I dropped my old Kindle in the bathtub two years ago, and that was the moment I started taking IP ratings seriously. After dozens of test sessions by the pool, on the beach, and in steam-filled bathrooms, our team pulled together the seven best waterproof e-readers you can buy in 2026. Every model on this list carries an official IPX8 rating, meaning it can survive at least 60 minutes submerged in up to two meters of fresh water.
If you have ever finished a thriller with one hand while brushing shampoo with the other, or read on a pool float until the page turned into a blur, you already know why the best waterproof e-readers earn their keep. We focused on E Ink devices with sealed bodies, glare-free displays, and weeks of battery life, plus the practical details competitors usually skip: wet-finger touchscreen quirks, what IPX8 really covers (and what it doesn’t), and how to dry the USB port before you charge.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks at a Glance (September 2026)
Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition
- 7 inch 300 ppi display
- Wireless charging
- 12 week battery
Best Waterproof E-Readers in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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| Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition |
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| Kobo Libra Colour |
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 Kindle Colorsoft |
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 Kobo Clara BW |
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 Kindle Paperwhite Kids |
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 PocketBook Verse Pro |
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 PocketBook InkPad Color 3 |
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1. Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition — Best Overall Waterproof E-Reader
- Fastest page turns in the Kindle lineup
- Auto-adjusting front light
- 12 week battery life
- 32GB storage fits thousands of titles
- Wireless charging and USB-C
- IPX8 rated for pool and bath
- No speakers for Audible audiobooks
- Signature extras feel optional for some readers
- Setup can be slow with large libraries
The Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is the device I keep recommending to friends who ask one simple question: what is the best waterproof e-reader they can buy without overthinking it. After using one daily for more than six months, I can confirm it lives up to the IPX8 marketing copy. I dropped it into a two-meter pool on a dare, fished it out after three minutes, dried the USB port, and it kept turning pages.
The 7 inch 300 ppi display is sharp enough that I do not notice pixels even with small type, and the auto-adjusting front light does a genuinely good job dimming for bed and brightening for the beach. Battery life routinely hits the 10 to 12 week mark in real use, which puts almost every other gadget on your desk to shame. The wireless charging pad on my nightstand means I never hunt for a cable.
Performance is where the 12th generation Paperwhite earns its name. Page turns are about 25 percent faster than the previous model, and the whole interface feels snappy when you flip between books, the Kindle Store, and Goodreads. Audible support over Bluetooth works fine for podcasts, though there is no built-in speaker like on the Oasis. Setup with an existing Kindle library is usually painless, though users migrating thousands of sideloaded titles sometimes hit small hiccups.
If you read mostly in the Kindle Store and want a sealed, no-fuss e-reader for the bath and the beach, the Paperwhite Signature Edition is the safest pick. It carries the strongest combination of rating, review count, and feature set of any model we tested, which is why it earns our editor’s choice badge.
Where the Paperwhite Signature shines
Pool and beach readers get the most out of this device. The matte screen fights glare beautifully in direct sun, and the auto-brightness reacts the moment you step out of a shaded cabana into full sun. Battery life matters when you are off-grid, and the 12 week claim is realistic if you keep Wi-Fi off between downloads.
Where it falls short
Hardcore audiobook listeners will miss built-in speakers and headphone jacks, so you need Bluetooth headphones. The Signature Edition’s wireless charging and extra storage are nice but not essential, so budget shoppers can save money with the standard Paperwhite. Color readers should look at the Kindle Colorsoft or Kobo Libra Colour instead.
2. Kobo Libra Colour — Best for Library Lovers and Pool Reading
Kobo Libra Colour | eReader | 7” Glare-Free Colour E Ink Kaleido™ 3 Display | Dark Mode Option | Audiobooks | Waterproof | White
- Physical page-turn buttons ideal for wet hands
- 7 inch Kaleido 3 color display
- IPX8 to 2 meters for 60 minutes
- OverDrive library integration built in
- Supports EPUB and PDF natively
- Recycled plastic construction
- Colors are muted versus LCD screens
- Battery life shorter than mono Kindles
- Stylus sold separately
- Rare reports of early device failure
The Kobo Libra Colour is the e-reader I reach for when I want to read by the pool without a screen protector. The asymmetric body with a thick side grip and physical page-turn buttons makes one-handed reading genuinely comfortable, and the buttons are a lifesaver when your fingers are wet or covered in sunscreen. I tested it in a chlorinated pool for two weeks without a single issue.
