Amazon’s updated Kindle collection boasts both an upgraded Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite – but what’s the difference between the two popular e-readers?
While the Paperwhite was once an all-around upgrade on the regular Kindle, the playing field has been levelled in recent years.
The Kindle Paperwhite still offers a more extensive, paperwhite E Ink screen and additional benefits like longer battery life, but core elements, like a 300ppi pixel density and the inclusion of a backlit screen, are consistent among the two.
To help you decide which is the best Kindle for your needs, here’s how the Kindle Paperwhite (2024) compares to the Kindle (2024).
Pricing & availability
The Kindle (2024) is comfortably more affordable than its premium sibling, starting at £94.99/$94.99 for a version with ads, or £10/$10 more without any ads. It’s available on Amazon right now.
The Kindle Paperwhite (2024), on the other hand, starts at £159.99/$159.99 with ads, and much like the regular Kindle, it’s an additional £10/$10 if you want an ad-free version. It too is available to buy on Amazon right now.
Design
- Kindle Paperwhite has a larger, seven-inch screen
- The entry-level Kindle is lighter, but lacks any water resistance rating
- Both retain the frustratingly positioned power button at the bottom of the display
Although both the entry-level Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite share a similar design that’s recognisable to anyone who’s familiar with the Kindle series as a whole, there are key differences that separate the two.
Firstly, at six-inches, the basic Kindle has a smaller display compared to the Paperwhite’s seven-inch alternative. Whether or not you’ll prefer a smaller Kindle depends on your own preferences and how you plan on using the e-reader. While the Kindle is impressively compact and light at just 158g, its smaller screen is undoubtedly more cramped than the Kindle Paperwhite’s own.
In addition, the Kindle’s screen isn’t flush with the bezel which means debris has a tendency to get stuck, whereas the Paperwhite’s screen is flush, and looks all the better for it. Finally, the Kindle isn’t equipped with an IP rating either, so those who want to read in the bath or by the pool might struggle. Fortunately, the Paperwhite sports an IPX8 rating, which means it can survive the occasional accidental drop in water.
Winner: Kindle Paperwhite
Screen
- Both sport glare-free, e-ink displays
- Kindle Paperwhite benefits from warmer light options while the Kindle only offers a cooler, blue hue
- Kindle Paperwhite has an anti-reflective display too
Both the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite are equipped with a glare-free, e-ink panel that looks more like real paper compared to LCD or OLED displays. This is important for e-readers, as it results in minimal eye strain and allows you to comfortably read for hours too.
Amazon has improved the screen refresh time for both the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite, so navigating through the software feels faster than before. However, if you aren’t familiar with e-ink devices then you still might notice a slight lag compared to some of the best tablets.
In addition, both screens are sharp with a 300ppi too but neither sport a full-colour display. For colour reading, the Kindle Colorsoft is an option, although we’d actually recommend straying from the Kindle range and opting for the likes of the Kobo Libra Colour instead.
Despite the Kindle being smaller and cheaper, we found that it can hit the same brightness levels as the Paperwhite, although annoyingly it’s limited with its light options. Although the Paperwhite offers the option to choose between cool and warm tones, the Kindle only provides a cool light, which is a shame as reading with a warmer shade feels much more comfortable.
Speaking of warmth, you can also set the Paperwhite’s warmth levels to a schedule, which enables the e-reader to automatically adjust at a certain time. Having said that, it’s worth noting that the standard Paperwhite doesn’t offer automatic brightness, as that’s reserved for the slightly pricier Signature Edition.
Winner: Kindle Paperwhite
Features
- There’s a lack of third-party reading and audiobook services, as both have a focus on the Kindle store
- Both are equipped with 16GB storage
- Kindle Paperwhite promises up to twelve weeks of battery, while the Kindle provides half at six weeks
There aren’t many feature differences between the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite, as both offer a similar experience. In fact, the biggest difference is that the Paperwhite promises twelve weeks of battery, while the Kindle offers just six weeks.
If you want more features such as wireless charging and more storage space, although the 16GB found in both the Kindle and Paperwhite should be plenty of most people, then the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is a better choice.
What’s important to note about any Kindle iteration, is that Amazon really wants you to use the Kindle store or one of its subscription services to read or listen to audiobooks. If you’re an avid Libby user or want to import your own ePub files to the e-reader, then you’re better off without a Kindle and choose one of the best e-ink tablets instead.
Having said that, it’s worth noting that the Kindle store is packed and offers everything from classics to bestsellers and new launches. You can also access Audible audiobooks and, thanks to Bluetooth connectivity, you can pair your earbuds or a speaker with your Kindle too.
Amazon also offers various subscription services too, including Kindle Unlimited which offers access to millions of books and even selected magazine subscriptions.
Winner: Kindle Paperwhite
Verdict
Whether you prefer the entry-level Kindle or the pricier Kindle Paperwhite will depend on your budget and your own preferences. If you want a cheap and lightweight e-reader and don’t mind the lack of IP rating, warm lighting or sleek design, then the Kindle is more than enough.
However, if you’d prefer a larger display that allows you to adjust the warmth levels for a more comfortable reading experience, and want a longer battery life, then the Kindle Paperwhite might just be worth the additional splurge.
For us, what lets the entry-level Kindle down is its lack of warmth light settings. If you’re someone who predominately reads at night, then this is something you’ll likely miss too.
