The Ultimate Kindle Guide: Models, File Support, & Pro Tips

Find out more about Kindle models, supported formats, and how PDF2Go can help with your Kindle reading experience.

If you've been exploring the world of eReaders, chances are you've come across the Amazon Kindle—a global favorite among book lovers. In 2025, Amazon's Kindle lineup offers something for every type of reader, from casual novel fans to tech-savvy note-takers.

This updated guide breaks down Kindle models, the file types they support, and how PDF2Go can help you get even more from your device.

What Is a Kindle?

The Amazon Kindle is an eReader designed to make reading digital books comfortable and portable. Thanks to E Ink technology, text appears sharp and paper-like, reducing eye strain compared to traditional screens.

With storage for thousands of books in one lightweight device, Kindles are perfect for readers on the go—whether you're commuting, traveling, or curling up on the couch.

Kindle Models Compared

Amazon offers several Kindle options, each with its own strengths.

Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite

  • Kindle: The go-to choice for beginners. Lightweight, budget-friendly, 16 GB storage, glare-free screen, and now even available in trendy colors.
  • Paperwhite: Adds premium touches—adjustable warm light, waterproofing, and a larger 7-inch screen. The 12th-generation model is 25% faster when turning pages, making it a great pick for frequent readers.

Kindle vs. Kindle Scribe

  • Kindle: Best for those who just want to read without extra features.
  • Scribe: Combines reading with writing. Comes with a Premium Pen for jotting notes, Active Canvas for smooth text flow around annotations, and an AI-powered notebook that can turn notes into bullet points.

Kindle Oasis (Discontinued) vs. Paperwhite

  • Oasis: Once known for its ergonomic grip, page-turn buttons, and adaptive lighting, but discontinued in 2024.
  • Paperwhite (2025 models): Now matches many Oasis features, including a 7-inch screen and USB-C charging—though it still lacks physical page-turn buttons.

Paperwhite vs. Paperwhite Signature Edition

  • Paperwhite: Waterproof, crisp high-res display, excellent all-rounder.
  • Signature Edition: Adds wireless charging, an auto-adjusting light, and doubles storage to 32 GB—worth it if you want more convenience and space.

Paperwhite Signature Edition vs. Kindle Colorsoft

  • Colorsoft: Kindle's first color screen model , plus all Signature Edition perks.
  • Signature Edition: Same premium perks but with a traditional monochrome display. Both have 32 GB storage, wireless charging, and adaptive lighting.

Kindle-Supported File Formats

Kindles can open a range of file types, making them versatile for reading and document storage:

Format Support Type
AZW, AZW3, KFX Native (Amazon proprietary)
MOBI, PRC Native (older; MOBI deprecated)
PDF Native (fixed layout)
TXT Native (plain text)
DOC, DOCX, HTML, RTF, Images (JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP) Supported via Send-to-Kindle conversion
EPUB Not supported natively (requires conversion)
MOBI Fixed-Layout (KDP) No longer accepted in KDP (as of Mar 2025)

How PDF2Go Makes Your Kindle Better?

Not every eBook comes as a PDF, but this versatile format is often the easiest to share and access across different devices. Unlike many other eBook formats, PDFs can be edited directly—making them ideal for customization before loading onto your Kindle.

With PDF2Go's online platform, you get a full set of tools to help you optimize your PDFs and enhance your Kindle reading experience, including:

  • Convert PDF: Turn Word, Excel, PowerPoint, images, or text files into a single, consistent, and Kindle-ready PDF with preserved formatting.
  • Compress PDF: Reduce large file sizes to save Kindle storage without losing quality.
  • Edit PDF: Add annotations, highlights, and images before sending them to your Kindle.
  • Merge & Split PDFs: Combine multiple documents into one eBook-style file, or split large PDFs into smaller, easier-to-read sections.

In Conclusion

Whether you want the simplicity of the basic Kindle, the premium feel of the Paperwhite, or the creativity of the Scribe, 2025 offers a Kindle for every reader. And with PDF2Go, you can make sure your PDF documents are perfectly formatted, lightweight, and ready to read anywhere!