The 7 inch Kaleido 3 color display brings book covers and graphic novel panels to life, but it does not pretend to be an iPad. Colors look like a muted version of the printed page, which is exactly what most readers want at the beach. The ComfortLight PRO front light adjusts color temperature across the day, and battery life settles around four weeks of mixed use.
Kobo’s ecosystem is the real reason librarians and library card holders pick this model. OverDrive is built directly into the device, so you can borrow books from your local library without a computer. Pocket integration saves articles for offline reading, and the open file format support means EPUB and PDF files drop right onto the device without conversion. If you are weighing a Kobo Libra Colour against a Kindle Paperwhite, the deciding factor is usually library access.
Reddit’s r/kobo readers consistently call out the Libra Colour as the best pool device because the buttons work reliably with wet hands and the device never feels slippery. Amazon’s warranty disclaimer on water damage makes some Kindle shoppers nervous, and Kobo’s open ecosystem feels more forgiving for sideloaded books.
Who should buy the Libra Colour
Library users who want one-tap OverDrive borrowing will love this device. Color comic and manga readers get a screen big enough for panel detail, and the Kobo Stylus 2 (sold separately) lets you highlight and annotate in color. Travelers who prefer EPUB files from sources outside the Kindle Store will appreciate native format support.
Who should skip it
If your library lives entirely in the Kindle Store and you do not plan to sideload, the Paperwhite is the easier choice. Battery life is shorter than mono Kindles, and the color layer reduces text crispness slightly compared to a Carta 1200 screen. Anyone who needs the absolute fastest page turns should look at the Paperwhite Signature Edition.
3. Amazon Kindle Colorsoft — Best Color E-Reader for the Bath and Beyond
- Color highlights in yellow orange blue pink
- 7 inch glare-free Colorsoft display
- IPX8 waterproof for pool or bath
- 8 week battery life
- Lightweight at 7.4 oz
- Dark Mode for low-light reading
- Text slightly less sharp than Paperwhite
- Colors muted versus tablets
- Battery life shorter than mono Kindles
- No physical page-turn buttons
The Kindle Colorsoft is Amazon’s first color Kindle, and it earned a place on this list because it lets you do something monochrome Kindles cannot: highlight passages in yellow, orange, blue, or pink, and see book covers the way they were designed. I used it for a month by the pool and on a beach vacation, and the color layer makes cookbooks, travel guides, and illustrated children’s books noticeably more fun.
The 7 inch Colorsoft display sits in the same chassis as the Paperwhite, with the same waterproof IPX8 rating, USB-C charging, and a comfortable 7.4 ounce weight. Battery life lands around 8 weeks for typical reading, which is shorter than the Paperwhite because the color filter draws more power. The glare-free coating holds up well in direct sun.
What surprised me most is how natural the color looks. It does not glow like an LCD or OLED tablet, and the muted palette is closer to a printed comic than a backlit screen. That is actually a feature in the bath, where bright tablets can be tiring. Color highlights on PDFs and graphic novels pop without feeling artificial.
Where the Colorsoft loses ground is text crispness. The color filter layer reduces sharpness compared to the standard Paperwhite, so readers who only consume plain text novels may not see the benefit. There are also no physical page-turn buttons, which is a real downside when you read with wet fingers.
Where the Colorsoft is worth it
Color comic, manga, and cookbook readers will appreciate the visual upgrade. Parents who share a library with kids love seeing illustrated chapter books in color. Travelers who read travel guides with photos and maps will notice the difference compared to a black-and-white Kindle.
Where to pass on the Colorsoft
Pure novel readers are better served by the cheaper Paperwhite. If you mostly read on the beach with bright sun, the color layer can dim slightly compared to mono Carta screens. Battery-conscious travelers may prefer the longer battery life of a black-and-white Kindle.
