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Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB) – Now with a larger display, adjustable warm light, increased battery life, and faster page turns – Black
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Kindle devices
Option: Without Kindle Unlimited
Offer Type: Lockscreen Ad-Supported
Pre-owned buying options
- Kindle Paperwhite – Now with a 6.8” display and thinner borders, adjustable warm light, up to 10 weeks of battery life, and 20% faster page turns.
- Purpose-built for reading – With a flush-front design and 300 ppi glare-free display that reads like real paper, even in bright sunlight.
- More books in more places – Store thousands of titles, then take them all with you. A single charge via USB-C last weeks, not hours.
- Easy on the eyes – Now with adjustable warm light to shift screen shade from white to amber.
- Waterproof reading – Built to withstand accidental immersion in water, so you’re good from the beach to the bath.
- Find new stories – With Kindle Unlimited, get unlimited access to over 2 million titles, thousands of audiobooks, and more.
- Go hands-free – Pair with an Audible subscription and Bluetooth headphones or speakers to listen to your story.
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- Sustainability features for this product
Sustainability features
This product has sustainability features recognized by trusted certifications.Carbon impactCarbon emissions from the lifecycle of this product were reduced compared to similar products or previous models.As certified byReducing CO2
The Reducing CO2 label applies to products certified by the Carbon Trust, that are lowering their carbon emissions year after year for the full lifecycle of the product. The Carbon Trust was formed in 2001 and introduced the world’s first carbon label in 2007. It produces its certifications to global leading and independently verified standards. The Carbon Trust has a mission to accelerate the move to a sustainable, low carbon economy. - Sustainability features for this product
Sustainability features
This product has sustainability features recognized by trusted certifications.Recycled materialsProduct contains recycled material.As certified byRecycled Content Certification for Electrical and Electronic Equipment
Recycled Content Certification for Electrical and Electronic Equipment certifies the total percentage of recycled material in covered products. Covered products are required to achieve certification with more than one recycled material input to promote the use of more recycling inputs and most material impact. The minimum total recycled content to be eligible for the certification ranges from 10-50% depending on the product type. This certification is third-party verified by SCS Global Services.
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Lose yourself in a book—
wherever, whenever
Kindle Paperwhite is thin, lightweight, and travels easily so you can enjoy your favorite books at any time. With our signature 300 ppi glare-free Paperwhite display—now 10% brighter at its max setting—you can read in any light. And now, a single battery charge via USB-C lasts up to 10 weeks. Battery life may vary depending on use.
Make a splash
With the waterproof Kindle Paperwhite, you’re free to read and relax in more places—from the beach to the bath. Kindle Paperwhite is IPX8 rated to protect against accidental immersion in up to two meters of fresh water for up to 60 minutes, and up to 0.25 meters of seawater for up to 3 minutes. Learn more about waterproof features.
Goes beyond
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Your reading experience, reimaginedEnjoy an improved Kindle reading experience with the latest software updates. Now with easy access to your device Settings and bottom navigation to switch between Home, Library, or the book you are currently reading. A new Library experience helps you find your favorite books with ease, and a new home experience helps you discover your next read by genre and category. Learn more about the latest Kindle software update. |
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Better together
Our covers are designed by Amazon to perfectly fit your Kindle, thin and lightweight design allows for hours of comfortable reading. They automatically put your Kindle to sleep when closed and wake upon opening, making it easy to get back to your story. Shop Kindle accessories.
FABRIC COVER
Designed by Amazon to perfectly fit your Kindle, these slim, form-fitting covers attach securely and fold back for one-handed reading. Shop fabric covers
GLASS SCREEN PROTECTOR
Ultra-clear and scratch resistant glass provides protection without compromising the display.
Shop glass screen protector
LEATHER COVER
Textured natural leather cover with microfiber interior protects your display from scratches. Cover folds back for easy one-handed reading. Shop leather covers
Every day is an earth day
You don’t have to be an environmental scientist to make sustainable choices. We considered sustainability in the design of this Kindle device. Here’s how:
Materials
60% post-consumer recycled plastics in device
70% recycled magnesium in device
Device Packaging
95% of this device’s packaging is made of wood fiber-based materials from responsibly managed forests or recycled sources.
