Is Buying a Kindle Worth It? 4 Reasons to Buy One

Is buying a Kindle worth it? In most cases, yes. A Kindle means you can travel with as many books as you want without worrying about their weight.

This guide will help you determine if you should buy a Kindle based on your budget, how often you read, and any other needs.

Who Should Get a Kindle

A Kindle is an excellent addition for many users. Here's why you should buy one:

• You love reading and want to expand your horizons
• You want extra features like being able to highlight passages or look up definitions
• You have additional mobility needs and want to use something lighter than a book
• You love buying cheap books
  

Who Shouldn't Get a Kindle

Not everyone needs a Kindle. Here's why not:

• You don't read many books or magazines
• You already use the Kindle app and don't feel the need for a dedicated device
  

Why You Should Buy a Kindle

Many enjoy reading, and using a Kindle can improve that experience immensely. Even though its initial cost is higher, a Kindle can offer several more valuable benefits than buying physical books. Here's a look at the key advantages.

You Love Reading

If you love reading, you almost certainly have an ever-growing collection of books. Owning a Kindle means you don't have to worry about having physical space to store them all. Instead, you can keep thousands of books on your Kindle and quickly take them wherever you go instead of having to prioritize the most important ones. Such flexibility is beneficial, especially if you regularly travel.

You Like Cheap Books

While not all Kindle books are particularly cheap to buy, some excellent bargains exist. Free Kindle books are available, and there are often significant discounts on books each day. Owning a Kindle means purchasing many books for far less than from a store. You also get those books instantly rather than needing to wait for delivery.

You Want Extra Features

A Kindle doesn't just offer a simple way to read; it also has other features. It can translate sections of writing, provide definitions for words via its built-in dictionary, and even access Wikipedia. Users can also highlight and add notes to keep track of important passages. It's also possible to see what friends are reading (and you can share passages with them, too).

You Have Additional Mobility Needs

Holding a book can be heavy if you have limitations with your upper limbs. A Kindle is much lighter to hold or carry than a regular book, making it very convenient for many people. Being able to store multiple books at once is also a huge help when trying to travel light; plus, it means you don't have to consider walking to a different room to find the book you wish to read. The Kindle also offers a bright screen and options for enlarging the text, helping anyone with additional eyesight needs.

When You Shouldn't Buy a Kindle

While a Kindle is an excellent gadget for many people, it's not essential. Below are things to think about if you're wondering whether a Kindle is a good fit for you.

You Don't Read Much

It's obvious, but you don't need a Kindle if you don't read much. Unlike other tablets, most Kindles are exclusively for reading books and magazines, although you can also use them to listen to audiobooks. Its key focus is reading—whether books, magazines, or files you transfer to it—and there's nothing else you can do with it. 

You're Happy With the Kindle App

Using the Kindle app on your smartphone or tablet is possible, so you get many of the benefits of a Kindle without needing extra hardware. The Kindle app is sometimes more intuitive than the Kindle itself, and the screen is dependent on the quality of your smartphone or tablet, but it's a free app. 

Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite

There are numerous Kindles available to buy. These include the Kindle, Kindle Paperwhite, Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, Kindle Oasis, and Kindle Scribe.

Most users will be happy with either the Kindle or Kindle Paperwhite. Here's a look at the similarities and differences between the two:

Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite allow you to read books and magazines digitally rather than owning physical copies. Both devices offer adjustable brightness and can highlight passages and look up definitions. 

However, the Kindle Paperwhite offers a superior experience. It has a larger display with thinner borders and a sharper image. The Paperwhite is also faster than the Kindle, with 20% faster page turns.

Either the Kindle or Kindle Paperwhite will be sufficient for any keen reader. However, if you want a faster experience that can be used in the pool or bath and has a better display, you need the Kindle Paperwhite.

If you'd like an even larger screen, and you're also OK with a larger price tag, the 10.2-inch Kindle Scribe offers up to 64 GB of storage and comes with a pen.

Do You Need a Kindle to Improve Your Reading Experience?

A Kindle will improve your reading experience if you're an avid reader. It makes it easier to have a collection of books at your fingertips. Also, with the Kindle never getting heavier, any book you want to bring along won't weigh down your bag. You'll likely take it out more often than a regular book.

Regular discounts on books and the option to subscribe to Kindle Unlimited mean you'll likely try different books and expand your horizons. However, you can still do this by heading to a bookstore or browsing online for physical copies.