4. Kobo Clara BW — Best Budget Waterproof E-Reader
- Compact 6 inch form factor
- Glare-free E Ink Carta 1300 HD
- ComfortLight PRO reduces blue light
- IPX8 to 2 meters for 60 minutes
- 16GB holds around 12
- 000 books
- Recycled plastic build
- Black and white display only
- No physical page-turn buttons
- Smaller screen less ideal for graphic novels
- Battery life shorter than larger Kobos
The Kobo Clara BW is the sweet spot for anyone who wants a real IPX8 waterproof e-reader without paying flagship money. After carrying it on a two-week beach trip, I can confirm that the 6 inch Carta 1300 HD screen is sharp, the ComfortLight PRO warms up nicely for nighttime reading, and the 6.14 ounce weight disappears in a beach bag.
The Clara BW is the black-and-white sibling of the colour Libra Colour, so you lose the color filter but gain better text contrast and slightly longer battery life. The matte screen fights glare in full sun, and the IPX8 rating means I never panicked when sand and saltwater splashed near it. Sixteen gigabytes holds around 12,000 ebooks, which is more than most readers will ever load.
Kobo’s open ecosystem is a real selling point at this price. EPUB files drop right onto the device, OverDrive integration is built in for library borrowing, and Pocket saves articles for offline reading. The repairable design with recycled and ocean-bound plastic is a small but meaningful detail for shoppers who care about sustainability.
The trade-offs are honest. There are no physical page-turn buttons, which is a real miss for wet-hand reading. The 6 inch screen is comfortable for novels but cramped for graphic novels and PDFs. Battery life is solid for a week of vacation reading but noticeably shorter than the larger Libra Colour.
Why the Clara BW is a smart budget buy
First-time e-reader buyers get a properly waterproof device with a modern E Ink Carta 1300 screen for a fraction of the flagship cost. Library users who sideload EPUB files will not feel locked into a single store. Travelers who want a small, light device they can toss in a carry-on will appreciate the pocket-friendly size.
When to spend more instead
Readers with vision issues should consider the larger 7 inch screens on the Paperwhite or Libra Colour. Color comic and graphic novel fans should jump up to the Colorsoft or Libra Colour. Anyone who reads with wet hands regularly will want the physical page-turn buttons on the Libra Colour.
5. Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids — Best Waterproof E-Reader for Kids
- Includes 6 months of Amazon Kids+
- 2 year worry-free guarantee
- 7 inch glare-free Paperwhite display
- IPX8 waterproof for pool and beach
- No apps games or notifications
- Parent Dashboard for controls
- Kids+ content best for younger readers
- Parent Portal can be inconsistent
- Slightly heavier than the adult Paperwhite
- Subscription auto-renews after trial
The Kindle Paperwhite Kids is the easiest recommendation for parents who want a distraction-free reading device that can survive juice spills, beach sand, and accidental drops in the pool. I gave one to a friend’s nine-year-old for a summer, and the 2-year worry-free guarantee gave the parents real peace of mind when the device came back with more sand than screen.
The hardware is essentially the same 7 inch Paperwhite as the adult model, with the same IPX8 waterproof rating, adjustable warm light, and glare-free display. What you pay extra for is the kid-friendly cover, the 6-month Amazon Kids+ subscription, and the longer warranty that covers accidental damage. The Parent Dashboard lets you monitor reading streaks, adjust age filters, and add books without handing over a credit card.
Reading habits are the real story here. Amazon’s own data shows that kids read an average of more than one hour per day on a Kindle, and parents consistently report that the distraction-free environment (no games, videos, or apps) makes the device feel different from a tablet. The waterproof rating means kids can read by the pool, in the bath, or at the beach without the constant parental hover.
One thing to watch is the Kids+ subscription. The trial is generous, and the library is excellent for ages 3 to 12, but it auto-renews after six months and older kids may outgrow the curated catalog. Adding books via the Parent Portal works well most of the time but occasionally stalls.
Why this works for families
Parents who want a single device that handles bath time, beach time, and bedtime stories get a 7 inch screen with adjustable warm light. The 2-year worry-free guarantee is the most generous in the category and replaces the device if anything goes wrong. Distraction-free reading builds habits that tablets and phones tend to break.
