When buying a Kindle ebook reader or Fire tablet, you‘ll notice Amazon gives the option between an ad-supported or ad-free model. With prices around $15-$20 lower, should you live with lock screen ads and banners to save money upfront? Or pay extra for a 100% seamless ad-free experience from the start?
I‘ve tested both models extensively and will compare everything you need to know about the ads vs no ads choice:
- Visual examples of where you‘ll see ads
- If ads disrupt reading enjoyment
- How to eliminate ads later if wanted
- Which provides more value long-term
Let‘s dive in…
At a Glance: Kindle With Ads vs Without Ads
Upfront, Amazon‘s ad-supported Kindle e-readers and Fire tablets cost $15-$20 less than the same models without ads. This can add up, especially when buying for multiple family members.
Over the years, here is how the pricing has trended:
| Device/Year | With Ads | Without Ads | Price Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kindle (2022) | $99 | $119 | $20 |
| Fire 7 Tablet (2021) | $59.99 | $74.99 | $15 |
| Kindle Paperwhite (2018) | $129 | $149 | $20 |
| Fire HD10 Tablet (2017) | $149 | $164 | $15 |
Historical Kindle Models and Pricing
So you save between 13-20% by accepting ads. But exactly what ads appear and where?
The key areas are:
- The lock screen (or sleeping screen)
- An occasional tiny banner on the home screen
- A second screen swipe to unlock
Importantly, you‘ll never see ads when reading books or content. They are designed to be minimally disruptive to the core experience.
Below I‘ll walk through examples along with pros/cons of each option…
Lock Screen Differences
When your Kindle or Fire tablet is asleep, the lock screen will either show a custom image of your choosing (1) or an ad (2):
With the ad-free version, you can pick favorite photos or beautiful landscapes rather than sales messages.
Personally, I don‘t find the lock screen ads bothersome since they only appear briefly while turning on the device before unlocking. However, those accustomed to ad-free phones or tablets may find them slightly annoying.
Luckilyremoving them later is an option if you change your mind after trying the ad-supported version.
Home Screen Differences
Upon unlocking and arriving at the home screen, you may notice one small difference:
A tiny banner ad may appear at the very bottom on ad-supported models (2). This causes the available app space to shrink by ~5-10% I‘d estimate.
However on many newer Kindle tablets, I haven’t observed the home screen banner. So it likely depends on your specific model.
Again, while subtle, those used to 100% ad-free device interfaces may find this slightly irritating. Personally, I barely notice it since the core experience remains unchanged otherwise.
Kids Kindle Options
One exception is Amazon’s kids edition Kindles specifically tailored for children. To provide maximum enjoyment without annoyance, Kids models never contain ads.
However, availability varies by country. These editions also come bundled with protective cases, warranty plans lasting up to 2 years, and extensive parental controls for managing usage limits and content.
So while pricier than regular Kindles, parents receive much extra value given the enhanced durability and oversight capabilities.
If considering a Kindle for your kids, I’d recommend splurging on this tailored edition for the extra peace of mind.
Adding/Removing Ads Anytime
Luckily, no matter which model you start with, toggling the ads on/off post-purchase is straightforward:
To Remove Ads:
- Visit Manage Your Content and Devices on Amazon.com
- Select your Kindle
- Choose Edit under subscriptions
- Toggle ads to Off
- Confirm the fee (equal to the upfront price difference)
To Add Ads Back:
- Repeat steps above
- Toggle ads to On
Here’s an example of removing Kindle ads:
It takes 1-minute and $15-$20 depending on your model. So you have full flexibility in the future.
An unexpected benefit is discovering books you may enjoy based on your past reading history. However the choice is yours long-term.
Which Provides More Value?
Given the subtle nature of Kindle ads allowing easy removal later, I recommend starting with the ad-supported models purely for the upfront savings. This way you can trial the experience risk-free.
Estimate how frequently you plan to use your Kindle or Fire tablet when determining value.
For example:
- If gifting to a frequent reader, it may be worth paying extra upfront for ad-free considering the cumulative annoyance over time from constant usage.
- But if planning occasional/light use, then ads aren‘t likely to get in the way much.
You honestly can‘t go wrong either way thanks to theremovable ads policy. But hopefully breaking down the exact differences here provides helpful insight before deciding!
Let me know if any other questions. Enjoy your new Kindle!
Related Comparison Guides
Kindle Ads FAQs
Below I‘ve answered common reader questions around Kindle ads:
Do ads show when reading books?
No, Amazon Kindles never display banner ads or recommendations while reading. The ads only appear on the lock and occasionally home screens. So they will not disrupt your actual content consumption.
Can ads be removed later permanently?
Yes absolutely! By paying a one-time $15-$20 fee per device, you can upgrade to permanently eliminate all ads. Your Kindle will then look and behave exactly like the premium ad-free models.
What if I want to re-add ads later?
No problem. Through the same Manage Your Content and Devices settings page, you can toggle Kindle ads back on, even if you had paid to remove them previously. So you have flexibility.
How much does it cost to remove Kindle ads?
Removing ads costs anywhere from $15-$20 depending on your specific Kindle model. This typically equals the exact price difference between the ad-supported and ad-free options if you had paid more upfront. So financially, it‘s a wash.
I hope this guide has broken down all aspects around living with Kindle ads vs paying extra to go ad-free from the start. Let me know any other questions!
