In the realm where tablets meet books, e-readers emerge as our preferred option. They are lightweight and portable similar to a tablet, yet free from online distractions. The finest Kindles and e-readers can store thousands of titles in a streamlined form.

After evaluating numerous e-readers for Mashable, I consider the Amazon Kindle collection to be almost flawless. On TikTok, users enthusiastically discuss the Kindle and ways to enhance its functionality. For parents, Kindles represent screens without guilt. For passionate readers, Stuff Your Kindle Day enhances your reading inventory. You can even buy Kindle accessories such as remote page-turners and stands to avoid holding your Kindle while immersed in a book.

If you’re set to purchase a Kindle, refer to our guide for the optimal choice. With Black Friday approaching on Nov. 28, 2025, early research is prudent. Amazon often slashes prices on Kindles during significant sales events like Prime Day or Black Friday. We anticipate that new Kindles will see price cuts on Black Friday, but deals will be fleeting. If you are considering a like-new device, Amazon offers refurbished Kindle Paperwhite e-readers at a discount.

Introducing the latest generation of Kindle e-readers. Unsure whether to go with the Kindle or Kindle Paperwhite? We provide a direct comparison.

A lot has transformed since the Kindle’s launch in 2007. Released shortly after the inaugural iPhone, the Kindle has undergone fewer updates. As of 2025, we have reached the 12th generation, with the latest model debuting in October 2024. Every version — basic Kindle, Paperwhite, Signature Edition, Scribe, and Kids variants — has received enhancements. Unfortunately, the Kindle Oasis, which featured waterproof capabilities and page-turn buttons, has been discontinued.

The first color e-reader from Kindle came out in late 2024, and by July 2025, the Colorsoft series included three variants. The Colorsoft is the second most expensive Kindle, and after evaluation, we’ve included it in this guide.

As of Sept. 30, 2025, Amazon revealed a redesigned Kindle Scribe. The updated version is extremely slim with a front light for a more luminous display. The new Colorsoft edition of the Scribe enables you to annotate, journal, or sketch in color. However, as of November 2025, neither the Kindle Scribe nor the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft is available for preorder yet, but we will update this guide once we complete our testing.

All the latest Kindles are lightweight, user-friendly, and compatible with Libby, enabling you to support your local library and access free books. It’s nearly impossible to make a poor choice in this category.

Which Kindle suits your needs? Let me assist you in making that decision.

If you have concerns about acquiring the latest technology, it’s not an issue. There are six updated Kindle models available, along with older editions still in stock.

Before selecting a Kindle, consider: Do you need it to be waterproof? If you enjoy reading by the water, that limits your selections. With the Kindle Oasis no longer on the market, your waterproof alternatives include the Kindle Paperwhite, Paperwhite Signature Edition, Colorsoft Signature Edition, and Paperwhite Kids.

In addition to water resistance, evaluate these features:

– **Display size:** The basic Kindle showcases a 6-inch display, while the largest boasts a 10.2-inch display.
– **Storage capacity:** Kindles come with storage ranging from 16GB to 32GB.
– **Battery life:** New Kindles typically have exceptional batteries. They can last up to six weeks on a single charge on the lower end, while others can last up to 12 weeks.
– **Writing functionality:** The Kindle Scribe is the only model that allows writing with the provided stylus.

The newest Kindles all feature a peak brightness of 94 nits and a 300 ppi, high-definition display with no glare, ensuring clear text and images from any viewpoint. Kindles also possess WiFi connectivity, allowing you to download as much reading material as you desire. Moreover, you can enjoy audiobooks on Audible via Bluetooth.

Out of all the e-readers I’ve tried, Kindles offer the best compatibility with Libby. I appreciate the digital platform because it enables me to read for free while supporting my local library. Some e-readers require users to download library e-books to a computer then transfer them to an e-reader, but with Kindles, your e-books are delivered directly to your device in just a click.

If you were a devoted Kindle Oasis admirer and miss the page-turn buttons, you may need to explore options outside the Kindle range. Your best alternative now is the Kobo Libra Colour.

How to obtain free e-books on Kindle:

The most effective way to read free e-books on a Kindle is through Libby. Libby allows you to borrow e-books from libraries, needing only a library card. Through the Libby app, you can borrow books and then select the “read with Kindle” option to transfer these e-books to your Kindle library.

Another method for accessing free e-books lies in Stuff Your Kindle events. These author-driven