This article was first published on Mashable targeting a US readership and has been modified for UK audiences.
If you’re passionate about books but haven’t transitioned to an Amazon Kindle, you’re missing a significant upgrade. It’s time to grasp the opportunity and enhance your reading journey.
We get it—nothing quite beats the tactile experience of a physical book or the aroma of its pages. However, since the Kindle debuted in 2007, it has transformed reading by allowing you to carry thousands of books in a compact, lightweight format.
With numerous Kindle variants available, picking the ideal one can feel daunting. Whether you’re a newcomer to e-readers or uncertain about which Kindle is the best fit for you, we’re here to assist. We’ve gathered essential details to aid you in making an informed decision.
What is a Kindle?
While they may look similar to tablets or smartphones in size, Kindles are specifically crafted for reading. Their black-and-white, glare-free screens replicate real paper, providing comfort for reading even under bright light.
Kindles boast a high-resolution, 300 ppi display that guarantees crisp text and images from any viewpoint. They also include WiFi access, enabling you to download titles from the Amazon Kindle eBooks store, tap into Prime Reading, or sign up for Kindle Unlimited.
What should you think about before purchasing a Kindle?
When choosing the ideal Kindle for your needs, keep these important factors in mind:
Battery Life – Kindles are well-regarded for their remarkable battery longevity. Certain models may last up to six weeks per charge, with others extending to 12 weeks.
Display Size – Kindle screens vary from 6 inches to 10.2 inches, so select a dimension that aligns with your reading habits.
Storage Capacity – Depending on the version, Kindles provide storage ranging from 8GB to 64GB, enabling you to have thousands of books within easy reach.
Water Resistance – Not every Kindle is waterproof, but some models are built to resist accidental water encounters, giving you added reassurance.
Remember these factors when evaluating various models.
What features do Kindles provide?
All contemporary Kindles come equipped with fundamental features, but higher-end models present extra advantages.
If you enjoy outdoor reading, seek a Kindle that includes an automatic light adjustment feature. If you frequently read while on the move, a model with page-turn buttons for effortless one-handed operation might be ideal. Some Kindles even enable note-taking directly on the display.
Every Kindle model includes parental controls and supports audiobooks through Audible when paired with Bluetooth headphones or speakers.
You can choose between a version with ads and one without in most Kindle models. The ad-free version generally costs around £20 more; however, if you’re okay with seeing occasional advertisements on your lockscreen, the standard edition is perfectly adequate.
Is there a monthly fee for Kindles?
No subscription fee is necessary to use a Kindle. Books can be bought individually from the Amazon Kindle eBooks store. If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can enjoy complimentary books through Prime Reading as part of your subscription.
For additional options, Kindle Unlimited is offered for £9.49 per month, granting access to over three million titles and thousands of audiobooks. Subscribers can borrow up to 20 items simultaneously at no added cost. Amazon frequently provides free trial periods for Kindle Unlimited, allowing you to try it out before making a commitment.
Which Kindle is the best?
The best Kindle varies based on your individual reading preferences and lifestyle. To aid your decision-making, we’ve curated a selection of models tailored to diverse requirements. Check out our suggestions and find the one that fits you best.
Here are the top Kindles for 2025.