Best Kindle 2021: which Amazon ereader should you buy?

Looking for the best Kindle? There are a few different options to choose from so we've taken in-depth looks at the Amazon Kindle, Kindle Paperwhite, and Kindle Oasis so you know exactly what the best ereader is for you.

If you're looking at buying a new Kindle in the immediate future, you're in luck. Prime Day 2021 starts on June 21, and it's Amazon's big sales bonanza. The company's own products will almost definitely be discounted, so you could save some cash.

Each Kindle is suited to different users and purposes so it's worth doing a little research before you buy one. The basic Kindle is best for casual readers as well as those on a tight budget (or who aren't sure if ebooks are for them yet).

Alternatively, if you love to read in the bath or by the pool, there's the waterproofed Kindle Paperwhite, which also has a sharper screen than the basic Kindle. If you're a Kindle fanatic and money isn't a problem then there's the Kindle Oasis. It's the most lightweight option and provides improved back-lighting amongst other features.

To further confuse you, new Amazon Kindles are expected soon as it's been two years since the last Amazon Kindle refresh. If you're happy to wait a bit longer, check out our look at what to expect from the new Amazon Kindle along with the new Amazon Kindle Paperwhite and new Amazon Kindle Oasis.

In the meantime, if you want a Kindle today, you'll need to factor in what features you'd like along with storage needs and connectivity options. There's a lot to think about which is why we've broken down which is the best Kindle so extensively. If your heart is set on an ereader but you're not sure if a Kindle is for you, however, we've also checked out the best ereader too so there's something for every need out there.

Read on as we explain everything you need to know about the best Kindle for you right now.

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Best Kindle 2021: which is the top ereader for you?

Amazon Kindle

The best Kindle for those on a budget

Affordable

Improved design with back-light

Screen could be better

Not waterproof

The entry-level Amazon Kindle is the best Kindle you can by right now, with a great balance of features and price.

Launched in March 2019, its new feature was the inclusion of a back-light which now means Amazon's entire Kindle line come with illumination.

You still get the benefits of the previous model, with an adequate (and now back-lit) touchscreen display, long lasting battery and plenty of space for all your digital tomes, plus an intuitive interface, that makes navigating your books a breeze.

It's slim and light, so even though you could essentially be carrying an entire library with you it won't even feel as weighty as a single paperback.

Why should I buy it? Because you want a bargain and can live without waterproofing, the latest design and a higher resolution display.

Read the full Amazon Kindle review

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

It's all about that screen

Super-sharp screen

Improved typography

Bland design

Still missing some features

Amazon updated the Kindle Paperwhite back in 2018 to add several features from the Voyage and Oasis lines, including IPX8-rated waterproofing and support for Audible audiobooks.

The screen is still fantastic with a beautiful 6-inch HD display with 300ppi pixel density and 8GB of storage, meaning you can keep thousands of books on one device.

The Kindle Paperwhite is almost the closest you can get to real paper while getting all the benefits of an ereader. You have access to Amazon's huge library of books and you can even use the Kindle Unlimited rental service on the Paperwhite.

There's a built-in light and you're not going to get any screen glare when reading it in bright sunlight. The battery isn't as good as the last version as it only lasts between four and six weeks, but that said it's still a very good amount of time to get reading your ebooks.

Why should I buy it? If you're looking for one of the best screen experiences on an ereader and you want to be able to read in bright sunlight, the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is your choice.

Read the full Amazon Kindle Paperwhite review

Amazon Kindle Oasis

The newest Kindle Oasis device has all the cutting-edge features

Premium reading experience

Useful screen features

Very expensive

Thicker side doesn't improve handhold

If you want the most premium ereader experience available right now, then the newest Amazon Kindle Oasis is what you're looking for – as long as you can stomach the equally high-end price.

The 2019 Kindle Oasis comes with new features like a warm light you can turn on to reduce eye strain, a more lightweight design, and improved back-lighting, to make it a more useful device to read on (although some may consider the upgrade a little small).

It also comes with all the distinct features of the Kindle Oasis range – it's got a large, high-quality display, a 'ridge' design that gives makes the ereader easy to hold at a range of angles, and it comes with plenty of storage space to save as many books as you need.

So if you're looking for an unrivaled ereader, this is the device to consider.

Why should I buy it? If you're willing to splash on the best Amazon Kindle ereader with all the latest bells and whistles in terms of tech, this is the device to consider.

Read the full review: Amazon Kindle Oasis

Thinking of insuring your Kindle?

A Kindle is the sort of device you'll probably want to take out and about with you - which means it's also at increased risk of becoming lost, damaged or stolen. But that doesn't have to be a problem, as you can shop around and compare contents insurance if you're in the UK.