As a shopping editor who’s tested a variety of e-readers, used a Kindle nearly every day for the past decade, and has been tracking Kindle prices for years now, I mean it when I tell you that sale events like Prime Day and Black Friday are the only times of the year you'll see rare discounts on Kindles. For this year's Prime Day event, taking place from June 23-26, every device is currently at its lowest price of the year, with deals starting at just $85.
- Best Overall Kindle: Kindle Paperwhite
$160$125 - Best Color Kindle: Kindle Colorsoft
$250$160 - Best Value Kindle: Kindle
$110$85 - Best Notebook Kindle: Kindle Scribe
$500$380
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB)
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB)
Looking for an e-reader that (nearly) does it all? The Kindle Paperwhite, which has dropped back down to its record-low price for Prime Day, boasts a 7-inch screen, zippy performance, and long battery life. As someone who loves to read at the pool and the beach, it earns bonus points for its waterproof build.
If you’re someone who wants to spend time reading outside, this is an excellent option thanks to the easy-to-adjust brightness and warmth levels; it truly mimics the feel of paper, unlike a phone or tablet screen. I’ve owned a Paperwhite for close to seven years now, and it’s the model I recommend for most readers.
If you’re planning to read graphic novels, or tend to pick up books with photos, the Kindle Colorsoft displays images in stunning color. Complete with a similar build and specs to the Kindle Paperwhite—you’ll still find the waterproof body, eight weeks of battery life, and adjustable warmth and brightness features here—the screen is optimized for color reading without losing the Kindle’s signature glare-free display. Plus, you can highlight your text in a variety of hues.
I’ve been using a Kindle Colorsoft for about a year now, and I’ve been impressed by the quick response times. Not to mention, I love seeing the book covers in my library rendered in full color, as seen here.
Anyone looking to test the waters when it comes to e-readers might want to opt for Amazon’s standard Kindle—often dubbed the Kindle Basic—while it’s on sale for well under $100. This device is slightly smaller than the Paperwhite and Colorsoft, so it’s a good bet if you’re looking for an e-reader that can fit in the palm of your hand. The e-ink screen makes it a solid option for outdoor reading, while the battery should last up to six weeks.
Although it doesn’t have a waterproof design or the same auto-adjusting warmth and brightness features found on higher-end Kindles, it’s a good buy if you’re looking for a device that’ll take up as little space as possible in your tote bag or personal item while traveling this summer.
Deciding between a smart notebook and an e-reader? With the Kindle Scribe, you don’t have to choose. In addition to providing full access to your Kindle library, the Scribe also doubles as a digital journal and even comes with a handy stylus that doesn’t require charging. Although this is one of the largest and most expensive e-readers we’ve tried, Senior Reviews Writer and Analyst Olivia Lipski said that “the digital notebook does an excellent job of replicating the real deal of that pen-to-paper feel,” adding that the included pen is comfortable and easy to use.
The Scribe is a smart buy for students headed to college—especially when it’s more than $100 off—as they can use the device to take notes and annotate directly on digital textbooks.
Other notable Kindle deals
Although the deals highlighted above are on the best-selling Kindle varieties, every single model is marked down for Prime Day, including versions designed specifically for kids that feature a two-year warranty that isn’t included with standard Kindle models.
If you’re looking for a model with more storage space and wireless charging capabilities, I’d recommend either the Paperwhite Signature or the Colorsoft Signature, depending on your full-color needs. The Kindle Scribe Colorsoft, which is on sale for the first time ever this Prime Day, allows you to take notes, annotate books, and doodle in full color.
More ways to save on Kindles
You can save even more on your new Kindle by taking advantage of Amazon’s trade-in program. All you need to do is send back an eligible Amazon device, whether it’s an older Kindle or an Echo you’re not using, which will not only shave an additional 20% off of your purchase, but earn you a gift card worth the value of your old device.
