The Best Kindle Paperwhite Cases and Covers for Your E-Reader

If you're just looking for a good and simple case that fits snugly, protects your Kindle perfectly, and stays closed when you close it, the standard Kindle Paperwhite Signature Case is your best bet. This is currently the case I use and have had no issues with it so far. It's lightweight, water-safe, and is made with a recylced polyester that doesn't feel scratchy in your hands. It's on the expensive side compared to some of the other cases on this list, but it's also the only case specifically designed by Amazon for the Kindle Paperwhite.

There are currently three color options available: Black, Jade, and Raspberry. I can attest to the case's durability and water resistance – I've accidentally spilled a glass of water all over my device multiple times and nothing bad happened. Like most of the other options on this list, it closes with a magnetic attachment that automatically puts your Kindle to sleep when you shut the cover.

Even though the the 12th-gen Paperwhite comes with a 7-inch screen that is overall an improvement over the smaller Kindle, it can be a bit unwieldy in certain situations. More specifically, I've found that it's hard to hold onto my Paperwhite with one hand while lying down in bed. It's doable but it can be a challenge if you have smaller hands. The Fintie case's solution is a strap on the back that you can slip your hand through. There's also a kickstand if you'd prefer to set it on a table or nightstand without worrying about it falling over.

This synthetic leather case has a ton of different design options, from solid colors to fun patterns (like the Composition notebook style above). It's also compatible with the smaller 11th-gen Kindle Paperwhite or the new Kindle Colorsoft if you are looking for a good case for either of those.

While the Paperwhite Kindle Signature Case is also spill resistant, this cork cover is a good alternative if you want a more natural look. Cork is naturally water resistant and will repel any spills that will inevitably happen around your Kindle. It's also great for shock absorption compared to many other materials, so it's definitely worth considering if you're someone who tends to drop your devices.

It's worth noting that while there is cork on the outside of this case, the inside is still made of fabric. This will help keep your screen safe when the magnetic cover is closed, but it will lose the cork look on the outside while your Kindle is open.

If you're looking for a cheap but durable case to offset the cost of a Kindle Paperwhite, I'd recommend this Saynetral Slim Case. The outside is made from PU leather, which is a type of synthetic material designed to look and feel like genuine leather for a fraction of the price. The inside of the case features a microfiber material that protects the screen and keeps it from getting scratched when it's closed. All in all, it does pretty much everything the Signature Case does for about a third of the price. The difference is primarily in the overall quality of materials used.

In addition to the light blue color I've featured above, there are eight other color options available. The price of these cases ranges from $9 to $14, making it a great budget pick if you don't want to shell out for something nicer.

If you are planning on charging your kindle with a charging pad, this clear case is my top pick for MagSafe charging. It's a simple soft shell cover that wraps around the back of the Kindle Paperwhite and doesn't get in the way of any magnetic charging you already have set up. While it's true that the long battery life of the Kindle Paperwhite mostly negates the need for any sort of wireless charger, this option is great if you plan to do any hands-free reading. Having a stronger magnetic lock will allow you to dock it on something like a magnetic charging arm without worrying about it slipping off.

The one major downside of this case is that it doesn't come with a magnetic cover like the others on this list. You won't be able to take advantage of the automatic wake and sleep option that comes with closing and opening your case. I'd only recommend this option if you're planning on a very specific reading setup.

Kindle Paperwhite Cases FAQ

Does the Kindle Paperwhite come with a case?

The newest Kindle Paperwhite does not come with a case in the box. You can choose to bundle the Signature Case with your purchase, but it won't reduce the overall cost. The only exception to this is the Kindle Paperwhite Kids Edition, which actually does come with a case included at a slightly higher cost. That case is designed for younger audiences, but its a good option for anyone who doesn't want to purchase a case or cover separately.

Do 12th-gen Kindle Paperwhite cases fit the 11th-gen Kindle Paperwhite?

While some Kindle Paperwhite cases will work with both 12th-generation and 11th-generation models, not all of them will. The newer 12th-gen Kindle Paperwhite features a larger 7-inch screen that won't work with the more form-fitting cases. The Kindle Paperwhite Signature Case, for example, is specifically designed for the larger screen and is not compatible with older versions of the device. Additionally, Kindle Paperwhite cases will not work with any other Kindle models on the market.

Do you actually need a case for the Kindle Paperwhite?

You don't need a case to use a Kindle Paperwhite, but there is some functionality that only works if you have one, like the automatic wake and sleep function that needs a magnetic flap that opens and closes on the front of your Kindle. Without a proper case you will just need to click a button manually to turn it on and off, which is only a slight inconvenience.

Jacob Kienlen is a Senior SEO Strategist and Writer for IGN. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, he has considered the Northwest his home for his entire life. With a bachelor's degree in communication and over eight years of professional writing experience, his expertise is spread across a variety of different topics -- from TV series to indie games and popular book series.