OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
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REVIEWS
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Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids 2021 Review | 68 Data compared

Avg. price:~£160Screen size:6.8 inchesPixel density:300 ppiInternal storage:8 GBBattery life:35 hoursSupported bookstore ecosystem:Amazon Ecosystem

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids 2021 Review: Compare 68 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the eReaders category and whether it is worth buying.

6.6/10

Overall score

Score
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the eReader's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best eReaders on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 54% of models
Score components

90%

6.6

Technical score

10%

?

User score

▲Better than 54% of ereaders
7.5

Value for money

Value for money
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the eReader's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for an eReader with a good balance between reading comfort, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 57% of models
Score components

70%

6.6

Overall score

30%

9.7

Price

▲Better than 57%
6.6

Technical score

Technical score
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the eReader's technical performance, covering key areas such as display quality, reading features, battery life, format support, ecosystem, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare eReaders based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 57% of models
Score components

25%

7.8

Display

22%

6.3

Reading

18%

7.1

Battery

14%

3.1

Hardware

12%

7.8

Connectivity

9%

6.3

Design

▲Better than 57%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the eReader.
When it matters
When you want to know how an eReader feels in daily reading and how reliable it is for screen comfort, battery life, and library management according to user feedback.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 52% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £160
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of eReader Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids 2021

Technical score
Technical score
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the eReader's technical performance, covering key areas such as display quality, reading features, battery life, format support, ecosystem, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare eReaders based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 57% of models
Score components:

25%

7.8

Display

22%

6.3

Reading

18%

7.1

Battery

14%

3.1

Hardware

12%

7.8

Connectivity

9%

6.3

Design

6.6
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the eReader.
When it matters
When you want to know how an eReader feels in daily reading and how reliable it is for screen comfort, battery life, and library management according to user feedback.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 52% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the eReader.
When it matters
When you prefer to choose an eReader reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids 2021 has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than that of 72.1% of products in this category.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the eReader's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for an eReader with a good balance between reading comfort, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 57% of models
Score components:

