The best Kindle for every type of reader — and which one to buy during Black Friday

If you're ready to stop lugging around your hardcovers and paperbacks and ready to put your whole library in your pocket, it's time to get a Kindle. The e-reader market has expanded fervently over the past few years, and I'm not saying BookTok is to blame, but I'm not not saying that's the case.

All over the internet, you'll find TikTok users enthusiastically singing the praises of Amazon's e-readers and their hacks for finding discounted books through events like Stuff Your Kindle Day or remote page-turners, so you don't need to hold your Kindle while reading. And I'm with these extolling users: a Kindle brings your reading experience to the next level. They're lightweight, easy to use, and compatible with Libby, so you can still support your local library.

If you don't need much convincing, it's just a matter of picking which Kindle you want. Plus, we're gearing up for one of the best times to buy: Black Friday. Amazon can be tight-fisted during big sales events and we don't typically see amazing markdowns on these devices, however, the savings are there nonetheless. ahead of Black Friday, you can save on Kindle bundles, but we're hoping (and expect) to see single devices on sale come game time.

A lot has changed since the Kindle first debuted in 2007. While it was released just a few months after the first iPhone, the Amazon Kindle has received fewer updates. As of 2024, we're on the 12th generation of Kindle updates; the latest arrived in October 2024. I got my hands on Amazon's 2024 models to see what they offer.

Kindle's first color e-reader is here as of Oct. 30, 2024, however, it's backordered several weeks, and we've yet to get our hands on it. I'm eager to finally see how it compares — especially with the Kobo Libra Colour. Plus, coming Dec. 4, is the redesigned Kindle Scribe, which will have four times the storage as the current model.

But if you want to buy a Kindle right now, here are the best ones to shop.

The new Kindle Colorsoft is available to purchase as of Oct. 30, 2024. Credit: Amazon

When is the best time to buy a Kindle?

Because Kindles are one of Amazon's cornerstone products, you'll often see their prices drop during Amazon's annual sales, which usually take place in the summer and fall of each year. In 2024, Prime Day took place on July 16 and 17, and Prime Big Deal Days ran Oct. 8 and 9.

The next shopping holidays you should focus on are Black Friday and Cyber Monday. On these momentous occasions, we've seen Kindles marked down by up to 40%. Because the current Kindles are so new, we're not sure just how low they'll go, but we're already following along.

What is the right Kindle to buy?

If you're concerned about buying the newest tech, that's not an issue. As of October 2024, there are seven Kindle models to choose from, including two for kids. All the current models in the lineup are the 2024 models, besides the Kindle Scribe, which is getting a revamp in December. While the redesigned 2024 Kindle Scribe is ready for preorder, the first generation is still available for purchase.

Can't decide between the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite? We analyzed all their differences. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

You can consider many things when picking the right Kindle, but you need to ask one question first: Do you need it to be waterproof? If you prefer reading near a body of water — whether in the bath, by the pool, or at the beach — that immediately narrows down your options. Among the Kindles, your waterproof options are the Kindle Paperwhite, Paperwhite Signature Edition, Colorsoft Signature Edition, and Paperwhite Kids.

Beyond whether or not you need a waterproof device, here are a few other things to consider:

• Display size: The smallest Kindle has a 6-inch display, while the largest has a 10.2-inch display.

• Storage capacity: Kindles range from 16GB to 32GB of storage capacity.

• Battery life: Kindles generally have outstanding battery life (depending on your usage). On the low end, they last up to six weeks per charge, while others last up to 12 weeks.

• Writing capability: The Kindle Scribe is the only model that allows you to write with the included pen. 

The latest Kindles all boast a maximum brightness of 94 nits and a 300 ppi, high-resolution display with zero glare, so you can enjoy sharp text and images at any viewing angle. Kindles are also equipped with WiFi connectivity, allowing you to download all the reading material you could ever want. Plus, you can listen to audiobooks on Audible via any Kindle's built-in Bluetooth connection.

Not to mention, out of all the e-readers I've tested, Kindles have the best compatibility with Libby. I love the digital platform because I can read for free and support my local library. Some other e-readers require you to download your library e-book to a computer and then upload it to an e-reader, but with Kindles, your e-books are sent straight to your device with a click.