The best Kindle for every type of reader

If you’re ready to stop lugging around your hardcovers and paperbacks and ready to put your whole library in your pocket, it’s time to get a Kindle. The e-reader market has grown wildly over the past few years, and I’m not saying BookTok is to blame, but I’m not not saying that.

All over the internet, you’ll find TikTok users enthusiastically singing the praises of Amazon’s e-readers and their hacks for finding discounted Kindle books through events like Stuff Your Kindle Day. You can even buy remote page-turners so you don’t even need to hold your Kindle while reading. And in this case, I’m not afraid to go with the crowd: the best Kindles give you a whole new way to read. They’re lightweight, easy to use, and compatible with Libby, so you can still support your local library (and get free books, of course).

Shopping events like Prime Day and Black Friday are the best times to buy a Kindle. Historically, we’ve seen great deals on Kindles pop up during these events, so if you don’t need a Kindle urgently, wait for the next Prime Day. However, we’re deal-hunting every day at Mashable, so keep an eye on our coverage for surprise Kindle deals.

The new generation of Kindle e-readers

A lot has changed since the Kindle first debuted in 2007. While it was released just a few months after the first iPhone, the Amazon Kindle has received fewer updates. As of 2025, we’re on the 12th generation of Kindle updates; the latest arrived in October 2024. I recently got my hands on Amazon’s latest models to see what they offer.

Kindle’s first color e-reader arrived in late 2024, and I’ve yet to get my hands on it, but I’m eager to see how it compares — especially with the Kobo Libra Colour. Plus, as of Dec. 4, 2024, the redesigned Kindle Scribe is now available for the scribblers, and it has four times the storage as the past model.

What’s the best Kindle to buy in 2025?

If you’re concerned about buying the newest tech, that’s not an issue. As of December 2024, there are six updated Kindle models for sale, as well as older editions still in stock. The Kindle Scribe was the latest to get a revamp, and we’ll update this guide when we get a chance to test the new model.

Can’t decide between the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite? We put them head-to-head..
Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Before you choose a Kindle, you need to ask one question first: Do you want it to be waterproof? If you prefer reading near a body of water — whether in the bath, by the pool, or at the beach — that immediately narrows down your options. Among the Kindles, your waterproof options are the Kindle Paperwhite, Paperwhite Signature Edition, Colorsoft Signature Edition, and Paperwhite Kids.

Beyond whether or not you need a waterproof device, here are a few other features to consider:

• Display size: The smallest Kindle has a 6-inch display, while the largest has a 10.2-inch display.

• Storage capacity: Kindles range from 16GB to 32GB of storage capacity.

• Battery life: The new Kindles generally have outstanding batteries. On the low end, they last up to six weeks per charge, while others last up to 12 weeks.

• Writing capability: The Kindle Scribe is the only model that allows you to write with the included stylus. 

The latest Kindles all boast a maximum brightness of 94 nits and a 300 ppi, high-resolution display with zero glare, so you can enjoy sharp text and images at any viewing angle. Kindles are also equipped with WiFi connectivity, allowing you to download all the reading material you could ever want. Plus, you can listen to audiobooks on Audible via the built-in Bluetooth connection.

Not to mention, out of all the e-readers I’ve tested, Kindles have the best compatibility with Libby. I love the digital platform because I can read for free and support my local library. Some other e-readers require you to download your library e-book to a computer and then upload it to an e-reader, but with Kindles, your e-books are sent straight to your device with a click.