70%

6.6

Overall score

30%

9.7

Price

7.5
Brand name
Amazon
Screen size
6.8 inches
Market range: <5 inches – >10 inches
This eReader has a screen size of 6.8 inches which is smaller than 52.5% on this spec and equal to 3.3% of eReaders.
Screen resolution
1236x1648 px
This eReader uses a screen resolution of 1236x1648 px, which is sharper than that of 59% of eReaders and the same as that of 0.8% of eReaders.
Pixel density
300 ppi
Market range: <150 ppi – >300 ppi
This eReader has a pixel density of 300 ppi which is higher than 51.6% on this spec and equal to 48.4% of eReaders.
E-paper display
yes
This eReader uses an e-paper display. 2.5% of eReaders have an e-paper display.
Show more
Supported file types
13
Market range: <9 – >24
This eReader supports 13 file types which is fewer than 68.6% on this spec and equal to 11.9% of eReaders.
PDF reflow support
no
This eReader does not offer PDF reflow. 55.4% of eReaders support PDF reflow.
Annotation support
yes
This eReader offers annotation support. 1.6% of eReaders offer annotation support.
Dictionary
yes
This eReader includes a built-in dictionary. 0.8% of eReaders include a built-in dictionary.
Text-to-speech
yes
This eReader offers text-to-speech. 36.1% of eReaders include text-to-speech.
Show more
Battery life
35 hours
Market range: <12 hours – >42 hours
This eReader offers 35 hours of battery life which is longer than 81.3% on this spec and equal to 2.1% of eReaders.
approximate usage hours based on Amazon's "10 weeks" claim of 30 mins/day usage, wi-fi off, brightness 12
Battery capacity
1,700 mAh
Market range: <1k mAh – >4k mAh
This eReader has a battery capacity of 1,700 mAh which is higher than 54.6% on this spec and equal to 3.3% of eReaders.
Charging time
2 hours
Market range: <1 hour – >6 hours
This eReader takes 2 hours to charge which is quicker than 49.1% on this spec and equal to 40% of eReaders.
with 9W adapter or larger
Wireless charging
no
This eReader does not offer wireless charging. 7.4% of eReaders offer wireless charging.
Internal storage
8 GB
Market range: <2 GB – >62 GB
This eReader offers 8 GB of internal storage which is less than 53.3% on this spec and equal to 12.3% of eReaders.
RAM capacity
1 GB
Market range: <0 GB – >5 GB
This eReader offers 1 GB of RAM which is more than 54.1% on this spec and equal to 17.2% of eReaders.
CPU base clock speed
1x 1 GHz
This eReader has a CPU base clock speed of 1x1 GHz, which is slower than that of 50.4% of eReaders and the same as that of 24% of eReaders.
Operating system
Kindle OS
This eReader runs Kindle OS, which is more advanced than that of 43.4% of eReaders and the same as that of 20.5% of eReaders.
Memory card slot
no
This eReader does not have a memory card slot. 43.4% of eReaders have a memory card slot.
Show more
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This eReader connects over Wi-Fi. 6.6% of eReaders have Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
This eReader supports Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), which is newer than that of 58.2% of eReaders and the same as that of 40.2% of eReaders.
Wi-Fi bands supported
2.4 GHz+5 GHz
This eReader supports 2.4 GHz+5 GHz Wi-Fi bands, which is broader than that of 57.4% of eReaders and the same as that of 42.6% of eReaders.
Bluetooth
yes
This eReader connects over Bluetooth. 40.2% of eReaders have Bluetooth.
Bluetooth is mainly used for wireless audio and accessibility.
Bluetooth version
4.2
Market range: <1 – >6
This eReader supports Bluetooth 4.2 which is newer than 50% on this spec and equal to 7.5% of eReaders.
Show more
Weight
321 g
Market range: <160 g – >480 g
This eReader weighs 321 g which is heavier than 75.4% on this spec.
Includes cover.
Thickness
8.1 mm
Market range: <6 mm – >11 mm
This eReader is 8.1 mm thick which is thinner than 48.8% on this spec and equal to 3.3% of eReaders.
13.5 mm with the included cover; body thickness follows the matching 2021 Paperwhite hardware.
Height
174.2 mm
Market range: <150 mm – >240 mm
This eReader is 174.2 mm tall which is taller than 51.6% on this spec and equal to 1.6% of eReaders.
Width
124.6 mm
Market range: <100 mm – >200 mm
This eReader is 124.6 mm wide which is narrower than 57.4% on this spec and equal to 0.8% of eReaders.
Water resistance (splashproof)
yes
This eReader has water resistance against splashes. 75.8% of eReaders have water resistance against splashes.
Show more

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids 2021 vs the average eReader

