Buying a Kindle? Read This Before You Buy
Welcome to your Kindle Buying Guide
Thinking of buying a new Kindle as a gift for yourself or for someone else? Smart move! Not sure where to buy a Kindle or which one to buy? Let us help you choose! Even if you're still comparing e-readers and haven't made up your mind yet, we have the information you need to know and answers to your questions about buying a Kindle.
If you're buying a reader or tablet for yourself or as a gift, we'll help you choose the best model. We'll also tell you how to buy or borrow ebooks - and where to find free ebooks. We'll offer other tips and recommendations, too, based on our experience as a long-time Kindle owner.
A new Kindle or Fire would be great surprise for a college student for school, for a frequent traveler, or for anyone who just loves to read. Any model is easy to buy as a gift and Amazon will walk you through the steps on the order page.
More questions? Keep reading to find answers. Our goal is to help make your buying experience an easy one.
Ready to Buy? Looking for a Kindle Sale?
Use this link to see which devices are on sale today.
Amazing! Look How Thin This Kindle Oasis Is
April 13th New Kindle Poll
Will you upgrade to the new Kindle Oasis?
"Kindle" Romance with the Gift of a New Reader or Fire Tablet
New Poll: September 2014
Are you shopping for a Kindle for yourself or for a gift?
Check the Kindle Store Daily
You'll find Daily Deals, support, and more.
FAQ about Buying a Kindle
Get quick answers to your Kindle questions here.
Where should I buy my Kindle? While it's now available in several office and department stores, you'll find all the current Kindle models, with comparison charts and a full list of features, in the Kindle Store (link is above), which is where I recommend you buy because it's where you can expect the best customer support. Amazon has a reputation for excellent customer service and if you ever have a problem, there are trained people available to help. Plus the Amazon site has great Q&A and Kindle chat areas where you can find answers or ask your own question. On each Kindle model's page you'll see a "buy" box similar to the one pictured here. Another reason to buy directly from Amazon? When your device arrives, it will be all set up for you with any books or other items that you've already purchased. There's just nothing easier than getting started with a preregistered Kindle from Amazon, and I know that from personal experience.
Where can I get Kindle gift cards or gift certificates? To give a gift card or certificate for a Kindle, go directly to the Kindle store and look in the left margin of the page. To give Kindle books as gifts, simply choose "Give as a Gift" on any Kindle book page.
Where do I go to buy Kindle books? Once again, the Kindle store has you covered. You'll find Kindle newspapers, magazines, and blogs there too. Once you've placed the order for a Kindle reader or Fire tablet you can choose books and they'll be loaded and ready when your device is delivered to your door! Of course you can add books anytime after you have your reader.
Where do I find free Kindle books? You'll find free ebooks listed in the Kindle bookstore with the bestsellers for each category.
Is it true that Kindle doesn't come with a case? Yes, and we definitely recommend a case, cover, or sleeve for every model to best protect your investment. There's a huge selection (you guessed it) in the Kindle store. Check the customer reviews then choose something you really love. You can even design a cover yourself!
So, bottom line question, which Kindle should I buy? Bottom line answer, it depends! In my opinion, if you want to simply read books and do very little online activity, you have two choices. The simple Kindle reader is an excellent bargain and may be all you need. You'll probably want to buy a light, though, so choosing the Kindle Paperwhite (see it below) might be a better choice. In fact, this model is now a hugely popular bestseller. I have one and I love it! It costs a little bit more but is still very affordable. Your budget and whether or not you'll need a lighted screen will be the deciding factors.
Now, on to the tablets, now simply called Fire. If you want to watch movies or play games and interact with others or surf the web, that's when you need to look at the new models of the Fire (also featured below). I own a new Paperwhite for reading and now three Fires (the newest under $50 model, the original 7-inch wi-fi version, and the 8.9-inch HD 4G LTE version so I can use it on the go) and use all of them, just depending on what I want to do (read, play games, check email, watch movies). My recommendation? The newest models are faster and clearer. My prediction? You're in for an awesome treat!
