Kindle Paperwhite vs Kindle Colorsoft
The two share a 7-inch, 300ppi waterproof screen and warm light. The $289.99 Colorsoft adds a 150ppi color mode for comics, illustrated books and color highlights, but it costs $90 more and gets 8 weeks of battery instead of 12.
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Quick answer
Get the Paperwhite ($199.99) for novels and most reading: it’s WIRED’s best Kindle and lasts up to 12 weeks per charge. Get the Colorsoft ($289.99) only if color matters for what you read, such as comics, graphic novels, illustrated books or color highlights.
Last updated Prices checked Oct 2026
Check Amazon Kindle Paperwhite price (opens in a new tab)Check Amazon Kindle Colorsoft price (opens in a new tab)
Key facts at a glance
| Amazon Kindle Paperwhite | Amazon Kindle Colorsoft | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.99 | $289.99 |
| Screen | 7-inch, glare-free, black and white | 7-inch, glare-free, color |
| Resolution | 300ppi | 300ppi black and white, 150ppi color |
| Battery (Amazon) | Up to 12 weeks | Up to 8 weeks |
| Storage | 16GB (32GB Signature) | 16GB (32GB Signature) |
For the full range, see our best Kindle guide.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite vs Amazon Kindle Colorsoft: side-by-side
| Kindle Paperwhite | Kindle Colorsoft | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.99 | $289.99 |
| Screen | 7-inch, glare-free, black and white | 7-inch, glare-free, color |
| Resolution | 300ppi | 300ppi black and white, 150ppi color |
| Battery (Amazon) | Up to 12 weeks | Up to 8 weeks |
| Storage | 16GB (32GB Signature) | 16GB (32GB Signature) |
| Waterproofing | IPX8 | IPX8 |
| Warm light | Adjustable | Adjustable |
How much do they cost?
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite plans
| Option | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Kindle Paperwhite 16GB | $199.99 | Up from $159.99 in August 2026 |
| Paperwhite Signature Edition 32GB | $249.99 | Aluminum, auto-adjusting light, Charging Dock support |
Amazon Kindle Colorsoft plans
| Option | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Kindle Colorsoft 16GB | $289.99 | Color highlighting |
| Colorsoft Signature Edition 32GB | $319.99 | Aluminum, auto-adjusting light, Charging Dock support |
What are the pros and cons?
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite: pros
- $90 cheaper
- Up to 12 weeks of battery
- WIRED’s favorite Kindle
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite: cons
- No color
- Price went up $40 in August 2026
Amazon Kindle Colorsoft: pros
- Color for comics, illustrated books and highlights
- Same 300ppi for black-and-white text
- Waterproof
Amazon Kindle Colorsoft: cons
- $289.99
- Up to 8 weeks of battery
- Color is only 150ppi
Which should you choose: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite or Amazon Kindle Colorsoft?
For most readers the Paperwhite is the better buy. It has the same size, sharpness for text and waterproofing for $90 less, and it lasts longer. TechRepublic[2] sums it up: moving up to the Colorsoft is mainly a choice to pay for color.
Choose Amazon Kindle Paperwhite if…
- You mostly read novels and non-fiction
- You want the longest battery life
- You want to spend under $200
Choose Amazon Kindle Colorsoft if…
- You read comics, manga or graphic novels
- You read illustrated or cookbooks
- You use color highlights
The October 2026 refresh
Amazon unveiled redesigned Kindle, Paperwhite and Colorsoft models on October 1, 2026, with thinner hardware and flush-front displays. TechRepublic[2] says the Paperwhite and Colorsoft are scheduled for an October 28 US release. Prices for the base models are unchanged from August’s increase.
Other options
The $149.99 base Kindle is the cheapest option. It keeps a 300ppi screen but drops to 6 inches with no waterproofing. If you borrow library e-books or want physical page-turn buttons, see Kindle vs Kobo and our best e-readers.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Kindle Colorsoft worth it over the Paperwhite?
Does the Colorsoft have worse battery life?
Is the Colorsoft text as sharp as the Paperwhite?
Sources
Pricing and plan details were checked on the official pages below as of Oct 2026. Vendors change prices, credits and plan names often, and some show regional pricing at checkout, so confirm on the vendor’s site before you buy.
- TechRadar: Should I buy a Kindle Colorsoft or a Paperwhite? (techradar.com)
- TechRepublic: Amazon’s new Kindle lineup compared (October 2026) (techrepublic.com)
- WIRED: The Best Kindles (October 2026) (wired.com)
Related
Kindle vs Kindle Paperwhite
Amazon refreshed both e-readers in October 2026. The $50 step up to the Paperwhite buys a larger 7-inch screen, waterproofing, adjustable warm light and twice the quoted battery life.
best ofWhich Kindle Should You Buy in 2026?
The Kindle Paperwhite ($200) is the best Kindle for most people. The base Kindle ($150) is the cheapest and smallest, the Colorsoft ($290) adds a color screen, and the Scribe ($400) is for note-takers.
best ofBest E-Readers of 2026
The base Kindle is Wirecutter’s top e-reader, and the Paperwhite is the upgrade. If you don’t want Amazon, WIRED picks the Kobo Libra Colour, with page buttons and built-in library borrowing.
comparisonKindle vs Kobo
Get a Kindle if you buy from Amazon or use Kindle Unlimited. Get a Kobo if you borrow library books, want native EPUB support, or don’t want to use Amazon.
best ofBest Kobo E-Reader to Buy in 2026
WIRED’s best e-reader overall is the $259.99 Kobo Libra Colour. Wirecutter picks the $159.99 Kobo Clara BW for people who don’t want Amazon. The 10.3-inch Elipsa 2E is for note-taking.