Best Kindle deals for Prime Day 2022
It's Prime time for these awesome Kindle e-readers.
Amazon's Prime Day 2022 is being held on July 12-13, and we have seen amazing deals on just about every product the retailer makes, including Kindles. We've already seen Kindles go on sale over the course of the year, but the best deals are reserved for Prime Day.
Some of the best Kindle e-readers have been discounted for Prime Day, so if you've already made up your mind about what you want, you'd better hurry. This year's Prime day deals will soon be gone, so now's a good time to get your hands on a new e-reader. Head on down to the deals section below to see if the model you're looking for is on sale and still in stock. Luckily, all the awesome members of the Kindle Paperwhite series are still there — including my favorite Paperwhite Signature Edition bundled with a wireless charger — and so is the Kindle Oasis.
If you haven't decided and are interested in learning more, we have you covered. We have rounded up all the Kindle deals for Prime Day 2022 and we're also give you buying advice to ensure you pick up the right Kindle for your needs.
Should you buy a Kindle for Prime Day?
Already have a tablet and don't really want to invest in a dedicated e-reader just for buying books? There are a few key ways Kindles are different from tablets. Most tablets use LCD screens, and because the entire panel is lit, they cause glare and strain your eyes after extended reading sessions. Kindles, meanwhile, use e-ink technology that's meant to mimic the feel of a real book, and because the screen itself isn't lit, you don't get any glare and there's no strain on the eyes.
On any given week, I use my Kindle for 15 hours or more. The e-ink screen makes all the difference in the world, and while I also have an iPad Air, I would not be able to read as much on that particular device because of the backlit panel. And the best part with Kindles is that because the screen itself isn't lit, you get weeks-long battery life — I charge my Kindle once every alternate week.
Kindles also reduce the friction when it comes to accessing your favorite books. You can choose from millions of titles in the Kindle Store, and your purchases seamlessly download to the Kindle over Wi-Fi. With Kindle Unlimited, you pay a small monthly fee and access hundreds of thousands of books for free. All Kindle models can easily hold several hundred books — most can store thousands and even audiobooks — so your entire library is always at hand.
Between the Kindle, Kindle Paperwhite, Kindle Oasis, and the Kindle Kids Edition, Amazon has plenty of models to choose from. With prices starting for under $100, you don't have to invest a lot of money in picking one up. Whether you're looking to buy an entry-level Kindle to get your reading habit off the ground, or want a model with water resistance that you can read near a pool, a Kindle is a great overall option.
Let's take a look at the best Kindle deals available for Prime Day, and which model you should pick up.
Best Amazon Kindle deals live right now
The best Prime Day Kindle deals have finally kicked off, and boy am I excited. Every single Kindle worth its salt is now on sale, so there's plenty to choose from. Amazon has hacked and slashed prices of the ever-popular Kindle Paperwhite series, as well as the upper-tier Kindle Oasis and Paperwhite Signature Edition models.
For tight budgets, you can eat your heart out with a neat $55 off the Kindle Paperwhite Kids. You get a whole year of the Amazon Kids+ subscription for free along with an enduring 2-year guarantee for the device. The discounted Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids comes four colorful case options. Unlike the entry-level Kindle Kids Edition that's out of stock now, the Paperwhite Kids touts a robust IPX8 waterproof rating to protect it from whoopsies and spillage.
You can also catch a whopping 45% off the regular Kindle Paperwhite (11th Gen), bringing down the cost price to a mere $95 for the best e-reader at this price point. The Kindle Paperwhite is waterproof, compact, lightweight, and its 300 PPI E Ink display offers excellent contrast. There's a handy bundle with the Kindle Paperwhite and a compatible leather case thrown in. Feel like splurging more? My favorite Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is also on sale this Prime Day, bundled with a wireless charger and a sweet leather cover to sweeten the pot.