Part With Purpose
There may come a time when you want to trade in or recycle your device. Explore options with Amazon Second Chance.
Compare Kindle e-readers
Price | From: - | From: - | From: $189.99 | From: $339.99 | From: $159.99 |
Ratings | 4.6 out of 5 stars (23,582) | 4.7 out of 5 stars (62,865) | 4.6 out of 5 stars (29,678) | 4.2 out of 5 stars (8,637) | 4.6 out of 5 stars (3,431) |
Display Size | 6" glare-free | 6.8" glare-free | 6.8" glare-free | 10.2" glare-free | 6.8" glare-free |
Storage | 16 GB | 16 GB | 32 GB | 16 GB, 32 GB or 64 GB | 8 GB |
Resolution | 300 ppi | 300 ppi | 300 ppi | 300 ppi | 300 ppi |
Front light | 4 LEDs | 17 LEDs | 17 LEDs | 35 LEDs | 17 LEDs |
Weeks of battery life |
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Audible (via Bluetooth) |
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Parental Controls |
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1-year Amazon Kids+ subscription | Sold separately starting at $4.99/month | Sold separately starting at $4.99/month | Sold separately starting at $4.99/month | Sold separately starting at $4.99/month |
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Cover | Sold separately | Sold separately | Sold separately | Sold separately |
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Flush-front design |
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Waterproof (IPX8) |
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Adjustable warm light |
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Auto-adjusting light |
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Ergonomic design |
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Automatic rotating page orientation |
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Page turn buttons | |||||
Wireless charging |
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Wifi Connectivity | Wifi | Wifi | Wifi | Wifi | Wifi |
Color | Black or Denim | Black | Black | Tungsten | Black Kindle with Black, Emerald Forest, or Robot Dreams Cover |
Warranty | 1-year limited warranty | 1-year limited warranty | 1-year limited warranty | 1-year limited warranty | 2-year worry-free guarantee |
Technical Details
Kindle Paperwhite
Display |
Amazon's 6.8” Paperwhite display technology with built-in light, 300 ppi, optimized font technology, 16-level gray scale. |
Size |
6.9” x 4.9” x .32” (174.2 x 124.6 x 8.1 mm). |
Weight |
7.23 oz (205 g). Actual size and weight may vary by configuration and manufacturing process. |
System Requirements |
None; fully wireless and doesn't require a computer to download content. |
On-Device Storage |
8 GB or 16 GB; holds thousands of books. |
Cloud Storage |
Free cloud storage for all Amazon content. |
Battery Life |
A single charge lasts up to ten (10) weeks, based on a half hour of reading per day with wireless off and the light setting at 13. Battery life may vary depending on use. Audible audiobook streaming over Bluetooth will reduce battery life. |
Charge Time |
Fully charges in approximately 5 hours from a computer via USB cable; Fully charges in less than 2.5 hours with a 9W USB power adapter. |
Wi-Fi Connectivity |
Supports 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz networks with support for WEP, WPA and WPA2 security using password authentication or Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS). Does not support connecting to ad-hoc (or peer-to-peer) Wi-Fi networks. |
Accessibility Features |
VoiceView screen reader, available over Bluetooth audio, provides spoken feedback allowing you to navigate your device and read books with text-to-speech (available in English only). Kindle Paperwhite also includes the ability to invert Black and White, adjust font size, font face, line spacing and margins. Learn more about Accessibility for Kindle. |
Content Formats Supported |
Kindle Format 8 (AZW3), Kindle (AZW), TXT, PDF, unprotected MOBI, PRC natively; HTML DOC, DOCX, JPEG, GIF, PNG, PMP through conversion; Audible audio format (AAX). |
Documentation |
Learn more about Kindle devices with our Quick Start Guide and Kindle User Guide. |
Warranty and Service |
1-year limited warranty and service included. Optional 1-year, 2-year or 3-year Extended Warranty available for U.S customers sold separately. Use of Kindle is subject to the terms found here. |
Included in the Box |
Kindle Paperwhite, USB-C charging cable and Quick Start Guide. |
Waterproofing |
Waterproof (IPX8), tested to withstand immersion in 2 meters of fresh water for 60 minutes. Learn more about the waterproof Kindle Paperwhite. |
Available Colors |
Black |
Generation |
Kindle Paperwhite (11th Generation) - 2021 release. |
Software Security Updates |
This device receives guaranteed software security updates until at least four years after the device is last available for purchase as a new unit on our websites. Learn more about these software security updates. If you already own a Kindle, visit Manage Your Content and Devices for information specific to your device. |
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Customer reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
62,865 global ratings
How customer reviews and ratings work
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers praise the Kindle Paperwhite's readability, particularly its amazing outdoor readability and ability to read in direct sunlight. The device is easy to navigate, has great battery life that lasts a long time without recharging, and is lightweight enough to carry around in a bag. They appreciate its size, noting it fits well in bags, and the adjustable warm light feature is a game-changer. While many find the device works well, some report it stops working altogether. Customers consider it a worthy investment for avid readers.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
2,519 customers mention "Readability"2,056 positive463 negative
Customers find the Kindle Paperwhite's readability excellent, particularly praising its outdoor performance and ability to read in low light and direct sunlight.
