The Complete Guide to Kindle in 2025: Types, Supported Formats, & More

Are you interested in buying a Kindle in 2025? If so, this comprehensive guide has all the information you need. We’ll provide a detailed Kindle types comparison, look at the file formats these devices support, and explain how Smallpdf’s platform can help you enjoy using your new Kindle.

What is Kindle?

Amazon Kindle is a line of electronic devices designed specifically for reading eBooks. These eReaders utilize E ink technology, which mimics the appearance of ink on paper to reduce eye strain and provide a comfortable reading experience.

With a Kindle, you can carry thousands of books in a single device. That makes these products ideal for avid readers and travelers.

Kindle Types Compared

Amazon offers all sorts of Kindle eReaders, and each of these products is built with different needs and preferences in mind. In this section, we’ll compare and contrast some Amazon Kindle types:

Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite

The basic Kindle is perfect for newcomers. This affordable, lightweight device offers straightforward access to eBooks with a glare-free screen and 16 GB of storage. (And last year, Amazon started selling this eReader in a new Matcha color scheme.)

But what is the difference between Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite? The Kindle Paperwhite stands out with advanced features like an adjustable warm light and waterproofing—and the 12th-generation Paperwhite boasts 25% faster page turns and a seven-inch screen. If you’re interested in these features and don’t mind spending a bit more to get them, the Paperwhite is the better option.

Kindle vs. Kindle Scribe

If you just want to read books with your Kindle, a “traditional” Kindle model is exactly what you’re looking for. But if you want a device that can also function as a digital notebook, you’ll definitely want to consider the newly-revamped Kindle Scribe.

The Kindle Scribe comes with the Premium Pen, which you can use to write and erase notes. Thanks to this device’s Active Canvas feature, you’ll be able to make notes in eBooks and let your book’s text flow around your writing. The Kindle Scribe also includes an AI-powered notebook, which can summarize eBook/note pages into bulleted lists.

Kindle Oasis vs. Paperwhite

The Kindle Oasis featured a large display, adaptive lighting, and an ergonomic design with page-turn buttons. However, Amazon stopped selling this eReader in 2024.

As of 2025, recent Paperwhite models have caught up with most features seen on the Kindle Oasis (including its seven-inch screen). Along with that, these devices now support USB-C charging. However, they still omit the older eReader’s physical buttons for page turns.

Kindle Paperwhite vs. Signature Edition

Both the Kindle Paperwhite and its Signature Edition offer high-resolution displays and waterproof designs. The Signature Edition adds wireless charging, an auto-adjusting light, and 32 GB of storage.

If these extras appeal to you, the Signature Edition may be worth the investment. Otherwise, the standard Paperwhite remains an excellent choice.

Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition vs. Colorsoft

It isn’t hard to tell the Kindle Colorsoft apart from the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition or any other Kindle model. Unlike Amazon’s other eReaders, this product offers a color screen.

Aside from that feature, the Colorsoft closely resembles the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition. Both of these products boast automatically-adjusting lights, wireless charging, and 32 GB of storage.

Kindle Kids vs. Kindle Paperwhite Kids

The other eReaders discussed in this section were designed for adult readers in mind. However, Amazon also offers products for younger book lovers known as “Kindle Kids.”

The Kindle Kids and Kindle Paperwhite Kids are child-friendly versions of the entry-level Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite, respectively. These devices come with a stylized cover and a six-month subscription to Amazon Kids+ (Amazon’s subscription service for age-appropriate books). They are also protected by a two-year warranty, allowing parents to replace their child’s eReader for free if it breaks.

Kindle Supported File Types

Kindle devices support a variety of file formats, which allows them to work with all sorts of eBooks and documents. Here are the primary Kindle supported file types:

• AZW3. This is a proprietary format developed by Amazon for Kindle devices. It supports advanced formatting and DRM protection.
• TXT. Plain text documents are readable on Kindle devices.
• PRC. PRC files are supported by Kindle devices and offer eBook functionality.
• PDF. Kindle devices can display PDF files, but the experience may vary depending on the complexity of the document. PDFs may look their best on Kindles with larger screens.

How Smallpdf Can Help

Not all eBooks are distributed as PDF files. However, this powerful format can be shared and used on other devices more easily than other eBook formats. Along with that, you can make direct adjustments to PDF eBooks by using Smallpdf.

Smallpdf’s online platform offers a suite of tools that help users get more from their PDFs. You can enhance your Kindle experience with features like:

• Convert PDF. If you have a PDF that doesn’t display well on your Kindle, you can turn it into a Word file with Convert PDF.
• Compress PDF. Large PDF files can take up significant storage space on your Kindle. Smallpdf’s Compress PDF tool reduces file sizes without sacrificing quality.
• Edit PDF. Do you want to make changes to a PDF before transferring it to your Kindle? Smallpdf’s Edit PDF feature lets users add images, annotations, and highlights to their PDF files.
• Number Pages. If your PDF eBook doesn’t have page numbers, our Number Pages tool can help you add these numbers to PDFs the easy way.

Conclusion

Kindle eReaders give people a convenient way to enjoy books. When you take time to compare Kindle types and understand the file formats these devices support, you can get the best possible digital reading experience.

Smallpdf’s selection of tools will help you enjoy your Kindle even more. Better yet, you don’t even need to register for an account to enhance your PDF eBooks—instead, you can start using our tools right away!

The Answers to Your Kindle FAQs

What files types are readable on Kindle?

You can read files stored in the AZW3 and PDF formats on Kindle devices, among others.

What is the best application to create a Kindle eBook?

Amazon’s Kindle Create application is designed to simplify eBook creation. This is a free desktop app available for Mac and PC.

What is the difference between Prime Reading and Kindle Unlimited?

Kindle Unlimited is a subscription service giving readers unlimited access to many different books. Meanwhile, Prime Reading is an Amazon Prime benefit that provides Prime members with a more limited selection of books.

What is the largest Kindle screen size?

The Kindle Scribe offers the largest screen on a Kindle device, measuring in at 10.2 inches.