This app is only available on the App Store for iOS devices.
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Description
Turn your iPhone or iPad into a Kindle with the free Kindle app, and carry all your eBooks with you, wherever you go.
eBooks (including those with narration) that you have purchased on Amazon will automatically appear in your app. Kindle Unlimited and Amazon Prime members can select and download eBooks directly in the app.
What you’ll get:
• With your newsfeed you can discover what the readers you trust are reviewing and rating highly to find your next great read, and discuss the books, passages and ideas that inspire you while only being one tap away from diving back into your book.
• Sample any eBook for free
• Magazines, newspapers, graphic novels and textbooks with high-res color images
• A customizable reading experience with your choice of font style, size and more
• Comfortable reading day and night with adjustable screen brightness and page color
• Discover and download Kindle Unlimited eBooks and magazines
• Unique features like X-Ray, Whispersync, Page Flip, Print Replica, flashcards and more
• Instant translations and definitions, without leaving the page
• Ability to make and share in-page highlights
• Bold font and text size options
• Access to local library eBooks
eBooks (including those with narration) that you have purchased on Amazon will automatically appear in your app. Kindle Unlimited and Amazon Prime members can select and download eBooks directly in the app.
What you’ll get:
• With your newsfeed you can discover what the readers you trust are reviewing and rating highly to find your next great read, and discuss the books, passages and ideas that inspire you while only being one tap away from diving back into your book.
• Sample any eBook for free
• Magazines, newspapers, graphic novels and textbooks with high-res color images
• A customizable reading experience with your choice of font style, size and more
• Comfortable reading day and night with adjustable screen brightness and page color
• Discover and download Kindle Unlimited eBooks and magazines
• Unique features like X-Ray, Whispersync, Page Flip, Print Replica, flashcards and more
• Instant translations and definitions, without leaving the page
• Ability to make and share in-page highlights
• Bold font and text size options
• Access to local library eBooks
What’s New
In the coming weeks, you will be able to select multiple books in your library at once to mark as read or add to a Collection in bulk.
1.2M Ratings
Now I use the Kindle App on my iPad and iPhone
For years I read novels using my different Kindle devices. For the last six years, I've read novels using the free Kindle App on my iPad and iPhone. I appreciate how the App keeps track of what page I’m on between my two Apple devices. If I’m out and stuck waiting, I just use my phone to start reading where I left off the night before on my iPad. The Kindle App will ask if you’d like whatever device you’re using synced with the last page read on the other device.
Another advantage to using the Kindle App on an Apple device is how easy it is to Google anything you want as you read. So when you highlight a word, name or phrase, the App offers a dictionary as well as a Google search. If I want an image of a location or piece of history, it right there. If I want a map of the area you’re reading about, it’s just a click away. I don’t have to call up a browser and enter in the search separately. There are tons of features to explore on the Kindle App. When you finish a book, a list of similar books and authors pops up. Without switching the screen, you can see how many stars each book has earned and read a brief synopsis. The list. Includes other books by the same author you’ve just read as well as a list of all the books mentioned in the story. Searching the Kindle store is just a click away. The Kindle App has continued to expand and add features over the years. It’s pretty amazing! I’m never without a book!
Another advantage to using the Kindle App on an Apple device is how easy it is to Google anything you want as you read. So when you highlight a word, name or phrase, the App offers a dictionary as well as a Google search. If I want an image of a location or piece of history, it right there. If I want a map of the area you’re reading about, it’s just a click away. I don’t have to call up a browser and enter in the search separately. There are tons of features to explore on the Kindle App. When you finish a book, a list of similar books and authors pops up. Without switching the screen, you can see how many stars each book has earned and read a brief synopsis. The list. Includes other books by the same author you’ve just read as well as a list of all the books mentioned in the story. Searching the Kindle store is just a click away. The Kindle App has continued to expand and add features over the years. It’s pretty amazing! I’m never without a book!
