Best October Prime Day Kindle deals: Last chance

2 weeks ago 8

Today is the final day of October Prime Day. It might seem like Prime Day just happened because it did just a few months ago, but Amazon is hosting its Prime Big Deal Days event from Oct. 8 to Oct. 9, ahead of the busy holiday shopping season. If you're in the market for a new e-reader for yourself or your loved one (or you're already getting a start on holiday shopping -- kudos to you), today, the last day of deals (until Cyber Week), could be the time to buy a Kindle. I've been following the prices of these e-readers a few days in advance of October Prime Day, and I can confirm that Amazon has discounted its Kindles for this two-day event.

Also: The best October Prime Day deals you can shop right now

Not every Kindle deal is worthwhile, and I'll do my best to highlight the good ones during this October Prime Day. However, a deals event like Prime Day is one of the best times of the year to buy a Kindle. If shopping around for a Kindle, peruse these deals on certain e-reader models, Kindle accessories, and even some alternatives, like iPads, Kobo Claras, and other Amazon tablets, while the sales last.

Our favorite Amazon October Prime Day Kindle deals

Kindle Oasis for $135 (save $135): This e-reader is half off right now. It has an adjustable warm light, an ergonomic handrest for a stable grip, and IPX8 resistance for pool or bath reading sessions.
Kindle Unlimited for $0 for the first three months (save $36): For the first three months of your Kindle Unlimited subscription, you'll pay nothing to access over 4 million digital titles. After your trial ends, you'll pay $12 a month.
Kindle Scribe for $255 (save $85): Whether you're a student looking for a tablet you can take notes on or a hobbyist illustrator shopping for a tablet you can draw on, this Kindle Scribe deal comes with the e-reader and a pen for drawing so you can annotate, read, and draw to your heart's desire.
Kindle Paperwhite for $125 (save $25): This is the brand's most popular Kindle, and it comes with 16GB, an adjustable warm light, and a sleek build.
Kindle Kids Paperwhite for $125 (save $45): This Kindle Paperwhite offers parental controls, a fun protective case, and enough books to keep your little one busy.
Kindle Paperwhite Essentials Bundle for $142 (save $70): Grab this Kindle Paperwhite with a leather folio cover and a power adapter.
Kindle (11th Generation) for $100 (buy at Best Buy): There is no deal for this Kindle (and it's not available on Amazon in certain areas), but it's the brand's flagship, and if you're hard-pressed to buy the OG over the Paperwhite, shop it at Best Buy.
Kindle Scribe Essentials Bundle with Leather Folio Cover for $300 (save $140): If you're in the market for a Kindle Scribe, a leather case, and a power adapter, this bundle is $140 off right now. One reviewer said it was "worth every penny" -- and there were "a lot of pennies" spent on this tablet.
Wireless Charging Dock for Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition for $25 (save $8): You don't need to go on a scavenger hunt for that charging cord. Get this wireless charging dock instead to never use the USB-C port again.
CoBak Kindle Leather Paperwhite Case with Stand for $13 (save $12): Save $11 on this brown leather case fit for your Kindle Paperwhite.
CoBak Kindle Paperwhite Leather Case with Hand Strap for $12 (save $17): This mint green leather Paperwhite case is half off right now.
Lamicall Gooseneck Tablet Holder for $22 (save $11): If you're an avid bed reader, you might want a stand that holds up your Kindle as you lie in bed. This one has fairly good reviews, and verified buyers say customer service is helpful when they've experienced product hiccups.
Kindle Paperwhite Cover for $22 (save $20): This cover has over 12,000 reviews on Amazon, and 80% of them are five stars. Reviews compliment the lightweight and high-quality case.
Kindle Paperwhite Fabric Cover for $13 (save $29): This fabric cover prevents scuffs and scratches on your Paperwhite. It comes in three colorways, but the grey one is the cheapest.
Kindle Lilac Marble Standing Case for $14 (save $18): This decorative and protective case keeps your e-reader secured and stylish.