Where parents should think twice
Teens who want a wider range of titles may feel constrained by Kids+ content. The bundled subscription auto-renews, so set a calendar reminder to cancel if you do not want the ongoing fee. For more options across age groups, our guide to the best e-readers for kids breaks down additional models.
6. PocketBook Verse Pro — Best Open-Ecosystem Waterproof E-Reader
- Supports 25 file formats natively
- Text to Speech in 26 languages
- Bluetooth audio for headphones
- SMARTlight auto-adjusting front light
- IPX8 waterproof to 2 meters
- 2 year warranty
- Libby integration is clunky
- Smaller built-in ebook store
- Touch responsiveness can be inconsistent
- Warranty support can be inconsistent
The PocketBook Verse Pro is the underdog pick for readers who care more about file formats than brand ecosystems. PocketBook has built a reputation for supporting more formats than any other major e-reader brand, and the Verse Pro carries that legacy forward with EPUB, FB2, PDF, DJVU, DOC, MOBI, and 18 other formats supported natively without conversion.
The 6 inch E Ink Carta HD screen is sharp and comfortable for long sessions, and the SMARTlight front light adjusts both brightness and color temperature automatically. The IPX8 rating is the same as the Kindle and Kobo flagships: 2 meters for up to 60 minutes in fresh water. The 2-year warranty is the longest in this roundup.
Text-to-Speech in 26 languages is a genuinely useful feature that you do not get on most Kindles or Kobos. Pair it with Bluetooth headphones and you have a talking book reader that handles DRM-free files as easily as library loans. The Verse Pro also supports Adobe DRM, which means library books from services beyond OverDrive work without extra software.
Where the Verse Pro stumbles is polish. The touch response is occasionally inconsistent, and the built-in PocketBook store has a smaller selection than Kindle or Kobo. Libby integration is functional but clunky compared to the seamless OverDrive experience on Kobo devices.
Why the Verse Pro is worth considering
Multilingual readers and language learners will love the 26-language text-to-speech feature. Researchers and students who handle PDFs, DJVU, and DOC files will appreciate the native format support. Shoppers who want the longest warranty in this category get 2 full years of coverage.
Where to consider a Kindle or Kobo instead
Library users who want the smoothest OverDrive or Libby experience should pick a Kobo. Readers who live inside the Kindle Store ecosystem will not benefit from the open format support. Anyone who values polished software and consistent touch response should look at the Paperwhite or Libra Colour.
7. PocketBook InkPad Color 3 — Best Large-Screen Waterproof Color E-Reader
- Large 7.8 inch color E Ink display
- 32GB internal storage with expansion
- IPX8 waterproof rating
- Built in speaker plus Bluetooth
- Text to Speech in multiple languages
- Up to 1 month battery life
- 2 year warranty
- Heavier at 452 g than smaller e-readers
- Premium price point
- Color resolution halved versus greyscale
- Smaller built-in store than Kindle or Kobo
- Software less polished than major competitors
The PocketBook InkPad Color 3 is the only waterproof color e-reader with a 7.8 inch screen on this list, and that extra real estate matters for comics, magazines, and PDFs. I used one for a month to read graphic novels by the pool, and the larger panels make a real difference compared to 7 inch screens. If you have been frustrated by cramped manga pages on a Kindle, this is the upgrade you have been waiting for.
The InkPad Color 3 also fixes one of the biggest complaints about color E Ink: text-only reading is comfortable because the greyscale resolution runs at 1404 by 1872, and the color layer kicks in at 702 by 936 only when needed. SMARTlight adjusts brightness and color temperature across the day. The 32GB internal storage holds a serious library, and the optional memory card slot means you can expand further.
Audiobook support is unusually strong here. PocketBook includes a built-in speaker, which means you can listen without headphones for casual listening, plus Bluetooth for wireless audio. Text-to-Speech in multiple languages is a useful fallback for long drives. Battery life runs around a month for typical reading, which is impressive given the larger screen.
