Amazon Kindle Review: Which One Should You Buy?

We compared all the best Amazon Kindle models to help you choose the right one for your reading style and budget.

Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.

Book lovers know finding the best Amazon Kindle for their needs is important. Kindle eReaders promise a nearly unlimited supply of books without all the clutter or bulk. If you haven’t already scooped one up, the most popular Kindle models will be offered as part of this year’s best Black Friday deals. Amazon Kindle deals are consistently among our favorite Amazon Black Friday sales, and there are models for every member of the family.

Our own Amazon Paperwhite review proved to us that these useful reading tools help make reading the best non-fiction booksbest fiction books and all the books to read before you die a money-saving breeze. Kindle readers even give you access to thousands of free online books. Plus, they help free up your shelf space for the things you want more of—like family pictures and scented candles.

How to choose the best Amazon Kindle model

Four extremely popular Amazon Kindle models are currently available for shoppers, each delivering a different user experience. Choose between the Amazon Kindle Basic, Amazon Kindle Paperwhite, Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids and Amazon Kindle Oasis.

Determining your budget is the first factor in finding the best Amazon Kindle for your lifestyle: Some models fall well below $100, while others with futuristic features can cost three times as much. You should also consider how much reading you typically do. While eReaders make it easier to read more content, more often, those who only read a few hours a week might be best served by an affordable model like the Basic. These make catching up on occasional true crime books and thriller books an affordable pursuit. If you’re knee-deep in online book clubs and audiobook downloads, you’ll want to choose a beefier model like the Paperwhite or Oasis.

Amazon Kindle Basic review

Kindle 2019 Release With A Built In Front Light Ecomm Amazon.comVIA MERCHANT

The Amazon Kindle Basic is the cheapest of all the Kindle offerings, and a solid entry point for those who have yet to experience the joys of an eReader. It’s been on the market since March 2019, so it’s tried and true by hundreds of thousands of Amazon shoppers and eager readers. This model’s biggest wins are a large back-lit screen display, impressive battery endurance and enough storage for all the highest-rated books on your wish list.

Pros

  • Budget-friendly price
  • Slim design
  • Back-lit display
  • Impressive battery endurance
  • Enough storage for plenty of books

Cons

  • While it has loads of storage for books, it may not offer enough space for a large collection of family audiobooks or image-heavy graphic books.

Shop Now

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite review

Kindle Paperwhite (8 Gb) Now With A 6.8 Display And Adjustable Warm Light Ecomm Amazon.comVIA MERCHANT

The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is the best Amazon Kindle for an upgraded user experience at a moderate price point. It’s cheaper than the higher-end Oasis model, but still offers premium display features. Adjustable warm light, a bigger screen-to-body ratio and glare-free viewing are a few of the most beloved features.

Another element that sets it apart is the standard USB-C charging port. This marks a major departure from the Basic model’s potentially-frustrating micro USB port. That means most standard headphones, chargers and other tech items will work seamlessly with the Paperwhite. It’s so versatile and easy to love that we think it is consistently one of the best Amazon products around.

Pros

  • Improved user experience from the Basic model
  • Adjustable warm light
  • Bigger screen-to-body ratio
  • Multiple memory offerings
  • USB-C port
  • Waterproof

Cons

  • More expensive than the Basic model, but still moderately priced

Shop Now

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids review

Kindle Paperwhite (8 Gb) Now With A 6.8 Display And Adjustable Warm Light Ecomm Amazon.comVIA MERCHANT

Young readers can’t get enough of the Kindle Paperwhite Kids. It’s easily the best Amazon Kindle for kids of all ages. The larger-format screen, adjustable back-lighting and multiple storage capacity options make it a winning choice. It’s also relatively budget friendly and offers up to 10 weeks of battery life per charge.

This child-friendly model also has a USB-C port like its adult Paperwhite counterpart. That makes charging and using headphones a simple task for little ones. All you’ll have to do is fill it with free online books for kids and watch their love of reading take off.

Pros

  • Ideal size and screen-to-case ratio for younger readers
  • An upgrade from the Amazon Basic, and better for reading graphic novels and comic books
  • Moderate price point
  • Long-lasting battery can go for up to 10 weeks
  • USB-C port
  • Waterproof

Cons

  • It’s so different from the adult Paperwhite, so if you’re looking at a gift for tweens or teens, you can probably get the original version.

Shop Now

Amazon Kindle Oasis review

Kindle Oasis – With 7” Display And Page Turn Buttons Ecomm Amazon.comVIA MERCHANT

The Oasis is the most luxurious of all the Kindle models, and likely the best Amazon Kindle option for those looking for a fancier presentation and robust storage. It offers the biggest screen of all the models, improved back-lighting and a metal-encased body that feels a bit like an iPad. Like other Kindle options, shoppers can choose from a slightly cheaper ad-supported version or an ad-free model that costs about $20 more.

The exterior also boasts a more elegant color scheme. Choose from a champagne metal finish or a graphite color, and then decide whether you need a modest eight gigs or hearty 32GB. We suggest going with a full 32 if you’re prone to storing audiobooks and graphic-heavy content.

Pros

  • The most upgraded Kindle model of all
  • Metal-encased body in two colors
  • Robust storage options
  • Adjustable warm light
  • Waterproof

Cons

  • Significantly more expensive than the other Kindle models

Shop Now

What is Kindle Unlimited?

Voracious readers love Kindle Unlimited, an all-you-can-read monthly Kindle membership plan that features over one million books. Choose from some of the best fantasy books, books for teens, the scariest books for thrill-seekers and under-the-radar novels.

How much is Kindle Unlimited?

Signing up for Kindle Unlimited is quick and easy—especially for existing Prime members. At $9.99 per month, it costs just a little more than the venti latte you’ll likely sip as you read. If you’re cycling through multiple books each month, the monthly fee can really pay off. It also makes an affordable and thoughtful tech gift for friends and family who already have one of the best Amazon Kindle models.

Where to buy the best Amazon Kindle models

Head to directly to Amazon to buy any of these best-selling Kindle models. While everyday prices on the Basic and Paperwhite models are already affordable, the retailer also offers plenty of Black Friday Kindle discounts. After you’ve ordered, head over to the site’s selection of Amazon Kindle book titles to start downloading your favorites. You can also download books for free on your Kindle.

Bryce Gruber
Bryce Gruber is an expert in gift ideas, shopping, and e-commerce. You've likely seen her work across a variety of women's lifestyle and parenting outlets and on TV shows. She lives and works in New York's Hudson Valley with her five small children.