There's only one Kindle actually worth buying right now

Summary

Skip the basic Kindle if you’re experienced with e-reading due to its limitations.
Kindle Colorsoft is for graphic novel enthusiasts, but not best for text-based reading.
Kindle Paperwhite is the best model for its features, like warm light and battery life.

When it comes to Kindle devices, I’m a little bit of a hoarder. I can’t tell you how convenient it is to have a Kindle for keeping in my bag, a Kindle for bedtime that stays in my room, and a Kindle for my office, which is definitely not for reading at work (don’t tell my boss).

Though I may potentially have too many units, this collection habit has given me some insight into which Kindle models are most worth your money with the current device lineup. Though your individual situation may be a little different, in my mind there’s actually only one Kindle that is currently worth its price tag, and it’s honestly not even close.

I’m excluding the Kindle Scribe, not only because I don’t have one myself, but because I don’t really consider it a reading-focused device, as it is used more for writing and note-taking, making it a completely different value proposition than other, reading-only Kindles.

I really wish this new Kindle feature wasn’t broken

Kindle’s new page turning feature is neat, I just wish it worked better

The entry-level Kindle is simply too basic for the advanced reader

It is great for newbies though

Make no mistake, if you’re just dipping your toe into the world of e-reading, the basic Kindle is the best device around. Small in form, and decent in function, this tiny little workhorse is great for kids, new e-readers, or even those who are looking for a second Kindle to toss in their bag.

However, if you’ve been around the block with e-reading, you’ll probably find Amazon’s entry-level model a little bit lacking. Its bluish light can be uncomfortable to read in darkness, its 6-inch screen means you’ll be turning pages more frequently, and its weird raised bezel makes it susceptible to attracting a surprising amount of dirt and dust if you don’t use a case.

In addition, this unit is not waterproof, which makes it a little bit dangerous to take to the beach or on a cruise ship. While there are some instances where getting a base model makes sense, it’s hardly the best model on the market and for the $110 price, you’re better off opting for something else.

Amazon Kindle (2024)

Storage: 16GB
Screen Size: 7-inch E Ink (300ppi)
Connections: USB-C
Size: 6.2 x 4.3 x 0.32-inches
Weight: 5.56oz (157g)

This Kindle (2024) is perfect for your back pocket and won’t break your wallet

The 2024 Kindle base model doesn’t change much from its predecessor, but it doesn’t have to.

The Kindle Colorsoft only makes sense if you’re really into graphic novels

Skip it if more than 80% of your reading is text-based

I actually really like the Kindle Colorsoft, and have been using it frequently as my “main” Kindle. However, I also really like reading manga and comic books. I’ve been re-reading a lot of Daredevil volumes while watching the new Disney+ series, Daredevil: Born Again, and if you’re like me, the Kindle Colorsoft is actually your best bet on this list, as it handles color pages with ease.

However, if you don’t read graphic novels, there is absolutely no reason for you to get a Kindle Colorsoft. Sure, it boasts some additional settings, and color covers look cool, but for its eye-watering $280 price tag, there’s no reason that a primarily text-based novel reader should buy this ultra-premium device. You simply won’t get enough value out of it.

Kindle Colorsoft

Storage: 32GB
Brand: Kindle
Screen Size: 7-inch Colorsoft Display (300ppi BW, 150ppi color)
Connections: USB-C
Size: 5 x 7 x 0.3-inches
Weight: 7.7oz (219g)

An almost-perfect Kindle? Why the Colorsoft left me torn

The Kindle Colorsoft is an amazing e-reader, especially for comic book fans, but its high price is a strong deterrent.

The Kindle Paperwhite is the perfect blend of form and function

And it’s not all that expensive, either

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite header image — Pocket-lint / Amazon

Pocket-lint / Amazon

Which brings us to the Kindle Paperwhite. At $160, this certainly isn’t Amazon’s cheapest e-reader, but it is its most fully-featured model. With a 7-inch screen, this device already feels like a substantial upgrade from the base model Kindle, but it also includes a warm light reading feature and a battery that lasts over a month, even with heavy usage. Throw in bonuses like faster page turns and waterproofing, and you simply can’t do better than the Kindle Paperwhite for the ultimate reading experience.

It may not be the cheapest Kindle, but it is certainly the best, and for $160 you can grab a device that will keep you reading for years to come.