246810TotalDisplayReadingBatteryHardwareConnectivityDesign
  • 14 hours longer battery life
    This eReader offers longer battery life than the average eReader (35 hours vs 21 hours). The average eReader offers 21 hours of battery life.
    approximate usage hours based on Amazon's "10 weeks" claim of 30 mins/day usage, wi-fi off, brightness 12
    35 hours vs 21 hours
  • Splash-resistant
    This eReader has splash resistance, while the average eReader does not. 24.8% of eReaders have splash resistance.
  • 13.2% higher pixel density
    This eReader has a higher pixel density than the average eReader (300 ppi vs 265 ppi). The average eReader has a pixel density of 265 ppi.
    300 ppi vs 265 ppi
  • 2 m higher waterproof depth rating
    This eReader offers deeper waterproofing than the average eReader (2 m vs 0 m). The average eReader waterproof depth rating is 0 m.
    2 m vs 0 m
  • Better Wi-Fi bands
    This eReader supports 2.4 GHz+5 GHz Wi-Fi bands, while the average eReader supports 2.4 GHz.
    2.4 GHz+5 GHz vs 2.4 GHz
  • Newer Wi-Fi version
    This eReader supports a newer Wi-Fi version than the average eReader (Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)).
    Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
  • 12 more front-light LEDs
    This eReader has more front-light LEDs than the average eReader (17 vs 5). The average eReader has 5 front-light LEDs.
    17 vs 5
  • Higher screen resolution
    This eReader supports higher screen resolution than the average eReader (1236x1648 px vs 1072x1448 px). The average eReader supports 1072x1448 px screen resolution.
    1236x1648 px vs 1072x1448 px
  • 13.2% higher pixel density
    This eReader has a higher pixel density than the average eReader (300 ppi vs 265 ppi). The average eReader has a pixel density of 265 ppi.
    300 ppi vs 265 ppi
  • 12 more front-light LEDs
    This eReader has more front-light LEDs than the average eReader (17 vs 5). The average eReader has 5 front-light LEDs.
    17 vs 5
  • Higher screen resolution
    This eReader supports higher screen resolution than the average eReader (1236x1648 px vs 1072x1448 px). The average eReader supports 1072x1448 px screen resolution.
    1236x1648 px vs 1072x1448 px
  • More advanced E-Ink technology
    This eReader uses Carta 1200 E-Ink technology, while the average eReader uses Carta Plus.
    Carta 1,200 vs Carta Plus
  • 14 hours longer battery life
    This eReader offers longer battery life than the average eReader (35 hours vs 21 hours). The average eReader offers 21 hours of battery life.
    approximate usage hours based on Amazon's "10 weeks" claim of 30 mins/day usage, wi-fi off, brightness 12
    35 hours vs 21 hours
  • 0.49 GB more RAM
    This eReader has more RAM than the average eReader (1 GB vs 0.5 GB). The average eReader has 0.512 GB of RAM.
    1 GB vs 0.512 GB
  • Better Wi-Fi bands
    This eReader supports 2.4 GHz+5 GHz Wi-Fi bands, while the average eReader supports 2.4 GHz.
    2.4 GHz+5 GHz vs 2.4 GHz
  • Newer Wi-Fi version
    This eReader supports a newer Wi-Fi version than the average eReader (Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)).
    Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
  • Splash-resistant
    This eReader has splash resistance, while the average eReader does not. 24.8% of eReaders have splash resistance.
  • 2 m higher waterproof depth rating
    This eReader offers deeper waterproofing than the average eReader (2 m vs 0 m). The average eReader waterproof depth rating is 0 m.
    2 m vs 0 m
  • Limited DRM support
    This eReader supports fewer DRM schemes than the average eReader (Amazon's proprietary DRM vs Adobe DRM, Social DRM).
    Amazon's proprietary DRM vs Adobe DRM, Social DRM
  • No PDF reflow
    This eReader does not support PDF reflow, while the average eReader does. 54.9% of eReaders support PDF reflow.
  • Limited bookstore ecosystem
    This eReader uses the Amazon Ecosystem bookstore ecosystem, while the average eReader uses Android Open Ecosystem.
    Amazon Kindle Store ecosystem.
    Amazon Ecosystem vs Android Open Ecosystem
  • 50.7% heavier
    This eReader is heavier than the average eReader (321 g vs 213 g). The average eReader weighs 213 g.
    Includes cover.
    321 g vs 213 g
  • No folder support
    This eReader does not support folders, while the average eReader does. 54.5% of eReaders support folders.
  • 2 fewer supported file formats
    This eReader supports fewer file types than the average eReader (13 vs 15).
    13 vs 15
  • Versions older Bluetooth
    This eReader supports an older Bluetooth version than the average eReader (4.2 vs 5.1).
    4.2 vs 5.1
  • 50% less storage
    This eReader offers less internal storage than the average eReader (8 GB vs 16 GB). The average eReader provides 16 GB of internal storage.
    8 GB vs 16 GB
  • 5.44x less popular
    Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids 2021 is less popular than the average eReader (1 vs 5.4).
    1 vs 5.44
  • 0.2 inches smaller screen size
    This eReader has a smaller screen than the average eReader (6.8 inches vs 7 inches). The average eReader screen size is 7 inches.
    6.8 inches vs 7 inches
  • Limited DRM support
    This eReader supports fewer DRM schemes than the average eReader (Amazon's proprietary DRM vs Adobe DRM, Social DRM).
    Amazon's proprietary DRM vs Adobe DRM, Social DRM
  • No PDF reflow
    This eReader does not support PDF reflow, while the average eReader does. 54.9% of eReaders support PDF reflow.
  • Limited bookstore ecosystem
    This eReader uses the Amazon Ecosystem bookstore ecosystem, while the average eReader uses Android Open Ecosystem.
    Amazon Kindle Store ecosystem.
    Amazon Ecosystem vs Android Open Ecosystem
  • No folder support
    This eReader does not support folders, while the average eReader does. 54.5% of eReaders support folders.
  • 2 fewer supported file formats
    This eReader supports fewer file types than the average eReader (13 vs 15).
    13 vs 15
  • 50% less storage
    This eReader offers less internal storage than the average eReader (8 GB vs 16 GB). The average eReader provides 16 GB of internal storage.
    8 GB vs 16 GB
  • Versions older Bluetooth
    This eReader supports an older Bluetooth version than the average eReader (4.2 vs 5.1).
    4.2 vs 5.1
  • 50.7% heavier
    This eReader is heavier than the average eReader (321 g vs 213 g). The average eReader weighs 213 g.
    Includes cover.
    321 g vs 213 g