There's no reason to spend more to get a better Kindle model if you don't need it. The $79 basic Kindle is an awesomely wonderful reader if that's all you need. By the way, on the models where you can choose to buy with "special offers," I recommend you do that to save a little bit of money. The ads you'll see on the screensaver are often quite good, but they're also very non-intrusive to the reading experience. Might as well save a few dollars up front and possibly save more with a special offer later.
You'll meet several members of the Kindle family of e-readers and tablets and read my reviews as you scroll down this page. Also, each of the e-reader sales pages at Amazon.com has a comparison chart to compare Kindles. That's a great place to see exact specifications for each of the models, which will help you make the best decision.
The eReader I Use Daily

The latest Paperwhite (which I own and use daily) is still in wi-fi only or with 3G and is still an excellent choice. Click on the picture to compare features with the new, top of the line Kindle Voyage reader. Customers love it!
The Latest Generation Kindle Paperwhite - With lighted screen.
This is the very popular, innovative model of the Kindle e-reader with the built-in lighted screen. A best-seller, the screen is actually lit from above, not backlit (like the color Kindle Fire or a typical tablet), so it's easy on the eyes. The latest generation model has a faster processor with quicker page turns, as well as a browsing function that allows you to flip through pages or chapters without losing your place. It's also available in your choice of either white or black. Cool!
The technology of the lighted screen makes it easy on the eyes, very important for people who love to read for hours on end.
Choose the wi-fi only version or the 3G version, which means you can buy and access books on the go. And, as is true with all the Kindle models, no contract required!
This is the Kindle I do most of my reading on, every day. Love it!
Which is the Best Kindle for Reading Outdoors?
If you'll be doing your reading outside, perhaps by the pool or even on the porch, choose one of the Kindle readers (the simple Kindle, the Paperwhite, or the Voyage) rather than a tablet. I've tested mine in bright sunlight and, it's true, there is no glare with the readers. Since the Fire tablets have a reflective screen, you will get glare and won't be able to read well except in the dimmest outdoor light.
Why Choose Kindle?
What about iPad? We'll help you choose.
If you're thinking about buying a Kindle for yourself or for a gift, you might also be wondering about the other ebook devices. Rather than a full-blown comparison of the Kindle to iPad or other tablets (many models seem to come and go), here are some reasons that you should choose Kindle over the other devices, as well as situations in which a different device might be a better choice.
The Kindle is small and lightweight. Many thousands of Kindle owners use Kindle to hold their vast library of books in order to free up space on their bookshelves and in their pockets or purses. Rather than hauling heavy books with them wherever they go, it's so simple to stow a Kindle for a trip to the doctor's office or a vacation around the world. The Kindle's light weight makes it very comfortable to hold and read, and the Pearl technology e-ink is crisp, easy to read, and comfortable for long-term reading. There's also no problem with glare when reading outside - at the beach or the bus stop.
What about a color e-reader? Kindle's content is displayed using amazingly clear e-ink Pearl technology in multiple shades of gray. For serious readers, we think you'll probably prefer one of the regular Kindle readers. But if you're looking for an e-reader and entertainment device, check out the full-color Kindle Fire tablet.
How about the iPad? The first issue with the Apple iPad is the price; expect to spend $600 and up without the monthly data plan (if you need that - and if you have an iPad, you probably do want internet access and, thus, a data plan). It's true that the iPad screen is beautiful and impressive, but the backlit screen is hard on the eyes, so not good for those who read for hours on end. An additional factor is the size and weight. If carrying a larger device is no problem, consider holding a heavier device while reading for a long period of time. If your eyesight doesn't fail you, the strength in your wrists might. It's hard to imagine that a few ounces can make that much difference, but one of the biggest complaints among iPad owners is that they get tired from holding it.
Need internet access and want one do-it-all device? Then the Kindle Fire is definitely for you!
The Latest Generation 6-inch Amazon Kindle Reader
An excellent choice for people who simply love to read.
