In the Venn diagram of tablets and books, our favorite e-readers fall perfectly in the middle. They’re thin and portable like a tablet, but without the distraction of the internet. The best Kindles and e-readers stuff thousands of books — a full library, really — into their tiny frame.
And having tested a lot of e-readers for Mashable, I can tell you that Amazon’s Kindle lineup comes closest to perfecting the devices. All over the internet, you’ll find TikTok users enthusiastically singing the praises of the Kindle. For parents, Kindles are a screen you don’t have to feel guilty about. For avid readers, Stuff Your Kindle Day lets you fill up your summer reading list. You can buy remote page-turners and gooseneck stands so you don’t have to hold your Kindle while reading. Even hardcore book collectors have been converted to the Kindle life.
Meet the newest generation of Kindle e-readers
Can’t decide between the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite? We put them head-to-head..
Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable
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 Kindles; the latest arrived in October 2024. Every model — the basic Kindle, the Paperwhite, Signature Edition, Scribe, and Kids models — all got upgrades. And unfortunately, the Kindle Oasis, a waterproof model with page-turning buttons, was discontinued.
Kindle’s first color e-reader also arrived in late 2024, and as of July 2025, the Colorsoft lineup includes three models. The Colorsoft is the second most expensive option among Kindles, and after finally getting our hands on a model, we’ve added it to this guide.
The latest Kindles are lightweight, easy to use, and compatible with Libby, so you can support your local library (and get free books, of course). Basically, it’s hard to make a bad decision in this product category. So, what’s the best Kindle for you? Let me help you decide.
Which Kindle is right for you?
If you’re concerned about buying the newest tech, that’s not an issue. There are six updated Kindle models for sale, as well as older editions still in stock.
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. Since the Kindle Oasis is no longer available, you have some other choices. Your waterproof options are the Kindle Paperwhite, Paperwhite Signature Edition, Colorsoft Signature Edition, and Paperwhite Kids.
The Kindle Paperwhite Signature edition settings screen.
Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable
Beyond water resistance, here are a few other features to consider:
-
Display size: The basic 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.
And if you were a die-hard Kindle Oasis fan and are attached to page-turning buttons, you may need to stray from the Kindle line-up. Now, your best bet will be the Kobo Libra Colour.
How to get free e-books on Kindle
With just a click, transfer your Libby e-book to your Kindle device.
Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable
Your Libby ebook will automatically populate in your Kindle library.
Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable
The best way to read free e-books on a Kindle is with Libby. Libby allows you to borrow e-books through libraries, and all you need is a library card. Through the Libby app, borrow books and then select the “read with Kindle” option, which allows you to send these e-books to your Kindle library.
Another option for finding free e-books is through Stuff Your Kindle events. These are author-driven events that offer limited-time deals on e-books, often making them heavily discounted or totally free.
How to make the most of your Kindle
Through our testing and daily use, we’ve spent a lot of time with Kindles, learning how to make the most of them. We’ve written extensively on all the ways to maximize your Kindle, so be sure to browse through our guides and explainers:
