Why I switched from Kindle to alternatives — and what Amazon needs to do to win me back
By
Kaitlyn Cimino
A baker's-dozen of insight crammed into one ring.
Summary
A long-time Kindle user shares their experience switching to alternative e-reader brands (BOOX, Kobo, reMarkable) over the past year, driven by frustrations with Amazon's restrictive ecosystem and concerns about digital ownership. While competitors offer innovative features Amazon lacks, the author still appreciates Kindle's polish and familiar experience. The key takeaway is that Amazon could win them back by launching a pocket-sized version of the Kindle Scribe.
Key quotes
· 5 pulledI've spent the past year hopping between e-reader brands.
Competitors keep getting better.
Some have shown me features I wish Amazon would borrow immediately.
They've also made me appreciate just how polished Kindles are, and how comfortable the familiar experience feels.
Amazon needs a pocket-sized Kindle Scribe.
You might also wanna read
Why a Long-Time Kindle User is Abandoning Amazon's E-Reader Ecosystem
The article is a critical opinion piece from a long-time Kindle user who has decided to abandon the Amazon ecosystem after over a decade of
Frustration with Amazon Kindle DRM Leads to Bypass Attempt
The author shares their personal experience of trying to legitimately purchase and read an ebook through Amazon's Kindle ecosystem, only to
Amazon Ends Support for Pre-2013 Kindle Models: What Owners Need to Know
Amazon is ending support for older Kindle e-readers and Fire tablets released before 2013, specifically affecting models like the Kindle 1st
nytimes.com·1mo agoAmazon's Kindle Policy Raises Questions About Ownership of Digital Books
Amazon's decision to prevent Kindle users from downloading and backing up their book libraries raises concerns about ownership and access to
How I Transitioned to Using My Phone as an E-Reader and Rediscovered Reading
The author shares a personal journey of rediscovering reading through e-readers, starting with a borrowed Kobo in 2015 and eventually transi
Amazon to Discontinue Kindle for PC App in June 2026, Replacing It with Windows 11-Only Version
Amazon is discontinuing its Kindle for PC app on June 30, 2026, after which the app will no longer function. The company is developing a new
goodereader.com·1mo ago