Photography: Nena Farrell
If you've ever had hand cramps from reading for long periods of time, these accessories may help. You can check out more options in our guide to the best Kindle accessories.
Strapsicle e-reader strap on sale for $21: Attach one or both of them to the back of your Kindle (one for the right hand, the other for the left) and slide your hand in. Your hand won't cramp, you won't accidentally hit the screen and flip the page, and readers won't slip out of your hands. Available in three sizes to accommodate different types of e-readers. You should see exactly which models they apply to on the Amazon page as well as on this page on the Strapsicle website.
Lamicall gooseneck tablet holder for $29: Wired reviewer Nena Farrell tested it out and said that while it's not completely hands-free, it's a super convenient and comfortable experience, especially if you have any sources of chronic pain in your wrists. The clip attaches easily to bed frames and side tables (a floor-standing version is also available for $70). It's lightweight enough to be deployed anywhere and has enough resistance on the neck that it won't fall forward or get out of position where you put it. It does wobble a bit when touched to turn the pages (or bumped by a curious cat), so she tends to put her hands on it to keep it away from herself and her feline roommates. If you want to go completely hands-free, add a page turner remote so you can read without lifting a finger.
PopSocket sells for $10: Popsockets not only work with your phone, but also with e-readers. Whether you own a Paperwhite or a basic Kindle, it's another great solution for reducing hand cramps.
Photo: Amazon
Thankfully, the Kindle isn't as flimsy as our expensive smartphones, but if you frequently carry it in your bag, you may still want to add a case to protect the screen. These are not padded to protect against severe drops. Children's version comes with box.
Kindle cloth cover ($32) and Paper White ($37): They open like a book and come in black, blue, pink or green variations. They are made from post-consumer recycled fabrics.
Scribe Cloth Cover ($60): It flips up like a notepad, or you can place it on a stand. There's also a slot for a pen if you don't want it to stay magnetically attached. It is also made from recycled materials.
Quirky Cup Collective e-reader case for $42: I prefer these gorgeous sleeves, especially the sun and moon version. They're beautiful and protect your device when you're not using it, so you can throw it in your bag with confidence. The outside is velvet, the inside is satin, and there is some padding and a zipper in the middle. There is a small zip pocket on the back. On each product page you'll see which devices it fits, but please see measurements. There are also separate, larger book covers and iPad covers.
CoBak Clear Box, $10: The best thing about having a clear case is that it protects the back of your Kindle and Allows you to decorate it with the stickers below. In addition to CoBak's box, I recommend this fun sticker pack ($10).
Photography: Simon Hill
If you typically read before bed but don’t want to disturb your sleeping partner, kids, or roommates, I recommend investing in a reading light. All Kindles now have front lights, so you don't need need One, but these are still handy, especially when you're switching between a Kindle and a physical book. Here are some of our favorites. You can find more information in our guide to the best reading lights.
Vekkia 14 LED Book Lamp on sale for $18: This is our top choice. It's a clip-on light with an adjustable gooseneck and two rotating light bars, each housing seven LEDs. You can cycle through five brightness levels and three warm colors. However, it's relatively large, so it doesn't really fit a small paperback. The clip has an opening width of 2.1 inches and serves as a stable base for placement on your nightstand.
Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light for $22: This reading light hangs around your neck so it looks silly. But it's a great alternative to a clip-on reading light while remaining hands-free. It's lightweight, adjustable, and has three color temperature modes and six brightness settings. It's rechargeable and has a battery life of up to 80 hours on dimming settings.
Black Diamond Wiz Headlamp on sale for $28: This is our favorite headlamp for kids. It's comfortable and has adjustable straps available in a variety of colors. It has three brightness settings and an IPX4 waterproof rating so you don't have to worry about splashing water. It automatically turns off after two hours in case they fall asleep with it on. It requires two AAA batteries.
Amazon doesn't release new Kindles very often—it usually takes several years before the company launches a new model. Whenever a new model arrives, the inventory of its predecessor starts to dwindle. That's not to say that I don't recommend the products themselves, but I would only recommend them if you can find them at the right price. Otherwise, I recommend buying the latest version.
Before buying, cross-check with the price of the latest model to make sure you're spending significantly less on an older device.