainment center, go for the Echo Show 21, whereas if you want a household planner heads-up display in family rooms, go for the Echo Show 15. I’d also say if you’re not planning on wall-mounting your new Echo Show, definitely opt for the 15. The 21-inch version does attach to VESA mount stands, but it takes up an awful lot of space and lacks grace, aesthetically speaking, when stand-mounted.

  • Winner:Echo Show 15 for its versatility, Echo Show 21 for wall-mounting

Echo Show 15 vs Echo Show 21: Performance and display

Amazon Echo Show 21 smart display

Both the Echo Show 15 and 21 offer crisp images with a highly reflective 1920 x 1,080 display. The viewing angle for these screens isn’t the best, which is a misstep for devices designed to be glanced at from various places in a room, but provided you don’t place it directly in a sunbeam, you should get by just fine.

Compared to the original Echo Show 15, the audio is much improved, offering surprisingly punchy sound from the two 2-inch woofers and 0.6-inch tweeters. Still, if you’re particular about image and sound quality, it’s an idea to hook up better speakers, as I found the speakers to be modest at best.

The new, auto-framing, 3.3x zoom 13MP camera is a notable improvement for better Alexa Drop-Ins, and that’s paired with the on-board proximity sensor on board, which not only helps to control the screen’s brightness, turning it on when someone approaches the device, but also it’s content. Using facial or voice-recognition, the Echo Show will display content relevant to me – say, a TV show I’m mid-way through watching, but when my partner approaches the screen, it might show him his favorite artist.

In recent years, Amazon has added widgets to its smart displays, allowing you to more easily organise your life with shopping lists and calendars to daily reminders You can also customize the kinds of information you see day-to-day, like local weather reports or smart home favorites to control your home. Worth highlighting is that Alexa+ has its own distinctive UI from what we’ve seen, which only adds to this customizability.

Support is provided for Matter and Thread, which means you can use the Echo Show 15 and 21 as a Zigbee Hub, and setup is just as easy as the rest of Amazon’s Echo range.

The only thing that distinguishes these two models in the performance department, really, is that the pixel density is slightly lower on the Echo Show 21 owing to its larger size; it’s not visible to the untrained eye, though, so I’d call this particular battle a draw.

  • Winner:Tie

Which one should you buy?

Amazon Echo Show 21 running Spotify app

Technically speaking, the Echo Show 15 wins this one due to its versatility and lower price point, but with these two devices being near-identical it’s a pretty close match. Ultimately, it’s as much about what you’ll want to use the devices for; if you want to watch TV and movies and have a nice big screen to display your important updates, the Echo Show 21 is the way to go. For more of a countertop solution with a more lightweight frame, it’s the Echo Show 15.

Of course, all of this could well change once we’ve had some proper hands-on time with Alexa+, depending on how that interface renders; my guess would be, however, that the new AI-bolstered voice assistant won’t be changing the game that drastically.

The best Kindles in 2025: Our top picks tested and rated

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

Kindle Paperwhite (2024)

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

The Kindle Paperwhite 2024 with items in the background

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

Kindle (2024)

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

The Amazon Kindle Kids Edition, in a purple case, one of our picks for best kindle

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

Kindle Colorsoft

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

ReMarkable Paper Pro review unit

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-readerBattery life (tested)
Amazon KindleUp to 6 weeks
Amazon Kindle Kids EditionUp to 5 weeks
Amazon Kindle ScribeUp to 12 weeks
Amazon Kindle PaperwhiteUp to 10 weeks
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature EditionUp to 10 weeks
Amazon Kindle OasisUp to 6 weeks
ReMarkable Paper ProUp 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.

Reminder: Netflix stops working today on some older Amazon Fire TV devices – here’s the list of models

If you’ve had your Fire TV device for a decade, it could enter the No Netflix Zone todaycheap fire tv stick

  • Two 2014 Sticks and one 2016 model are no longer supported
  • Newer models aren’t currently discounted
  • The 4K Max would be our choice of replacement

A few weeks ago we reported thatNetflix would stop supporting some older Fire TV devicesfrom June 2025 – and that’s coming into force today, 3 June.

Netflix hasn’t gone into detail about why it’s ending support for the devices, but the usual explanations are that they’re too old to handle the latest security updates, as well as more modern audio and video formats streaming services such as Netflix prefer: the affected Fire TV devices are from 2014 and 2016, which is an eternity in tech years.

