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Which Amazon Kindle Is Right for You?

Which Amazon Kindle should you buy? Whether you're new to ereaders in general or are looking to upgrade, we have the details on what each Kindle brings to the table.

Chandra Steele
 & Chandra Steele Senior Features Writer

Our team tests, rates, and reviews more than 1,500 products each year to help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.

Our Expert
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65 EXPERTS
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41,500+ REVIEWS

Overview

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Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. Read our editorial mission & see how we test.

Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks

Related:
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  • Amazon Kindle (2019)
    Best for Budget-Minded Readers

    Amazon Kindle (2019)

    3.5 Good

    Pros & Cons

      • Front light
      • Similar performance to other Kindles
      • Not waterproof
      • Relatively low-resolution screen
      • Dated design

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The latest low-cost Kindle improves night reading with its front light, but the slightly more expensive Paperwhite offers better overall value for most readers.

    Specs & Configurations

    Book Formats HTML
    Book Formats MOBI
    Book Formats PDF
    Book Formats TXT
    Dimensions 6.3 by 4.5 by 0.3 inches
    Screen Size 6
    Storage Capacity 4
    Weight 6.1
    Get It Now
    Learn More Amazon Kindle (2019) Review
  • Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2018)
    Best for Amazon Readers

    Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2018)

    4.5 Outstanding

    Pros & Cons

      • Waterproof
      • Flat front is easy to clean
      • Plays audiobooks over Bluetooth
      • Long battery life
      • Doesn't support Immersion Reading

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The waterproof Kindle Paperwhite offers more for your money than any other ebook reader on the market.

    Specs & Configurations

    Book Formats HTML
    Book Formats MOBI
    Book Formats PDF
    Book Formats TXT
    Dimensions 6.6 by 4.6 by 0.3 inches
    Screen Size 6
    Storage Capacity 32
    Weight 6.4
    Get It Now
    Learn More Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2018) Review
  • Amazon Kindle Oasis (2019)
    Best for Style-Conscious Amazon Fans

    Amazon Kindle Oasis (2019)

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Adjustable backlight
      • Slim, striking design
      • Bright, crisp screen
      • Waterproof
      • Expensive
      • Clunky Overdrive compatibility

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The latest edition of the slim, waterproof Amazon Kindle Oasis adds a warmth-adjustable backlight for less eye strain, thought most people will be just fine spending nearly half the price on the Paperwhite.

    Specs & Configurations

    Book Formats HTML
    Book Formats MOBI
    Book Formats PDF
    Book Formats TXT
    Dimensions 6.3 by 5.6 by 0.3 inches
    Screen Size 7
    Storage Capacity 32
    Weight 6.8
    Get It Now
    Learn More Amazon Kindle Oasis (2019) Review
  • Amazon Kindle Kids Edition
    Best for Kids and Budget Buyers

    Amazon Kindle Kids Edition

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Excellent value
      • Parental dashboard lets you monitor your child's reading and control their Amazon product use
      • Not waterproof
      • FreeTime Unlimited pushes picture books that don't look great on the 6-inch screen

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    No matter your age, the Amazon Kindle Kids is a terrific value for anyone looking to buy an ebook reader.

    Specs & Configurations

    Book Formats HTML
    Book Formats MOBI
    Book Formats PDF
    Book Formats TXT
    Dimensions 6.4 by 4.7 by 0.5 inches
    Screen Size 6
    Storage Capacity 8
    Weight 10.2
    Get It Now
    Learn More Amazon Kindle Kids (2019) Review
  • Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020)
    Best for Video Playback and Zoom

    Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020)

    3.5 Good

    Pros & Cons

      • Inexpensive
      • Long battery life
      • Excellent audio
      • Hands-free Alexa support
      • Limited app compatibility
      • Sluggish performance

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    Amazon's inexpensive Fire HD 8 tablet continues to be an excellent value for the price, but its poor app store is really starting to feel limiting.