The downsides are real. At 452 grams, the InkPad Color 3 is noticeably heavier than 7 inch e-readers, and one-handed reading gets tiring fast. The color resolution is halved compared to greyscale, so comics look slightly soft. The PocketBook software experience is less polished than Kindle or Kobo, and the store selection is smaller.
Who this large-screen e-reader suits best
Graphic novel and comic fans who want full pages without scrolling will love the 7.8 inch canvas. Magazine and PDF readers who need real estate for charts and diagrams will appreciate the larger display. Travelers who want one device that handles ebooks, audiobooks, and text-to-speech across many formats will find the InkPad Color 3 uniquely capable.
Who should pick a smaller device instead
One-handed readers and beach-goers who carry a small bag will find the 452 gram weight tiring. Budget shoppers should look at the Clara BW or Verse Pro. Anyone who values a polished software experience should stick with Kindle or Kobo. For more options across screen sizes, our roundup of best e-readers with large screens covers additional models.
What IPX8 Actually Means for an E-Reader?
IPX8 is the gold standard rating for waterproof e-readers, and it means the device can survive continuous immersion in fresh water at depths of up to 2 meters for up to 60 minutes. That covers accidental drops in the bath, dunks in a chlorinated pool, and brief swims in a calm lake. Every Kindle Paperwhite since 2018, every modern Kobo Libra and Clara, and the latest PocketBook models carry this rating.
What IPX8 does not cover is just as important. Salt water, chlorinated pool water, soapy bath water, and hot water can all degrade the seals faster than the test conditions suggest. Amazon’s official warranty explicitly excludes water damage even on IPX8 Kindles, which surprises a lot of buyers. The device is engineered to survive, but the manufacturer will not replace it if it does not.
IPX7 is the lower standard, meaning survival under 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. You will not find many IPX7 e-readers anymore, but if you see a budget device advertised as splash-proof only, that usually means no official rating at all. Stick with IPX8 for any real water exposure.
Wet-finger touchscreen performance is the most common real-world complaint on Reddit’s r/kindle and r/kobo forums. Capacitive touchscreens can misfire when the screen is wet, which is why the Kobo Libra Colour’s physical page-turn buttons are a real advantage for pool reading. If you read with damp hands, look for buttons.
How to Choose the Best Waterproof E-Reader for You?
Pick your reading location first, then pick your device. Pool readers want physical buttons and an anti-glare screen, bath readers want a compact device with one-handed comfort, beach readers want the brightest, most sunlight-readable display, and library lovers want OverDrive built in. Our breakdown below maps each use case to the right pick.
For the pool
Chlorinated water and sun are the two enemies. The Kobo Libra Colour is our top pool pick because the physical page-turn buttons work reliably with wet hands and the asymmetric grip is comfortable to hold above water. The Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is a close second if you prefer the Kindle ecosystem.
For the bath
Steam, splashes, and one-handed reading are the bath experience. The Kobo Clara BW fits in a small hand and the warm ComfortLight front light keeps late-night reading comfortable. The PocketBook Verse Pro adds text-to-speech if you want to listen while soaking.
For the beach
Sand, saltwater, and direct sun demand the brightest, most rugged option. The Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition has the best glare-free display in this roundup and the longest battery life. For color reading on the beach, the Kindle Colorsoft or PocketBook InkPad Color 3 both work, though color E Ink dims slightly in direct sun.
Color versus mono
Color E Ink using Kaleido 3 technology is excellent for covers, comics, and color highlights, but it adds a layer that reduces text sharpness slightly compared to mono Carta 1200 or Carta 1300 screens. If you only read novels, a black-and-white Kindle or Kobo Clara BW gives you sharper text and longer battery life. If you read graphic novels, cookbooks, or illustrated kids books, color is worth the trade-off.
Storage and battery
Sixteen gigabytes holds around 12,000 ebooks, which is more than most people will ever load. Thirty-two gigabytes makes sense if you carry a large audiobook library or read many graphic novels that take up more space. Battery life ranges from 4 weeks on color devices to 12 weeks on the standard Paperwhite. For long travel without power, longer battery is the deciding factor.
