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Which e-reader should you buy? Amazon Kindles compared

Amazon Kindles are the perfect device for avid readers. They allow users to change font size, get the next book in a series without having to leave the comfort of the couch and can hold tons of titles.

Kindles are also great for web apps and games, and you can tap or click here to see how to load them with free eBooks. If you’re in the market for a new e-reader, you can’t go wrong with an Amazon Kindle.

But which model is right for you? Are there decent Kindle alternatives out there? We’ll tell you everything you need to know, as well as where to get Kim’s eBooks!

The models

Amazon currently offers three different versions of the Kindle: the classic Kindle, Kindle Paperwhite and the all-new Kindle Oasis. Tap or click here to see our comparison chart. For more in-depth information, here’s a little break down:

Kindle (classic)

The latest iteration of the original Kindle is available in black or white, and comes with the following features:



This Kindle works with a Wi-Fi connection and is priced from $89.99, making it the most affordable model — but keep an eye out for holiday and Prime Day deals to see if you can get it for even less!

Kindle Paperwhite

The Kindle Paperwhite is available in black or twilight blue, and includes the following:

  • A 6-inch e-ink screen.
  • A 300 ppi glare-free display.
  • An adjustable built-in LED front light (5 LEDs).
  • Storage capabilities of 8GB or 32GB.
  • Waterproof in up to 6.5 feet of water for one hour.


The Kindle Paperwhite can connect to Wi-Fi but also offers cellular connectivity. The price point starts at $129.99 for the 8GB option and is $159.99 for the 32GB version. Though it shares the same screen size as the classic Kindle, the overall shape of the Kindle Paperwhite is thinner and wider.

Kindle Oasis

The Kindle Oasis is available in graphite or champagne gold, and has the following features:

  • A 7-inch flush-point Paperwhite display with a 16-level grayscale. This means there is a backlight for the e-ink display.
  • A 300 ppi glare-free display.
  • An adjustable built-in LED front light (25 LEDs).
  • Storage capabilities of 8GB or 32GB.
  • Waterproof in up to 6.5 feet of water for one hour.
  • Adjustable warm light and auto-adjusting light sensors.
  • An ergonomic design.
  • Automatic rotating page orientation.
  • Page turn buttons.


The Kindle Oasis can connect to Wi-Fi and also offers cellular connectivity. An 8GB Kindle Oasis is $249.99 and the 32GB is $279.99. Though it does have the largest screen size, it also features the thinnest body.

While the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite center their displays, the Kindle Oasis display is more to one side of the device to make for a more comfortable reading experience. All Amazon Kindles feature long battery lives, each of which can last weeks at a time.

Which is the best device for you? Well, it depends on your lifestyle. Reading addicts would benefit from the Kindle Oasis’ ergonomic design, while light readers would get the most bang for their buck with the base Kindle. Those who want more affordable storage options should get the Kindle Paperwhite.

Kindle alternatives

There are two great Kindle alternatives for readers who prefer to download EPUB files, which aren’t compatible with Amazon Kindles: The Kobo Clara and Kobo Forma.

Bonus: Did you notice “Kobo” is an anagram of the word “book?”

Kobo Clara HD

The Kobo Clara HD looks a lot like the classic Kindle, but it’s only available in black. It offers the following features:

  • A 6-inch e-ink touchscreen.
  • A storage capacity of 8GB.
  • A built-in comfort light. This reduces or increases blue-light exposure depending on surrounding brightness.


The Kobo Clara HD supports the following document formats:

  • CBR
  • CBZ
  • EPUB DRM
  • HTML
  • MOBI
  • PDF
  • RTF
  • TXT

This device is available for $119.96 and connects to Wi-Fi networks. The Kobo Clara also comes with a micro USB cord.

Kobo Forma

The Kobo Forma is visually similar to the Kindle Oasis but is only available in black. It offers the following:

  • An 8-inch e-ink display.
  • A storage capacity of 8GB or 32GB.
  • A built-in comfort light.
  • Waterproof in up to 6.5 feet of water for one hour.
  • An ergonomic design.


This device is available for $244.94 on Amazon for the 8GB device, or $249.99 from kobobooks.com. The 32GB version is also available from kobobooks.com for $299.99. It connects to Wi-Fi networks and comes with a micro USB cord.

The most affordable Kindle alternative is the Kindle app, available for iOS and Android. It can be downloaded free to your smartphone or tablet.

Kim’s eBooks

Now that you know which e-reader is best for you, you’ll need some eBooks to put on it! Kim has authored several helpful eBooks that are available to download now. Here are a few:

“7 Steps to Online Dating Success”

Looking for love? Scared to jump into the world of online dating? Let me help. In my new eBook, “7 Steps to Online Dating Success,” I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get the most out of online dating apps and services — and potentially meet that special someone, safely!


“Windows 10: Secrets and Tips for Busy People”

It’s a miracle that you get as much done as you do. Technology is helping you to be increasingly productive, although none of us often pays attention to its role in our lives. But just imagine tackling everyday tasks like paying bills, organizing digital photos, chatting with your kids scattered around the country and so much more without a PC or laptop.


“50 Ways to Make Money From Home”

A little extra cash in your pocket never hurts, and you can make that money while staying in your pajamas at home. Learn how people make money online, so you can see how you can work on the go, and eliminate the need to go into a cubicle again.


Now that you have some eBooks and your e-reader all picked out, find your favorite nook and get to reading! If you’d like a few more eBook options, tap or click here.

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