The Kindle Colorsoft experienced a unique debut. Launched in October 2024, its shipping was swiftly suspended due to consumer complaints regarding discoloration. Since that time, the Colorsoft has been subtly offered, with two additional versions introduced. The Colorsoft range now features Kindle Colorsoft (16GB), Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition (32GB), and Kindle Colorsoft Kids.

Amazon’s Kindles entered the colored e-reader sector later than others. Prior to the Colorsoft’s launch, Kobo had already released two color e-readers, the Clara Colour and Libra Colour, Boox introduced the Go Color 7, and the Remarkable Paper Pro tablet also showcased a color display (although the Remarkable is more akin to a paper tablet than a typical e-reader).

With the debut of the Colorsoft, Amazon encountered a notable pricing challenge, as the initial device — the Colorsoft Signature Edition — came with a price tag of $279.99. By July 2025, Amazon launched the more budget-friendly Kindle Colorsoft, which we are reviewing here.

At $249.99, it’s still a significant outlay for an e-reader — but is it justified? Here are our insights on the Kindle Colorsoft.

Kindle Colorsoft pricing and specifications

As stated, the Kindle Colorsoft with 16 GB is priced at $249.99. For context, that’s $90 more than the comparable Kindle Paperwhite, yet $30 less than the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition.

Relative to other color e-readers, it remains on the expensive side. The Kobo Clara Colour matches the Paperwhite at $159.99, while the Kobo Libra Colour is priced at $229.99. Therefore, in terms of cost, it’s among the most expensive color e-readers available.

Let’s delve into the specifications of the Kindle Colorsoft:

– 7-inch display
– Up to 94 nits brightness with adjustable warmth
– 300 ppi resolution for black and white and 150 ppi for color
– USB-C charging port with a battery life of up to 8 weeks
– 16GB of storage
– IPX8 waterproof rating, suitable for full submersion in water for up to one hour
– Available in black, raspberry, and jade

The color performance impresses

The notable aspect of the Kindle Colorsoft is the color display, which is the main focus here. The color representation is notable on the Kindle Colorsoft.

I borrowed Heartstopper Volume 3 via Libby and sent it to the Kindle Colorsoft, but I wanted to see how it stood up against the physical edition. After obtaining a physical version from the library, I placed them side-by-side for a visual comparison.

The Kindle Colorsoft effectively replicates the colors of the physical copy. However, the colors on the Colorsoft appear subdued when compared to the book, even with increased brightness. I wished for higher contrast on the display to better reflect vibrant tones.

To ensure the subdued color wasn’t solely due to the e-book rendition, I also viewed the e-book on my iPad within the Libby app. On the iPad, the colors seemed more vivid and true to the physical book than on the Kindle Colorsoft. Additionally, the iPad emphasized the Colorsoft’s lower resolution.

You won’t miss much color while utilizing the Kindle Colorsoft — just don’t anticipate the same vibrancy as a physical book. If rich color is essential for your digital reading experience, consider a tablet instead, as color e-ink displays still have opportunities for enhancement in resolution and quality.

Operates like a Kindle Paperwhite

With the integration of color into a Kindle, I was curious if it would impact the operating system’s performance. Thankfully, it does not. The Colorsoft functions just like the Kindle Paperwhite, ensuring quick and effective use. There’s minimal lag between page turns, and it boasts a 300 ppi resolution in black and white, with adjustable warmth and brightness, and an IPX8 waterproof rating.

There is one slight variation when using the Colorsoft compared to the Paperwhite. When operating the e-reader in color mode, the screen occasionally flashes between pages during loading. This is a common trait in color e-readers, and it also applies to Kobo’s color devices.

Apart from the color element, the Colorsoft has one advantage over the standard Kindle Paperwhite: it is free from advertisements. This was a commendable surprise, but one I would anticipate from a device costing $250.

I am disheartened that the Colorsoft lacks auto-adjusting brightness. For that feature, you’ll need to invest more in the Colorsoft Signature Edition.

Is the Kindle Colorsoft a worthwhile purchase?

For the typical reader, no, the Kindle Colorsoft does not offer sufficient value. Unless your primary focus is reading graphic novels, color is not a necessity in an e-reader. When selecting a Kindle, you would receive better value from either the Paperwhite or even the Signature Edition.

If you are determined to acquire a color e-reader, I would suggest looking into Kobo’s options instead. The Clara Colour is our top recommendation.