When purchasing a Kindle, you will face an option: whether or not it should contain ads. This is a confusing question, as other similar devices do not give you this choice. Furthermore, when you purchase an e-reader or tablet, you likely expect it not to have ads.
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Don’t worry; we will break down everything you need to know about Kindle’s ad and ad-free versions, as well as how you can remove ads after purchase.
- The lightest and most compact Kindle, now with a 300 ppi high-resolution display for sharp text and images.Read comfortably with a glare-free, paper-like display. The adjustable front light and dark mode make reading effortless, day and night.Get lost in your story. Tune out messages, emails, and social media with a distraction-free device specifically made for reading.Now with extended battery life – A single charge via USB-C lasts up to 6 weeks.Now with 16 GB to store thousands of books – Double the storage capacity of the previous generation.
The next difference you will notice is when you unlock the Kindle. The no-ads version just requires you to press the lock button. Whereas the ad-supported Kindle requires you to press the lock button and then swipe the screen. It is not a major inconvenience, simply an extra step.
The last difference between the ads vs no ads Kindle is the home screen. A banner on a Kindle with ads may appear at the bottom of the screen. The banner will cause the rest of the screen to shrink slightly. This banner will not be present on a Kindle without ads, so the home screen can take up the entire display.
The home screen size difference is minimal and the ads are not intrusive. Some of the newer Kindle devices do not have this banner on the home screen, so it may not be an issue, depending on the model you choose. Furthermore, the banner goes away when you choose a book, so it does not affect your reading experience.
Add or Remove Ads
Similarly, you may want to know what you are missing out on or see recommended books when you turn on your Kindle. You can always turn ads back on if you purchase a Kindle without ads or pay to remove them. To turn ads back on, just go to settings and then device management. There will be an option to turn ads off or on.
Kid’s Kindles
Cost Between Ads vs No Ads
The cost between ads vs no ads varies depending on the Kindle model. For most devices, such as the Oasis and Paperwhite, there’s a $20 price difference. The $20 upcharge may not seem high, but keep in mind that some of the Kindle devices are pretty cheap, to begin with.
There is no physical difference between a Kindle with ads and one without. Plus, you can always remove ads later if you change your mind. Therefore, it is best to choose a Kindle with ads and if you feel they are annoying, pay the extra later to remove them.
The only time you may want to consider removing ads is with an Oasis and Paperwhite, as these devices come at a premium cost, and therefore the upcharge is a fraction of its price. The same goes for purchasing a Kindle as a gift, since you may want to give the best version possible.
However, the ads will not be a problem for most people, and you will likely rarely even notice them. Most importantly, they do not appear when reading or on any page outside of the home and lock screen. So, unless you are a really big fan of custom screensavers, the ad-free version will serve you well.
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