    Specs & Configurations

    Battery Life 9 hours, 25 minutes
    CPU Mediatek MT8168A
    Dimensions 8.0 by 5.4 by 0.4 inches
    Operating System Amazon Fire OS
    Screen Resolution 1,280 by 800 pixels
    Screen Size 8
    Storage Capacity 32
    Weight 12.5
    Get It Now
    Learn More Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) Review
  • Amazon Fire HD 10 (2019)
    Best for Big Screen Streaming at a Low Price

    Amazon Fire HD 10 (2019)

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Solid performance for the price
      • Good battery life
      • USB-C
      • Fire OS 7 brings many improvements
      • Limited app selection
      • Mediocre speaker quality and cameras

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    Amazon's Fire HD 10 remains the most reliable 10-inch tablet you can buy for $150, with solid performance, good battery life, and a sharp display.

    Specs & Configurations

    Battery Life 8 hours, 12 minutes
    CPU MediaTek MT8183
    Dimensions 10.3 by 6.3 by 0.4 inches
    Operating System Amazon Fire OS
    Screen Resolution 1,920 by 1,200 pixels
    Screen Size 10.1
    Storage Capacity 32
    Weight 17.8
    Get It Now
    Learn More Amazon Fire HD 10 (2019) Review
  • Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Edition (2019)
    Best for Big-Screen Kids' Tablet

    Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Edition (2019)

    3.5 Good

    Pros & Cons

      • Good value for tablet, case, warranty, and FreeTime Unlimited
      • FreeTime Unlimited content is high-quality and kid-safe
      • Tablet isn't waterproof
      • Limited apps in Amazon's store

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Edition is a safe, reliable tablet for children that will keep them occupied, but won't grow with them.

    Specs & Configurations

    Battery Life 6 hours, 14 minutes
    CPU MediaTek MT8183
    Dimensions 10.3 by 6.3 by 0.4 inches
    Operating System Amazon Fire OS
    Screen Resolution 1,920 by 1,200 pixels
    Screen Size 10.1
    Storage Capacity 32
    Weight 17.8
    Get It Now
    Learn More Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Edition (2019) Review
  • Amazon Fire 7 (2019)
    Best for Rock-Bottom Price

    Amazon Fire 7 (2019)

    3.0 Average

    Pros & Cons

      • Affordable
      • Increased storage options
      • Includes Hands-free Alexa
      • Poor performance
      • Disappointing display
      • Underwhelming sound quality
      • Amazon-centric OS limits app options

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    In 2021, Amazon's Fire 7 tablet is underpowered for almost every task. The Fire HD 8 is the better buy.

    Specs & Configurations

    Battery Life 7 hours
    CPU Mediatek MT8163
    Dimensions 7.6 by 4.5 by 0.4 inches
    Operating System Amazon Fire OS
    Screen Resolution 1,024 by 600 pixels
    Screen Size 7
    Storage Capacity 16
    Weight 10.1
    Get It Now
    Learn More Amazon Fire 7 (2019) Review
Which Amazon Kindle Is Right for You?

Compare Specs

Select Up To 3Select Up To 2
Your Selections
Amazon Kindle (2019)

Amazon Kindle (2019)

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2018)

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2018)

Amazon Kindle Oasis (2019)

Amazon Kindle Oasis (2019)

