Amazon’s new basic Kindle proves you don’t need all the bells and whistles
Amazon's redesigned basic Kindle costs more than before, but its lighter build and improved display make a compelling case for skipping the pricier models.
Key points
- Amazon's 2026 entry-level Kindle starts at $169.99 for the ad-free version.
- The 6-inch Kindle is 11% lighter and 14% thinner than the 2024 model.
- The basic Kindle lacks warm light, waterproofing and auto-adjusting brightness.
Amazon's refreshed Kindle lineup arrived in October with higher prices, up $40 to $50 across the range, which makes the 6-inch entry-level model the most affordable option for new e-reader buyers. That basic Kindle starts at $169.99 for the ad-free version, and after a couple of weeks of testing, TechCrunch found it worth buying for those who can skip the extra features and want a smaller, lighter device.
What the basic model lacks
The 6-inch Kindle has no warm light, no color display, no auto-adjusting brightness, no support for the page-turn cover and no waterproofing. Its screen and battery are smaller than those of the premium models, with battery life of 6 weeks compared with 12 weeks for the Paperwhite and 8 weeks for the Colorsoft.
Design and software changes
The plastic 2026 Kindle weighs 140g and is 6.85mm thick, against 158g and 8mm for the 2024 model. It also gets the new flush-front screen, and Amazon says books open 30% faster. The $189.99 aluminum version comes in Seagrass and Alpine Sky with 32GB of storage, while the $169.99 plastic model offers 16GB and a new purple color called Ube.