Don't let the low price fool you. This is the basic Kindle model, but it's a beauty and is absolutely perfect as a dedicated e-reader. It would be great for a young reader, but with its adjustable font size it works well for older eyes, too. And the current version includes features such as the new touchscreen that makes navigation a breeze, faster page turns, and twice the storage as the previous version.
When you order you'll receive the Kindle and the USB charging cable. You'll probably want to add a case for safe-keeping and possibly a reading light.
Can I Borrow Kindle Books From the Public Library?
Yes you can! Well, probably.
Your library must participate in the lending program, but most public libraries across the country do. Books eligible for lending/borrowing are clearly marked on their Kindle product page on Amazon.
Here's How to Use Kindle Page Flip
See the Latest Edition Kindle Fire 6, 7, 8, and 10-inch Tablets Here
If you're looking for a dedicated reader, then my advice is to stick with the Paperwhite, the Voyage, or the simple (but awesome) $79 Kindle. However, if you want an amazing full-color display, movies, apps, games, music, a super-fast web browser, AND reading, then one of the Kindle Fire models would be my recommendation. If you love colorful magazines, children's books, or graphic novels, then this is the Kindle for you. Oh, you can also read regular books on the Fire, too!
Know what I like best about the Fire? No contracts and no monthly fees! (That's true with all the Kindle models, by the way.) For the Fire, I absolutely do recommend that you go with an annual subscription to Amazon Prime. That's the service that includes free 2-day shipping on all of your qualifying Amazon orders but also includes unlimited instant videos (over 10,000 movies and TV shows) and tons of music at no extra cost.
Quality on all of these is awesome (did I mention how much I love mine?). All of the current Fire tablet models are accessible from the product page linked below or any of the "Buy Now" buttons on this page.

This is the latest generation Fire tablet, the "cheap" one at just under 50 bucks, and I can't say enough about this. I absolutely love mine and use it daily. In fact, it's my favorite Fire tablet yet (I have two others). It's an awesome tablet for its size and a super buy, but don't overlook the other choices. You might prefer a more powerful tablet, especially if you do a lot of gaming. Storage, though, isn't a problem as this new version can hold a memory card to expand onboard storage.
The current models are all on display at the orange Buy Now link below. There's a features comparison chart on each product page, too, that's very helpful to be sure you're choosing the best tablet for your intended purpose.
My advice? Buy as much as you can afford in the size that you prefer. That sounds vague, but consider how and where you'll be using it and how you'll be carrying it. The large screen version is awesome, but the device is definitely bigger, so the 6 or 8-inch model might be a better choice for you. Buying for a child? Definitely consider the Kids Edition, worth the price for the warranty and additional features. Details and comparison on all of these tablets at the buy link below.
Looking for Textbooks?
Great idea and yes, Kindle does have textbooks!
Look under "Popular Features" on the Kindle store page to learn about buying or renting electronic textbooks on Kindle.
Kindle Unlimited: Recommended! Subscribe and read for free.
With a Kindle Unlimited subscription, you'll be able to borrow a large number of Kindle books (including this one that has about a bazillion excellent reviews - okay, maybe not that many) to read for free - with no due date! Membership is just $9.99 a month (with a free 30-day trial).
Many of the books available for Kindle Unlimited (and there are thousands of them) also have audio narration available, a terrific feature for those who like to listen to their books while they drive or just want to rest their eyes.
It's a great program. Full details are available on the product page of any book that's included in the program.
Who Needs a Kindle?
- Retirees
- Students
- Teachers
- Commuters
- Game Players
- World Travelers
- Prolific Readers
- Reluctant Readers
- Stay-at-home Moms
- Business Professionals
- The Environmentally Conscious
- You do!
- Who doesn't need a Kindle?
If you've decided to buy a Kindle, you've made a fabulous choice. Tell us about it or ask a question in the comment section below.
This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.