These particular Fire TV Sticks haven’t been updated in years, so it’s always been a case ofwhenthey’d go obsolete rather than whether they would.

If you’re going to get another Amazon device to replace yours and don’t mind doing without Netflix for a while, I’d recommend hanging on for a little while: Amazon discounts its Fire TV devices all the time, but it isn’t doing it today. I’ll be very surprised if it doesn’t discount at least one model in time for Father’s Day.

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The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max on a table

The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is the most future-proof of the current models(Image credit: Amazon)
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What Fire TV Sticks has Netflix stopped supporting?

From June 3, 2025, the first generation versions of the following models will no longer be Netflix-compatible:

  • Fire TV (2014)
  • Fire TV Stick (2014)
  • Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote (2016)

And to be fair, Netflix has supported these devices for a very long time.

If you’re looking for a new Fire TV Stick, the model I’d recommend is theFire TV Stick 4K Max. The non-Max version has an official price of $49.99 / £59.99 / AU$79 while the Max is $59.99 / £69.99 / AU$119, and for not much more money the Max gives you more storage, a faster processor and better Wi-Fi connectivity too.The Max has been discounted several times this year so far, taking the US price to $39.99 and taking it under £50 in the UK. So if you don’t mind pausing your Netflix watching for a little while, it’s probably worth waiting for the next Amazon Fire TV Stick deal to pop up.

Netflix won’t work on some Amazon Fire TV devices from June – here are the affected models

Netflix is ending support for first-generation Fire TV devices

About Netflix - Homepage
  • Netflix support for first-gen Fire TV is ending in June
  • Older Fire TV devices can’t play more modern video codecs
  • Try Amazon Trade-In to get money off a newer model

After a decade, Netflix is ending support for first-generation Fire TV streaming devices. From June 3, 2025, first generation versions of the following models will no longer be Netflix-compatible:

  • Fire TV (2014)
  • Fire TV Stick (2014)
  • Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote (2016)

The announcement, which Netflix has emailed its customers about, isn’t a huge surprise:Amazonhasn’t updated them for some time now, and the early Fire TV devices don’t support the most modern video and audio formats.

Even in 2023, some users on the FireTV subreddit were advising against buying them new.

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max and its remote on an orange background

Need a new TV stick? The Fire TV Stick 4K Max would be our choice, but don’t pay full price(Image credit: Amazon)

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Why is Netflix stopping support for the Fire TV models?

Netflix hasn’t said specifically, but the most likely explanation is that the devices don’t support the audio and video codecs Netflix is using. AsPC World, whose sister title PC-WELT broke the news, reported: “It could have something to do with Netflix using newer standards – such as the AV1 codec – to stream with better picture quality, particularly for customers who are on the Premium plan.” The now-discontinued devices can’t be upgraded to support newer codecs.

If you’re the owner of one of the affected models and want to keep streaming Netflix, you’ll need to buy one of the current range instead. And as ever with Amazon devices, try not to pay full price for it: Amazon discounts its Fire TV devices constantly throughout the year, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the retailer reacts to the Netflix news by discounting them accordingly. At the time of writing, my preferred upgrade is 33% off in the US among theMemorial Day deals.

If I were upgrading from an old Fire TV device I’d skip the2023 Fire TV Stick 4Kand go for theFire TV Stick 4K Max. There’s not a huge price difference – the non-Max version has an official price of $49.99 / £59.99 / AU$79 while the Max is $59.99 / £69.99 / AU$119. For a little more, you get more storage, a faster processor, better Wi-Fi and Amazon’s Ambient experience.

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In the US, that model gone down to $39.99 four times this year – including today, May 21st. For UK customers, the Max has been discounted to £50 or below three times this year so far.

App Store rule change takes the headache out of buying books on iOS Kindle app

Making purchases from your iPhone just got a whole lot easier

A hand holding an iPhone 12 Mini showing the updated buying page on the Kindle iOS app

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

An iPhone sitting on a wood table showing the updated buying page in the Kindle iOS app

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.

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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.

Amazon denies report that it plans to show tariff impacts on its prices

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)

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.

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Tariff Price Adjuster in action on eBay

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.

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Tariff Lens in action on Amazon

Some Kindles now let you double-tap anywhere to turn the page

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.

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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.

Amazon will suspend support for its Appstore on Android

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.

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.