Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (12th generation, 2024, 16GB)
Our verdict · The best gift for a traveller who reads - pointless for one who does not.
Buy it if
You know they read on holiday and want to travel lighter.
Skip it if
They prefer physical books, already own an e-reader, or mainly want colour content.
Where to get it
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (12th generation, 2024, 16GB)
Around £160
Indicative price at the time of review.
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For a traveller who reads, the Kindle Paperwhite (12th generation, 2024) replaces a suitcase of paperbacks with a 214g, waterproof slab that John Lewis lists as holding thousands of books and lasting up to 12 weeks per charge. Its 7-inch 300ppi glare-free E Ink screen stays readable in direct sunlight where phones and tablets wash out, and the adjustable warm front light suits night flights. Because it sips power, it barely competes for the traveller's limited charging attention - unlike a phone or tablet. The indicative price is £159.99 for the 16GB model (John Lewis).
The good & the bad
Pros
- Saves real luggage space - a whole library at 214g
- Glare-free and waterproof for poolside or beach reading
- Up to 12 weeks of battery, so it rarely needs the traveller's charger
Cons
- Only worth it if they actually read on trips
- Black-and-white E Ink, not a colour do-everything tablet
How it compares
| Pick | WATTB Score | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.Apple AirTag (2nd generation) | 92/100 | From £29 (indicative) | overall |
| 2.Anker Nano Power Bank (10,000mAh, 30W, built-in USB-C cable) | 90/100 | Around £40 (indicative) | universal choice |
| 3.Trtl Pillow Plus | 87/100 | Around £75 (indicative) | in-transit comfort |
| 4.Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (12th generation, 2024, 16GB)This pick | 87/100 | Around £160 (indicative) | bookworms |
| 5.Sony WH-1000XM6 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones | 89/100 | RRP £399, often ~£349 (indicative) | premium gift |
Key facts
- Best for
- bookworms
- Typical cost
- Around £160 (indicative)
- Display
- 7in 300ppi glare-free E Ink
- Battery
- Up to 12 weeks per charge
- Durability
- Waterproof
- Storage / weight
- 16GB, 214g
- Charging
- USB-C
Researched by WATTB
- Published
- 15 September 2026
- Updated
- 15 September 2026
- Last verified
- 15 September 2026
- Sources
- 9 sources
We research and rank options from public data, official information and published reviews. How we research →
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