"...It makes long-distance travel so much more enjoyable and hassle-free. The portability of the Kindle is a game-changer...." Read more
"...of where I was and what kind of lighting is available, without eye strain...." Read more
"...The Library screen is a bit better because you can list your books by title or author (three lines at top right screen give you "Sort by" screen),..." Read more
"...The Screen: The display is really sharp and clear—300 ppi, to be exact. It feels just like reading on paper, minus the paper cuts...." Read more
1,494 customers mention "Ease of use"1,083 positive411 negative
Customers find the Kindle Paperwhite easy to use and convenient for reading, with simple setup and quick access to books. One customer mentions it's particularly comfortable to hold in bed, while another notes it integrates well with their local library system.
"...It makes long-distance travel so much more enjoyable and hassle-free. The portability of the Kindle is a game-changer...." Read more
"...options on the kindle, including the warm light feature makes it easy to read regardless of where I was and what kind of lighting is available,..." Read more
"...They were slow and clunky and incredibly cheap. I'm further embarrassed to admit my first e-reader was actually a Barnes & Noble Nook...." Read more
"...It's got all the features you need, wrapped up in a sleek, user-friendly package...." Read more
1,413 customers mention "Battery life"1,163 positive250 negative
Customers are satisfied with the Kindle Paperwhite's battery life, noting that it runs for a very long time without recharging.
"...I use it almost every day, and it lasts for weeks on a single charge. What makes this feature even better is how useful it is when I travel...." Read more
"...LONG BATTERY LIFE Yes, the battery really lasts for days or weeks...." Read more
"...And the battery life? It lasts for weeks! I can read to my heart's content without constantly hunting for a charger...." Read more
"...But I have always wanted a Paperwhite because of its long battery life and superb readability outdoors...." Read more
1,244 customers mention "Lightweight"1,174 positive70 negative
Customers find the Kindle Paperwhite lightweight and easy to carry around in their bags, making it perfect for travel.
"...The Kindle is slim and portable, so it fits easily into most bags. One of the most helpful features of the Kindle is its built-in dictionary tool...." Read more
"...It's basically pocket sized so it was extremely portable...." Read more
"...PORTABLE The kindle paperwhite is small and light and fits easily into my purse, even with a cover...." Read more
"...Plus, it's super light, so I can hold it for hours without my hand cramping up. And guess what? It's water-resistant!..." Read more
1,232 customers mention "Size"1,014 positive218 negative
Customers appreciate the Kindle Paperwhite's size, noting that it fits well in cargo pants pockets and is perfect for carrying around in a fanny pack.
"...This not only saves a lot of space in my luggage but also means I do not have to pay extra for overweight luggage when travelling...." Read more
"...It's basically pocket sized so it was extremely portable...." Read more
"...PORTABLE The kindle paperwhite is small and light and fits easily into my purse, even with a cover...." Read more
"...It's got this nice, big 6.8-inch screen, which is perfect because who doesn't want more room for words, right?..." Read more
1,076 customers mention "Brightness"934 positive142 negative
Customers appreciate the Kindle Paperwhite's adjustable warm light feature, which adapts to different lighting conditions and can be dimmed for nighttime reading.
