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Photograph: Nena Farrell
There's no bad Kindle, in my opinion, but I don't recommend buying all of them. Here's the rest of the current Kindle lineup and my thoughts.
Kindle Aluminum (2026) for $190: The 6-inch Kindle got its first 32 GB version this year with the 2026 Kindle Aluminum, which has an aluminum body that comes in two beautiful colors. It also has the new AI features we've seen in newer models, Story So Far and Ask This Book (the latter is still to be released, though). While it's a beautiful device—everyone who's seen me reading on it has commented that the color is a huge temptation to invest in one—it's a bummer you're not getting much for the price. The lack of a warm option for a front light is a big downside for me as a nighttime reader (especially at this price point), but I love the size and feel of this aluminum e-reader otherwise.
Kindle Scribe (2025) for $500, Kindle Scribe Colorsoft (2026) for $680, and Kindle Scribe Without Front Light for $430: These are all essentially the same device with the same physical design and software experience, with some key differences: the Colorsoft version has a color screen and shorter battery life, and the Without Front Light has (obviously) no front light, so you can't use it in a dark room without an external light. All three models of the latest Kindle Scribe have a new, taller design with an 11-inch screen, a slightly slimmer form factor, and an updated stylus. They also have a quad-core chip and a new homepage, and will support a variety of AI features, including AI search (along with some AI tools for summarizing books you’re reading without giving spoilers, though those won’t arrive until next year). Users can connect to Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive to mark up documents, which the older model can’t do. Overall, I’d say they’re good devices, but as long as the cheaper second-generation Kindle Scribe is available, I think it’s the better buy.
The New Kindle AccessoriesAmazon launched new accessories along with its 2026 lineup of Kindles: the Kindle Click ($35) Bluetooth page-turner remote, the Kindle Page-Turn Cover ($80), and Amazon Wireless Charging Stand ($60), plus a variety of new covers from Amazon, including ones that will magnetically attach to the aluminum-backed versions of each Kindle. I've tested a few of these accessories so far, and while I've been happy with the experience, there's a clear winner for existing Kindle users. Here are all my thoughts on Amazon's range of new Kindle accessories so far.
Photograph: Nena Farrell
Photograph: Nena Farrell
Photograph: Nena Farrell
Courtesy of Amazon
Amazon
Kindle ClickThis is the best new accessory for a Kindle. It's backward compatible with 2024 Kindles, so you don't need the latest model to use it. The Kindle Click connects via Bluetooth to your device and has buttons on the front to turn the pages forward and back. The two small buttons on the side adjust the screen brightness. For the price, it's a great buy, and you won't need an extra dongle to attach to your Kindle like many third-party page turners require.
Amazon
Kindle Page Turn CoverThis cover works great if you want page-turn buttons on your device, but it only pairs with the new Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition or Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition, so it'll cost you $330 for the cheapest combination. At that point, you might as well get the Kobo Libra Colour instead. It does come in pretty colors to match the colorful variants of these Signature Editions.
Amazon
Kindle Slim Cover with Magnetic AttachThis is another option for the Signature Editions or the Kindle Aluminum. It attaches magnetically to the back of your Kindle's aluminum body and uses a plant-based leather to wrap around the cover's exterior. The inside has a microfiber interior that's safe to press against your e-reader's screen (and feels nice on your hand).
More Kindle AccessoriesLooking for more accessories to use with your Kindle? Here’s a handful of my favorite cases, grips, stands, and more. Check out my full guide to the Best Kindle Accessories for more recommendations. Most of these were tested on the older 2024 Kindles unless otherwise noted.
CoBak
Clear CaseThis sturdy, clear case has reinforced corners, making it a smart buy for chronic droppers. The corners didn’t stop any accessories from being able to work with the device, but they did give the Kindle a thicker feel than the Strapsicle or PopSockets cases.
Bondi
Kindle Paperwhite 12th Gen / Colorsoft CasesThese cases from Bondi have an entirely magnetic back, so you can stick your grip of choice whenever you want on the device (rather than being locked into a specific position). So far, the brand only has cases for the older models.
Lamicall
Tablet Pillow Stand HolderThis pillow stand holder can sit freely on your lap, bed, or any nearby surface while holding up your Kindle. There are two receptacles built into it, one of which is big enough for my larger mugs. I usually drop a snack or my phone into the other one.
