Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2018) vs Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021)

Last Updated & Fact Checked:  March 12, 2026

Are you trying to decide between the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2018) and the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021)?

Product Versus will provide you with all the product details so you can quickly compare the facts to find which product is right for you – the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2018) or the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021) – and find out exactly what the differences are.

Both the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2018) and the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021) are quality products, so read on to find out which one is best for your needs!

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2018) quick facts

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021) quick facts

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2018) product details

Bestseller No. 1
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 16GB (newest model) – 20% faster, with new 7" glare-free display and weeks of battery life – Black
  • Our fastest Kindle Paperwhite ever – The next-generation 7“ Paperwhite display has a higher contrast ratio and 25% faster page turns.
  • Ready for travel – The ultra-thin design has a larger glare-free screen so pages stay sharp no matter where you are.
  • Escape into your books – Your Kindle doesn’t have social media, notifications, or other distracting apps.
  • Battery life for your longest novel – A single charge via USB-C lasts up to 12 weeks.
  • Read in any light – Adjust the display from white to amber to read in bright sunlight or in the dark.
Bestseller No. 2
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition 32GB (newest model) – 20% faster with auto-adjusting front light, wireless charging, and weeks of battery life – Metallic Raspberry
  • Our fastest Kindle Paperwhite ever – The next-generation 7“ Paperwhite display has a higher contrast ratio and 25% faster page turns.
  • Upgrade your reading experience – The Signature Edition features an auto-adjusting front light, wireless charging, and 32 GB storage.
  • Ready for travel – The ultra-thin design has a larger glare-free screen so pages stay sharp no matter where you are.
  • Escape into your books – Your Kindle doesn’t have social media, notifications, or other distracting apps.
  • Adapts to your surroundings – The auto-adjusting front light lets you read in the brightest sunlight or late into the night.
Bestseller No. 3
Amazon Kindle 16 GB (newest model) - Lightest and most compact Kindle, now with faster page turns, and higher contrast ratio, for an enhanced reading experience - Matcha
  • The lightest and most compact Kindle - Now with a brighter front light at max setting, higher contrast ratio, and faster page turns for an enhanced reading experience.
  • Effortless reading in any light - Read comfortably with a 6“ glare-free display, adjustable front light—now 25% brighter at max setting—and dark mode.
  • Escape into your books - Tune out messages, emails, and social media with a distraction-free reading experience.
  • Read for a while - Get up to 6 weeks of battery life on a single charge.
  • Take your library with you – 16 GB storage holds thousands of books.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021) product details

Bestseller No. 1
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 16GB (newest model) – 20% faster, with new 7" glare-free display and weeks of battery life – Black
  • Our fastest Kindle Paperwhite ever – The next-generation 7“ Paperwhite display has a higher contrast ratio and 25% faster page turns.
  • Ready for travel – The ultra-thin design has a larger glare-free screen so pages stay sharp no matter where you are.
  • Escape into your books – Your Kindle doesn’t have social media, notifications, or other distracting apps.
  • Battery life for your longest novel – A single charge via USB-C lasts up to 12 weeks.
  • Read in any light – Adjust the display from white to amber to read in bright sunlight or in the dark.
Bestseller No. 2
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition 32GB (newest model) – 20% faster with auto-adjusting front light, wireless charging, and weeks of battery life – Metallic Raspberry
  • Our fastest Kindle Paperwhite ever – The next-generation 7“ Paperwhite display has a higher contrast ratio and 25% faster page turns.
  • Upgrade your reading experience – The Signature Edition features an auto-adjusting front light, wireless charging, and 32 GB storage.
  • Ready for travel – The ultra-thin design has a larger glare-free screen so pages stay sharp no matter where you are.
  • Escape into your books – Your Kindle doesn’t have social media, notifications, or other distracting apps.
  • Adapts to your surroundings – The auto-adjusting front light lets you read in the brightest sunlight or late into the night.
Bestseller No. 3
Amazon Kindle 16 GB (newest model) - Lightest and most compact Kindle, now with faster page turns, and higher contrast ratio, for an enhanced reading experience - Black
  • The lightest and most compact Kindle - Now with a brighter front light at max setting, higher contrast ratio, and faster page turns for an enhanced reading experience.
  • Effortless reading in any light - Read comfortably with a 6“ glare-free display, adjustable front light—now 25% brighter at max setting—and dark mode.
  • Escape into your books - Tune out messages, emails, and social media with a distraction-free reading experience.
  • Read for a while - Get up to 6 weeks of battery life on a single charge.
  • Take your library with you - 16 GB storage holds thousands of books.