"...The various light options on the kindle, including the warm light feature makes it easy to read regardless of where I was and what kind of lighting..." Read more
"...The screen lighting of the kindle paperwhite is adjustable and reading is pleasant. I prefer to read with black background and white letters...." Read more
"...I can switch to dark mode when I'm winding down for the night, which helps me relax and get ready for sleep. Final Thoughts:..." Read more
"...The screen emits no light on the lowest setting and that is the best part about it -- I can enjoy instant reading from the comfort of my home while..." Read more
843 customers mention "Value for money"612 positive231 negative
Customers find the Kindle Paperwhite to be worth the price, particularly noting that the Kindle Unlimited subscription is cheaper, and one customer mentions it saves both time and money.
"...I think it was worth the money a thousand times over. And if after reading this you do decide to purchase it, I hope you love it just as much as I do." Read more
"...a casual reader or a total bookworm, this Kindle is definitely worth checking out. Happy reading! 📚..." Read more
"...They were slow and clunky and incredibly cheap. I'm further embarrassed to admit my first e-reader was actually a Barnes & Noble Nook...." Read more
"...the lowest setting and that is the best part about it -- I can enjoy instant reading from the comfort of my home while getting the benefits of a..." Read more
1,549 customers mention "Functionality"1,022 positive527 negative
Customers have mixed experiences with the Kindle Paperwhite's functionality, with some saying it does its job very well while others report that it stops working altogether or doesn't respond at all.
"...read an embarrassingly cringleworthy, but suprisingly emotional and fantastic, harlequin romance novel while on the plane...." Read more
"...of the kindle paperwhite I've noticed that while the physical device continues to get better, I don't like the software as much as previously...." Read more
"...The web browser is still very limited and doesn't display some web pages correctly (like the Internet Archive), and error messages still mention..." Read more
"...It operates well, and I love how I can invert the screen so more of it is black...." Read more
Reviews with images

5 out of 5 stars
Perfect for travel...and the rest of your days
So I came into possession of this little guy due to a late night Amazon impulse buy a few days before leaving for vacation. I was going on a weeklong trip with my family and didn't want to have to bring my ipad (what I usually use to read) or any actual books with me on the plane. Let me preface this by saying I am an avid reader, spending the majority of my free time reading...and have been for most of my life. My siblings lament to anyone listening about the horror of summer road trips, riding in the back of our family sedan, fighting for leg room because I always had at least 5-6 books at my feet to read during our travels. You should hear the way my sister grumbles at even the mere mention of a car ride with me (She horribly dramatic) but I digress. I also used to have a nook e-reader, an original model Kindle from way back in the day that no longer works, and have the kindle app on my ipad which I use to read most days. So I am familiar with e-reading. This kindle is quite possibly the best purchase I've ever made. It's basically pocket sized so it was extremely portable. I brought it with me everywhere; On the plane, in the car, in my bag to restaurants...I even managed to fit it in a particularly spacious pocket of an oversized jean jacket I wore on cooler nights. It's amazing. It was comfortable enough to hold in one hand, or two, depending on what I preferred at the time. The various light options on the kindle, including the warm light feature makes it easy to read regardless of where I was and what kind of lighting is available, without eye strain. I shared a room with family for a couple of nights and the dark mode feature barely emits light past my immediate person, so I was able to read into the wee hours of the morning if I wanted to without disturbing my family sleeping in the same room, or sacrificing my precious reading time. ( I get particularly sassy if I'm interrupted in the middle of a discovering a plot twist in a juicy novel, i'm just saying). You are able to customize lots of the settings, such as the fonts, size, spacing and layout, so that the books look however you want them to while reading. (I definitely used that feature to make the font smaller and more compact while I read an embarrassingly cringleworthy, but suprisingly emotional and fantastic, harlequin romance novel while on the plane. It's nobody's business why I was practically sobbing into my complimentary pretzels after the protagonists romantic interest declared his love to her for the first time, thank you very much) I also may, or may not have had a TINY accident in which I spilled my entire 32oz water bottle full of water all over my pants and my kindle. After squealing in alarm at how cold the water was, I was able to get my bearings, wiped the water off the kindle, changed my pants and continued reading. I have noted no damage whatsoever to my kindle and that was at the beginning of my trip well over a week ago now. After reading every day for at least 4-6 hours per day/night for 7 days straight I had 57% battery left over. I think the battery is supposed to last for 2 weeks maybe? IDK. Basically it lasted a long time, long enough for me to be impressed. Also, I downloaded at least 15 new books on there, not to mention the impressive collection of books I already owned and was able to sync to the device, and I still have over 4GB of space available to use. I have since named the kindle Kurt, as I feel emotionally connected to the device after our adventures together these past weeks. If you are a super bookworm like me, or are just trying to finish a whole book for the first time, I highly recommend this device for purchase. I think it was worth the money a thousand times over. And if after reading this you do decide to purchase it, I hope you love it just as much as I do.
