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No, you probably don't need another device. But you might need a Kindle. There are a decent number of e-readers on the market, but having tried many of them, Kindles are the best. But which Kindle is the best? Well, that's the Kindle Paperwhite, especially after this year's update.
After a few years of waiting, Amazon finally released a new batch of Kindles. The lineup includes upgrades to every model, including the addition of the Kindle Colorsoft, the brand's first foray into a color e-reader. While we've yet to try the newest entry, we did get our hands on the 2024 Kindle Paperwhite.
The Kindle Paperwhite remains as good as ever, even if it's missing some updates we were hoping for. It's quick, lightweight, and easy to use. Here's why the Kindle Paperwhite is the best e-reader of the moment.
Kindle Paperwhite price and specs
The Kindle Paperwhite is a full-inch bigger than the standard Kindle model. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable
The 2024 Amazon Kindle Paperwhite costs $159.99 for the ad-supported device, while the model without lock screen ads costs $179.99.
In the past, Amazon has offered different storage options for each Kindle model, but 16GB is the new standard, and to upgrade to 32GB, you have to opt for the Signature Edition. Now, the only choice you have to make when purchasing the Kindle Paperwhite is whether to have ads or go ad-free.
No matter which version you go for, these are the specs for the 2024 Paperwhite.
7-inch display, up to 94 nits brightness and 300 ppi resolution (up from 6.8 inches on the 2021 model)
USB-C charging port with up to 12 weeks of battery life
16GB of storage
IPX8 waterproof rating can be fully submerged in water for up to one hour
Comes in black, raspberry, and jade
It's fast, with a vibrant screen
Before testing the 2024 Kindle Paperwhite, I thoroughly enjoyed the prior model, and I didn't think there was much to improve upon. It was already a quick-moving e-reader that made reading more convenient. However, the most significant upgrades come to the performance and screen.
The latest Kindle moves fast. The previous generation was already quick, so the 25 percent increase in speed isn't quite noticeable if you're moving from there, but it still improves the reading experience with far less loading in between page turns or stalling when opening and exiting books.
While the brightness and resolution specs haven't changed from the previous model, the screen on the 2024 model does look higher resolution, edging closer to the resolution of a tablet and away from the classic, dim e-reader. The Paperwhite's screen still sports a matte finish that is as easy to read outside on a sunny day as in a dark bedroom.
Building a library is cheap and convenient
You can buy or borrow books to build your Kindle collection. Credit: Samantha Mangino
You might not believe me when I say buying a $160 device makes your reading habit cheaper, but trust me when I tell you it will. The cost of a Kindle Paperwhite is the same as about five to six hardcover books, but luckily, Kindle e-books are a lot cheaper. If you plan on buying books from the Kindle store, eventually, the Kindle will earn itself in savings. Plus your purchases earn you points through the Kindle Rewards system, where every 300 points is turned into $3 in Kindle book credits. But there are even more affordable ways to read.
If you don't want to buy books, reading library books on your Kindle is so simple. With the Libby app, you can check out e-books from your local library and send them to your Kindle with the press of a button. It's the most effortless Libby integration besides the Kobo's. However, I prefer the Kindle integration as you can use multiple library cards to check out books, while the Kobo only allows you to use one at a time.
Another affordable reading option is the Kindle Unlimited Program. The subscription program lets users borrow books for as long as they want for a monthly fee of $11.99. You don't need a Kindle to use the program, as long as you have the Kindle app you can subscribe. However, with the purchase of a Kindle, you gain access to a free three-month trial.
Amazon also has a First Reads program where Prime members get free early access to editor-selected e-books. During Prime Day months, members get to select two free books.
The library interface is clunky
As much as I love how easy it is to read library books on my Kindle, they can also make the Kindle library clunky. After you read a library book and the loan expires, you won't be able to read the book. However, the cover still appears in your Kindle library.
Just like I want my books tidy IRL, I want them organized on my e-reader, too. However, there's no filter to hide your library books. Instead, if you want to hide the expired titles, you need to make a collection in your Kindle library to separate your library books from those you own.
