Tech · Research-based buying guide
A little less scrolling. A lot more reading.
Kindle Paperwhite (2024, 12th generation)
The Paperwhite makes sense if you read often enough to appreciate the extras: a bigger screen, adjustable warm light, and water resistance. If you just want to read a book now and then, the basic Kindle is worth a look first.
A good fit if…
Bedtime readers and frequent travelers who value adjustable warm lighting and a 7-inch display.
Skip it if…
Your current reader works fine, you want color comics, or you mainly want a general-purpose tablet.
What actually matters
The real decision is Paperwhite versus basic Kindle. Wirecutter names the basic 2024 Kindle its pick for most people and the Paperwhite its upgrade pick. Paying more is not automatically the right answer.
The Paperwhite offers a 7-inch screen instead of the basic model’s 6-inch display, plus adjustable color temperature. Those are meaningful differences if you spend a lot of time reading.
Water resistance is useful around the pool or bath, but it is not an invitation to treat the reader carelessly. Check the manufacturer’s conditions before exposing it to water.
Already happy with an older Kindle? Keep it unless it is missing something you actually need. A new reader will not make your existing books better. This guide draws on published reviews, not our own testing.
Opens Amazon.com in a new tab. Confirm the model, seller, included accessories, price, and availability there before buying. Search links can show multiple variants.
Sources, not guesswork
Research checked October 4, 2026. This is an editorial shortlist, not a verified Amazon bestseller or search-volume ranking.
Wirecutter: e-reader comparison and testing