2020 is a year of change for many reasons, but there’s one thing that has been spreading faster than anything else: technology.
From smart devices to cell phones, there are bigger and better machines out there that can bring us some ease and convenience in these trying times. One piece of technology that has really improved over the years is the Kindle, or the eReader. What started as a simple device for storing a few electronic books has now evolved into a miniature tablet and WiFi device that will easily become your new favorite machine.
The biggest question of the year is, which brand of eReader is best? The original Amazon Kindle is always a big name and a frontrunner on the market, but the Kindle Paperwhite and Kindle Oasis also have their place as reliable reading devices. Each type of Kindle comes with its own unique set of features, tools, capabilities, price tags, and drawbacks. Below, you can find a breakdown of each Kindle and a review of each model so you can find the very best eReader for your enjoyment.
Here’s Our Best Amazon Kindle Comparison Recommendation!
High-End: Amazon Kindle Oasis
If you’re looking for the most advanced Kindle with the most features and gadgets, look no further than the Amazon Kindle Oasis. You’ll get the best core features without paying a high price.
Affordable: Amazon Kindle
The classic Amazon Kindle is the cheapest eReader you’ll find of good quality on the market. You can buy one with a built-in light and add more features with it still being the cheapest option out of the three.
Traveling Purposes: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
Need to get somewhere fast and you don’t have a lot of room to pack your bags with? The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is the way to go. It is thinner and it is waterproof so you can take it with you on any vacation.
Kindle Vs. Oasis Vs. Paperwhite: Which is best for you this year?
No matter which eReader you end up choosing, you will always get the same set of basic tools, features, and capabilities. You won’t have to sacrifice too much when changing decisions between one model and another. In fact, you will find that many options are reasonably priced for what you get. They are all Amazon products, after all, so let’s compare similar features first.
Parallel Features
No matter which Amazon Kindle model you get, you can look forward to the following:
Amazon Kindle Store
Each Kindle gives you access to all the books available through Amazon. It is one of the largest virtual bookstores in the world with thousands of titles and fair prices.
Prime Reading Service
Are you an Amazon Prime member? If so, you can get access to the Prime Reading Service! This service gives you tons of eBooks for free, along with other virtual media like short stories and magazines. You can dip your toe into the pools of self-published books or even into the range of free award-winning titles and popular reads.
Lending Library
There’s another cool service that you can get access to on any of your Kindle devices, as long as you are an Amazon Prime member. The Kindle Owners’ Lending Library lets you borrow one book a month from over half of a million eBooks in the library catalogue.
Family-Friendly Services
Each Kindle model has the Amazon’s Family Library feature, allowing you to put your books on a shared cloud. That way, every member of the family can access the same books on each of their individual Kindle devices. A family account can have up to two adults and four children.
Kindle Specifications
One way to start looking at the differences between these three Amazon Kindle models is to take a look at their specifications. This includes the measurements, screen size, battery life, and other essential features. Take a look:
| Kindle | Oasis | Paperwhite | |
| Price Range | $ | $$$ | $$ |
| Pixel Density | 167-170ppi | 300ppi | 300ppi |
| Battery Life | One charge for several weeks | One charge for several weeks | One charge for several weeks |
| Connection Options | WiFi only | WiFi + 4G | WFi +3G or 4G |
| Backlight? | 4 LED lights | 25 LED lights | 5 LED lights |
| Weight | 174g | 188g | 182g-191g |
| Dimensions | 160x113x8.7mm | 159mmx141mmx3.4-8.4mm | 167x116x8.2mm |
| Screen Size | 6” | 7” | 6” |
| Waterproof? | No | Yes | Yes |
| Colors? | White, Black | Graphite, Gold | Black |
| Page Turning | Touch | Touch | Touch + Buttons |
If specs are important to you, you can consider these differences when thinking about price points. Kindle devices come at a higher cost than others because they include more features, come with bigger storage drives, or even ofter different color options. No matter what features are most important to you, it is good to know how the three most popular Amazon Kindles on the market compare.
Comparing Budgets
Another thing to consider when trying to decide between the Kindle, Kindle Oasis, and Kindle Paperwhite is the price tag. Everyone has a different budget, and you may want to be aware of what each model costs.
- The cheapest Kindle on the market is the 6″ touchscreen Kindle with a front light. It includes all of the basic features with enough storage to keep thousands of books on the device.
- The most expensive Kindle on the market is the Kindle Oasis with 32GB and 4G WiFi. You can compare prices on Amazon to get a better idea of the price range you’ll find with the best Amazon Kindle models.
Of course, the Amazon Paperwhite is a good midrange eReader that provides plenty of features and support.
Still need help comparing and making a choice? Keep reading this guide for a bigger breakdown of your Kindle options!
Amazon Kindle Reviews
It’s time to look at each of the three Amazon Kindle models individually. Whether you are on a tight budget or looking to spend top dollar for the best eReader, look at what each one has to offer so you can make the most informed choice.
1. Amazon Kindle
No matter what your eReader needs are, you can find a fast, affordable, and efficient option with the original Amazon Kindle. Don’t let its age fool you; it still receives regular updates and new models are released with better features all the time. The Amazon Kindle is still a good budget option as it is a slightly smaller and more compact version of what you would find in other Amazon Kindle models.