New products & alternatives to the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2018) and the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021)

New
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 16GB | Share the Love 2-pack Bundle | Black and Raspberry
  • Share the joy of reading – This bundle includes two Kindle Paperwhite devices, perfect for couples, families, or book club friends who want to read and discuss the same titles together.
  • Our fastest Kindle Paperwhite ever – Each device features the next-generation 7" Paperwhite display with higher contrast ratio and 25% faster page turns, so you can both enjoy seamless reading.
  • Read side-by-side, anywhere – The ultra-thin, waterproof design with glare-free screen means you can share reading time by the pool, on the couch, or during travel without worry.
  • Escape into stories together – No social media, notifications, or distracting apps on either Kindle—just pure, focused reading time to connect over books.
  • Battery life that keeps up with both readers – A single USB-C charge lasts up to 12 weeks per device, so you won't interrupt your shared reading journey.
New
Like-New Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition 32GB (newest model) – With color display, auto-adjusting front light, wireless charging, and long battery life - Metallic Black
  • Like-New Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition 32GB is refurbished, tested, and certified to look and work like new and comes with the same limited warranty as a new device. Like-New Amazon devices may be packaged in generic Amazon-branded boxes.
  • Read in color – The new 7" Colorsoft display is high-contrast and easy on the eyes, with paper-like color that brings covers and content to life.
  • Color your pages – Highlight your favorite scenes in yellow, orange, blue, and pink.
  • Marathon reading – A single charge via USB-C lasts up to 8 weeks, or power up with the wireless charging dock (sold separately).
  • Adapts to your surroundings – The glare-free display and auto-adjusting front light let you read in the brightest sunlight or late into the night.
New
International Version – Amazon Kindle Colorsoft 16 GB – With color display and adjustable warm light – No Ads – Black
  • Read in color – The new 7" Colorsoft display is high-contrast and easy on the eyes, with paper-like color that brings covers and content to life.
  • A brand-new experience – The Kindle Colorsoft display is optimized for reading in color and is different from the Kindle Paperwhite display, which is optimized for black and white reading.
  • Color your pages – Highlight your favorite scenes in yellow, orange, blue, and pink.
  • Marathon reading – A single charge via USB-C lasts up to 8 weeks.
  • Read in any light – Adjust the display from white to amber to read in bright sunlight or in the dark.
New
Kindle Paperwhite Clear Case Bundle: Includes Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition 32GB (newest model) | Metallic Black & Clear Back Case | Black
  • Kindle Paperwhite Clear Case Bundle: Includes Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition 32GB (newest model) | Metallic Black & Clear Back Case | Black
  • Our fastest Kindle ever – The next-generation 7“ Paperwhite display has a higher contrast ratio with 25% faster page turns.
  • Upgrade your reading experience – The Signature Edition features an auto-adjusting front light, wireless charging, and 32 GB storage.
  • Ready for travel – The ultra-thin design has a larger glare-free screen so pages stay sharp no matter where you are.
  • Escape into your books – Your Kindle doesn’t have social media, notifications, or other distracting apps.
New
Kindle Paperwhite Clear Case Bundle: Includes Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 16GB (newest model) | Raspberry & Clear Back Case | Raspberry
  • Kindle Paperwhite Clear Case Bundle: Includes Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 16GB (newest model) | Raspberry & Clear Back Case | Raspberry
  • Our fastest Kindle ever – The next-generation 7“ Paperwhite display has a higher contrast ratio and 25% faster page turns.
  • Ready for travel – The ultra-thin design has a larger glare-free screen so pages stay sharp no matter where you are.
  • Escape into your books – Your Kindle doesn’t have social media, notifications, or other distracting apps.
  • Battery life for your longest novel – A single charge via USB-C lasts up to 12 weeks.

Our conclusion on the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2018) vs Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021)

Both the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2018) and the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021) are high quality products and we are sure you will be happy with either one. In the end it comes down to your budget and the value for money you are looking for.

Either way, the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2018) and the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021) are both excellent products that will more than do their job!