A Kindle lets you carry an entire bookshelf while on the go, which is why almost every year we recommend the e-reader in our guides to the best back to school essentials. With a new semester just around the corner, it’s no surprise Best Buy is currently offering the latest versions of some of our favorite models at record low prices. You can, for example, pick up the ad-supported Kindle Paperwhite starting at $124.99 ($35 off) from Best Buy and Target, while Best Buy is selling the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition for $179.99 ($100 off). Best Buy is even discounting the Kindle Scribe, selling the note-taking e-reader with 32GB of storage starting at $259.99 ($140 off).
Of all the e-readers out there, the Kindle Paperwhite is my top pick for those who mainly own Kindle books. As somebody who loves reading in the bath, my favorite feature is its IPX8 waterproof rating, which lets me relax without worrying. It’s also the fastest and easiest Paperwhite to read yet, thanks to a bigger and brighter 7-inch display that retains its predecessor’s sharp 300ppi resolution.
Amazon’s other discounted Kindles are also worth considering depending on your needs. If you read a lot of textbooks with visuals or enjoy graphic novels, I’d recommend buying the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition instead. It is largely similar to the Paperwhite but steps things up with a 150ppi color mode that’s impressively vibrant for an E ink screen. You’ll also get double the storage (32GB), no annoying lockscreen ads, and the added convenience of wireless charging.
Then there’s the Kindle Scribe, which is designed for readers who like to take notes while reading. Its larger 10.2-inch display features a paper-like screen and comes bundled with a stylus. Recent software updates now allow you to finally write directly on the page of what you’re reading, while its built-in digital notebook means you won’t need to carry a separate one to class. The Kindle Scribe even features AI-powered tools that can clean up your handwriting and keep everything organized, making it an excellent all-in-one study companion.
