GoKawiilComparing Our Favorite Kindles
Why Are Kindles More Expensive Now?
Amazon raised its prices across its product categories, including Kindle devices. The price increases hit several current Kindle models, leaving only the recent Kindle Scribe models with the original price tag. Amazon declined to comment to WIRED, but a spokesperson told CNET the price hikes were due to rising costs in memory and storage components. It's interesting that none of the more powerful Scribe models needed a price update, but it's also a relief since all three of those models are significantly more expensive than a regular Kindle.
Here are all the increases, including Signature versions:
If you have your eyes on one of these Kindles, I'd wait until Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday to shop when they're on sale. It's likely the sale prices will only bring the Kindle down to be the price it was before, but better than paying more.
What About the New Kindle Scribes?
Kindle has three new Kindle Scribes that launched between late 2025 and June 2026. There's now the Kindle Scribe ($500), Kindle Scribe Colorsoft ($630), and the Kindle Scribe Without Front Light ($430). All three have a similar design and software experience, though the Scribe Colorsoft has a color screen and a shorter battery life—only eight weeks of reading time, compared to 12 weeks on the $500 Scribe and an impressive 16 weeks on the Scribe Without Front Light. Like the second-generation model, they're a great choice for note-takers and students, especially with the long battery life, but I still prefer the second-generation's price point.
All three models have a new, taller design with an 11-inch screen, slightly slimmer form factor, and updated stylus. They both also have a quad-core chip, a new homepage, and will support a variety of AI features, including AI search (along with some AI tools for summarizing books you're reading without giving spoilers, though those won't arrive until next year). Users can connect to Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive to mark up documents, which the older model can't do.
Overall, I'd say they're good devices, but as long as the cheaper second-generation Kindle Scribe is available, I think it's the better buy. It has some AI capabilities, but no AI search, and has a different homepage design that matches a classic Kindle rather than the notebook-forward design the new ones have. Amazon said it'll get the same homepage this year, but I haven't seen it so far. I'm disappointed these new devices are so much more expensive; at that price, you might as well shop reMarkable's line of digital notebooks and get better features and accessories.
Accessories for Easier Reading
... continue reading