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Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2025Option: Without Kindle UnlimitedDigital Storage Capacity: 16 GBOffer Type: Lockscreen Ad-SupportedColor: BlackVerified PurchaseThe battery life of the Kindle is incredible. I use it almost every day, and it lasts for weeks on a single charge. What makes this feature even better is how useful it is when I travel. As an international student, I often have long flights back and forth between my home country and school. With the Kindle, I can easily read for hours during a flight without worrying about my battery running out. For anyone who travels a lot, the Kindle is a must-have. It makes long-distance travel so much more enjoyable and hassle-free. The portability of the Kindle is a game-changer. As someone who travels constantly, packing physical books can be a huge headache. Instead of packing heavy and bulky books in my luggage, I can carry thousands of books in a lightweight device. This not only saves a lot of space in my luggage but also means I do not have to pay extra for overweight luggage when travelling. The Kindle is slim and portable, so it fits easily into most bags. One of the most helpful features of the Kindle is its built-in dictionary tool. What I love about this is that this eliminates the need to pull out my phone to look up the meanings of new words, which can be a distraction. On my phone, I would often get sidetracked by notifications, social media, or random apps. With the Kindle, the dictionary is right at my fingertips, and I can focus entirely on reading. The Kindle has made a big difference in my life as an international student. Its long battery life, portability, and dictionary features make it super practical for reading and travelling. If you are looking for an efficient way to manage your reading, I would highly recommend a Kindle.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2022Option: Without Kindle UnlimitedDigital Storage Capacity: 8 GBOffer Type: Lockscreen Ad-SupportedColor: BlackVerified PurchaseSo I came into possession of this little guy due to a late night Amazon impulse buy a few days before leaving for vacation. I was going on a weeklong trip with my family and didn't want to have to bring my ipad (what I usually use to read) or any actual books with me on the plane. Let me preface this by saying I am an avid reader, spending the majority of my free time reading...and have been for most of my life. My siblings lament to anyone listening about the horror of summer road trips, riding in the back of our family sedan, fighting for leg room because I always had at least 5-6 books at my feet to read during our travels. You should hear the way my sister grumbles at even the mere mention of a car ride with me (She horribly dramatic) but I digress. I also used to have a nook e-reader, an original model Kindle from way back in the day that no longer works, and have the kindle app on my ipad which I use to read most days. So I am familiar with e-reading. This kindle is quite possibly the best purchase I've ever made. It's basically pocket sized so it was extremely portable. I brought it with me everywhere; On the plane, in the car, in my bag to restaurants...I even managed to fit it in a particularly spacious pocket of an oversized jean jacket I wore on cooler nights. It's amazing. It was comfortable enough to hold in one hand, or two, depending on what I preferred at the time. The various light options on the kindle, including the warm light feature makes it easy to read regardless of where I was and what kind of lighting is available, without eye strain. I shared a room with family for a couple of nights and the dark mode feature barely emits light past my immediate person, so I was able to read into the wee hours of the morning if I wanted to without disturbing my family sleeping in the same room, or sacrificing my precious reading time. ( I get particularly sassy if I'm interrupted in the middle of a discovering a plot twist in a juicy novel, i'm just saying). You are able to customize lots of the settings, such as the fonts, size, spacing and layout, so that the books look however you want them to while reading. (I definitely used that feature to make the font smaller and more compact while I read an embarrassingly cringleworthy, but suprisingly emotional and fantastic, harlequin romance novel while on the plane. It's nobody's business why I was practically sobbing into my complimentary pretzels after the protagonists romantic interest declared his love to her for the first time, thank you very much) I also may, or may not have had a TINY accident in which I spilled my entire 32oz water bottle full of water all over my pants and my kindle. After squealing in alarm at how cold the water was, I was able to get my bearings, wiped the water off the kindle, changed my pants and continued reading. I have noted no damage whatsoever to my kindle and that was at the beginning of my trip well over a week ago now. After reading every day for at least 4-6 hours per day/night for 7 days straight I had 57% battery left over. I think the battery is supposed to last for 2 weeks maybe? IDK. Basically it lasted a long time, long enough for me to be impressed. Also, I downloaded at least 15 new books on there, not to mention the impressive collection of books I already owned and was able to sync to the device, and I still have over 4GB of space available to use. I have since named the kindle Kurt, as I feel emotionally connected to the device after our adventures together these past weeks. If you are a super bookworm like me, or are just trying to finish a whole book for the first time, I highly recommend this device for purchase. I think it was worth the money a thousand times over. And if after reading this you do decide to purchase it, I hope you love it just as much as I do.
