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Trending Now
#AmazonPrime#GiftsUnder$100

Best eReader

As of January 2021

Amazon Kindle

Buy now

Amazon

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eBay

THE JOAT'S Advice

If you can, wait for big Amazon days like Prime Day or Black Friday. There are periodic sales where you can get this for closer to $50. If you have an older Kindle, you can also trade that in to get some money back plus a 20% coupon towards purchase of a new Kindle.

 

The 90-day average price as of 01/08/2021 on Amazon is $84.23, according to data from Keepa. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change.

 

It’s also worth giving eBay a look. There are oftentimes listings for refurbished versions of the nicer Paperwhite model a discount.

Coupons

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Meanwhile, make sure you have the Wikibuy and Honey Chrome extensions installed to automatically find any other existing coupons.

Disclaimer

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what we like

  • Best for those looking for: A low priced, antiglare eReader with a backlight
  • Great value – Can be bought for under $60 during the right sales promotional periods
  • Amazing battery light – Only need to charge it once every few weeks
  • Built in backlight – As opposed to older versions, this has a backlight built in so you can easily read at night
  • No glare

keep in mind

  • Processor is not very fast – do not expect this to resemble the loading/downloading speeds of an iPhone
  • The touch screen buttons are not that great – you’ll accidentally find yourself tapping them here and there
  • This version is not waterproof. You need to buy the Paperwhite
  • No cellular connectivity (You can just use the WiFi hotspot on your iPhone if you need a connection right away)

review

If you don’t like buying physical books or you are trying to break your addiction to your phone (using the Kindle app), an eReader is by far the best investment you can ever make. It was one of my favorite purchases for 2020 and a bonafide nomination for our annual Trendy awards. At this point, the question isn’t: “Should I buy a Kindle or is there a better competitor?” It’s, “Which Kindle version is the best one to buy?”

 

As with everything in life, it’s a matter of personal preference. The basic Kindle has been significantly upgraded from prior generations which make it a suitable choice for 90% of users out there. However, if you are an avid reader, the extra 130ppi of resolution offered by the Paperwhite and Oasis versions does result in crisper looking words which are more pleasant to the eye. Furthermore, the Paperwhite and Oasis are waterproof which allow for better device protection if you plan to read while taking a bath or at the beach/pool.

 

For me, the basic Kindle version is solid enough. Yes the processor is a little slow/clunky and yes the touch screen buttons are not very smooth to use. But the size, weight, backlight, battery light and antiglare features are more than good enough to serve as a great daily eReader. If you are not in a rush, track the price and look out for promotional periods where you can buy one for under $60.

Sizing Tips & FAQs

How does the Kindle compare to the Paperwhite and Oasis?

The basic Amazon Kindle is definitely more basic and contains less storage and no cellular connectivity. Most importantly, the basic Kindle isn’t waterproof. Paperwhite and Oasis have an additional 130ppi of resolution which certainly makes words look a lot crisper. The Oasis also has great page turning buttons and contains adjustable warming light settings which reduces strain on your eyes at night. If you are a hardcore Kindle user or plan to read your Kindle in the bathtub or by the ocean/pool, it might be worth investing in the Paperwhite. If not, you will be totally fine saving the money and getting the basic version.

 

Should I get the ad supported version or not?

The ads do not detract from the Kindle experience whatsoever. It just has some random book recommendations sprinkled in on the cover and on your library screen. Save the $20 and get the ad supported version.

Have another question?

Related Products & Links

Amazon Paperwhite

The Paperwhite is definitely the superior version of Kindle. The extra 130ppi of resolution does make a difference as does the waterproof protection. If you want something beyond just the basic version, the Paperwhite is the obvious choice

 

Amazon Oasis

So, you can buy 3 Kindles for the price of one Oasis. Is it worth it? The page turn buttons are great as is the waterproof protection. My favorite feature is the adjustable warming settings on the light so that blue light is reduced when you’re reading at night. If you are a hardcore Kindle reader it might be worth it for you. But for the rest of us, just get the basic Kindle and pair it with some good Blue Light Glasses at night.

Have a better suggestion?

reviewed by

Jack

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