4 Best Kindle Paperwhites 2025 in the United States

The newest Amazon Kindle Paperwhite brings solid upgrades that make it a great choice for avid readers. It features a 7-inch glare-free screen, which is slightly larger and sharper with a higher contrast ratio than older models, making reading comfortable in bright sunlight or dim light. The adjustable warm light lets you shift the screen color from white to amber, helping reduce eye strain whether you're reading during the day or at night. Storage is generous with 16GB, enough to hold thousands of books so you can carry a whole library with you.

Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 12 weeks on a single charge if you read about 30 minutes daily, which means less hassle charging on long trips. The device is waterproof with an IPX8 rating, so you don’t have to worry about accidental splashes or taking it near water like pools or baths. Connectivity supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi, allowing faster downloads and better network compatibility. One small note is that the device charges via USB-C but requires a 9W adapter for the fastest charging, which you might need to get separately.

The Kindle Paperwhite keeps things distraction-free—no apps or notifications to interrupt your reading. Its lightweight and thin design make it easy to hold for extended periods. This model is well-suited for readers who want a durable, travel-ready e-reader with strong battery life and good screen quality. For those seeking the latest Paperwhite experience with upgraded speed and lighting, this Kindle offers these enhancements effectively.

The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (12th Gen, 2024) is a solid choice for avid readers who want a fast, reliable e-reader with ample storage and smart features. Its 7-inch display offers sharp, glare-free reading with a high contrast ratio and 300 ppi, making text crisp and comfortable to read indoors or outdoors. The biggest perk here is the 32GB storage, allowing you to keep thousands of books, which is great if you like having a large library on hand without needing to connect often.

This model stands out with an auto-adjusting warm light that adapts to your surroundings—bright sunlight or late-night reading won’t strain your eyes. It also supports wireless charging, offering convenient power-up options alongside USB-C charging. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 12 weeks on a single charge under typical use, which means less hassle with frequent recharging. Waterproofing (IPX8) is another practical feature, so you can read worry-free by the pool or in the bath. Connectivity supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands, ensuring faster and more stable downloads, though it doesn't support peer-to-peer Wi-Fi networks, which might limit some rare connection setups.

The device’s ultra-thin build and lightweight design make it easy to carry around for travel or daily use. While it doesn’t have distractions like social media or apps, it does support Audible audiobooks via Bluetooth, which adds versatility but can reduce battery life if used frequently. One minor downside is that the wireless charging dock is sold separately, so that’s an extra purchase if you want that convenience. While the auto-adjusting warm light is a nice upgrade, some users might prefer more manual control. This Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition offers a powerful, user-friendly e-reader experience suited for anyone looking to enjoy a large collection of books with excellent display and battery life, plus some modern comforts like wireless charging and adaptive lighting.

The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids 16GB is designed specifically for young readers, offering a larger 7-inch glare-free display that makes reading comfortable both indoors and outdoors. Its screen has a sharp 300 ppi resolution, providing clear text that’s easy on the eyes, which is great for kids who like to read for long periods. The device includes 16 GB of storage, enough to hold thousands of books, so kids won't run out of space anytime soon. One of its standout features is waterproofing (IPX8 rating), meaning kids can safely use it by the pool or at the beach without worrying about water damage. The adjustable warm light helps reduce eye strain by allowing kids to read comfortably day or night.

Battery life impresses with up to 12 weeks on a single charge, assuming moderate daily reading, so frequent charging isn’t a hassle. Connectivity supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi for easy downloading of books without complicated setup. The Kindle Paperwhite Kids also comes with handy parental controls, letting parents manage their child’s reading content, set age filters, and even device bedtime, helping keep kids focused on reading rather than distractions. A bonus is the 6-month Amazon Kids+ subscription, granting access to thousands of age-appropriate books. However, after six months, this subscription renews at a cost, which might be a consideration for families on a budget.

The device includes a kid-friendly cover and a 2-year worry-free guarantee, offering added protection and peace of mind. This Kindle represents a durable, easy-to-use e-reader option that encourages children to read regularly without distractions, though the subscription costs may be factors to weigh.