Kindle Scribe review: Amazon’s biggest Kindle is the study tool students will love

AMAZON’s Kindle Scribe is sleeker than ever, doubling down on its role as both e-reader and digital notebook.

In this Kindle Scribe review, I’ve tested whether the latest upgrades earn that premium price, and if this is finally the Kindle that gets the e-ink tablet formula right.

Tom Tyers

I love the AI-powered handwriting-to-text feature[/caption]

Kindle Scribe (2024 edition), from £379.99

Released in 2024, the updated Kindle Scribe is Amazon’s latest and most advanced entry in its e-reader lineup.

Building on the foundation of the original 2022 model, this new version refines the blend of a classic e-reader with the flexibility of an e-ink tablet.

With upgrades in display quality, writing responsiveness, and software features, the latest Scribe now feels more polished and practical for both reading and note-taking.

While it delivers impressive improvements, it still may not be the ideal choice for every type of user.

You can explore the full Kindle family of devices in our list of the best Kindle deals across the lineup.

Read on for my full review of the Scribe.

Overall rating: 9/10

Pros:

• Sleeker, more modern design
• Handwriting-to-text makes note-taking far more practical
• AI note summaries are a major win
• Excellent battery life

Cons:

• Expensive
• Bezels still feel dated compared to true edge-to-edge designs

How I tested the Kindle Scribe

Tom Tyers

The Scribe’s new AI features are what set it apart from the competition[/caption]

I used the new Scribe as my daily device for two weeks, in the sun, at night, and for all my note-taking.

I read my library of Kindle content, and turned handwritten notes into text I could share for work.

I also wanted to see how much better the 2024 model feels compared to the 2022 one, so I paid extra attention to design, speed, and navigation.

On top of that, I tracked battery life and even paired Bluetooth headphones to test Audible, putting both its reading and writing tools through the wringer.

The Nitty-Gritty

First impressions

Out of the box, the 2024 Kindle Scribe feels sleek and substantial.

The Tungsten Grey finish, combined with white bezels, gives it a cleaner, more modern look than the 2022 model, though the choice of bezel colour may divide opinion.

This isn’t a device you’ll slip into a pocket like a Paperwhite, but that’s the trade-off for its expansive 10.2-inch screen, a size that makes both reading and note-taking far more comfortable.

Pair it with the official Kindle Scribe case, and it becomes much more practical, doubling up as both protection and a stand for hands-free use.

Getting started was refreshingly simple: once connected to Wi-Fi, my Kindle library and all previous Scribe notes synced in minutes, allowing me to return to books and note-taking almost instantly.

Does it deliver?

Tom Tyers

I appreciate the redesign, but there are no true edge-to-edge bezels here[/caption]

Kindle Scribe (2024 edition), from £379.99

Compared to the 2022 release, the new Kindle Scribe feels noticeably more fluid and natural when note-taking.

Handwriting flows more smoothly across the screen, and the ability to convert and share handwritten notes as text files is a genuinely useful upgrade for work or study.

As a reading device, it remains excellent; the large, sharp display makes long sessions effortless, and the adjustable light and warmth settings mean it works in any environment.

That said, the redesign isn’t perfect.

Amazon has opted for a white bezel rather than pushing towards an edge-to-edge screen, which feels like a missed opportunity to make the device look sleeker and more modern.

For a premium Kindle, that decision slightly undercuts the otherwise polished experience.

Overall, though, it’s a meaningful step forward, especially if you’re planning to use it as much for note-taking as reading.

User experience

Tom Tyers

The Scribe can summarise your notes for you[/caption]

After weeks with the updated Kindle Scribe, I can confidently say Amazon has finally nailed the digital notebook meets Kindle brief.

The device is sleek, light for its size, and the 10.2-inch screen feels like a proper notepad.

Writing is smoother, with the stylus gliding across the display with minimal lag, a noticeable improvement over the 2022 model that makes handwriting feel far more natural.

What really stood out to me, though, were the new AI-powered tools. 

The note summary feature is a genuine lifesaver after a day of jotting down notes.

I’d pour messy thoughts into a notebook, hit ‘summarise,’ and the Scribe would distil it into a clear, concise overview. 

Tom Tyers

It can make even the messiest of scribles look neat and professional[/caption]

Kindle Scribe (2024 edition), from £379.99

Paired with the handwriting refinement tool, which effortlessly tidies up even the messiest scrawl, these upgrades turn handwritten notes into polished, shareable material.

