It's been a tough year for e-readers (and all tech) with prices on the rise, so we finally needed some good news. On Oct. 1, Amazon released a redesigned collection of Kindles that we simply couldn't wait to try out. The first to be released is the flagship Kindle. It's the entry point into Amazon's e-readers and the most affordable.
The Kindle (2026) now features a flush-front design with either a plastic or an aluminum backing, and in this new batch of Kindles, Amazon is embracing color with the e-reader available in ube, graphite, alpine sky, and seaglass green. So I got my hands on the newest Kindle to experience the design changes and put it to the test.
Update Nov. 11, 5:00 a.m. ET: Since first publishing this review, we've encountered an issue with the back panel of the Kindle coming apart when removing it from a case. This is part of the overall redesign to make the back panel easily removable so you can replace the battery. We have changed our scoring of the device, lowering its user-friendliness score to a 4 and overall score to a 4.3.
What's changed between the Kindle 2024 and 2026 models
There weren't many changes between the 2022 and 2024 Kindles, but this launch brings much bigger changes that you can actually see.
The 2026 Kindle now has a flush front compared to the 2024 model's raised border around the screen. This provides a uniform look across all Kindles from the basic model all the way up to the Scribe.
A smaller change, but one that I'm more than thrilled to see, is that the design team moved the power button on the Kindle to the side of the device. While it's just a small detail, my colleague Stan Schroeder pointed it out in his Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (2021) review, and I did the same in my 2024 Kindle review.
Otherwise, many of the e-reader's specs are the same between generations. The device still has a six-inch screen with 300 ppi resolution and a built-in front light. It has up to six weeks of battery life, but it is not waterproof, nor does it have an adjustable warm light.
It's unbelievably lightweight
The first thing I noticed about the new Kindle is just how featherlight it is — I almost thought the box was empty. Luckily, it was not. Amazon dropped the weight of the basic Kindle by 18 grams (.66 ounces). While it doesn't seem like much, it's a noticeable difference when holding the device.
This lighter weight makes all the difference, especially when traveling. My first weekend with the Kindle, I packed it in my carry-on bag, and it barely added any weight. It tucks nicely into small pockets, too. While it isn't quite palm-sized like a trendy Boox Palma or Xteink X4, it's Amazon's smallest e-reader and still extremely portable. Plus, you can hold it for hours at a time without your arm aching.
Kindles keep getting faster and faster
Every time Amazon releases a new batch of Kindles, it claims the new e-readers are faster than the previous generation. The 2026 Kindle is supposedly 30 percent faster than the 2024. While I can't verify that exact amount, I can confirm that these are speedy devices. Books open quickly, and pages turn swiftly. Since I spent so little time waiting for things to load on the Kindle, I had more time to read, which was smooth and easy on the eyes.
The front light on the Kindle is clear and bright (though I do wish it had adjustable warmth like the Paperwhite), and the display responds quickly. When I changed the font size, it took less than a second to adjust. The screen is responsive and definitely seems to open faster than previous models, especially when tapping through the options along the bottom of the screen to adjust your progress status.
What it's missing
The new Kindle is a really seamless reading experience. While I don't have many complaints, two things could make it a perfect e-reader. Since this is the entry-level Kindle, Amazon keeps affordability top of mind, which does mean there are sacrifices. There's no warm light on the basic Kindle, which would reduce blue-light strain on the eyes. Plus, I wish it were waterproof. I'm a beach reader, so the basic Kindle certainly won't be a summer companion for me, as I wouldn't want to put it near a splash zone.
However, adjustable warm light and waterproofing are both features on the Paperwhite, so we really can't fault the base model for not having them. If those are non-negotiables for you, upgrade to the Kindle Paperwhite.
The issue of the back panel
Testing is always ongoing here at Mashable, as we never want our reviews to be based only on first impressions. After using the Kindle for several weeks, I went to remove it from its case when the frame pulled apart. The back panel on the new Kindle is designed to be removable so users can replace the battery.
While I love the intention behind the design choice, in execution, the back panel comes apart whenever I remove it from the case, which exposes the innards of the device. This isn't an isolated case, as I've found instances of Kindle users on Reddit and TikTok who have experienced the same thing with the 2026 Kindle.
An Amazon spokesperson commented on the issue of the back panel saying, "Your Kindle is designed to open along the edge of the display in order to replace the battery. If the back panel shifts when you remove a case or cover, press it firmly back into place on all four corners and along the edges, and keep reading."
Luckily, the back panel coming apart only occurs when removing it from a case, so as long as you're not frequently taking it on and off, this shouldn't be a persistent issue. And even if it does come apart, it doesn't affect the performance of the device. However, we do think this impacts the overall structural integrity of the device and hinders the user experience, which is why we lowered the user-friendliness score on the device from a 5 to a 4.
Is the 2026 Kindle worth it?
Amazon's latest Kindle is an exceptional e-reader. It's lightweight and compact, quick and responsive. Sure, it has a couple of misses, like no warm light, no waterproof rating, and the precarious back panel, but those are for the sake of affordability, according to Amazon. At $149.99, it's Amazon's cheapest e-reader. It's also the same price as the 2024 model, so if you're deciding between the two, go for the new 2026 Kindle.
However, if you're looking to upgrade from another Kindle model, I don't think you necessarily need to run out to grab it, especially if you have a 2022 or 2024 model. However, if you want to use the Kindle Click, you will need to upgrade to a 2026 (or 2024) Kindle.
