The best Kindle for every type of reader (tested by an avid reader)

If your shoulder could use a break from all the books in your tote bag, it’s time to get a Kindle. All over the internet, you’ll find TikTok users enthusiastically singing the praises of Amazon’s e-readers. You’ll find fans shouting from the rooftops about their hacks for finding discounted Kindle books through events like Stuff Your Kindle Day.

Plus, there’s a bounty of tips on how to upgrade your Kindle. Now you can buy remote page-turners, so you don’t even need to hold your Kindle while reading. And having tested my way through the Kindle lineup, I get the hype. 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 Amazon sale. 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. Every model, the Paperwhite, Signature Edition, Scribe, and Kids models all got upgrades.

Kindle’s first color e-reader arrived in late 2024, and is the only model I’ve not tested. I’m eager to see how it compares — especially with the Kobo Clara Colour and Kobo Libra Colour.

What’s the best Kindle to buy in 2025?

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. Among the Kindles, your waterproof options are the Kindle Paperwhite, Paperwhite Signature Edition, Colorsoft Signature Edition, and Paperwhite Kids.

Beyond water resistance, 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.