📙Kindle and Paperwhite eReaders for kids and tweens - 2023 models buying guide

Let's take a look at the latest eReader Amazon Kindle models for 2022. This includes the regular eInk Kindle device and the higher spec Paperwhite model. These devices are intended purely for distraction-free reading and have access to a huge catalog of kid-friendly titles. These eReaders have parental controls, kid-friendly designs, and lots of other kid-friendly features. Amazon regularly update the models, so let's take a look at the latest range for the 2022 holiday season. 

Note that these devices do sometimes go out of stock at busy times when demand is high so consider buying early to avoid disappointment. 

What is a Kindle Kids eReader?

• Black-and-white eInk device which is comfortable to read. 
• Built-in light for reading under the bedcovers! (Really useful as you can turn off the main room light ready for sleeping.)
• Low power usage, only needs charging every 2-6 weeks depending on usage. 
• Small and lightweight for comfortable reading. 
• Access to loads of kid-friendly content. 1-year subscription to Kids+ including and you can purchase additional titles. 
• Parental controls so you can manage content for your child. 
• Suitable for kids aged around 7-12 (younger ones might prefer an interactive color Kindle Fire tablet, older ones are ready for the adult versions of the devices.)
• Same hardware as the adult devices but with a kid-friendly cover and warranty. 
• Adjustable font and lots of features to help kids with reading such as Vocabulary Builder.
• Built-in Bluetooth to connect to a speaker. Some Kids+ books include Audible audio content so kids can listen and read or switch between them depending on what they are doing. 
• Regular model and premium Paperwhite Kids model. 

New for 2022

The basic Kindle Kids eReader (along with the adult model) has received a really significant update this year. The new features are pretty major and make a real difference to the experience. 

The new Kindle Kids starts shipping on October 12th 2022. New features include:

• High resolution 300dpi display. This was previously only available on the premium Paperwhite device. It really makes a difference to how crisp the text looks and makes reading more comfortable. 
• USB-C charging. No need to find an old cable to charge your device! Now you can use the same cable as other devices you have.
• Longer battery life. Kindle eReaders have good battery life but increased battery life is great for vacations and means the device is less likely to run out just when the story gets really exciting!
• A massive 16GB of storage. This is a lot and means that you won't need to worry about deleting books and kids can have a choice of books downloaded and ready to go to make sure there's nothing to stop them from reading. 
• The new model is lighter which is really important for kids.
• Lovely new kid-friendly cover designs. 

The Kindle Kids Paperwhite was only released last year so it's likely to be a while before a major update. 

Kindle Kids vs Adult Models

It's important to understand that the kids' versions of Amazon's eReaders have the same hardware features as the adult versions, these aren't toys, they are high-quality hardware but packaged with kid-friendly features. The Kindle Kids devices are great for ages 7-12. 

Key differences:

• Kids Kindles come with a 2-year worry-free guarantee instead of the usual 1-year limited warranty. 
• Kids Kindles come with a choice of covers with colorful, kid-friendly designs. 
• You get a 1-year subscription to Amazon Kids+ (books for kids up to age 12) with the kids models. (You can buy this as an add-on with the normal models.)
• The kids versions are all ad-free whereas adult models are also available in a cheaper ad-free option. 
• There's a Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition with extra features in the adult range which is not available as a kids version.

You can use the Parent Dashboard to manage content but this is more about your child using a child profile so you might want to consider the regular range for older kids who won't appreciate the child-focussed features. 

Kindle Kids vs Kindle Paperwhite Kids

The Kindle Kids range is based on the regular Kindle device and the Paperwhite Kids (new last year) is based on the higher-spec Kindle Paperwhite. 

Key differences:

• The Paperwhite is waterproof so can be used around the pool, and in the bath, and can cope with having a drink spilled on it. 
• The Paperwhite has a slightly larger screen. This might actually make it more awkward to hold for younger kids as it's slightly larger and heavier. 
• The Paperwhite has an adjustable warm light and more LEDs (the Kindle Kids does have a front light for reading in low light.)
• The Paperwhite kids has 8GB storage while the Kindle Kids has 16GB (yes the cheaper device has more storage.) The adult version of the Paperwhite has a 16GB option this year but we're not yet seeing that for the kids model.

Note that the upgraded Kindle Kids for 2022 has USB-C charging so this is no longer a difference from the Paperwhite. 

Kindle Kids vs Kindle Fire Kids

The Kindle Fire Kids range of tablets can run apps, play videos, and access the internet as well as being able to display eBooks in color. However, lots of families prefer a specialized eReader device for reading. 

Why choose a dedicated eReader device?

• An eReader is just for reading books so you don't have all the distractions of a tablet full of fun apps and videos. 
• An eReader has an eInk display which can reduce eyestrain whereas using a tablet before bed can have a negative effect on sleep. 
• It's easier to create a regular reading routine with a device designed for the purpose which is regularly used at the same time each day. 
• The battery lasts much longer on an eReader as it just uses power to update the display. This means that it's much more likely to be charged and ready to go when kids want to read. 
• The eReader devices are considerably smaller and lighter than even the smallest Kindle Fire tablet. This can be really important for getting a comfortable reading position.
• The Kindle devices have features designed to support reading such as Vocabulary Builder and Word Wise and the OpenDyslexic font. The experience is completely focused on reading.

It's worth noting that the black-and-white experience of the eReader might not be a good option for very young early readers or reluctant readers. The color display and support for interactive eBooks on a Kindle Fire device might be a better choice in those cases.

Overview

The Kindle Kids devices are a great option for ages 7-12. Younger kids may prefer a Kindle Fire tablet for its color and interactivity whereas teens won't benefit from the features for younger kids and would be better off with an adult model. For tweens it's worth getting the Kids version if they're still reading books for that age group, otherwise, you might want to consider the adult version. The hardware is still the same so you can just swap the kids cover for an adult cover when they're ready. Or you can go the other way and add a Kids+ subscription to a regular Kindle. The new regular Kids Kindle for 2022 has a really good specification so it's only worth getting the Kids Kindle Paperwhite if you need the waterproof feature or a slightly larger screen.