Terrific app but could use more sort/search options
I've been using the Kindle app for years and it is my preferred e-reader app. Pros: Well, there are so many, but mainly I like that I can obtain a book immediately and it doesn't take up any more space in my small house. I have all of my books available to me wherever I am so that I can read whatever I want wherever I want. (No more wishing I would have brought a different book or finishing a book and not having another.) When at the grocery store, I can look at a recipe in one of my many cookbooks on Kindle to see what I need to buy to make it. Backlighting, font, and size options mean I can read even if I've forgotten my reading glasses or have difficulty reading the publisher's chosen font. Even if I have a physical version of a book, I often also get a Kindle version. Cons: Searching is either of a book title (when in the library) or specific content (from within a book only). I would like to be able to search for specific content or content that I've highlighted or bookmarked within a collection or even the whole library. I have so many Kindle books now that I sometimes have trouble remembering where I've seen some content, as I often have quite a few books on one subject. Also, I would like to have more options for arranging my books. Physical books I can arrange on a shelf in any order I please. That cannot be done with the Kindle app.
The Kindle App Turned Me into a Book Worm!
Until the Kindle App I could never finish a book. Not sure if it was a physical book’s white glaring background behind the black print or the fact that I was always made aware of how many pages I had left to finish the book that caused me to not read much. However when my daughter told me about the Kindle App and how I could make the print larger, change the background and text color, look up statistics about each character (when they are first introduced into the story and who they were, and where in the book they appear each time) I was anxious to try it. All it took was ONE book and I was hooked. Tailoring the Kindle App settings to my personal preference for easy reading was a HUGE advantage in my mind. I would finish EVERY book I started just because reading - period - was just so pleasant since I had the settings tailored to my liking - black background with white or sepia letters and large print in column style. My eyes NEVER got tired with this setting. A physical book was a completely different story for me. My eyes tired quickly and would start stinging even with my reading glasses. Since I was reading more books it helped me discover the type of books I REALLY loved reading. At the end of each book you get suggestions for more books like the one you just read. I highly recommend the Kindle App!
Information
Requires iOS 11.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Traditional Chinese
Supports
Family Sharing
With Family Sharing set up, up to six family members can use this app.
Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.
The Rundown
- Most Popular: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (Previous Generation) at Amazon, “Featuring an eight-week battery life.'
- Best Overall: 2019Amazon Kindle at Amazon, 'The newest line of Kindle now has a built-in front light.'
- Runner-Up, Best Overall: Amazon Kindle Oasis at Amazon, “The ‘Rolls Royce’ of e-readers with a bevy of high-end features.'
- Best Waterproof: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (Newest Generation) at Amazon, 'Super portable at just 6.4 ounces and (finally) waterproof, with an IPX8 rating.'
- Best for Audiobooks: Amazon Fire HD 8 with Alexa at Amazon, “When you’re tired of reading, it can instantly switch over to listening mode.”
- Best Budget: Barnes and Noble Nook 7' at Barnes and Noble, 'Offers an extensive ebook library with more than one million titles that cost $5 or less.'
- Best Amazon Tablet: Amazon Fire 7 Tablet at Amazon, 'More than just an e-reader, it’s also a full-fledged tablet equipped with Alexa.”
- Best Apple Tablet: Apple iPad at Amazon, 'You’re getting a full-featured tablet on top of the reading functionalities.'
- Best for Kids: Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition at Amazon, 'Comes with one free year of Amazon FreeTime Unlimited, which gives you access to kid-friendly Audible audiobooks.'
- Best for Work: Sony DPT-RP1/B Digital Paper at Amazon, 'Highlight, annotate, or erase on it just like you’d do with physical pen and paper.'
Our Top Picks
Most Popular: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (Previous Generation)
4
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite offers a whopping eight-week battery life on normal use and a reading experience that far exceeds that of a tablet. The latest Kindle Paperwhite matches Amazon’s flagship Kindle Voyage at 300ppi. The black and white screen is noticeably crisper than previous iterations, with a more pronounced contrast, and there’s no glare even under direct sunlight. For late-night reads, turn on the four built-in LED lights.
The new system font Bookerly has been designed from the ground up to reduce eyestrain while allowing for faster reading. This is not merely advertising fodder; the font is legitimately crisp, modern and easy to read. The typesetting engine has also received an update, so there are fewer awkward misplaced letters or words that plagued earlier models.
The relatively plain Kindle Paperwhite can’t compete with the more expensive Kindle Voyage’s design. At nearly half a pound, it is a little on the heavy side, and there’s no microSD slot. However, with 4GB of internal storage there’s enough space to store thousands of books.
The Kindle bookstore is arguably the best online bookstore available, with over four million titles on offer. It’s a little slow to navigate on the Paperwhite itself, but you can always browse the store on a laptop and send the e-book wirelessly to your device. The Kindle Paperwhite, at its lowest price point, has the right to show you advertising for unfettered access to the Amazon network via Wi-Fi. While these ads are unobtrusive, they might deter readers in search of a more traditional experience.
