Amazon’s Kindle range of e-reader tablets are certainly among the most popular options on the market right now, and while they’re sometimes outclassed by rival product offerings, there’s little doubt that they’re the most accessible gateways to the world of eBooks. In fact, Amazon’s 2024 lineup of new Kindle devices come in different hardware and pricing configurations, and there’s definitely something for everyone with different needs, usage patterns, and such.
So if you’re thinking about picking one up (or ordering one online) then you’ll want to check out this guide that we’ve prepared, which gives a rundown on all the basics that you should know when making your purchase decision. So which Kindle should you go for? Let’s take a look.
Bare Essentials
The cheapest of the bunch (not counting the kiddie version), Amazon’s entry-level Kindle model gets you all the basics for a reasonable amount of cash. Priced at around £105, it features a pretty lightweight and compact design (Amazon claims it weighs just at 158g). There are some spec bumps on the inside though, including the 300 ppi glare-free screen, which Amazon says comes with a higher contrast ratio, faster page turns, and 25% brighter when turned on the highest light setting. Additionally, it also comes with 16GB of storage which should hold more than enough books for most users.
The Best-Seller
If you want something with a bit more than the essentials, then the Kindle Paperwhite might be a better fit for you. The Paperwhite’s display features an oxide thin-film transistor for better contrast, allowing for a better reading experience compared to older models. The seven-inch display also gives you more real estate versus the smaller screen on the base model, and the device also packs a smoother experience with 25% faster page turns during usage. As for battery life, it can last for up to three months on a single charge. There’s also a Paperwhite Signature Edition which doubles the storage capacity to 32GB and also comes with wireless charging. It starts at £160.
Mightier with a Pen
While they lack certain features compared to portable computers like Apple’s iPads and Samsung Galaxy Tabs, the Kindle devices are tablets, after all. With that in mind, Amazon also sells a model with stylus compatibility in the form of the Kindle Scribe. In addition to the usual features found on other Kindles, you also get the benefit of taking down your notes, which feels pretty sweet thanks to the paper-like texture on the device’s 10-inch display. In addition to reading, the Scribe also comes with specific apps for note-taking which Amazon dubs “Active Canvas,” up to 64GB of storage, as well as support for AI features. It starts at £410, making it the most expensive one on this list.
A World of Colour
If you’d prefer something with a bit more colour to it (quite literally) then you might want to opt for the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition. The biggest highlight of this device is its display – you’ll find a 7-inch colour touchscreen, the first of its kind on a Kindle device. It’s also front-lit, meaning that you won’t need to worry about reading in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. A single charge can last users up to eight weeks, and it features up to 32GB of built-in storage, which should be able to fit a ton of eBooks all on-device. As for price, the Colorsoft comes priced at £270.
For Young Ones
If you’re after something for younger users, then the Kindle Kids model might be ideal for you – in addition to age-appropriate content, it comes with 16GB of built-in storage, and comes bundled with different-styled covers. There’s also a Kindle Paperwhite Kids model, and both devices come with a two-year guarantee and half a year of Amazon Kids+, a subscription service featuring thousand of books ad audiobooks. The Kindle Kids model starts at £115, while the Paperwhite Kids model starts at £170.
