What to compare
Screen sharpness. The basic 2019 Kindle has a 6 inch, 167 ppi screen; the 2018 Paperwhite has 300 ppi, according to Ebook Friendly’s specification comparison. Higher ppi gives crisper text, which helps with small fonts and long sessions.
Front light. The 2019 Kindle was the first basic Kindle with a built-in front light, so all the models here can be read in the dark without a lamp.
Waterproofing. Paperwhite models from 2018 are rated IPX8, described as able to survive immersion in 2 metres of fresh water for 60 minutes. The basic Kindle is not waterproof.
Storage. 4 or 8 GB holds thousands of novels. Choose 32 GB if you read comics or illustrated books or listen to audiobooks.
Special offers. Models “with special offers” show adverts on the lock screen and cost less; models “without special offers” do not.
Which one suits whom
| Reader | Good choice |
|---|---|
| Occasional reader, mostly novels | Basic Kindle |
| Reads every day, likes small text | Paperwhite |
| Reads in the bath or on the beach | Paperwhite (waterproof) |
| Reads comics or graphic novels | Paperwhite with 32 GB |
Books and formats
Kindles buy books from Amazon’s Kindle store. You can also send DRM-free documents and EPUB files to a Kindle with the Send to Kindle service; since 2022 EPUB is accepted and converted, while new MOBI uploads are no longer accepted. Ebooks bought with DRM from other shops usually cannot be moved to a Kindle.
Care
Use a cover, keep the device out of hot cars and direct sun, and install software updates when offered. Battery life is measured in weeks rather than days, depending on how bright the light is and how much you use Wi-Fi.
Common mistakes
- Choosing by price alone. The difference in screen sharpness is noticeable if you read every day.
- Assuming every Kindle is waterproof. Only some models are.
- Forgetting the format question. If you already own ebooks from another shop, check whether they can be read on a Kindle before you switch.
- Buying more storage than you need. For novels, the smallest storage option is usually plenty.
Read the full e-reader guide for more, and browse printed books in the Pavilion and Bookspeed ranges.
Common questions
What is the difference between a Kindle and a Kindle Paperwhite?
The Paperwhite has a sharper 300 ppi screen and, from the 2018 model on, is waterproof. The basic 2019 Kindle has a 167 ppi screen and is not waterproof. Both have a front light.
Can I read EPUB books on a Kindle?
Yes, if they are DRM-free. Send them to your Kindle with Amazon’s Send to Kindle service, which has accepted EPUB files since 2022 and converts them for the device.
What does ‘with special offers’ mean?
The Kindle shows adverts and offers on its lock screen. It costs less than the same model without special offers, and reading is not affected.