While Amazon markets the Kindle Paperwhite Kids as a child-focused device, don’t be fooled by the colorful cases or the “kids” branding. Under the hood, this e-reader is nearly identical to the standard Kindle Paperwhite—arguably one of the best e-readers available today for any age group. In fact, if you’re looking for a high-quality reading device that the entire family can share, this “kids” version might be the hidden gem you didn’t know you needed.
What Makes the Kindle Paperwhite Kids Stand Out?
The Kindle Paperwhite Kids isn’t just a simplified version of the original—it’s the full-fledged Paperwhite experience, fine-tuned with features that make it perfect for younger readers, without sacrificing quality or performance for adults.
Same Display, Same Power
The Kindle Paperwhite Kids comes equipped with the same 7-inch, 300ppi glare-free display as its adult counterpart. Text appears sharp and clear, making long reading sessions enjoyable and easy on the eyes. The size of the screen strikes a great balance—large enough for immersive reading, yet compact enough for small hands to handle comfortably.
Adjustable Backlight for Any Time Reading
One standout feature is the color temperature-adjustable backlight. Whether your child is reading during the day or curling up with a book before bed, the screen can adapt to be easy on the eyes. Warmer tones in the evening reduce blue light exposure, making it less disruptive to sleep cycles.
IPX8 Waterproofing
Parents will appreciate the Kindle Paperwhite Kids’ IPX8 water resistance rating, which means it can survive accidental drops in the bath, pool, or a spilled juice box. This is the same level of water resistance found in premium devices, and it ensures peace of mind when the Kindle goes on road trips, vacations, or ends up in unpredictable environments like the back seat of a car.
Storage for Thousands of Books
With 8GB of storage, the Kindle Paperwhite Kids can hold thousands of books. Whether your child is just getting started with beginner readers or moving on to chapter books and young adult novels, there’s room to grow without worrying about running out of space.
USB-C Charging
Another welcome addition is USB-C support. This not only future-proofs the device but makes it more convenient if you’re already using USB-C cables for phones, tablets, or laptops. It also charges faster and more efficiently than previous micro-USB Kindle models.
Why Choose the Kids Version?
So if it’s essentially the same as the regular Kindle Paperwhite, why should anyone opt for the Kids edition? Here’s where things get interesting:
- No Ads: The Kindle Paperwhite Kids comes ad-free by default. Amazon’s standard models typically display “Special Offers” (i.e., ads) on the lock screen, unless you pay extra to remove them. The Kids version skips that entirely—no upsells required.
- Included Cover: Every Kindle Paperwhite Kids comes bundled with a durable, kid-friendly case in a variety of colors and designs.
- 2-Year Worry-Free Guarantee: This is perhaps one of the best reasons to buy the Kids version. If the Kindle breaks or stops working within two years, Amazon will replace it—no questions asked.
- 1-Year Amazon Kids+ Subscription: This gives access to a curated library of kid-appropriate books, all available at no extra cost for a full year.
Built for Kids, But Loved by All
The Kindle Paperwhite Kids may be aimed at young readers, but it’s more than capable of serving as a full-featured e-reader for teens and adults alike. There are no restrictions on what books you can download and read on it—beyond what you set through parental controls. It supports all the same Kindle Store features, audiobook playback via Bluetooth (with Audible), and library borrowing through Libby or OverDrive.
For families who want a shared e-reader for multiple kids—or even one that parents can sneak off with when the kids go to bed—this is an incredibly smart buy. The value-added features (no ads, cover, warranty, Kids+ subscription) make it a better deal than the adult version in many cases.
Frequently Asked Question
What is the Kindle Paperwhite Kids?
The Kindle Paperwhite Kids is a version of Amazon’s popular e-reader designed with younger readers in mind. It features the same high-resolution 7-inch display, waterproof build, and USB-C charging as the standard Kindle Paperwhite but comes bundled with extra kid-focused features like a protective cover, a 2-year warranty, and a year of Amazon Kids+.
Is the Kindle Paperwhite Kids different from the regular Kindle Paperwhite?
Functionally, no. The hardware is identical to the regular Kindle Paperwhite. The differences lie in the bundled perks: the Kids version comes ad-free, includes a cover and a 2-year worry-free guarantee, and provides access to Amazon Kids+ for a year.
Can adults use the Kindle Paperwhite Kids?
Yes! It’s the same device as the standard Paperwhite. Adults can use it to read any book from their Kindle library. You can turn off parental controls and use it just like a regular Kindle.
Does it have ads or sponsored content?
No. The Kindle Paperwhite Kids comes without ads by default, unlike the standard Kindle Paperwhite, which often displays ads on the lock screen unless you pay an additional fee to remove them.
Is it waterproof?
Yes. The Kindle Paperwhite Kids is IPX8 rated, meaning it can withstand immersion in up to 2 meters of fresh water for up to 60 minutes. It’s perfect for reading by the pool, at the beach, or in the bathtub.
How much storage does it have?
It comes with 8GB of internal storage, which is enough to hold thousands of books.
Does it support audiobooks or Audible?
Yes, the Kindle Paperwhite Kids supports Audible. You can pair Bluetooth headphones or speakers and listen to audiobooks purchased through Audible.
What is Amazon Kids+?
Amazon Kids+ is a subscription service that gives access to a curated selection of age-appropriate books, games, videos, and educational apps. With the Kindle Paperwhite Kids, you get a one-year free subscription for books.
Can I use it without Amazon Kids+ after the first year?
Yes, once the Amazon Kids+ subscription ends, you can continue using the Kindle Paperwhite Kids just like any other Kindle device. You’ll still have access to any books purchased or downloaded from your Kindle library, but you’ll need to purchase additional books if you want to continue accessing content through the Kids+ service.
What kind of case does the Kindle Paperwhite Kids come with?
The Kindle Paperwhite Kids comes with a durable, kid-friendly case in various colors and designs. This case is made to protect the device from drops and spills, making it ideal for younger users.
Is there a warranty for the Kindle Paperwhite Kids?
Yes, the Kindle Paperwhite Kids comes with a 2-year worry-free guarantee. If the device breaks or stops working within this time frame, Amazon will replace it with a new one, no questions asked.
Can I buy other accessories for it?
Yes, in addition to the included case, you can purchase other accessories such as screen protectors or additional covers. However, the included cover is durable and sufficient for most needs.
Is the Kindle Paperwhite Kids suitable for all age groups?
While the Kindle Paperwhite Kids is marketed toward younger readers, it’s suitable for anyone looking for a high-quality e-reader. Its robust features and kid-friendly perks make it an appealing option for the whole family.
Conclusion
Amazon’s Kindle Paperwhite Kids delivers everything we love about the standard Kindle Paperwhite—crisp display, waterproofing, robust storage, and modern charging—while adding meaningful bonuses for families. Its durability, lack of ads, and flexible reading experience make it an outstanding option not just for kids, but for anyone who wants a distraction-free reading device.
