Product Review · E-Readers · #5 Ranked
Kindle (2024)
6-inch compact e-reader, 16GB, ad-supported · Reviewed by Katie · amazon.com live, Sept 24 2026
Why it scored a 81
The 2024 Kindle scores 81 and ranks #5 in our E-Readers category. Reliability is 90 and satisfaction 90 across 20,581 ratings, a huge sample for a $149.99 device. It is the lightest reader here at 5.56 oz, with a 300 ppi 6-inch screen, USB-C and 16GB. Features score 68, the lowest in the group: no waterproofing, no warm light and 6 weeks of battery versus 12 on the Paperwhite. Value is 86, not higher, because this price is the ad-supported version and the Kindle Paperwhite (2024) adds a lot for $50 more.
What you're getting
- 6-inch glare-free display, 300 ppi, 16-level gray
- Front light 25% brighter at max setting, plus dark mode
- 16GB storage, free cloud storage for Amazon content
- Up to 6 weeks battery (30 min/day), USB-C
- 5.56 oz (158 g), 6.2 x 4.3 x 0.32 inches
- VoiceView screen reader over Bluetooth audio
- 75% recycled plastics, 90% recycled magnesium
- Ad-supported listing; not waterproof, no warm light
ViperScore breakdown
At a glance
- 6-inch 300 ppi, 16GB
- 5.56 oz, USB-C
- Up to 6 weeks battery
- Price$149.99
- Tier6-inch compact e-reader, 16GB, ad-supported
- Category rank#5 of 10
Should you buy the Kindle (2024)?
The Kindle (2024) is for a reader who wants the smallest, lightest Kindle and reads mostly in bed or on a commute. At $149.99 it ranks #5 of 10 in our E-Readers category. Know that this price includes lockscreen ads; ad-free costs about $20 more. If you read by the pool or want warm light, the Kindle Paperwhite (2024) is worth the extra $50. The Kobo Clara BW adds waterproofing for $10 more.
Where it earns its score
- Smallest and lightest. At 5.56 oz and 6.2 by 4.3 inches it is the lightest reader in this category and fits a jacket pocket.
- Sharp screen for the money. 300 ppi matches the Paperwhite's text clarity on a smaller 6-inch panel.
- Proven track record. 4.5 stars across 20,581 ratings gives us high confidence in its Reliability score of 90.
- USB-C and 16GB. Modern charging and room for thousands of books, with free cloud storage for Amazon content.
What to know first
- Warranty is the lowest factor at 55. Amazon's standard coverage is a 1-year limited warranty; extended plans cost extra.
- Features trail at 68. No waterproofing, no warm light and half the Paperwhite's rated battery life.
- Lockscreen ads at this price. The $149.99 listing is the with-ads version; removing ads costs extra.
Our verdict
The Kindle (2024) scores 81, a Good Buy ranked #5 in our E-Readers category, on Reliability (90), Satisfaction (90) and Value (86). It is a solid, light reader for dry places. Features (68) hold it back, with no waterproofing or warm light. For $50 more, the Kindle Paperwhite (2024) scores 86 and fixes both.
Kindle Paperwhite (2024)
Questions buyers ask
Does the $149.99 Kindle have ads?
Yes. This listing is the version with lockscreen ads. Ad-free costs extra at checkout, or you can pay to remove them later.
Is the 2024 Kindle waterproof?
No. Amazon lists no water resistance rating for the base Kindle; the Kindle Paperwhite (2024) is IPX8.
How long does the Kindle (2024) battery last?
Amazon rates it at up to 6 weeks per charge based on a half hour of reading per day.
Ready to check it out?
Kindle (2024) · ViperScore 81 · Good Buy · $149.99
How the other 9 e-readers scored
86Kindle Paperwhite (2024)
84Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition
82Kobo Clara Colour
82Kobo Libra Colour
80Kobo Clara BW
79Kindle Colorsoft
78Kindle Scribe (2024) 16GB
77Kindle Scribe Colorsoft 32GB
74reMarkable Paper Pro
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