Strapsicle
E-Reader Hand StrapThis soft silicone strap hooks onto the ends of a Kindle (or other e-reader) without any adhesive needed. It was nice and secure when I slid my hand into it. It comes with two straps, but a single strap was plenty of security for me.
PopSockets
PopCase Kindle and PopGripPopSockets came out with its own line of Kindle cases that have a built-in MagSafe adapter, so you can more easily add your PopSockets grip of choice. There are matching sets of cases and grips you can shop for, or you can mix and match as you please.
PopSockets
PopGripsThe PopSockets PopGrips are handy to add to Kindles so you can easily grip your device, but you will need to attach them with an adhesive, a MagSafe adapter, or a MagSafe Kindle case. There are a ton of fun designs, and you can even customize your own, like my custom WIRED PopGrip.
Why Are Kindles More Expensive Now?Amazon raised its prices across its product categories, including Kindle devices. The price increases hit several current Kindle models, leaving only Kindle Scribe models with their original price tags. Amazon declined to comment to WIRED, but a spokesperson told CNET the price hikes were due to rising costs in memory and storage components. Interestingly, none of the more powerful Scribe models needed a price update, but it’s also a relief since all three of those models are significantly more expensive than a regular Kindle.
Here are all the increases, including for the Signature versions. The new 2026 models all reflect this new pricing.
If you have your eyes on one of these Kindles, I’d wait until Black Friday to shop, as they'll likely be on sale.
If You’re Interested in Older (and Cheaper) KindlesAmazon usually takes a few years between new Kindle models; we just saw a new lineup launch after two years, and it's likely we'll see the 2024 model availability start to dwindle soon. But the 2022 (and earlier) models are also still around if you want a better deal. I only suggest buying these if they're on sale for the right price, though.
Before making your purchase, cross-check the price against the latest model to make sure you’re paying a fair amount less for the older device.
Kindle (2022): This is the smallest of the lot at 6.2 inches tall and 4.3 inches wide, with a 6-inch screen. If you find tablets too cumbersome to hold with one hand, consider this one, with 16 GB of storage and a 300 pixels per inch (PPI) resolution. It’s tough to find, and I usually don’t see it for less than $75 these days.
Kindle Paperwhite (2021): This is the next step up from the basic model. It has a bright 6.8-inch screen with adjustable warm lighting, a fast page-turn rate, a USB-C port, and 16 gigs of storage. It’s waterproof, too. I like the Signature Edition, which also includes auto-adjust brightness and 32 GBs of storage. I don’t recommend spending more than $100 on this one.
Kindle Scribe (1st Generation): The original Scribe is a great option for note-takers. It has a giant 10.2-inch screen for taking notes, marking up PDFs, or drawing, and numerous paper formats you can choose, like college-ruled or dotted. It also comes with the Basic Pen, which feels natural to write with and attaches to the side of the Scribe magnetically. It’s only worth it for $230 or less, and I often see it for below $200 on eBay.
Kindle Kids (2022): This is an older kid-friendly model. It comes with a cover, a year’s subscription to Amazon Kids+, parental controls, and a two-year warranty, but the fact that it’s only available secondhand means you’ll likely miss out on the subscription window and may or may not still have a cover. Ideally, you won't spend more than $70 on this one.
Kindle Paperwhite Kids (2021): This older Paperwhite version is a step up from the previous basic Kids models. It has a high-resolution 300-ppi display with an adjustable warm screen and is also waterproof. You shouldn’t spend more than $110 on this one if you can find it at all. (I couldn't find any resellers for this older model at the time of writing.)
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhich Kindle Models Lost Amazon Support and Kindle Store Access?
As of May 20, 2026, Amazon stopped supporting Kindles released in 2012 or earlier. That means these models will not be able to get new books through Amazon’s services or be registered to an Amazon account. You will be able to read books already on the device, though, and can manually download documents and books via USB cable and via software like Calibre.
The following Kindle devices are impacted:
What’s the Best Way to Buy or Sell an Older Kindle?
Have an old Kindle lying around? Considering buying a used one? If you’re trying to figure out which model you're dealing with, this Amazon page includes photos, specs, and release years for the entire lineup. Once you know which one you have, you may be able to trade it in for credit toward a newer model.
