GoKawiilThe final new Kindle Scribe, Amazon's e-reader that boasts digital notebook features and a larger screen, which was promised in 2025, has finally arrived.
The Kindle Scribe Without Front Light ($430) was announced last year, but is available starting today. In the past, Amazon has launched a single version of the Kindle Scribe at a time. But the third-generation Kindle Scribe ($500) came with two variations: the colorful Kindle Scribe Colorsoft ($630) that launched last year, and the new front-light-free version. It's a surprise to see a new version that specifically lacks a feature, especially one as useful as a front light. But it puts the new Kindle Scribe in a similar price range and with a similar battery life to the new ReMarkable Paper Pure ($399) that launched last month. Amazon may be looking to better compete with ReMarkable's lineup by launching more versions of its own digital notebooks with similar price ranges, as the Kindle Colorsoft has a similar price to the colorful ReMarkable Paper Pro.
However, the older second-generation Kindle Scribe ($400) is still available for a little cheaper and with a front light, but without some other features (primarily AI and connectivity, so nothing major to cut back on the overall device abilities). That gives you a surprising number of options if you're looking to spend less and get some of the best digital notebook software available. A Kindle Scribe is my go-to for a quick note or brainstorm session, while ReMarkable's digital notebooks have more powerful tools and connectivity to use as a work tool without staring at a bright screen. All three gadgets have their merits, but I had to find out: Which one was better?
Maybe I'm biased, but the older $400 Kindle Scribe still landed on top for me. Here's why.
Front Light Winner: Kindle Scribe (2nd Gen)
The second-gen Kindle Scribe with the warm front light on in daylight. Photograph: Nena Farrell
There's a lot to discuss between all of these notebooks, but one of the biggest feature changes that you'll notice in day-to-day use is the lack of a front light. A front light illuminates the screen of an e-reader or digital notebook so you can use it in darker rooms, and the option to have a warm color light is popular on more expensive models like the Kindle Paperwhite compared to budget devices.