Our Pick
Amazon Kindle (2019)
Amazon Kindle (2019)
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2018)
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2018)
Amazon Kindle Oasis (2019)
Amazon Kindle Oasis (2019)
Amazon Kindle Kids Edition
Amazon Kindle Kids Edition
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020)
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020)
Amazon Fire HD 10 (2019)
Amazon Fire HD 10 (2019)
Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Edition (2019)
Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Edition (2019)
Amazon Fire 7 (2019)
Amazon Fire 7 (2019)
Amazon Kindle (2019)
Amazon Kindle (2019)
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2018)
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2018)
Amazon Kindle Oasis (2019)
Amazon Kindle Oasis (2019)
Rating
3.5 Good
4.5 Outstanding
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
3.5 Good
4.0 Excellent
3.5 Good
3.0 Average
3.5 Good
4.5 Outstanding
4.0 Excellent
Best For
Best for Budget-Minded Readers
Best for Amazon Readers
Best for Style-Conscious Amazon Fans
Best for Kids and Budget Buyers
Best for Video Playback and Zoom
Best for Big Screen Streaming at a Low Price
Best for Big-Screen Kids' Tablet
Best for Rock-Bottom Price
Best for Budget-Minded Readers
Best for Amazon Readers
Best for Style-Conscious Amazon Fans
Weight
6.16.46.810.212.517.817.810.16.16.46.8
Storage Capacity
4323283232321643232
Screen Size
6676810.110.17667
Screen Resolution
1,280 by 800 pixels1,920 by 1,200 pixels1,920 by 1,200 pixels1,024 by 600 pixels
Operating System
Amazon Fire OSAmazon Fire OSAmazon Fire OSAmazon Fire OS
Dimensions
6.3 by 4.5 by 0.3 inches6.6 by 4.6 by 0.3 inches6.3 by 5.6 by 0.3 inches6.4 by 4.7 by 0.5 inches8.0 by 5.4 by 0.4 inches10.3 by 6.3 by 0.4 inches10.3 by 6.3 by 0.4 inches7.6 by 4.5 by 0.4 inches6.3 by 4.5 by 0.3 inches6.6 by 4.6 by 0.3 inches6.3 by 5.6 by 0.3 inches
CPU
Mediatek MT8168AMediaTek MT8183MediaTek MT8183Mediatek MT8163
Book Formats
HTML, MOBI, PDF, TXTHTML, MOBI, PDF, TXTHTML, MOBI, PDF, TXTHTML, MOBI, PDF, TXTHTML, MOBI, PDF, TXTHTML, MOBI, PDF, TXTHTML, MOBI, PDF, TXT
Battery Life
9 hours, 25 minutes8 hours, 12 minutes6 hours, 14 minutes7 hours

Buying Guide: Which Amazon Kindle Is Right for You?

Load Up That Kindle With (Free) Ebooks

Amazon Kindle with images of books behind it

Your Kindle isn't just restricted to reading books from Amazon. Here's how to convert various other ebooks formats for the Kindle, and where to get free ebooks. And here's how to manage your books and devices to keep them all in order.

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Got a Kindle From Before 2013? Amazon Is Pulling Support

About Our Expert

Chandra Steele

Chandra Steele

Senior Features Writer

My Experience

My title is Senior Features Writer, which is a license to write about absolutely anything if I can connect it to technology (I can). I’ve been at PCMag since 2011 and have covered the surveillance state, vaccination cards, ghost guns, voting, ISIS, art, fashion, film, design, gender bias, and more. You might have seen me on TV talking about these topics or heard me on your commute home on the radio or a podcast. Or maybe you’ve just seen my Bernie meme. 

I strive to explain topics that you might come across in the news but not fully understand, such as NFTs and meme stocks. I’ve had the pleasure of talking tech with Jeff Goldblum, Ang Lee, and other celebrities who have brought a different perspective to it. I put great care into writing gift guides and am always touched by the notes I get from people who’ve used them to choose presents that have been well-received. Though I love that I get to write about the tech industry every day, it’s touched by gender, racial, and socioeconomic inequality and I try to bring these topics to light. 

Outside of PCMag, I write fiction, poetry, humor, and essays on culture.

My Areas of Expertise

  • Making incomprehensible tech news easy to understand
  • Expanding the boundaries of topics covered in the industry
  • Figuring out tips and tricks in apps and on devices and letting you know about them
  • Putting together gift guides for everyone in your life 

The Technology I Use

All that gadgets is gold for me: my iPhone 11 Pro, my fifth-generation iPad that I use only for streaming videos and music, my iPad mini 4 that I like to take with me whenever I carry a bag that can fit it, and my MacBook Pro. Why are they all different shades of gold, though? What’s going on, Apple? 

None of them quite live up to my two past loves: my LG Lotus LX600 phone and my Sony Walkman NW-E005 MP3 player. 

I've never given up wired earbuds so I was ahead of all those trend pieces. I use a Mangotek Lightning-to-3.5mm headphone jack adapter to connect them to my phone. 

I have had so many ebook readers, but I prefer paper to them all. Still, my Kindle Paperwhite is perfect for traveling or when I’m too impatient to wait for a book to be released in paperback.

Read the latest from Chandra Steele

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