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
The Breakdown With Luke
≈ estimated
15/07/2022
Hands-on review · screen, battery, library and parental controls
Verdict
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids 2021 earns a strong recommendation, with a clear screen and long battery life that suit young readers.
9.0
The eBook Reader
≈ estimated
20/11/2021
Value comparison · Kids edition vs standard Paperwhite
Verdict
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids 2021 has the same hardware as the standard model, so it is the better-value buy.
8.0
Tricks Tips Fix
≈ estimated
21/09/2021
Comparison · Kids edition vs standard Paperwhite 2021
Verdict
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids 2021 costs more than the standard model, but its included cover, guarantee and subscription justify the premium.

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

P
pcmag.com
02/11/2021
Summary of the review
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids (2021) Review - PCMag
androidcentral.com
09/07/2023
Parent's hands-on review · Kids e-reader
Verdict
The Kindle Paperwhite Kids suits a book-hungry child, with an age-appropriate library, parental controls and around two months of battery, though it lacks wireless charging.
techadvisor.com
08/02/2022
Expert review · Waterproof kids reader
Verdict
The Kindle Paperwhite Kids is a waterproof reader best shared with an adult, with a sharper screen than the basic Kindle Kids and no games to distract.
uk.pcmag.com
02/11/2021
Review · Children's e-reader
Verdict
The Kindle Paperwhite Kids is a waterproof, flat-front reader for children who read chapter books, and it's a better deal than buying its extras separately.
global.techradar.com
28/10/2021
Full review · Mid-range e-reader
Verdict
The Kindle Paperwhite 2021 is a modest update with a bigger 6.8-inch screen and USB-C, best for buyers who want those and don't need more.
connect.de
18/11/2021
Hands-on test · Signature Edition
Verdict
The Kindle Paperwhite (2021) suits most readers, with a bigger 6.8-inch screen and adjustable warm light; wireless charging and auto-brightness need the Signature Edition.
homeandsmart.de
23/09/2021
Full test · Children's e-reader
Verdict
The Kindle Paperwhite Kids suits parents who want to track reading, with a year of Kids+ books included, though setup requires that subscription.
netzwelt.de
30/01/2022
Hands-on test · All-round e-reader
Verdict
The Kindle Paperwhite (2021) is an all-round reader for children and adults, with waterproofing and long battery life, though it lacks EPUB and Onleihe support.
liseuses.net
09/11/2021
Video test · Screen and Prime library
Verdict
The Kindle Paperwhite (2021) has a clear 6.8-inch screen and suits Amazon Prime members, but with no colour and small PDF text, comics are a weak point.
L
lesalexiens.fr
29/11/2021
Summary of the review
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 2021 Review: A Signature Edition that makes you forget real books
(Translated)Show original
tomsguide.fr
02/12/2021
Hands-on test · Paperwhite and Signature
Verdict
The Kindle Paperwhite is a fast, compact reader with a bigger screen and waterproofing, but the Signature Edition's extras are not convincing.
clubic.com
30/01/2022
Hands-on test · Screen and software
Verdict
The Kindle Paperwhite (2021) has a very good 6.8-inch screen and simple menus, but it is a closed system with no EPUB support and Bluetooth not yet active.
tg24.sky.it
16/12/2021
Hands-on test · Battery and screen
Verdict
The Kindle Paperwhite (2021) is a fast, waterproof reader with a bigger screen and warm light, though its larger size is harder to carry and hold.
smartworld.it
23/11/2021
Hands-on review · Display and speed
Verdict
The Kindle Paperwhite (2021) is a fast, waterproof reader with a bigger screen and warm light, though its larger size is harder to carry and hold.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids 2021

