UPDATE: January 9, 2024, 5:51 p.m. EST This article was last updated in January 2024 to reflect new pricing information.
If you’re looking for the best Kindle to buy in 2024, you’re spoiled for choice. Amazon now makes a Kindle for every type of reader (including the cute but highly functional Kindle Kids version).
If you haven’t yet been converted to the wonderful world of Amazon Kindle readers, we have to ask, honestly: What the hell are you waiting for?
We know nothing compares to the feel of a book in your hands as you thumb through page after tempting page. However, even if you are a bibliophile whose favorite smell is that of a bookstore (guilty), Kindles have undeniable benefits. You no longer need to pack 10 different books when you go on vacation because you never know which book will match your mood at any given moment. You can also read by the pool or on the beach without worrying about damaging your precious literature.
As of January 2024, Amazon is making seven different Kindles with a huge variety of features. This includes a new generation of Amazon e-readers released in 2022, as well as some older models that are worth buying. We’ve rounded up our favorites below along with highlights from our Kindle reviews, so read on to find the best Kindle for your reading pleasure.
Testing the auto-fit feature on the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition.
Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable
What should I look for in the best Kindles?
When shopping for a new Kindle, consider the following factors:
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Screen size. The smaller Kindle has a 6-inch screen while the larger has a 10.2-inch screen.
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Storage capacity. Depending on the model, Kindles can have anywhere from 8GB to 64GB of storage capacity to store many thousands of your favorite reads at a time.
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Battery life. Kindles generally have excellent battery life (depending on your usage), but some models are even more impressive. On the low end, they last up to six weeks per charge, while others last up to 12 weeks.
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Waterproof protection. Not all Kindles are waterproof, but those that are provide peace of mind in the event of accidental immersion in water without causing damage.
Beyond these variable factors, all the latest Kindles feature a 300 ppi, high-resolution display with zero glare, so you can enjoy sharp text and images at any viewing angle. All Kindles are also equipped with WiFi connectivity so you can access and download all the reading material you could ever want. (However, select Kindle readers also allow free cellular connectivity, so you have more options.) All Kindles also offer parental control options, whether or not you’ve purchased a Kindle device specially made for children. Additionally, you can listen to audiobooks on Audible through any Kindle’s built-in Bluetooth connection.
What Features Does Kindles Offer?
In addition to the aforementioned standard features found in most (if not all) of the latest Kindle models, there are also specialized features you’ll find in higher-end models. To choose the right Kindle for your lifestyle, you should consider your particular needs and preferences as you shop.
Kindle Scribe is the only Kindle e-reader that comes with its own stylus for taking notes.
Credit: Molly Flores/Mashable
Maybe you like to read outside often. you’ll want a Kindle with auto-adjust lighting so you don’t have to worry about constantly adjusting the brightness for optimal viewing in your current environment. The Kindle Oasis, Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, and Kindle Scribe all have this auto-adjust feature. Or, maybe you tend to read during your daily commute and can’t count on more than one hand being free to hold your reading material. You’ll want a Kindle with easy page turn buttons so you can turn to the next page with one hand, and automatic page orientation rotation so you can switch seamlessly from one hand to the other — the Kindle Oasis.
Or, maybe you like to read before bed and want to cut out the blue light that tends to keep us awake and alert. you’ll need a Kindle that has an adjustable warm light feature so you can change the screen color from white to orange. After the release of Kindle Scribe in 2022, there’s even a Kindle that will let you annotate your texts for future reference.