(checked 2026-10-10)Moderate sample (2,981 ratings). Amazon shows a 'newer model' notice because a 2026 Colorsoft is on preorder.
The color Kindle, and Tom's Guide's best color pick: fast and waterproof, with the whole Kindle library. Reviewers say it's pricey, black-and-white text is a little less sharp than on a Paperwhite, and early units had a yellow band at the bottom of the screen.
Top complaints
- Expensive for what it adds
Tom's Guide says the only real catch is price. TechRadar says it doesn't feel premium enough for the price. Engadget says the Paperwhite is better value unless color matters a lot. Amazon owners are split on value.
- Screen less crisp, dim or bluish
Engadget found black-and-white text slightly less sharp and contrasty, and the screen blue-leaning in low light. Amazon's summary says some owners find the display not as crisp as expected and the brightest setting still dark. Wirecutter says color E Ink looks muted compared with a tablet.
- Yellow band on early units
Engadget's review unit developed a yellow band along the bottom of the display, and multiple owners reported the same. Amazon offered replacements or refunds and says software and display changes fixed it in newer units.
Source: Engadget review, Engadget
What owners love
- Best color on a mainstream e-reader
Wirecutter says color looks more vibrant and saturated than on Kobo's color readers. Tom's Guide says it stays readable even in direct sunlight.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT), Tom's Guide - Fast and waterproof
Engadget praises quick page turns and pinch-to-zoom. TechRadar likes the speedy refresh. It's rated IPX8.
Source: Engadget review, TechRadar review - Kindle library in color
Tom's Guide says the Kindle library is bigger than any rival's. Amazon shoppers find it easy to use and a good size.
- You mostly read plain text (a Paperwhite is cheaper and sharper)
- You want a stylus or page-turn buttons
- You want to shop outside Amazon's store
- Kindle users who read comics, cookbooks or illustrated books
- Color highlighting
- Waterproof color reading (IPX8)
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Tom's Guide: Best color Kindle. The cons are that it's pricey and the interface isn't as customizable as Kobo's.
- Engadget: A solid premium e-reader. Engadget removed its score during the yellow-band issue. The cons are the price, slightly softer black-and-white text, no stylus and a bluish screen.
- TechRadar: Amazing performance for E Ink, but a pricey upgrade that doesn't feel premium enough. It's listed as a color alternative in TechRadar's roundup, behind the cheaper Kobo Clara Colour.