In the Venn diagram of tablets and books, our favorite e-readers fall right in the middle. They’re thin and portable like tablets, but without the mess of the Internet. The best Kindles and e-readers cram thousands of books — an entire library, really — into a tiny frame.
And after testing a lot of e-readers for Mashable, I can tell you that the Amazon Kindle lineup of devices comes closest to being better. All over the Internet, you’ll find TikTok users enthusiastically singing the praises of the Kindle and how to get the most out of it. For parents, the Kindle is a screen you don’t have to feel guilty about. For avid readers, Stuff Your Kindle Day lets you fill out your summer reading list. You can also purchase Kindle accessories like a remote page-turner and a gooseneck stand so you don’t have to hold your Kindle while reading.
If you’re ready to invest in a Kindle, check out our guide to find the best one for you. And, with Black Friday coming up on November 28, 2025, it pays to do your research ahead of time. Amazon is conservative when it comes to deals on Kindles, only marking down its e-readers during big shopping events like Prime Day or Black Friday. We expect to see discounts on the new Kindle during Black Friday, but deals will be available early. If you’re not worried about buying a new device, Amazon already has a deal on the new Kindle Paperwhite e-reader.
Meet the latest generation of Kindle e-readers
Can’t decide between the Kindle and the Kindle Paperwhite? We made them sit face to face.
Credit: Samantha Mangino/Mashable
I read more than 50 books per year. Here are my favorite e-readers.
A lot has changed since the Kindle was first launched in 2007. Although it was released just a few months after the first iPhone, the Amazon Kindle has received fewer updates. By 2025, we’re on the 12th generation of Kindles; The latest comes in October 2024. Every model – the basic Kindle, Paperwhite, Signature Edition, Scribe, and Kids models – all got an upgrade. And unfortunately, the Kindle Oasis, a waterproof model with page-turning buttons, was discontinued.
Kindle’s first color e-reader arrives 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.
As of September 30, 2025, Amazon also announced a revised Kindle Scribe. The new model is exceptionally thin and has a front light for a brighter display. Plus, the new ColorSoft version of Scribe lets you annotate, journal, or sketch in color. However, as of November 2025, neither the Kindle Scribe nor the Kindle Scribe ColorSoft are available for preorder yet, but we’ll update this guide once we’ve fully tested the devices.
No matter which model you choose, all of 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 wrong decision in this product line.
So, which is the best Kindle for you? Let me help you decide.
Which Kindle is right for you?
If you are concerned about purchasing the latest technology, that is not a problem. There are six updated Kindle models for sale, as well as older versions still in stock.
Before choosing a Kindle, you have to ask a question: Do you want it to be waterproof? If you like to read near water – whether in the shower, near the pool, or at the beach – this immediately narrows down your options. Since the Kindle Oasis is no longer available, your waterproof options are the Kindle Paperwhite, Paperwhite Signature Edition, ColorSoft Signature Edition, and Paperwhite Kids.
Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition settings screen.
Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable
Besides water resistance, there are some other features to consider:
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Display Size: The basic Kindle has a 6-inch display, while the largest has a 10.2-inch display.
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storage capacity: The storage capacity of Kindle ranges from 16GB to 32GB.
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battery life: Newer Kindles generally have excellent batteries. At the lower end, they last up to six weeks per charge, while others last up to 12 weeks.
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Writing Ability: The Kindle Scribe is the only model that allows you to write with the included stylus.
The latest Kindles feature a high-resolution display with a maximum brightness of 94 nits and 300 ppi, zero glare, so you can enjoy sharp text and images at any viewing angle. Kindles are also equipped with WiFi connectivity, so you can download all the reading material you want. Plus, you can listen to audiobooks on Audible through the built-in Bluetooth connection.
Needless to mention, out of all the e-readers I tested, Kindles have the best compatibility with Libby. I like digital platforms 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 the e-reader, but with Kindle, your e-books are sent directly to your device with a single click.
And if you were a die-hard fan of the Kindle Oasis and are attached to the page-turning buttons, you may have to stray from the Kindle line-up. Now, your best bet would be the Kobo Libra color.
How to Get Free eBooks on Kindle
With just one click, transfer your Libby e-books to your Kindle device.
Credit: Samantha Mangino/Mashable
Your Libby eBook will automatically be added to your Kindle library.
Credit: Samantha Mangino/Mashable
Libby is the best way to read free e-books on Kindle. 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 the Stuff Your Kindle event. These are author-run programs that offer limited-time deals on e-books, often making them deeply discounted or completely free.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Kindle
Through our testing and daily use, we’ve spent a lot of time with Kindles, and learned how to get the most out of them. We’ve written in detail on all the ways to maximize your Kindle, so be sure to browse our guides and explainers: