Kindle Paperwhite 16GB - from £149.99
Last updated: 21 April 2026
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The Kindle Paperwhite is Amazon's mid-range e-reader, offering a 7-inch glare-free display, IPX8 waterproofing, up to 12 weeks of battery life, and 16GB of storage. £149.99 on Amazon UK for the standard model, with premium Signature Edition and Kids variants also available. Below you'll find the full Paperwhite range, key features and FAQs.
About the Kindle Paperwhite
Amazon launched the first Kindle in 2007 and has refined its e-reader lineup every generation since. The current Paperwhite is the 12th-generation model, released in late 2024. It sits in the middle of the Kindle range between the entry-level standard Kindle and the flagship Kindle Scribe, and it's been the best-selling Kindle since the line launched.
The current Paperwhite has a 7-inch 300ppi glare-free screen, an adjustable warm light for comfortable night-time reading, a faster processor for quicker page turns, and IPX8 waterproofing so it survives an accidental drop in the bath. Storage is 16GB, which holds thousands of standard-format books.
The current Kindle Paperwhite range in the UK
There are three main variants in the Paperwhite family, each with a different use-case.
Kindle Paperwhite 16GB with ads - £149.99
The standard model and the one most people should buy. 16GB of storage, 7-inch 300ppi screen, adjustable warm light, IPX8 waterproof, up to 12 weeks of battery life. The "with ads" version shows sponsored book recommendations on the lock screen only — they don't appear while reading.
See the 16GB Paperwhite on Amazon UK
Kindle Paperwhite 16GB ad-free - £159.99
Identical hardware to the standard model, without the lock screen sponsored recommendations. A £10 premium for removing lock-screen ads. Can also be upgraded after purchase through the Amazon account page.
See the ad-free Paperwhite on Amazon UK
Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition 32GB - £189.99
The premium Paperwhite. Adds 32GB of storage (double the standard), an auto-adjusting front light that responds to ambient brightness, and Qi wireless charging. Comes ad-free by default. Worth the upgrade for people who read heavily illustrated books or audiobooks, or who want wireless charging.
See the Signature Edition on Amazon UK
Kindle Paperwhite Kids - £159.99
The standard Paperwhite hardware with a kid-friendly cover, a two-year worry-free guarantee (Amazon replaces it free if broken), one year of Amazon Kids+ included, and a profile setup pre-configured for children. Ad-free by default.
See the Paperwhite Kids on Amazon UK
Key features
- 7-inch glare-free 300ppi display, reads clearly in direct sunlight
- Adjustable warm light for comfortable night reading
- IPX8 waterproof rating (can be submerged up to 2 metres for up to 60 minutes)
- Up to 12 weeks of battery life on a single charge
- 16GB storage (32GB on Signature Edition), holds thousands of standard books
- USB-C charging
- Wi-Fi connectivity for downloading books and syncing
- Supports Kindle Unlimited, Audible and Libby/OverDrive library borrowing
- Fonts, font sizes, margins and line spacing all adjustable
- Integrated dictionary, Wikipedia lookup and translation
Who it's suitable for
The Kindle Paperwhite suits frequent readers who want a dedicated e-reader rather than reading on a phone or tablet. It's particularly popular with commuters, holidaymakers, and anyone hoarding physical books to the point of structural concern. The waterproof rating makes it a common recommendation for bath-readers and beach-readers. The glare-free display works in direct sunlight where phones and tablets don't. For anyone who reads more than a book a month, a Kindle usually pays for itself within a year in saved bookshop spend.
Frequently asked questions
Which Kindle Paperwhite should I buy?
For most people, the standard 16GB Paperwhite with ads at £149.99 is the right choice. The ads only appear on the lock screen, not while reading, and the saving goes toward books. Upgrade to the Signature Edition at £189.99 for double storage, auto-adjusting light and wireless charging. Choose the Kids variant if buying for a child under 12.
Is the Kindle Paperwhite waterproof?
Yes. The Paperwhite has an IPX8 rating, which means it can be submerged in up to 2 metres of fresh water for up to 60 minutes without damage. It's rated for bath, beach and poolside reading.
How long does the Kindle Paperwhite battery last?
Amazon rates the current Paperwhite at up to 12 weeks of battery life on a single charge, based on 30 minutes of reading per day with wireless off and the light at medium brightness. Real-world usage typically lands between 4 and 8 weeks.
What's the difference between Paperwhite and the standard Kindle?
The standard Kindle has a smaller 6-inch screen, shorter battery life, no warm light, and no waterproof rating. The Paperwhite is the mid-range step-up that most readers should choose unless budget is the only consideration.
Can the Kindle Paperwhite read library books?
Yes. UK Kindle users can borrow library ebooks through Libby or OverDrive using a valid UK library card. The books download wirelessly to the Kindle and automatically return at the end of the loan period. Most UK library authorities are supported.
Does the Kindle Paperwhite support audiobooks?
Yes, via Audible. The current Paperwhite supports Bluetooth audio playback through wireless headphones or speakers. You'll need an Audible subscription or individually purchased Audible titles.
How much does the Kindle Paperwhite cost in the UK?
The standard 16GB Paperwhite with ads is £149.99 on Amazon UK. The ad-free version is £159.99. The Signature Edition is £189.99 and the Paperwhite Kids is £159.99. Amazon regularly runs discounts on Prime Day, Black Friday and during Amazon's seasonal sales.
See the 16GB Paperwhite on Amazon UK
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