The cheapest version of the Kindle has a standard screen size of 6” for the touchscreen, and it comes with up to 4GB of storage. That is enough for thousands of books, mind you, so don’t think you aren’t getting a great deal for this device. With a nicely backlit screen and about two weeks of screen use per single charge, it is a good starting kit for those looking to dive into the world of digital book readers.
The Pros:
- Basic features and specifications for a budget-friendly price
- Ability to store thousands of books
- Access to Amazon Prime membership benefits and libraries
- Bluetooth connectivity
- LED backlighting
The Cons:
- It is not a large enough upgrade from the 2016 Amazon Kindle to be worth reconsidering
- The Amazon Kindle offers the lowest storage space of any Kindle model
2. Amazon Kindle Oasis
If you’re looking to dive right into the lap of luxury, look no further than the Amazon Kindle Oasis. This is the high-end Kindle option that comes with added features and tools to help you truly customize your e-reading experience.
Although the price range lands in the hundreds, the Amazon Kindle Oasis is worth it. One of the newest features released with the latest Kindle model is the adjustable warm light function. This lets you switch between two different types of lights: the regular LED white light, or the amber-colored ambiance light. The warm light can be better on the eyes when you are spending a long time focusing on a lighted screen.
With a larger battery, it stays charged for longer, giving you even more weeks of screentime before you need to plug it in again. You’ll also be able to have stronger backlights with over 12 LEDs controlling things behind the screen.
With your Amazon Kindle Oasis, you can also get access to Audible, an audiobook service connected with an Amazon Prime membership. This is a good idea for those days when you can only listen and not read!
The Pros:
- High-end features and tools for an ultimate reading experience
- Different backlighting and eye-friendly light color options
- Exclusive access to Audible
- Larger 7” touchscreen
- Access to 4G coverage with no additional fees or monthly costs
The Cons:
- Almost triple the price of the standard Amazon Kindle
- No WiFi and 3G capability, only WiFi and 4G connectivity
3. Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
If you’re worried that the Amazon Kindle seems too cheap and the Oasis is too expensive to consider, don’t fret. Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is the best middle-of-the-road option that provides plenty of great tools and a few customization capabilities as well.
Just released in 2018, the Kindle Paperwhite is a newer addition to the Kindle family but it really holds up well. Some of the features included with the newest Paperwhite model can be compared to the Oasis, but without having that huge price tag attached. You can even complete your Paperwhite purchase by adding Audible access to your device.
Plus, it’s waterproof! It is a good option for those who like to do a lot of traveling and camping. It is also very lightweight, and you can fit it in just about any backpack or shoulder bag. The Paperwhite is a hot item right now as it is included in many new Amazon deals, so it might be a good time to add your favorite Kindle model to your wishlist!
The Pros:
- New waterproof surface resistance makes it more durable when traveling
- Accessible upgrades and easy access to Oasis features for your device
- Longer charge times
- 8GB storage capacity for additional thousands of books
- Audible integration
The Cons:
- No 4G access, only WiFi capabilities
- Double storage capacity from older models but not as much as Oasis
Additional Things to Consider
When deciding between these three great Kindle models, think about what your primary use will be. Obviously, you want to use it to read books electronically – but how will you use it? Where you will take it? How often will you want to use it to read books? Are you looking to make the Kindle your main source of reading?
You might also want to think about some of the extra features and capabilities, including:
- WiFi or “Airplane Mode” access
- Internet connection strength
- Cover color options
- Screen size
- Readability and accessibility options
- Weight
- Upgrade capabilities – can you upgrade to a newer version in the feature without having to buy a whole new Kindle?
- Account security and theft protection
You’re in for a big win no matter what. eReaders are essential for an on-the-go lifestyle, and can be a blessing when you have to read in the dark. Consider the Amazon Kindle, Kindle Oasis, or Kindle Paperwhite as your best digital reading devices!
Get Your Favorite Amazon Kindle Today!
Knowing which Kindle to buy can be a tough decision to make, but ultimately you will be very happy with your choice. Just remember to ask yourself what your reading needs are and how much you plan on making use of your new Kindle device.
The answers to those questions can determine the right Kindle for you. Beginners who don’t have an expansive e-library might want to start with the affordable Amazon Kindle, so you can learn everything there is to know about the Kindle experience without breaking the bank.
Overall, the most highly recommended Kindle is the Kindle Paperwhite, as it offers almost everything that the Oasis does but comes with a price tag that’s cut in half. You can also upgrade your Paperwhite to include access to Audible and other features that you won’t find on the more standard Kindle models.
The Amazon Kindle Oasis is a luxurious Kindle that offers top-of-the-line features. If you enjoy high quality, you will make good use out of this high-end product. Be aware that it does have a bigger price tag, however! You can enjoy the benefits with a waterproof Kindle that gives you access to Amazon membership features and other libraries that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
What’s your favorite Amazon Kindle? Have more questions or comments about the best eReaders of 2020? Leave us a comment, and get the latest and greatest Amazon Kindle models here today!