5.0 out of 5 starsSo I came into possession of this little guy due to a late night Amazon impulse buy a few days before leaving for vacation. I was going on a weeklong trip with my family and didn't want to have to bring my ipad (what I usually use to read) or any actual books with me on the plane. Let me preface this by saying I am an avid reader, spending the majority of my free time reading...and have been for most of my life. My siblings lament to anyone listening about the horror of summer road trips, riding in the back of our family sedan, fighting for leg room because I always had at least 5-6 books at my feet to read during our travels. You should hear the way my sister grumbles at even the mere mention of a car ride with me (She horribly dramatic) but I digress. I also used to have a nook e-reader, an original model Kindle from way back in the day that no longer works, and have the kindle app on my ipad which I use to read most days. So I am familiar with e-reading. This kindle is quite possibly the best purchase I've ever made. It's basically pocket sized so it was extremely portable. I brought it with me everywhere; On the plane, in the car, in my bag to restaurants...I even managed to fit it in a particularly spacious pocket of an oversized jean jacket I wore on cooler nights. It's amazing. It was comfortable enough to hold in one hand, or two, depending on what I preferred at the time. The various light options on the kindle, including the warm light feature makes it easy to read regardless of where I was and what kind of lighting is available, without eye strain. I shared a room with family for a couple of nights and the dark mode feature barely emits light past my immediate person, so I was able to read into the wee hours of the morning if I wanted to without disturbing my family sleeping in the same room, or sacrificing my precious reading time. ( I get particularly sassy if I'm interrupted in the middle of a discovering a plot twist in a juicy novel, i'm just saying). You are able to customize lots of the settings, such as the fonts, size, spacing and layout, so that the books look however you want them to while reading. (I definitely used that feature to make the font smaller and more compact while I read an embarrassingly cringleworthy, but suprisingly emotional and fantastic, harlequin romance novel while on the plane. It's nobody's business why I was practically sobbing into my complimentary pretzels after the protagonists romantic interest declared his love to her for the first time, thank you very much) I also may, or may not have had a TINY accident in which I spilled my entire 32oz water bottle full of water all over my pants and my kindle. After squealing in alarm at how cold the water was, I was able to get my bearings, wiped the water off the kindle, changed my pants and continued reading. I have noted no damage whatsoever to my kindle and that was at the beginning of my trip well over a week ago now. After reading every day for at least 4-6 hours per day/night for 7 days straight I had 57% battery left over. I think the battery is supposed to last for 2 weeks maybe? IDK. Basically it lasted a long time, long enough for me to be impressed. Also, I downloaded at least 15 new books on there, not to mention the impressive collection of books I already owned and was able to sync to the device, and I still have over 4GB of space available to use. I have since named the kindle Kurt, as I feel emotionally connected to the device after our adventures together these past weeks. If you are a super bookworm like me, or are just trying to finish a whole book for the first time, I highly recommend this device for purchase. I think it was worth the money a thousand times over. And if after reading this you do decide to purchase it, I hope you love it just as much as I do.Perfect for travel...and the rest of your days
Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2022
Images in this review
- Reviewed in the United States on October 26, 2023Option: Without Kindle UnlimitedDigital Storage Capacity: 8 GBOffer Type: Lockscreen Ad-SupportedColor: BlackVerified PurchaseAs you probably know, the kindle paperwhite is black and white and is used as a dedicated e-reader for books and other reading material. This device acts like printed media rather than a tablet -- once your book is open there are no ads and no distractions, simply fast reading on a comfortable device.