© 2010 Susan Deppner
Are You Buying a Kindle This Year? Need to Ask a Question? If there's anything else I can help you with, please let me know!
ive been looking at all the ereaders and kindels and im a bit confused by all the difference, im looking for audio books and earphone acceptance and some free books, maybe that dont cost arm and a leg. to buy, reading for long peroids of time is hard on my eyes, and listening to the books is so much more engaging for me. was looking for some imput on how others feel about these devices. and help my confusion up.
I would like to buy one for my daughter who has dyslexia, is there audio version that she could have with blue tooth capabilities so she can listen and be free of wires?
My current paper white cannot be used to borrow books from local library. Which one do I need. I do not need anything but the reader, not tablet
I have an older(2nd gen?) iPad w a very cracked screen wh I’ve replaced twice..and a kindle paper white (I think) with an annoying ding in the screen.
I use my iPad rarely..mostly for NETFLIX etc. Occasionally to read ebooks.
(I never use my laptop anymore but can’t deal with replacing that right now!)
I don’t know where to start with a new iPad and/or kindle!
I like me having both.
Am “thinking” about an Oasis..just confused!
Any advice would be appreciated!
It's too expensive although it does look amazing. I like that it has the page buttons and waterproof plus the connectivity without wifi.
Hi Susan
Lately I have been looking into buying the right kindle e-reader for me. I have zeroed-in on the basic 79$ version and the paperwhite which is going for 119$ on Amazon.
I have heard some reviewers say that the ppi on paperwhite is twice as much as on a basic model. Do you think the difference in text and specially image quality on the two is worth this 40$ premium ?
Not having screen backlight is not really an issue for me.
What would your pick be ?
I need a kindle that can download and play audiobooks, connects via 3g and will accept earphones. Which model do I need?
I presently own a paper white Kindle which I love
I was thinking of buying an i pad but was wondering if a Kindle fire is a better move. I enjoy reading in and outdoors, would possibly like color to download children's books and games. I'd also like to use it as aini computer. Knowing this, is the Kindle fire a good move for me
Hello Susan,
I want to gift a kindle to my husband. He likes to read books a lot.
I am not getting which one will be best for him as I have never used kindle so no experience about it.
Could you please suggest me.
Thank you in advance.
Hi I'm from South Africa. And I'm about to have to throw away my 3rd kindle. There is no support here and Amazon is no help. Any tips for me. All of them have been charge related issues
.I'm considering replacing my early model Kindle with the Kindle Voyage. Where can I actually see the device and cases before I purchase from Amazon?
I would like to buy a kindle for my visually impaired daughter. Before losing her vision she was an avid reader and not being able to enjoy a good book was probably the most devastating thing about her loss. We have since found audio books but they are very expensive and have a rather small selection for a girl her age (22) I have heard the kindles have audio. I personally have a Kobo which does not have audio. I have no idea what ones have this feature, your help would be greatly appreciated. Do they come with head phones or do you buy them seperately, do they even have a headphone jack?
Thanks for the great comparison details, I just bought a Voyage after reading this!
Hello Susan,
I wanted to buy kindle for my daughter who has just turned thirteen and she loves reading books, which kindle would you recommend? I donot have a credit card do, i need to buy books for her online??or there are free books already downloaded?I mean do we have to by the Kindle device and then buy online ebooks?Please guide me on this regards as I know little about this device.
Hello Susan,
To purchase books at the kindle price on amazon i have to have a kindle paperwhite or kindle instead of a fire tablet? That's my only question before I buy a device myself. . .
what is kindle reading light?
Is their a way to use the kindal for reading books too or only the internet?
How do you download a gift book code to a kindle paper white 3g. No wifi available. Thanks.
How hard is it to upload books to a kindle? We are not very computer savvy.....
Hi! Is there a plan to re-release non-touch screen kindle paperwhite? it is the best and the simplest!
Hi Susan
I am totally overwhelmed in trying to work out which Kindle to buy! I just want someone to understand what I want and tell me what to buy!! Could that be you?
