(checked 2026-10-10)Amazon shows a 'newer model' notice on this page because the Kindle (2026) is on sale.
Wirecutter's top pick for most people, and Tom's Guide's best-value Kindle: small, sharp and long-lasting. But it isn't waterproof, it shows lock-screen ads unless you pay to remove them, and it ties you to Amazon's store.
Top complaints
- Not waterproof, no warm light
Wirecutter, Tom's Guide, Engadget and NBC Select all list the lack of water resistance as a drawback. Engadget and Tom's Guide also note there's no adjustable warm light, unlike the Paperwhite.
- Price creep, ads and Amazon lock-in
Wirecutter says the 2024 Kindle cost $10 more at launch than its predecessor and is now $40 above its launch price because of a RAM shortage. Engadget says lock-screen ads are on by default and cost $20 to remove, and that Kindle DRM books only work on Kindle devices and apps. TechRadar left it off its main list because it no longer represents good value at full price. Tom's Guide calls being locked into Amazon's ecosystem a drag.
- Glitches and mixed battery reports
Amazon's review summary says reliability is mixed, with some owners reporting frequent glitches, and battery life is mixed, with some calling it terrible. Tom's Guide lists slow download speed as a con.
What owners love
- Sharp, bright screen
Wirecutter says its 300 ppi screen is on a par with the Paperwhite's and reaches the same 94 nits. Tom's Guide calls the display bright and crisp.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT), Tom's Guide - Small and light
Wirecutter calls it the most portable Kindle. Amazon shoppers praise its compact size and one-handed comfort.
- Huge store and easy library loans
Wirecutter cites Amazon's large catalog, frequent low prices and easy Libby delivery. Engadget praises the audio-to-text integration.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT), Engadget
- You read in the bath or by the pool (no waterproofing)
- You don't want lock-screen ads
- You want to buy EPUBs from other stores
- Readers already buying Kindle books or using Kindle Unlimited
- A pocketable 6-inch reader
- US library borrowers using Libby
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Top pick (updated 2026-10-01). Its flaws are no waterproofing, a $10 launch price increase, recycled plastic that scratches easily, and extra steps to load EPUBs.
- Tom's Guide: Best for value (updated 2026-10-07). The cons are a higher price than before, limited storage for large files, slow downloads and no water protection.
- Engadget: Best budget pick: compact and durable. It has no warm light, isn't waterproof, can't read third-party DRM ebooks, and shows lock-screen ads by default.