Together, these features create a workflow where you can write freely without worrying too much about legibility or organisation, letting the Scribe do the heavy lifting. 

For students and professionals juggling a high volume of material, it’s a massive time-saver.

On the reading side, the Scribe delivers the same Kindle experience you’d expect: sharp, glare-free text, warm light settings for late-night reading, and smooth page turns. 

However, the larger size does make it less nimble for on-the-go reading compared to a Kindle or Paperwhite.

It’s far better suited to serious note-taking for work or school than it is for curling up on the sofa or squeezing in a quick chapter on the train.

Can you listen to audiobooks on the Kindle Scribe?

Yes, though the experience isn’t quite as seamless as on a phone or tablet.

The Scribe doesn’t include built-in speakers, which at first feels like a limitation, but it makes sense given the push for a slim, lightweight design.

By skipping speakers, they’ve kept the device impressively thin for its large 10.2-inch screen, making it more comfortable to play with.

To listen to audiobooks, you’ll need to pair Bluetooth headphones or speakers.

Once connected, audiobooks work smoothly, given it’s not a primary audiobook device.

For those who prefer reading over listening, you can also explore the best Kindle Unlimited deals we’ve found this month.

Is the Kindle Scribe worth it?

Tom Tyers

The new AI features make the Scribe well worth considering[/caption]

Kindle Scribe (2024 edition), from £379.99

If your main goal is to read novels, the Kindle Paperwhite will more than meet your needs at a fraction of the cost. 

But if you’re a student, researcher, or anyone drowning in a pile of notes, the Scribe is worth the investment.

I won’t pretend it isn’t pricey; that will understandably put some people off, but this is a device I can see myself using every day, both professionally and personally, and for the better.

The 2024 edition feels like a real leap forward from the 2022 model, thanks to its smarter software.

AI-powered note summaries save hours of manual revision, while handwriting refinement makes even rushed notes look polished and professional.

The best time to find it for less, though, is during Prime Day or Amazon Black Friday 2025.

We’ll round up the best Amazon device deals for you on the entire Kindle lineup during the sales.

How does the Kindle Scribe work?

The Scribe is still every part a Kindle e-reader, and you still get the familiar Kindle library and interface, but Amazon has layered on powerful note-taking functionality.

With the stylus, you can scribble directly on ebooks, PDFs, and blank notebook pages, and it feels less disjointed than its predecessor.

Notes sync securely to your Kindle library and can be converted, summarised, or shared.

The AI note summary feature is the latest addition, which, with the tap of a button, converts scattered thoughts into bite-sized material.

Paired with improved handwriting refinement, this makes the Scribe feel less like a gimmick and more fit for purpose.

Remarkable 2 vs Kindle Scribe: What are the main differences?

We compared the Kindle Scribe vs the reMarkable 2, with the latter standing out as a minimalist note-taking tablet with a distraction-free interface.

The reMarkable 2 has excellent PDF support and customisable templates for organisation. 

It’s ideal if you want a pure writing experience without notifications or app overload.

That said, it lacks features like a backlight, integrated bookstore, and audiobook support, which makes it less versatile than the Kindle Scribe.

Amazon’s Scribe blends its extensive reading ecosystem with smart note-taking tools, including AI-generated summaries, capabilities you won’t find on the reMarkable.

Both are excellent devices, but the Kindle Scribe leans more toward a hybrid productivity tool

Read our Strategic Partnerships Lead, Aaron Dowler’s full reMarkable 2 review to see how it compares.

Does a Kindle Scribe convert handwriting to text?

Yes, and it finally works well enough to rely on. 

I tested this with messy work notes, and not only did it convert them accurately, but the refinement tools made them look clean and professional.

You can jot down notes by hand, then convert them to text for editing and share them across devices via email.

When paired with AI summaries, this feature is a major win in my book.

Kindle Scribe alternatives

Tom Tyers

If the Kindle Scribe isn’t quite what you’re after, there are a few solid alternatives worth considering.

The reMarkable 2 offers a clean, minimalist writing experience with excellent PDF support, though it doesn’t have a backlight or audiobook capabilities. It’s available for £389 right now.

The iPad 11-inch (2025) is incredibly versatile, letting you take notes, draw, and run apps, though it’s heavier than a dedicated e-ink tablet. You can pick it up for £299.

For a budget-friendly option, the Rocketbook Reusable Digital Notebook lets you write by hand and digitise your notes instantly via the app, with a price of around £34.

You’ll find all the bargains on Prime Day, though, and we’ll have the insight as to when the next Amazon Prime Day is.