Best Kindle in 2025: Paperwhite, Scribe or new Colorsoft?

TL;DR:
- The lineup now includes new Scribe models, plus a color Scribe.
- Paperwhite stays the best value for pure reading.
- Scribe suits big screens and handwriting.
- Oasis is not current in 2025 stock.
- Match screen size, light, and note tools to your needs.
Amazon introduced three new Scribe models at its fall 2025 event, including a Scribe with a color E Ink display called Colorsoft. Prices start near the premium end, with broader rollouts later this year and early next year by region.
Kindle Paperwhite remains the safe pick for most readers. If you want handwriting and large pages, Scribe is the choice. If you want color for comics or study, Colorsoft is the new option. Recent buyer’s guides from major outlets reflect this split.
Quick buying advice
- Budget reader. Standard Kindle works, but check Paperwhite sales first. The higher ppi and warm light help eyes at night.
- Best for most. Paperwhite or Paperwhite Signature. Get Signature for wireless charging and auto brightness.
- Note takers. Scribe for margin notes, large PDFs, and journals. The new models add faster pens and UI tweaks.
- Color needs. Scribe Colorsoft for color graphs and comics. Expect higher price and lower color ppi than black and white.
What changed on Scribe in 2025
Amazon highlights a thinner body, a faster chip, improved front light, lower pen-to-pixel gap, and new software tools like better OneNote export and smarter notebook search. AI features support summaries and search. Rollout dates vary by region.
What about Oasis
Oasis has not seen a new model in years and is not part of the new event slate. Stock varies by market, and software support ended for older gens in 2024. If you want page buttons, wait for a new model or consider covers with buttons from third parties.
Compare your options
Model | Screen | Light | Waterproof | Notes | Price tier | Best for |
Kindle | 6 in B&W | Front light | No | Basic highlights | Low | First ebook reader |
Paperwhite | 6.8–7 in B&W | Warm light | Yes | Highlights | Mid | Most readers |
Paperwhite Signature | 6.8–7 in B&W | Warm + auto | Yes | Highlights | Mid | Power users, Qi charge |
Scribe (2025) | ~11 in B&W | Better front light | No | Stylus notes | High | PDFs, study, journals |
Scribe Colorsoft | ~11 in color E Ink | Better front light | No | Stylus notes | Highest | Comics, color docs |
Prices change by storage and bundles. Check regional stores for final tags and ship dates.
Setup tips
- Sync your library, then set fonts and warmth per book.
- For note heavy work, test OneNote export and Drive or OneDrive links.
- Try the new notebook search on Scribe to find pages fast.
Why it matters
The 2025 updates push Kindle past pure reading. If you need a simple, light device, Paperwhite still wins on price and comfort. If you annotate, Scribe is now a stronger work tool, and Colorsoft opens color reading without leaving E Ink.
Sources:
- About Amazon, New Kindle Scribe models announced, https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/devices/new-amazon-kindle-scribe-color, 2025-10-01
- The Verge, Amazon announces new Kindle Scribes, https://www.theverge.com/news/788289/amazon-kindle-scribe-e-ink-digital-notepad-stylus, 2025-10-01
- WIRED, Best Kindles to take your library anywhere, https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-kindle/, 2025-08-29
- Tom’s Guide, The best Kindles in 2025, https://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-e-readers%2Creview-2766.html, 2025-09-23
- EndOfLife.date, Kindle devices software support timeline, https://endoflife.date/kindle, accessed 2025-10-01