The new Kindle lineup is official, and it starts at $149.99 for the basic model. The 7-inch Paperwhite and Colorsoft ship on Oct. 28, while the base Kindle is on sale now. Prices are higher than last year, so it’s worth knowing what you get for the extra money.
Here are the numbers to know before you open your wallet.
- Announced: Oct. 1, 2026, per TechRepublic.
- Base Kindle: $149.99, available now.
- Paperwhite and Colorsoft: preorder now, shipping Oct. 28 in the US.
- Top price: $319.99 for the Colorsoft Signature Edition.
- Design: thinner bodies with flush, edge-to-edge screens.
Those prices come from US listings. Other regions may differ.
Every model in the new Kindle lineup, side by side
Amazon now sells six main models. This table puts them in one place, using figures reported by TechRepublic.
| Model | Price | Storage | Screen | Battery / notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kindle | $149.99 | 16GB | 6-inch, 300 ppi | Opens books 30% faster; on sale now |
| Kindle (aluminum) | $189.99 | 32GB | 6-inch, 300 ppi | Aluminum back; up to 6 weeks |
| Kindle Paperwhite | $199.99 | 16GB | 7-inch | Waterproof; up to 12 weeks; ships Oct. 28 |
| Paperwhite Signature Edition | $249.99 | 32GB | 7-inch | Auto-adjusting light; double-tap page turn |
| Kindle Colorsoft | $289.99 | 16GB | 7-inch color | Waterproof; up to 8 weeks; ships Oct. 28 |
| Colorsoft Signature Edition | $319.99 | 32GB | 7-inch color | Aluminum; charging dock support |
The ladder is simple. Pay more and you get a bigger screen, more storage, an aluminum back, or color.
Why Kindles cost more this year
Prices went up before the new models even arrived. According to TechRepublic, an August increase pushed the base Kindle from $109.99 to $149.99 and the Paperwhite from $159.99 to $199.99.
That means the new Kindle lineup doesn’t cost more because of the redesign alone. The jump was already baked in.
One more cost to watch: Engadget reports the standard Kindle costs $20 extra to remove lockscreen ads. If you hate ads on your sleeping reader, budget $170 instead of $150.
What’s actually new in the design
All the new models have thinner bodies and flush front screens. Analytics Insight says the Paperwhite is thinner and lighter, and the Colorsoft aims for paper-like color without tablet glare.
The base Kindle opens books 30% faster than the model it replaces. That’s a small change, but you’ll notice it every time you start a book.
Signature Editions add an aluminum back, an auto-adjusting light, and double-tap page turning. They also work with Amazon’s charging dock.
New Kindle accessories worth a look
Amazon also announced three accessories, according to Analytics Insight. Here’s what each costs and does.
- Kindle Click page-turner: $34.99, works with Kindles from 2024 or later.
- Page-Turn cover with physical buttons: $79.99.
- Charging dock: $59.99.
The Click is the cheap one to try first. It’s handy if you read in bed or on a train and don’t want to tap the screen.
Which Kindle should you buy?
Most readers should look at the $199.99 Paperwhite. It’s waterproof, has a warm light, and lasts up to 12 weeks per TechRepublic.
The Colorsoft makes sense if you read comics, textbooks, or highlight a lot. Be aware that the 2024 original drew complaints about yellow discoloration, and Amazon later said it adjusted software and display settings. Check early reviews first.
Amazon is also pushing its wider hardware range this month. If you’re comparing gadgets, see our guides to the new Alexa tablets and the Ring Smart Lock.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I buy the new Kindle Paperwhite?
You can preorder it now. The US release date is Oct. 28.
How much is the cheapest new Kindle?
The base Kindle starts at $149.99 with lockscreen ads. Removing the ads costs $20 more, per Engadget.
Is the new Kindle Colorsoft waterproof?
Yes. TechRepublic lists the Colorsoft as waterproof, with an adjustable warm light and up to 8 weeks of battery.
Do the new Kindles cost more than before?
Yes. Amazon raised prices in August, so the base Kindle and Paperwhite are $40 higher than before.
Our take
Buy the Paperwhite if your current Kindle still works but feels slow, and skip the Signature upgrade unless you want the dock and auto light. If you only read novels, the $149.99 base model does the job. Hold off on Colorsoft until real owners confirm the screen looks right.
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