Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021)

USB-C ; Excellent screen ; Durable design

Not much support for content that isn’t from Amazon ; Physical buttons for flipping pages would be welcome

If you want an e-reader then the Kindle Paperwhite 2021 is the one to get – it’s as simple as that. It’s well priced, features a great screen and finally comes with USB-C charging.

Large and clear display ; Switched to USB-C ; Comfortable reading experience

More expensive than previous models ; Lacks wireless charging ; Limited to Amazon’s store

Bigger 6.8-inch E Ink display ; Good battery life ; Helpful eye-saving features

Signature Edition price is too high ; Interface is a little dated

Features a backlight Clear display Can listen to audiobooks

Not waterproof Still uses micro USB Limited storage for audiobooks

It’s by no means the best ereader money can buy, but introducing a backlight to the cheapest Kindle means it’s now much more difficult to justify buying a more expensive, top-end ereader. If you’re always reading, the Kindle Paperwhite or Oasis may be...

Larger display than previous ; Great illumination ; USB-C connection ; Battery life lasts for weeks

Page-turning isn't great for left-handers ; Store and interface are a little slow ; No access to services like Overdrive

The 2021 Kindle Paperwhite is a welcome evolution of the e-reader family, with a convenient USB-C port for charging. But it's the larger display that readers will want, making for a better reading experience overall.

Waterproof ; Includes case and Kids+ subscription ; Can be shared with an adult

Fire Tablets can be cheaper ; Kids+ subscription lasts just a year

With a good-sized screen, waterproofing, long warranty and bundled case, the Paperwhite Kids is ideal if you want to encourage your kids to read, and have a Kindle you can use too.

Bigger display ; Warm light is a great addition ; Positive changes to user interface ; USB-C…finally

No buttons for turning pages ; Awkwardly positioned power button ; Larger size won’t suit everyone

The Kindle almost everyone should buy remains the Kindle almost everyone should buy

Larger display with colour warmth ; Longer battery life ; USB-C ; Shows Audible and Comixology content

Content management still cumbersome

With its upgraded screen, longer battery life, USB-C and other small tweaks the Kindle Paperwhite for 2021 remains the sweet spot of the Kindle range and the wider eReader market.

Bigger screen with reduced bezels ; Astonishing battery life ; Warm colours for bedtime readers ; USB-C charging at last

Slight price increase ; Still reliant on Amazon’s store

Was the 2021 Kindle Paperwhite ever going to get anything less than five stars? Not likely. If there’s one thing Amazon knows how to do well (and clearly there’s plenty), it’s making a good ebook reader, and the new Paperwhite excels even by the...

Perfect size and weight ; Wonderful display ; Enormous battery life

Some aspects of the new Kindle Paperwhite still feel stuck in the past, but in general, this is an elegant e-reader that is enjoyable to use.