I am going travelling in Africa, for a long time. Do I want 3G or wireless or both?
I want a built in light. I read mostly in bed at night, or in airports or bus stations! So I want that light option that's good for the eyes pre-sleep.
I don't want to do anything on it other than read books.
I want a clear screen, easy to use Kindle.
I want good quality but don't want to pay a fortune. Willing to be in the mid-range market to get good quality but not the high end.
THANK YOU
Susan, I have a question for you.I am looking at getting a new ereader.either a nook or kindle.Far as you know how is barnes and noble doing in the ereader business and how do they do compared to the kindle?Also I have heard kindle can download out of the pdf format but not the epub format like the nook or kobo,in your opinion does that seem to be much of an issue with the kindle compared to the other ereaders that can?
John
Great info, thanks! I don't own an e-reader but I want to get one for my 90-year old Mom. You like the Paperwhite but want to be sure it's right for her. She needs something easy to hold (lightweight), bright and still big enough to comfortably read. Mom leads 2 book groups a month and I want to ensure she can easily transport it ( a case is a must). Is there anything else you'd advise for a senior? We'll go out and have her inspect to make sure it's the right one for her. Any other choices for her to consider? Thank you!
Hello, I want to buy an oasis and am using a fire at the moment. What happens to my books and photos and other data when I get the oasis?
Hi,I was going to get my daughter a kindle paper white but would like to get her a case so that she doesn't damage it were you you get cases that you can design yourself?
I usually read paper books from my large home collection, but having a Kindle is great when you are away from home or traveling. Thanks for putting so many choices together in one place for easy access and selection.
I'll admit it, I wasn't really looking for a new Kindle, but that Oasis is quite a temptation! I appreciate that it is thinner, but that was not the feature that grabbed me and held on. Nope, it was that the battery would last for so long. I hate being in the middle of a book and having to charge my Kindle. I end up being "connected" to a wall plug just to keep reading.
Thank you for this informative article on Kindles. I was going to buy one for my friend who is an avid reader. This hub has cleared all my questions!
Hi! I'm planning to get a Kindle Fire later this month. I'm a college student with an Amazon Prime subscription. I love streaming videos and the interne and have always been a loyal Apple fan. Recently, however, I seem to have become an Amazon addict even more so. haha. This will be my first tablet! Do you find it difficult to read ebooks on your Kindle Fire? Or do you see an advantage to having two kindles? My Kindle would be used for streaming, but I'd also like to use it for some casual reading of journal articles for my research, as well as for casual reading of books. Thanks for such a great article!!
Thanks for the very comprehensive article on Kindles. It's so nice having so many options but it can also be overwhelming too! I have the Paperwhite because I'm just interested in using mine for reading and I'm not that technical so it's very user friendly. I didn't realize you can design your own cover. My husband kept trying to convince me to buy one and I resisted for a while but now wondered how I ever lived without it.
He's looking at the email. Have I found the key to getting him to listen? LOL ...
I'm back. Trying to convince my husband we need to get one. This time I'm sending him the link to your site. :0
You do an excellent job of presenting the pros and cons of each type of kindle. I'm suing a Samsung tablet with the kindle for android software and it works fine. I might get a kindle in the future tho, but I'm not sure if it offer any advantages over the tablet.
I have the Paperwhite, which is very good in some situations. I don't like how hard it is to find things as compared to being able to flip back through a book's pages. When you bookmark a location, you have to remember the number to find it again if you bookmarked lots of pages. It's hard to search for the book you want to read if you don't already know the title. That makes browsing hard. But if I have to use an E reader, the one I have is probably as good as any.
I got the HDX7 when it was on sale last year and I love it. When it came around recently at 50% off, I grabbed one for my son. The size is perfect and the text is so easy to read.
Susan, you sure are up on the Kindle! If ever I was in the market for one and had a question, I know who to go to for help! great page
Hello, I am interested in buying a Kindle but don't know which one is best for me. I want a kindle which will allow me to download a lot of books but mostly one that will let me read outside in the sun or by the pool side, so which one would be better for that?? A regular Kindle or a Kindle Paper White?? Please help me!!