Read more reviews of the best Amazon Kindles available to purchase online.
Best Overall: 2019 Amazon Kindle
The Amazon Kindle has become a force in the portable electronics space—not because it has the flashiness of an iPad or the versatility of a flagship smartphone. It claims market share because the screen very closely approximates what it’s like to read an actual book. The newest 2019 version brings a lot of specs to the table.
First off, Amazon has included a brand-new front light that allows you to read in the dark, something that was previously only available on the more expensive Kindle Paperwhite. You’ll also get a decently crisp 167 PPI resolution, so not only can you read in the dark, but it’ll look really close to words on an actual page.
There’s 4GB of storage built in which is enough storage for thousands of books. It connects via Wi-Fi and even offers Bluetooth connectivity so you can listen to audiobooks as well as read. The battery is big enough to provide around four weeks of reading time, depending on things like light usage and how long you spend actually reading in a given session. Plus at only 0.34 inches thick, weighing only 6.1 ounces, and for a really affordable price, it is supremely portable, perfect for tossing into your beach or travel bag.
Runner-Up, Best Overall: Amazon Kindle Oasis
4
The Kindle Oasis is the best Amazon e-reader you can buy – even though the price is a bit steep. Rest assured, it’s the “Rolls Royce” of e-readers, with an all-new ergonomic design, dedicated buttons for turning pages and a backlight for reading in the dark. The tapered design is .13” at its slimmest, but it still manages to feel extra sturdy. It’s perfectly balanced for one-hand reading the 7” 300ppi display that offers laser-quality text. It also weighs just 4.6 ounces and is the first Kindle to be waterproof (IPX8) in fresh water for up to 60 minutes. Also new: the ability to listen to audiobooks narrated by your favorite A-list celebrities.
Whether it’s black and white comics or lengthy novels, reading on the display feels far closer to reading a physical book than a smartphone display. It’s that sharp and frankly, that good. Battery life will vary with use, but Amazon claims the Oasis can last up to eight weeks on just 30 minutes of reading per day. The 8GB of memory will hold thousands of books with Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n connectivity. Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited monthly rate offers one million titles on-the-go, and there are over two million titles priced at $9.99 or less.
Best Waterproof: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (Newest Generation)
4.5
Ever since Amazon first introduced the Kindle Paperwhite back in 2012, it’s had a special place in our hearts. It radically improved on the original Kindle's readability and versatility with an improved screen and backlighting. The newest Kindle Paperwhite continues in the tradition of the first Paperwhite with another round of updates. This model has a six-inch, glare-free screen with five LED lights behind the screen so you can read it anywhere. It’s also super portable at just 6.4 ounces and (finally) waterproof, with an IPX8 rating. That means you can read on the beach or by the pool without worrying about water damage.
The Kindle Paperwhite comes with a few configuration options. You’ll have to choose either 8GB or 32GB of storage, depending on how many books, magazines, comics, and audiobooks you need to store. Secondly, you’ll have to choose between having just Wi-Fi connectivity or Wi-Fi and free cellular connectivity from AT&T. Most people will be fine with just Wi-Fi, but heavy readers may prefer the ability to get more books while on the go. Lastly, you’ll have to choose whether to receive ads on your device or no ads. (Amazon calls ads “Special Offers.”) If you go ad-free, it will cost you $15 more.
Best for Audiobooks: Amazon Fire HD 8 with Alexa
3
If you want the best of the eBook and tablet world, it’s going to be hard to beat the Amazon Fire HD 8. With over millions of eBooks, individual Kindle titles cost as little as $2.99 a month, but you can also sign up for Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited plan for $9.99 a month to read whatever you want for as long as you renew your subscription.
When it comes to reading on the Fire HD 8, Amazon has done its best to create a comfortable screen experience. The tablet has a specialized Blue Shade feature for backlight optimization that allows for a pleasing nighttime reading experience that doesn’t fatigue the eyes. And when you’re tired of reading, you can instantly switch over to listening mode. Just ask Alexa to read aloud and it’ll take over. With dual stereo mode speakers powered by Dolby Atmos, books sound loud and clear.
When you’re done with books altogether, there’s so much more the Fire HD 8 can do. Stream millions of TV shows or movies with Netflix, HBO, or other favorite services. The Amazon app store offers hundreds of thousands of apps including sports, news, games, weather, and productivity for any kind of content you want.