If you want the best of the best, Amazon has dropped the price of the Kindle Oasis too. The 30% Prime Day discount isn't as exciting as the rest of these deals, but it still equates to a decent $85 in savings.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids (2021): $̶1̶59̶.̶9̶9̶ $104.99 at Amazon
We're fans of the Kindle Paperwhite, and the Paperwhite Kids version has even more to offer. In addition to its 6.8-inch glare-free e-paper display, this waterproof Kindle comes with one free year of Amazon Kids+ and a fun protective case. As the cherry on top, you get no ads on this Kids edition and a 2-year guarantee, all for 34% off the usual retail rate with this Prime Day deal.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021): $̶1̶39̶.̶9̶9̶ $94.99 at Amazon
Amazon's 11th Gen Kindle Paperwhite has a lot to love. Equipped with an IPX8 waterproof rating, USB-C charging, an adjustable warm light, and 17 LEDs inside, it is the perfect reading device on a budget. It boasts 8GB of storage, which is plenty of room to store your favorite e-books and audiobooks. Buy this ad-supported Kindle for only $94.99 at Amazon.
Amazon Kindle (2019): $89.99 $44.99 at Amazon
With a battery that lasts for weeks, this water resistant entry-level Kindle is a must have for anyone. You get 8GB onboard and a front light to make night reading easier. The 6-inch e-paper display goes easy on your eyes and it has Bluetooth connectivity too. Get this ad-supported Kindle for $45 only on Prime Day.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition Essentials Bundle: $259.97 $174.97 at Amazon
The Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition supports 10W Qi wireless charging, in addition to all the awesome specs of the regular Kindle Paperwhite. This Essentials Bundle also includes the Amazon Wireless Charging Dock and a classy leather case in one of three colorways. Bid farewell to lock screen adds and enjoy uninterrupted reading with this Essentials Bundle.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Essentials Bundle: $199.97 $124.97 at Amazon
Grab the regular Kindle Paperwhite along with a gorgeous leather cover for it with this bundle deal, earning you 38% off in savings overall. You already get a compatible USB-C cable with the e-reader, but this combo offer throws in a power adapter to add even more value.
Amazon Kindle Oasis (2019): $279.99 $194.99 at Amazon
The premium-tier Kindle Oasis hardly ever goes on sale. While it isn't exactly the bargain bin variety, this Kindle Oasis bundle gives you the waterproof e-reader, a classy leather case, and a wall adapter. You save 30% of what you'd normally spend to acquire the 7-inch Kindle Oasis with 32GB of storage and lock screen ads.
Which Amazon Kindle e-reader should you buy?
Which Amazon Kindle e-reader should you buy?
Amazon has three distinct Kindle products to choose from, and figuring out the ideal model comes down to what you're looking for in an e-reader. The entry-level Amazon Kindle got a big upgrade with the introduction of the front light. While earlier models in the series lacked backlighting — making them a less-than-ideal option for reading at night — the latest Kindle models have an integrated front light that illuminates the e-ink screen.
That addition alone makes the standard Kindle a great choice for first-time buyers, but it has another exciting feature: Audible integration. You can pair Bluetooth earbuds to the Kindle and stream audiobooks from the e-reader, making it an even more exciting choice. Considering the Kindle costs just $90, you are getting excellent value for your money.
The Kindle Paperwhite is the best overall Kindle you can buy today. It comes with an e-ink screen that offers a pixel density of 300ppi, delivering better clarity over the entry-level Kindle. You also get even backlighting via the 17 LEDs embedded underneath the e-ink screen, and the Audible integration lets you listen to audiobooks from the device.
But the best feature this time around is the IPX8 rating, which gives you the ability to take the e-reader to the pool or read in the tub. With 8GB of storage, you will be able to store up to a thousand e-books or a few hundred audiobooks. If you want 24 more gigs of storage and wireless charging, you can get the pricier Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition. The screen of the Paperwhite sits flush with the body, and the upgrades on offer here make it the default choice if you're looking for a new Kindle in 2022.
The Kindle Oasis stands out from the rest of the Kindles just on the basis of its physical page turn buttons. The buttons provide a level of tactility that just makes it more pleasurable to use the e-reader, and the 7-inch e-ink 300ppi screen is fabulous. You get 25 LEDs embedded underneath the panel that provide a uniform backlight, and there's an ambient light sensor that dynamically adjusts the light based on your surroundings.
There's also an incredibly useful warm light feature that makes the e-ink screen much more conducive to reading at night. I use my Kindle Oasis all the time at night to read books, and the warm light is a feature that has made a huge difference. You also get Audible integration, a sleek aluminum chassis, and IPX8 dust and water resistance. The Kindle Oasis is overkill, but if you want the best e-reader hardware that Amazon has to offer, it is the one to get.
