Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2026) and Colorsoft (2026) Review: New Design, Accessories, and Price Hike

Wired · 2026-10-28
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2026) and Colorsoft (2026) Review: New Design, Accessories, and Price Hike

Amazon’s 2026 Kindle Paperwhite and Colorsoft bring a refreshed design and a new ecosystem of accessories, but the upgrades come with higher prices. The 7-inch e-readers now feature a modernized look, improved front lighting, and faster page turns, with the Colorsoft adding a color E Ink display for comics and magazines. New accessories include a redesigned fabric cover and a wireless charging dock, sold separately. However, the Paperwhite starts at $179.99 and the Colorsoft at $279.99, up from previous models. For current owners, the upgrades may feel incremental, but for first-time buyers or those with older Kindles, the improved display and accessory options make these the best e-readers in Amazon’s lineup. As e-reader competition heats up, Amazon is betting that its ecosystem—not just hardware—will keep readers loyal.