  • Excellent value: Includes a protective cover, a 2-year 'worry-free' guarantee, and a 1-year Amazon Kids+ subscription, making it a better deal than the standard Paperwhite.
  • High-quality display: Features a 6.8-inch, 300 ppi glare-free screen with adjustable warm light that is easy on the eyes and readable in direct sunlight.
  • Outstanding battery life: Users report the battery can last up to 10 weeks on a single charge depending on usage.
  • Durable and waterproof: Rated IPX8 for water resistance, making it safe for use near pools or in the bath.
  • Educational features: Includes tools like Word Wise for instant definitions and reading progress tracking to encourage young readers.
  • Ad-free experience: Unlike the standard Kindle, the Kids Edition does not show sponsored lock screen ads.
  • Distraction-free: Lacks games, social media, and notifications, helping children stay focused on reading.

What customers don't like about Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids 2021

  • Higher initial price: It is more expensive than the base Kindle Kids model and some budget tablets.
  • Limited content library: The included Amazon Kids+ subscription has gaps in popular titles, missing series like 'Percy Jackson' or 'The Hunger Games' in some regions.
  • Monochrome display: The E-ink screen is black and white, which some users found less engaging for graphic novels and picture books compared to color tablets.
  • Slower responsiveness: Compared to modern tablets or smartphones, the E-ink interface can feel slightly laggy or slow to respond to touch.
  • Interface complaints: Some parents find the Amazon Kids interface difficult to navigate or would prefer a simpler library view for hand-selected books.
  • Hardware limitations: It lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack and internal speakers, requiring Bluetooth headphones for audiobooks.
  • No Immersion Reading: Unlike Fire tablets, it does not support 'Whispersync for Immersion Reading,' which highlights text while an audiobook plays.

Verdict

The 2021 Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids is a purpose-built e-reader featuring a 6.8-inch, 300 ppi glare-free display with 17 LEDs and an adjustable warm light for comfortable reading in any environment. This 11th-generation device is notable for its IPX8 waterproof rating, 8GB of internal storage, and a battery life that lasts up to 10 weeks via USB-C charging. Major pros include the inclusion of a kid-friendly cover, a two-year worry-free guarantee for replacements, and a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+, providing ad-free access to thousands of books. However, main cons include the fact that the Amazon Kids+ subscription only lasts for one year before requiring a paid renewal, and the bottom-mounted power button can sometimes lead to accidental presses.

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