I've upgraded to several generations of kindle paperwhites over ten years. This review is for the 11th generation that came out in 2021. The idea of within a minute retrieving any book in my library or getting a brand new book is simply irresistible.
The kindle paperwhite is a great e-reader. Note that it frequently goes on sale so try to time your purchase so you can save $$. These are the things I like about it:
* PORTABLE
The kindle paperwhite is small and light and fits easily into my purse, even with a cover.
By the way if you get a kindle definitely get a cover as well to protect it. As an added bonus, the cover makes the kindle feel like a slim book while you're reading. There are many attractive covers in addition to the official amazon ones.
* WATERPROOF
The kindle paperwhite is waterproof. Indispensable for the pool or bathtub.
* EASY ON THE EYES
The screen lighting of the kindle paperwhite is adjustable and reading is pleasant. I prefer to read with black background and white letters. (Settings > Accessibility > Invert Black and White). You can change the brightness by swiping down from the top and finding the "Brightness" setting. And don't forget you can change font and text size as well. When your book is open simply touch the top of the screen, select Aa > Font then adjust as you want.
Print on the screen is quite clear both in bright sunlight and in a dark room. You can even make the lighting warmer (more yellow) for nighttime reading by swiping down from the top and finding the "Warmth" setting.
* READ TO YOU EVEN IF YOU DON'T USE AUDIBLE
The text to speech (TTS) feature is my very favorite :-) I love having my kindle read to me so I can do other things like needlework or driving at the same time.
TTS works even if you don't have audible books, alexa, or a phone app. Simply connect your bluetooth device to the kindle (Settings > Wi-Fi & Bluetooth > enable Bluetooth > select your device) then turn it on (Settings > Accessibility > VoiceView Screen Reader). You can adjust the volume and speech rate to your liking.
* LONG BATTERY LIFE
Yes, the battery really lasts for days or weeks. Things like bright screen level, wifi on, and TTS may drain the battery at a faster rate. The kindle uses a C adapter.
* PLENTY OF SPACE FOR ALL YOUR BOOKS
The standard kindle paperwhite has 8 GB storage which can store at least 2000 or 3000 ebooks or roughly 35 audible books. You can also get a kindle paperwhite with 16 GB or for even more space for audible books you can get a Signature paperwhite with 32 GB.
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As I've gone through several generations of the kindle paperwhite I've noticed that while the physical device continues to get better, I don't like the software as much as previously. Here are three things in particular:
* NO GAMES
I really really miss the games. These were so fun to play for me and to entertain young ones. Please can we bring supportive software for games back?
* KINDLE DEVICE HOME AND LIBRARY SCREENS
I hate the Home screen because most of the screen is taken with book recommendations rather than your own library. The top ribbon shows the book covers in order of last opened. You can only see three and a half books so you'll be doing a lot of scrolling if you're looking for a book you read a while ago.
The Library screen is a bit better because you can list your books by title or author (three lines at top right screen give you "Sort by" screen), but the listings still include book cover thumbnails that take up room. I admit I'm fussy but I like to have a compact list that I can scan quickly rather than needing to scroll through page after page and/or removing books from my device. (The books are still accessible in the cloud but will need to be reloaded if I want to read them again).
* COLLECTIONS IN AMAZON CLOUD
Since the beginning until now, Amazon cloud storage uses only one layer of folders. If you have, say, science fiction books and mysteries, you either jumble them together in "Fiction" or else you have to make two separate folders that don't link. Please, Amazon, fix this.
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Overall while the kindle paperwhite isn't *perfect* it's pretty darn close and lovely to read for books with plain text and images/photographs. PDFs and more complex images like maps are difficult to see on the small screen and may do better with the Kindle Scribe which is larger. If you want a reader with color and web browser capabilities you may want to consider getting a kindle Fire rather than paperwhite.
The kindle paperwhite is a great device for what it is meant to do -- read books -- and for that I will give five stars, although I am keeping my fingers crossed for software updates to make the experience even better.