Current price: $125
Original price: $150

Go on any Reddit thread recommending e-readers or Kindle models and you'll see that there's a clear favorite -- and it's the Kindle Paperwhite. The e-reader comes with 16GB of memory, an adjustable warm light, 10 weeks of battery, and a waterproof build. While I wish the deal was a little more substantial than only $25 off, it's worth noting that Amazon rarely discounts this model outside of deals events, so this is a semi-rare deal you could hop on if you need a new e-reader.

Current price: $255
Original price: $340

This is a pretty hot deal. Kindle is taking $85 off its most expensive e-reader that doubles as a note-taking and illustrating device. It's got the widest screen out of the Kindle lineup, it comes with a drawing/writing pen, and adjustable warm light controls for easy reading. When ZDNET's Matt Miller reviewed the Scribe, he called it "so close to perfect."

Current price: $300
Original price: $440

If you're in the market for the Kindle Scribe and would like the adapter and a leather cover included in your purchase, this bundle cuts down the price by $140. Draw, take notes, and annotate your favorite novels with the Scribe. I sort through a lot of Kindle discounts during deals days like Prime Day and Cyber Week, and in my opinion, this is one of those Prime Day deals that is actually worth pouncing on.

Current price: $135
Original price: $270

The international version of the Kindle Oasis is 50% off right now on Amazon, a substantial deal for a device with IPX8 water resistance and warm light adjustment. Read in the bathtub, on the beach, and on the go with this 7-inch Paperwhite display.

Current price: $14
Original price: $32

This Fintie case is compatible with the 11th generation 2022 Kindle -- not the Paperwhite. It comes with a credit card slip and a hand strap for easy portability. Plus, it's a lovely design. Other colors and designs are also discounted to a similar price, if lilac isn't your thing.

Current price: $13
Original price: $35

For $20, you can grab this protective, fabric case that will go over your Kindle Paperwhite. There are three colors this case comes in, but the slate gray colorway is on sale for the lowest price. This case is foldable, lightweight, and water-safe.

Prime Day deals on flagship e-readers that rival Kindle

Refurbished Kobo Clara for $90 (save $30): The Kobo Clara is a more affordable option than the Kindle models, and if you aren't an Amazon shopper, this e-reader could be up your alley.
Apple iPad 10th Generation for $300 (save $50): If you're willing to pay $100 more for the iPad (but still save $150 through this deal), you'll get a higher-performing tablet with the 10th generation compared to the 9th.
Apple iPad Mini for $350 (save $150): Looking for an iPad that's more pocket-able? This one should do the trick.
Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet for $140 (save $90): This tablet offers a crisper, vivid resolution and higher performance.
Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet for $75 (save $65): If you're looking for a device that's part e-reader, part tablet, this Fire HD 10 tablet is the latest model of the Fire tablets, and offers a wide screen for all your viewing needs.
Amazon Fire 7 tablet for $50 (save $30): This tablet offers a smaller display for the cheapest tablet price on this list.

FAQs

When is Amazon's October Prime Day 2024?

Amazon's October Prime Day takes place on Oct. 8 and 9, though you can expect some products to be discounted a few days ahead and after the deals event.

Are Kindles really cheaper on Prime Day?

For some Kindle products, 100% yes. We've seen Amazon slash the prices on Kindle Scribes and other models during its Prime Day deals events in the past, while its most popular Paperwhite only gets a measly $25 off. Your best bet is to buy one during these events when the deals are more substantial. Throughout the event, we'll call out when a deal is rare and when it's middling.

Is Kindle Unlimited free with Amazon Prime?

No. Kindle runs an offer where you can get three months free to try out Kindle Unlimited, but after your trial period ends, the cost goes up to $12 a month.

How did we choose these October Prime Day deals?

ZDNET only writes about deals we want to buy -- devices and products we desire, need, or would recommend. Our experts looked for deals that were at least 20% off (or are hardly ever on sale), using established price comparison tools and trackers to determine whether the deal is actually on sale and how frequently it drops.

We also looked over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the deals we're recommending. Our recommendations may also be based on our own testing -- in addition to extensive research and comparison shopping. The goal is to deliver the most accurate advice to help you shop smarter.