Best Budget: Barnes and Noble Nook 7'
While the Barnes and Noble Nook may not have the prominence of the Amazon Kindle in the e-reading world, it’s worthy of consideration because of two major factors: low prices and many in-store locations in the U.S. where you can get real-life support. The newest Nook 7-inch tablet costs about half the price of a Kindle and offers an extensive ebook library with more than one million titles that cost $5 or less. This base model has 16GB of internal storage, but you can add up to 128GB in additional storage with a microSD card. The Nook also comes pre-installed with the Barnes and Noble Browsery app, where you can discuss your favorite books with their online community and get recommendations for titles you might like. For those that need to take a break from books now and again, you can also access the Google Play store on your Nook and download apps, games, movies, and more. If you prefer a larger screen, Barnes and Noble also offers a 10.1-inch Nook tablet (although that model is more expensive).
Best Amazon Tablet: Amazon Fire 7 Tablet
Amazon’s Fire 7 is so much more than just an e-reader – it’s also a full-fledged tablet equipped with Alexa. While you might not need all of its bells and whistles, there are plenty of features that make this device attractive to avid readers.
First off, its gorgeous seven-inch, 1024 x 600 IPS display has high contrast, vivid colors and sharp text to make reading for hours on end comfortable and enjoyable. Secondly, it boasts eight hours of battery life, so you won’t need to charge up between chapters. Thirdly, the Fire OS has an exclusive Blue Shade feature that automatically optimizes backlight for a better reading experience in dim lighting. And last but not least, Family Library links your Amazon account to that of your relatives to let you conveniently share books.
If you’re an on-the-go reader who doesn’t hesitate to toss your e-reader in your tote, you’ll also love the fact that the Fire 7 is highly durable. (It was rated as twice as durable than the iPad mini 4, not to mention, it’s cheaper, too!) For $30 more you can upgrade to the eight-inch Fire tablet, which will score you a larger reading screen and four more hours of battery life, but we find this seven-incher to be a good balance between function and portability.
Best Apple Tablet: Apple iPad
Apple’s iPad has been a great choice for e-reading for a long time due to its large display and incredible versatility. We've picked the newest version of the iPad with a 9.7-inch screen as the best option. While this is definitely a more expensive option in the e-reader space, you’re getting a full-featured tablet on top of the reading functionalities. The iPad allows you to browse the web, work on projects on the go, draw with the Apple Pencil, play games, and use millions of apps from the App Store. The iPad is also uniquely suited for reading magazines, comic books, and regular books that are full of color (most designated e-readers are black and white). One other reason the iPad is great for e-reading is that you can use various apps for e-reading including Apple Books, Kindle, Bookari, Scribd, Google Play Books, and more, so no matter where you like buying ebooks, you can read them.
Best for Kids: Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition
In the realm of e-readers specifically meant for children, there isn't much to choose from — designated e-readers are generally made with adult audiences in mind. Fortunately, the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition is technically a tablet, but it's so versatile that it also makes a great e-reader for kids.
At its core, the Fire HD 8 Kids Edition is a basic Fire HD tablet with an eight-inch display, 32GB of internal storage, a 1.3GHz quad-core processor, and 1.5GB of RAM. It has up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge, so it can get through a whole day (or two!) without being plugged in. But this model adds a few features specifically for kids, including a blue or pink “kid-proof” case that protects it from drops and a two-year guarantee that it will survive whatever your kids to do it. This tablet also comes with one free year of Amazon FreeTime Unlimited, which gives you access to thousands of kid-friendly books, movies, and TV shows through Amazon. FreeTime Unlimited also gives kids the ability to listen to Audible audiobooks like Beauty and the Beast, The Snow Queen, Peter Pan, and more.
Best for Work: Sony DPT-RP1/B Digital Paper
If you’re looking for an e-reader that is more suited for work tasks — including reading documents, drawing, or taking notes — you need to take a look at the Sony DPT-RP1/B Digital Paper. This device is one of the most interesting products on this list because it is so clearly meant for a future-facing work environment where you read and mark up documents on a single touch-screen reader (and it isn't an Apple, Google, or Amazon product). First and foremost, the Digital Paper is thin and claims to be “as thin as 30 sheets of paper,” so it’s easy to carry around to all your important meetings. The touchscreen, which can be either 10 inches or 13 inches in size, has high contrast and no glare, which means it's easy to read even in direct sunlight. When you pull up documents on the Digital Paper, you can highlight, annotate, or erase on them just like you’d do with physical pen and paper. To transfer documents, you can do so via USB, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth. In terms of battery life, it can last up to three weeks on a single charge.