I like the Paper white kindle because it is front lit. You can still read it outside and you can read it inside or even in the dark.
At the moment I'm pretty satisfied with my ipad mini retina. It's pretty easy on the eyes. Although I do admit, I am intrigued by Kindle. It would be nice to use Kindle just for reading.
I have often thought about a Kindle. I would like a tablet that I could do anything with though.
Everyone in our family has a Kindle, even the grandkids. We love them!
Great lens. Very informative and well written.
I have a kindle fire but if I didn't I would purchase one because of your lens.
very well written lens before I even got the ipad part, I was thinking what about an ipad? haha then I find out you were getting to that. I don't know many people that own a kindle I understand the benefits of an e-reader but i'm old fashioned and like paperbacks the feel of the paper is wonderful although not a space saver.
Hi Susan- Great lens, very informative! I love my Kindle for the convenience-factor vs. having hundreds of books collecting dust on a shelf. Hope others who read your review and don't own a Kindle jump on Amazon or eBay ASAP... they'll be glad they made the switch :)
Read your review before upgrading my old Kindle Keyboard to the Paperwhite. Although I am already familiar with the features and offerings at the Kindle store, your comments were VERY helpful. I couldn't decide if I wanted the HD Fire or a Paperwhite but am happy to report that I opted for the Paperwhite and it's turned out to be awesome! I'll keep the old Kindle for my crossword puzzles and word games and as a "loaner" for visitors but, for reading, the Paperwhite is just the best! Crisp, clear, options for font and lighting - all easy to use and housed in a lightweight, portable device that I can carry anywhere. It's really great and I thank you for the review for helping me to make the decision on which one to buy.
What happens to my downloads should my Kindle break?
@SusanDeppner: Hi Susan. I've had my Kindle Fire HDX for just over a month and I am absolutely loving it ð! The picture quality, screen responsiveness to touch and just the all around feel of it is amazing. You were very correct in telling me that upgrading to the latest model was the best option. There is a substantial difference between my Kindle Fire and Kindle Fire HDX - the former is far more glitchy than the latter. I am loving my new baby and I am so grateful for your advice.
I have definitely got to bookmark this! I have been debating about what type of "new gadget" to get. I LOVE my books, but it would be so much easier to have something compact and lightweight for travel. Thank you for sharing the information on the various products.
Thanks for all the useful information. Maybe I should reconsider the possibility of buying a Kindle.
@SusanDeppner: Thanks for the advice. On Wednesday 16 April, while I was still contemplating what to do, I saw on amazon.com that there was a discount of $30 on Kindle Fires. Lol so I couldn't wait and decided to buy the Kindle Fire HDX 7" 16GB for $199. This also aligns with your advice to get the latest model technology wise. I'm having it shipped to a friend's sister-in-law who is coming to Zimbabwe, where I am, in early May. I can't wait. Once I've gotten it and have played around with it I'll let you know how I'm finding it. Thanks.
The information is just awesome. Great guide!
Thanks for the great write up. Here is my story. I own two kindles, that is a Kindle Touch which my sister now uses, and Kindle Fire (1st generation 8GB) which I use. I would like to upgrade to a kindle with a a bigger memory but I'm confused about which one to get. I want a Kindle Fire HD, even though I live outside the US and don't get access to amazon prime video streaming. The 2013 Kindle Fire HD 7" 16GB comes in at $169 but has no camera. The 2012 Kindle Fire 16GB model which has a front facing camera (which would help for skype calls) is listed at $199 while the 2013 Kindle HDX 16GB, which also has a front facing camera, costs $229. The 2012 model appeals to me because of the price and the camera. My questions are a) does anyone have either of the last two mentioned models and is the camera good enough for skype or one just sticks to their PC or laptop? If its not so good do I just go for the Kindle Fire HD 2013 model? Your recommendations and thoughts are welcome.
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