When it comes to finding a device to use to read your ebooks, you have a few options to choose from. You can always buy a tablet or use your smartphone, but those devices are multipurpose and can be used for a ton of things, like surfing the web or doom-scrolling on Twitter. If you are looking for something to strictly read books, e-readers, while niche, are designed to store all of your books in a virtual library with limited functionality.
Amazon, one of the pioneers of the e-reader, has dominated the space for years with its Kindle lineup, which consists of several unique models with their own pros and cons.
Below, we’ve listed each model currently available for purchase. Sometimes, there isn’t a deal for one, or any, of the products, which is why we’ve mentioned the most recent sale price in those instances. While newer models like the 2021 Kindle Paperwhite are currently only available for full price, keep in mind that Amazon also offers 20 percent off all of its Kindles when you trade in select devices, so there are still other ways to save money when none of the models are available at a discount.
Highlights across the range
Model | Configuration | Color | Normal Price | Sale Price | Retailer |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Model | Configuration | Color | Normal Price | Sale Price | Retailer |
Kindle Kids (10th-gen) | 8GB (without ads) | Black | $110 | $60 | Amazon |
Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition Bundle (eleventh-gen) | 32GB (without ads) | Black | $270 | $250 | Amazon |
Kindle Paperwhite (10th-gen) | 8GB (without ads) | Black | $150 | $130 | Amazon |
Kindle Paperwhite (10th-gen) | 32GB (without ads) | Black | $150 | $130 | Amazon |
Kindle Paperwhite Essentials Bundle (10th-gen) | 8GB (with ads) | Black | $190 | $170 | Amazon |
Kindle Paperwhite Kids (11th-gen) | 8GB (without ads) | Black | $160 | $110 | Amazon |
Kindle Oasis (third-gen) Essentials Bundle | 8GB (with ads) | Black | $320 | $280 | Amazon |
The 10th-gen Kindle is Amazon’s most affordable e-reader, and as such, it usually retails for $89.99. Released in 2019, the base Kindle includes a front light, 8GB of storage, and comes with or without ad support. Despite including the same 167ppi resolution as its predecessors, the latest model features a slightly higher contrast than earlier models.
The 10th-gen Kindle starts at $89.99 with ads, which is its current price at Amazon, Target, and Best Buy. If you want the model without ads, it’s available at Amazon for $109.99, the standard retail price. Note, however, that if you buy either Kindle model at Amazon, you’ll also receive three months of Kindle Unlimited at no additional cost. Best is also offering $20 off a pair, if you’re looking to pick up more than one e-reader.
The entry-level Kindle and Oasis models were not the only ones that received a refresh in 2019. Amazon also announced and released the Kindle Kids, which provides age-appropriate content for younger readers who prefer digital books for $109.99 ($20 more than the base Kindle at standard MSRP).
The Kindle Kids Edition consists of four items: the device, a case, a two-year extended replacement guarantee (in the event the device breaks), and one year of Amazon Kids Plus service. The latter is the biggest selling point of the device aside from the kid-friendly patterns, as it allows parents to grant their kids access to a digital library of kid-friendly books like Percy Jackson and The Hobbit at no additional cost.
As far as deals go, we saw the Kindle Kids drop to $59.99 during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which is its current sale price at Amazon and Best Buy. The latter retailer is also offering a $20 discount when you purchase two.
Amazon’s latest Kindle Paperwhite is its 11th-gen model, which comes with USB-C support, longer battery life, and a larger, 6.8-inch display. Given just how recently the new e-reader launched, however, we haven’t seen a ton of discounts yet. Thankfully, you can still pick up the last-gen model, which is frequently available for far less than the standard retail price.
The 2021 Kindle Paperwhite comes in three main configurations: an 8GB model with ads for $139.99, an 8GB model without ads for $159.99, and a 32GB, ad-free Signature Edition for $189.99. The latter is identical to the standard Paperwhite, except it also features Qi wireless charging and a sensor that will automatically adjust the backlight when needed. Amazon has also rolled out a Kindle Paperwhite Kids Edition for $159.99, which comes bundled with a kid-friendly cover, a two-year extended replacement guarantee, and a year of Amazon Kids Plus, much like the aforementioned Kindle Kids. All 2021 models are also similar to the 2018 model in that they feature a waterproof design and Audible audiobook support.
While we saw the ad-supported Kindle Paperwhite recently drop to $109.99 around Valentine’s Day, it’s currently only available at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target starting at $139.99, its full retail price. If you buy the e-reader at Amazon, however, you’ll also receive three months of Kindle Unlimited at no additional cost. Best Buy, meanwhile, is offering a $20 discount when you purchase two.
Amazon also offers the 2021 Paperwhite as part of a bundle that includes a power adapter and one of three fabric covers for $189.97, which is a $20 discount. The 32GB, ad-free Signature Edition is on sale at Amazon for $249.97 ($20 off) as part of a discounted bundle, too, which also includes a “cork” cover and a wireless charging dock. Lastly, if you’re looking for a discount on the Kindle Paperwhite Kids Edition, it’s on sale at Amazon and Best Buy right now for $109.99, its best price to date.
While there currently are no price breaks on the 2021 Kindle Paperwhite — save for the $50 discount available on the Kids Edition — retailers like Amazon and Best Buy often lower the price of the last-gen model to $89.99 during major shopping holidays and bigger sales events.
Right now, the 2018 e-reader is available at Amazon in the ad-supported configuration for $109.99 or the ad-free configuration starting at $129.99, both of which are $20 off. If you’re in need of additional storage, the 32GB ad-supported model is also on sale for $129.99, a $30 discount.
Additionally, Amazon is discounting the last-gen Kindle Paperwhite as part of a bundle in select color configurations. These packages include either the 8GB e-reader with ads for $169.97 or the 32GB reader with ads for $199.97, along with a leather case and power adapter.
The Kindle Oasis is the most expensive of the lineup, starting at $250. The device comes in two storage configurations, 8GB or 32GB, and like the other models, you can get it with or without ads on the lock screen.
The 2019 Kindle Oasis looks very similar to the previous model. It retains its waterproof, 7-inch, 300ppi E Ink display and supports Audible audiobooks via Bluetooth. However, unlike previous models, it can adjust the color temperature to a yellow-toned display, making it easier to read at night.
In the past, we’ve seen the 8GB Kindle Oasis drop to as low as $174.99, which is the lowest it has ever been for that configuration to date. While there are currently no deals on just the Oasis itself, configurations start at $249.99 at Amazon and include three free months of Kindle Unlimited. The 8GB, ad-supported Oasis is $249.99 and the one without ads is $269.99. If you need more storage, the 32GB version is $279.99 with ads or $299.99 without. Best Buy is also selling the ad-supported base model for $249.99 or the 32GB variant for $279.99, and offering a $20 discount when you purchase two.
If you’re looking for a deal, the Kindle Oasis Essentials Bundle is currently on sale in select configurations at Amazon for $30 off its normal list price. You can get either the 8GB, ad-supported configuration for as low as $279.97 or the 32GB variant for $309.97, both of which come with a power adapter and either a fabric or leather cover.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/21539047/best-amazon-kindle-deals