Tested by
How We Tested
We bought four top-rated e-readers that our reviewers tested for 117 hours. We asked our testers to consider the most important features when using these e-readers, from their screen size to their durability. We’ve outlined the key takeaways here so that you, too, know what to look for when shopping.
What to Look for in an E-Reader
Screen type -Many e-readers, including Amazon’s Kindles, use a technology called E-Ink Carta to mimic paper and not harm your eyes in the same way an LED or LCD display does. For avid readers, it’s definitely the way to go. If you’ll be reading in short spurts, though, an IPS display (which is common on most tablets) is another option. Just be sure to turn on the Blue Shade feature that optimizes backlight for a better reading experience in dim lighting.
Battery life -In general, e-readers have stellar battery lives. Because the screens take up dramatically less power than smartphones or tablets, they can go days or even weeks without a charge. Some Kindles claim a whopping eight weeks of reading time (on 30 minutes of reading per day), so if you’re forgetful when it comes to charging, you’ll be set.
Durability -Planning to read at the beach? You’ll want an e-reader that can survive high tide. Some devices are designed to be waterproof and rated at IPX8, which means they can swim in depths of up to one meter for up to 60 minutes.
Everything You Need to Know About Our Favorite E-Readers
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Test Results: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (Previous Generation) (Most Popular)
4
What We Like
- Lightweight
- Great screen resolution
- Good battery life
What We Don't Like
- Limited storage capacity
- Awkward to hold
“The battery life, screen, touchscreen interactions, store, Goodreads integration, etc., all make it the best possible Kindle experience,” one of our testers raved about the Previous Generation Amazon Kindle Paperwhite. Our reviewers also liked how lightweight and portable it is, making it ideal for travel. On the other hand, one of our testers felt it was an awkward size: “It's not really necessary to hold in two hands, but it's also not comfortable to hold in just one,” he explained. One of our reviewers also wished for more storage space. Still, according to one of our testers, “it's worth buying, especially for the price.”
Test Results: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (Newest Generation) (Best Overall)
4.5
What We Like
- Sleek design
- Waterproof
- Great storage space
What We Don't Like
- Small glare in bright light
- MOBI format not compatible with local libraries
Our testers loved the improved 8 GB storage space and sleek, modern design of the Newest Generation Amazon Kindle Paperwhite. “It's compact, which means it's easy to take on vacations, and the waterproof feature is a perk,” reported one of our reviewers. On the other hand, our testers felt there was too much glare on the screen and weren’t fans of the experimental browser. One of our reviewers also wished you could read files from local libraries instead of being limited to the Kindle store. Still, our testers felt it was a worthwhile purchase, particularly because of all the extra storage space.
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Test Results: Amazon Kindle Oasis (Runner-Up, Best Overall)
4
What We Like
- Large screen
- Nice design
- Easy to flip between pages
What We Don't Like
- Pricey
- Experimental browser is bad
Our testers loved the 7-inch screen of the Kindle Oasis, which they said was particularly useful for reading comic books or looking at large font. One of our reviewers also noted, “It's got a really nice design, which makes it easy to grip, and the buttons make it easy to flip between pages.” However, one of our testers called the experimental browser “terrible” and also felt the device was so thin she was worried it would break. While our testers felt the large screen was great, overall, they felt the price was still a little steep for its capabilities.
Test Results: Amazon Fire HD 8 with Alexa (Best for Audiobooks)
3
What We Like
- Durable
- Great price
- Convenient Alexa voice control
What We Don't Like
- Audio is tinny
- Sluggish navigation
Our testers loved the Alexa voice integration of the Amazon Fire HD 8. “Hands-free Alexa is truly holistic, and the tablet can be mostly controlled with your voice,” one of our reviewers remarked. Our testers also thought it was super durable and kid-friendly. “It’s a great price for a multimedia streaming tablet,” one of our testers raved. On the other hand, our reviewers didn’t find the audio to be high-quality and found it was best used with headphones. Overall? “The tablet itself is seriously unremarkable due to its specifications, but if you’re not naive to that, this is easily one of the cheapest options on the market for a useful slate that will let you browse social media and stream content regularly,” declared one of our testers.