E-readers are the perfect sliver of the tablet and book Venn diagram. They're thin and portable like a tablet, but without the distraction of the internet and hundreds of apps. However, e-readers stuff thousands of books — a full library — into their tiny frame. So instead of struggling to fit just a few books into your tote bag, you can just slip it in and go.

And having tested a lot of e-readers, it's clear that Amazon is closest to perfecting the devices. All over the internet, you'll find TikTok users enthusiastically singing the praises of the best Kindles. You'll find fans shouting from the rooftops about their hacks for finding discounted Kindle books through events like Stuff Your Kindle Day, plus a bounty of tips on how to upgrade your Kindle. Now you can even buy remote page-turners, so you don't even need to hold your Kindle while reading.

And listen, I get it. Kindles are lightweight, easy to use, and compatible with Libby, so you can still support your local library (and get free books, of course). And if you want a pro tip, 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.

But if you can't wait for the next sale and are eager to get your hands on one, we've laid out everything you need to know about the basic Kindle to the Kindle Paperwhite. Here are the best Kindles, and which one is right for you.

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 basic Kindle, the Paperwhite, Signature Edition, Scribe, and Kids models all got upgrades. And unfortunately the Kindle Oasis, a waterproof model with page-turning buttons, was discontinued.

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.

Can't decide between the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite? We put them head-to-head.. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

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. Since the Kindle Oasis is no longer available, you have some other choices. 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 basic 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.

And if you were a die-hard Kindle Oasis fan and are attached to page-turning buttons, you may need to stray from the Kindle line-up. Now your best bet will be the Kobo Libra Colour.