Most old Kindles probably still work, just with fewer bells and whistles. It’s best to avoid Kindles with keyboards or any other physical buttons other than page-turn buttons. Some older models lost the ability to browse, purchase, or borrow new books directly from the device. However, you may still be able to do this via Amazon on your computer or phone and have it sent to your Kindle, which is a better experience anyway.
How Do You Get Free or Cheap Ebooks on a Kindle?
If you buy every single book you want to read on a Kindle, it can add up! But there are ways to save some money while reading as much as your heart desires. You may want to subscribe to Kindle+ (previously called Kindle Unlimited) for $12 a month. You can only choose from the Kindle+ catalog, but it features millions of titles, including audiobooks and magazines. Start out with the 30-day free trial.
If you already pay for a Prime account, you’re eligible for some free ebooks through Prime Reading. It doesn't include as many options as Kindle+, and in a lot of cases, you’ll see both the Kindle+ and Prime options lumped together; you’ll have to look closely to find the free ebooks. It’s still something, though, and there are even a few magazines.
If you don’t want another monthly subscription and don’t want to continue giving your money to Amazon, take advantage of the ebooks available with your library card. Browsing a digital catalog is not as magical as spending an afternoon looking over every shelf in a library, but such is the ebook life (no one says you can’t read both!). We have a detailed how-to on this that you should check out, but here are some of the takeaways:
What Else Can a Kindle Do?
Kindles have other helpful features you may want to use. Long-press a word or phrase to see its definition, highlight it, or take notes. You can also search the entire book for that particular word or phrase or translate it to or from other languages.
Word Wise shows short definitions in small text within the lines. Unfortunately, it’s not available for all books, but when it is, you can turn it on or off and choose more and fewer hints. Clicking the short definition opens a longer one from Word Wise and the New Oxford American Dictionary or Oxford Dictionary of English (you can switch between the two), plus translations and a Wikipedia page, if applicable.
While reading, tap the top of the screen and click “Aa” to change font size or type. There’s a font called OpenDyslexic that helps make reading easier for people with dyslexia. You can control margin sizes and line spacing from that menu, too.
When a Kindle connects to a Bluetooth speaker or headphones, VoiceView Screen Reader (accessed through Settings > Accessibility) allows you to use gestures to navigate your device and reads aloud what you’ve pressed. It can also read a book aloud, though it doesn’t sound nearly as nice as an audiobook.
Amazon owns Goodreads, so it syncs seamlessly to Kindles (press the three-dot menu > Goodreads). If you have a Goodreads account, you can review the Kindle books you’ve read or browse your bookshelf and recommendations. Long-pressing a word or phrase, in addition to what is mentioned above, opens up an option to share quotes directly to Goodreads.
There’s also a web browser if you’re connected to the internet (three-dot menu > Web Browser). It’s not the best, so I’d reserve it for emergency searches.
How Do You Update a Kindle?
When Amazon releases a new software update, it will download and install to your Kindle automatically when the device is connected to Wi-Fi. You can check if you’re on the latest software by going to Settings > Device Options > Advanced Options > Update Your Kindle. If it’s not on the latest software version, you’ll see an update available and the Kindle will then prompt you to download and install it.
What Do I Do If My Kindle Colorsoft Has a Yellow Bar?
Following customer complaints in 2024 of a yellow bar at the bottom of the Colorsoft Signature’s screen and discoloration along the edges, an Amazon spokesperson confirmed to WIRED that "customers who notice this can reach out to our customer service team for a replacement or refund.” The company also said it’s “making the appropriate adjustments to ensure that new devices will not experience this issue moving forward.” We haven't seen any recent complaints about this issue, and haven't had any issues with a yellow bar appearing on any Colorsoft device WIRED has tested, including the new second-generation model.
Is Now a Good Time to Buy a Kindle?
The best time to buy a Kindle is during a major sale event like Amazon Prime Day, Prime Big Deals Days, Black Friday, or Cyber Monday, when Amazon often offers steep discounts on its products.
Are Kindles Good for Students?
Kindles are great for students, though the model that's best for each student depends on how they'll use it. If they want to pair it with a stylus for highlighting and be able to take notes, they should consider a Kindle Scribe model. These have long battery life, making them great for students to use for weeks on end without worrying about charging. Some textbooks are also available on Kindles. For students who love to read but don’t want to take a ton of notes, a regular Kindle or Kindle Paperwhite will work well.
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