The Paperwhite is better than the Signature Edition for this one reason
I have spent weeks with both the Paperwhite and the Signature Edition, and despite the SE's extra features, I prefer the Paperwhite. The reason is the ad-free lock screen. Yes, ads are annoying. However, the lock screen with ads forces you to swipe past the screen when you turn it on. This is different from the SE's screen, which automatically pushes past the lock screen when you hit the power button.
On its face, that sounds super convenient, saving you a step. That is until you throw the Signature Edition in your bag and pull it out to discover you've lost your page in your book because it accidentally turned on. Meanwhile, this was never an issue with the Paperwhite, which stayed locked while I was on the go.
This issue will be on any ad-free Kindle, not just the Signature Edition. You can add a PIN as a workaround, but like many users, I'd rather just swipe.
All these updates, but there's still room for improvement
From the previous model, the Kindle Paperwhite remains our favorite e-reader. However, it's missing a few upgrades that I was really hoping to see. Amazon should have moved the power button to the top of the Kindle rather than keeping it on the bottom. I hit the power button while holding the device constantly because of its placement. It could be fine if the Kindle had an internal gyroscope like the Kobo Libra Colour does, and the Kindle could rotate the page, but alas, another missing feature.
Another perk the Kobo Libra has over the Kindle is page-turning buttons. Amazon devastated users by discontinuing the Kindle Oasis in June 2024, taking away the only Kindle with page-turning buttons. I was hopeful that meant this new batch of Kindles would feature buttons, but they're noticeably absent. While the buttons aren't necessary — the Kindle's touchscreen is plenty responsive — having the buttons is just a better reading experience, which is why, in terms of ergonomics, the Kobo Libra is much better.
None of these missing features are dealbreakers, but they do remind us that the Kindle Paperwhite isn't perfect.
Is the Kindle Paperwhite worth it?
You can't beat the displays on the Kindle Paperwhite. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable
The Kindle Paperwhite is not just the best Kindle but the best e-reader overall. It's compact and lightweight, just the right size for toting around. The screen strikes the balance of tech and paper, and the adjustable warmth makes reading in the evening better for your eyes. With the release of the 2024 model, it's the fastest Kindle yet, which is good news. When you turn the physical page, it never buffers, so digital readers deserve the same.
While Amazon still leaves some to be desired, it remains the best e-reader you can buy. It's $10 more expensive than the last model but is still a good value.
To assess the 2024 Kindle Paperwhite, I spent weeks with it, using it daily. I tested it alongside the entire Kindle line-up for a comprehensive view of where it stands among other models. While using the Kindle, I considered the following:
Size and weight: I considered the size and shape of each Kindle, including if the Paperwhite was easy to read one-handed and if it fits in small bags.
Special features: I analyzed the Paperwhite's range of features, including adjustable warmth and brightness and a waterproof rating.
Price: Kindle models vary widely in price; based on its features, I assessed whether the Paperwhite's price is a good value.
Ease of use: How effortless was downloading and reading new books? Was it easy to organize the homepage and get library books on the Kindle?
Frequently Asked Questions
A lot is the same about these two; they both have 7-inch screens with 94 nits brightness and 300 ppi resolution. Each features USB-C charging, a 12-week battery life, and an IPX8 rating. While they're basically the same device in design and function, the Signature Edition has a few extras.
The Signature Edition features twice the amount of storage at 32 GB and includes wireless charging and auto-brightness, so you don't have to manually adjust (although you still can.) Plus, it has an ad-free lock screen if you want to avoid being inundated with Amazon trying to sell you more books when you're trying to make your way through your TBR. The Signature Edition also differs in device colors, offering metallic black, raspberry, and jade. However, having held both, the color difference is minuscule.
Boston-based Shopping Reporter, Samantha Mangino, covers all things tech at Mashable, rounding up the best products and deals. She’s covered commerce for three years, spending extensive time testing and reviewing all things home, including couches, steam irons, and washing machines. She thoroughly vets products and internet trends, finding out if those cozy gamer chairs are really as comfortable as TikTok claims.
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