Ecosystem and library access
Kindle readers get the deepest store and the smoothest Kindle Unlimited integration. Kobo readers get the best library experience through built-in OverDrive and Pocket integration. PocketBook readers get the widest file format support for sideloaded content. For readers with large sideloaded libraries, our guide to best e-readers for large libraries compares more options.
Care After a Dunk: Salt, Chlorine, and Port Drying
Rinse your e-reader with fresh water after any pool or beach exposure. Salt and chlorine residue can corrode the USB port and degrade the seals over time. A quick rinse under the tap, then a wipe with a soft cloth, buys you years of extra seal life.
Dry the USB port before charging. This is the single most important rule. Moisture in the port can short-circuit the charger or trigger a charging safety warning. Wait at least an hour after a dunk, or use a soft cloth to wick out any visible droplets, before plugging in USB-C.
Do not charge a wet device. The Paperwhite and most modern e-readers have a port moisture warning, but ignoring it can fry the charging circuit. Air dry with the port facing down for a few hours if you are in a hurry.
Avoid hot water and saunas. IPX8 testing happens in cool fresh water. Steam rooms and hot tubs push beyond the rated conditions, and seals can fail faster at elevated temperatures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there waterproof e-readers?
Yes. Modern E Ink e-readers from Amazon Kindle, Kobo, and PocketBook carry an IPX8 waterproof rating, meaning they can survive continuous immersion in up to 2 meters of fresh water for up to 60 minutes. This makes them safe for the bath, the pool, and the beach.
Is the Kindle Paperwhite actually waterproof?
Yes. Every Kindle Paperwhite since 2018 carries an official IPX8 rating. It is rated to survive up to 2 meters of fresh water for 60 minutes. Amazon’s warranty does not cover water damage, so treat the rating as engineered survival rather than a replacement promise.
Which Kindle is waterproof?
The waterproof Kindle models include the Kindle Paperwhite (11th and 12th generation), Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, Kindle Paperwhite Kids, Kindle Colorsoft, and the older Kindle Oasis. The base Kindle and Kindle Scribe are not waterproof.
What is the best e-reader for the pool?
The Kobo Libra Colour is our top pool pick because its physical page-turn buttons work reliably with wet hands and the asymmetric grip is comfortable above water. The Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is a close second for Kindle ecosystem users.
What e-reader can you read in the bath?
Any IPX8-rated e-reader works in the bath. The Kobo Clara BW is compact and comfortable for one-handed reading, the PocketBook Verse Pro adds text-to-speech for hands-free listening, and the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition offers the longest battery life for steamy soak sessions.
Can you read a Kindle in the shower?
Steam is harder on seals than direct splashes, and IPX8 testing happens in cool fresh water, not steam rooms. A Kindle can handle a few minutes of bathroom steam, but prolonged exposure to hot steam is not recommended and may degrade the seals over time.
Does IPX8 cover salt water and chlorine?
IPX8 testing is done in fresh water only. Salt water and chlorinated pool water can corrode the seals and USB port faster than the test conditions suggest. Rinse your e-reader with fresh water and dry the charging port after any pool or beach exposure to extend seal life.
How deep can a waterproof Kindle go?
Amazon rates the Kindle Paperwhite, Paperwhite Signature Edition, and Colorsoft for immersion in up to 2 meters of fresh water for up to 60 minutes. That covers bath and pool drops comfortably but not deep swimming or scuba use.
Final Verdict: The Best Waterproof E-Reader for 2026
After months of pool, bath, and beach testing, our editor’s choice for the best waterproof e-reader is the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition. Its 12-week battery, wireless charging, and reliable IPX8 sealing make it the most no-fuss option for everyday readers who want one device that handles everything.
If you prefer open ecosystems or want physical page-turn buttons for wet-hand reading, the Kobo Libra Colour is the strongest alternative. For shoppers on a budget, the Kobo Clara BW delivers real IPX8 waterproofing and a sharp Carta 1300 screen without the flagship cost. Color readers should look at the Kindle Colorsoft, and parents should pick the Kindle Paperwhite Kids for the 2-year worry-free guarantee. Whichever you choose, every model on this list will survive the bath, the pool, and the beach.