However, that doesn’t mean you should automatically assume a Kindle is right for you. There are plenty of alternatives in our best eReader chart, including devices from Kobo, reMarkable and Huawei. This article will help you figure out which will work for you, with a round-up of the 10 best and detailed buying advice at the bottom of the page. The list is ranked, but that doesn’t mean entries near the top of the list will suit you best.
Best Kindle 2023
Larger display with colour warmth Longer battery life USB-C
Small price rise
There’s very little to dislike here unless you really need physical page turn buttons. The slightly higher price might put some off so look to the 2018 Paperwhite while it’s still on sale if you need something cheaper.
Great display Solid performance USB-C charging Good value for money
Must pay extra to remove ads No waterproofing Scuffs easily
You probably won’t be using it much, though. The regular Kindle still lasts for weeks on a single charge, while limitations on sideloading books means you’ll probably be relying on the Kindle Store. But with an improved display with backlighting and solid performance, it’s easier than ever to recommend if you’re considering a Kindle. That’s true despite no waterproofing, a body that’s prone to scuffs and having to pay $10/£10 extra to remove ads.
Great display Stellar battery life Solid performance USB-C and wireless charging
Ineffective auto brightness Some software inconsistencies Expensive No 4G model
This mainly consists of USB-C and wireless charging so you can keep it topped up a lot easier, although great battery life means that may not be very often. It’s also got 32GB of storage if you need a lot of space but is otherwise very similar to the latest regular Paperwhite. If the auto-adjusting sensors worked better it would be in with a shout of topping the chart.
Excellent 10,2in display Pen included in box Great battery life
Expensive Sub-par note-taking experience
However, if you are just looking for a bigger version of the Kindle, the Scribe is an excellent choice. The 300ppi screen is a joy to use, while great battery life and a durable build remain. At this price, though, most people can get a great Kindle for a fraction of the cost of the Scribe. Its shortcomings could theoretically be fixed with a software update, but it’s a risk to buy one hoping for that.
Includes case and Kids+ subscription Waterproof Can be shared with an adult
Fire Tablets can be cheaper Kids+ subscription lasts just a year
You’ll benefit from waterproofing which could be device saving as well as a bigger screen, flush design, higher resolution and adjustable warm light (with many more LEDs) Performance is also faster and it’s easy to share the Kindle if you want to use it too. Overall, worth the extra money if you ask us.
Warm light Premium metal design Page turn buttons
Expensive Micro-USB
With the introduction of the Paperwhite Signature Edition, there’s even less reason to buy the Oasis unless you really want a metal design with dedicated page turn buttons.
8GB storage 1-year of subscriptions Accidental damage warranty
No waterproofing
You get a 12-month subscription to Fire for Kids Unlimited / FreeTime Unlimited which includes over 1000 books for kids of various ages. There’s also 8GB of storage which is double the cheapest Kindle. The selection is not the best it could be, but overall this is a decent package for the money. If you’re not too fussed about those extras then you can save money by just getting the regular Kindle. It’s also worth noting that there’s a 2022 version of the Kindle Kids Edition, which also gets a better screen and USB-C. The regular Paperwhite has a higher quality 6.8in display, but strangely less storage at 8GB. The Signature Edition will get you 32GB instead, plus auto brightness and wireless charging support. The there’s the Scribe, which increases the display size all the way to 10.2in. It also supports a stylus, with the software adjusted to accommodate it. Finally there’s the Kindle Oasis, which hasn’t been updated since 2019. It adopts a wedge-shaped design and has physical page turn buttons. There are also Kids Editions of the regular Kindle and Paperwhite, which include a protective cover and two-year guarantee. Spending slightly more to get the Paperwhite is the sweet spot for most people, with the extra features on the Signature Edition not justifying the extra spend. Unless you really want a different design or large screen, there’s no reason for most people to spend over $200/£200 on a Kindle. That’s especially true of the Oasis, which is now over three years old. As the resident expert on Windows, Senior Staff Writer Anyron’s main focus is PCs and laptops. Much of the rest of his time is split between smartphones, tablets and audio, with a particular focus on Android devices.
