Subtle design changes make the 2026 Kindle Amazons best budget-friendly e-reader

Amazon released a redesigned collection of Kindles in October, featuring the newly released Kindle 2026. The flagship Kindle is the most affordable option, and it has undergone some noticeable design changes. The 2026 Kindle features a flush front design with either a plastic or aluminum backing, and it is available in ube, graphite, alpine sky, and seaglass green.

The power button has also been moved to the side of the device, an improvement that reviewer Stan Schroeder pointed out in his 2024 Kindle review as well. Despite these design changes, many of the Kindle's specifications remain the same, including a six-inch screen with 300 ppi resolution, a built-in front light, and up to six weeks of battery life.

The Kindle is also lightweight, weighing 18 grams less than the 2024 model. It is Amazon's smallest e-reader and extremely portable, making it easy to carry around in a bag or pocket. The Kindle's screen is clear, crisp, and open quickly, with pages turning swiftly. The front light is bright, and the device responds quickly to changes in font size.

The Kindle has its drawbacks, however. There is no warm light display, and it is not waterproof. These are features that are present on the Paperwhite, making the Kindle a more budget-friendly option.