All three options have their own unique features, so let's take a look at where they differ and which Kindle would be ideal for your particular needs.
- Is this the first time you're buying an e-reader?
If so, you should look at the Kindle Paperwhite or the entry-level Kindle. Both options offer excellent value and will serve you well for several years. - Are you going to use your Kindle at night?
The standard Kindle has 4 LEDs underneath the screen, the Kindle Paperwhite has 17 LEDs, and the Kindle Oasis has 25 LEDs. If you do a lot of reading at night, the Oasis is the best option thanks to its ambient light sensor and warm light feature. - Do you want a Kindle with water resistance?
If you intend to use your Kindle near a pool or in a bathtub, you should pick up the Kindle Paperwhite or the Kindle Oasis. Both offer IPX8 ingress protection. - Do you want physical page turn buttons?
If you want the tactility of physical buttons, then the Kindle Oasis is your best choice. The design of the Kindle Oasis mimics a book, and those page turn buttons are fantastic. - Is wireless charging a priority?
Features like wireless charging can only be found in the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition. If this is something you desire strongly, the Paperwhite Signature Edition's 10W Qi wireless charging will serve you well.
Prime Day 2022 Kindle deals I'm most excited about
I'm excited to see the Kindle Paperwhite once again go on sale, especially the beefed-up Paperwhite Signature Edition with wireless charging capabilities. The Paperwhite is the best overall Kindle you can buy because of its value, and Amazon tends to mark it down to the price of the entry-level Kindle, making it an even better choice. The fact that the current-gen Paperwhite also has IPX8 and Audible integration means it is a great overall option.
I am also interested in deals on the Kindle Oasis. The Oasis isn't an e-reader for most users, but if you've already used a few Kindles and want something more premium, it is the ideal upgrade. The warm light in particular is a fantastic addition, and you have to use the feature to truly understand what a difference it makes. It genuinely makes using the Oasis that much more exciting, and as I read a lot at night, it is an incredibly useful addition.
Amazon Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite vs. Kindle Oasis
Amazon Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite
As the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite are usually $40 apart in price, there are a few key differences between the two models. The first is the pixel density of the screen. The Kindle has a 167ppi screen, with the Kindle Paperwhite offering a 300ppi screen — nearly double the density. The higher pixel count leads to better clarity, giving the Kindle Paperwhite an edge in this category.
The Kindle Paperwhite also has IPX8 ingress protection, which means you'll be able to use it at the pool. The standard Kindle does not have any dust or water protection, leaving it vulnerable to the forces of nature.
Now the Kindle Paperwhite has a special variant called the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition. It has the same 6.8-inch anti-glare e-ink display as the regular old Paperwhite. Internally, you'll find matching guts as well. The pair of Kindle Paperwhite e-ink tablets are identical in every way, save for the upgraded 32GB storage and the 10W Qi wireless charging feature in the Signature Edition.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite vs. Kindle Oasis
The Kindle Paperwhite has plenty of great features, and it is similar to the Kindle Oasis in a lot of ways. Both e-readers have 300ppi e-ink screens, IPX8 water resistance, Audible integration, and 8GB of built-in storage. But the Oasis has 25 LEDs embedded underneath the screen, whereas the Kindle Paperwhite has just 17 LEDs. With a higher number of LEDs, the Kindle Oasis delivers much more uniform backlighting.
Then there's the warm light feature. Having used the Kindle Paperwhite and Kindle Oasis extensively, I can confidently say that the warm light makes a huge amount of difference in day-to-day use. The screen shifts to warmer colors (with a yellowish hue), and it makes reading for an extended duration that much more enjoyable.
The Kindle Oasis also has page turn buttons, an ambient light sensor, and a sleek aluminum design. Is the Kindle Oasis twice as good as the Kindle Paperwhite? No. But you are getting a decent amount of extras, so if you've used a Kindle in the past and want to upgrade to a model with physical buttons or a more uniform backlight, the Kindle Oasis is a fantastic choice.
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Harish Jonnalagadda is Android Central's Senior Editor of Asia. In his current role, he oversees the site's coverage of Chinese phone brands, networking products, and AV gear. He has been testing phones for over a decade, and has extensive experience in mobile hardware and the global semiconductor industry. Contact him on Twitter at @chunkynerd.
- Namerah Saud FatmiSenior Editor — Accessories