I've finally abandoned my Kindle for this better e-reader that doesn't involve Amazon.

      While Kindle did not originate the e-reader concept, it has become synonymous with e-readers ever since these devices entered the mainstream market. Its close association with the Amazon webstore has made Kindle the preferred choice for millions. In fact, for numerous individuals, it has been their first and only e-reader. I initially used a Nook, but swiftly transitioned to an Amazon Kindle Paperwhite after the Nook left the UK market. Since that change, I've never looked back.

      However, my perspective has shifted as I’ve discovered the quality of other e-readers. The Kindle is no longer the sole contender in the market, and there are several appealing alternatives to consider if you’re in the market for a new e-reader. Amazon, despite its advantages, has grown complacent with its substantial profits. The Kindle has lost some of its former vitality, and that’s becoming increasingly apparent. My experience with the Kobo Clara Colour has offered me a sense of liberation from the confines of Amazon, and if you’re still relying on a Kindle, it may be time for you to explore other options too.

      Amazon's grip on e-books is tightening significantly.

      Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Trends

      We don’t truly own our e-books, a reality I begrudgingly accept. Due to industry maneuvers at the inception of e-books, along with concerns about piracy, we don't actually own the Kindle books we buy; we obtain a license to access those e-books as long as the seller is willing to provide them. This situation is consistent across various e-book platforms and extends to other sectors as well. Think you own your Steam games? Not really.

      Is this a significant issue? Well, it complicates our ability to read whenever we wish. Because it's only a license, Amazon can revoke access to that title at any time or modify it. No one is going to break into your home to take your copy of Moby Dick, but they can remove it from your Kindle library if necessary. This actually happened to Kindle versions of 1984 back in 2009, which was quite ironic for that specific title. While such occurrences are uncommon, they can and do happen.

      So, why is this influencing my decision to leave Amazon after all these years? Well, Amazon has become increasingly stringent on what users can do with Kindle e-books.

      Mark Jansen / Digital Trends

      In our current era of cloud storage, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, transferring files to your e-reader via a cable feels outdated. Nevertheless, this method persists; even with devices like the Kobo Clara Colour, it’s common, particularly if you buy e-books from third-party retailers. Consequently, most platforms still permit separate downloading of e-books in case manual transfers are necessary.

      This was once true for Kindle devices, but Amazon has removed this option for the latest versions. As of February 27, 2025, users will no longer be able to download their e-book files from Amazon; they can only be downloaded directly to Kindles or the Kindle app.

      I can understand Amazon’s rationale; this method may not be favored and it’s been so long since I used it. However, the broader issue is that it presents a vulnerability in Amazon’s DRM. Downloaded e-book files could potentially have the DRM removed and then be converted into formats compatible with alternative e-readers. While some may be backing up their e-books for fear of losing them, many just want to move their books to new readers.

      It’s easy to argue that Amazon is safeguarding its DRM, and I can appreciate that. Yet, if I decided to give all my paperback books to a neighbor, the store I purchased them from couldn’t prevent me. Why is the treatment of e-books different? Legally, those who strip DRM from their Kindle books are in the wrong. But ethically, can you say they shouldn’t have access to what they purchased?

      Where you stand on this is a personal decision, and truthfully, it has significantly impacted my choice to finally move on from Kindle.

      Kindles are no longer essential purchases.

      Warm tones on. Julian Chokkattu / Digital Trends

      Let’s be clear: Kindles remain excellent devices. However, they’re no longer the standout options in the market and seem to be losing their shine.

      Amazon hasn’t slackened its pace in creating new devices. The Oasis, Scribe, and Kindle Colorsoft were all launched within the last decade. Yet, they aren’t particularly exciting. The Colorsoft, while impressive, is essentially the Paperwhite Signature Edition but with a color screen and a significant $80 price increase. The Scribe represents a cool shift, but a large e-ink tablet doesn’t break new ground. As for the Oasis, it initially ticked all the boxes—different, useful, and attractive—but it has since been neglected and allowed to fade after a few updates.

      Overall, despite Amazon still producing commendable e-readers, they lack the