Yes. You can alternate between a Kindle edition and a printed copy, or read different books in each format. But Kindle’s documented Sync feature keeps your place among Kindle apps and devices; it does not document matching your printed-book page to the Kindle edition. Treat them as separate copies and mark your place in the print book yourself.
What syncs—and what does not
Amazon says Kindle Sync saves reading position, notes, and highlights from Kindle devices and apps to its servers and makes them available on Kindle apps and devices linked to the account. That continuity applies to your digital reading across supported Kindle surfaces, not to a paper copy.
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Amazon’s Sync help does not describe tracking a page in a printed book or matching print-page numbers to a Kindle edition. This is a limit of the documented feature; it does not prevent you from reading both formats.
How to alternate between print and Kindle
- Mark your print place. Use a bookmark or write down the page number when you stop reading.
- Open the Kindle edition and find your place manually. Print and Kindle editions may not use matching page numbers, so use the text or chapter as a guide rather than assuming the page numbers correspond.
- Keep digital progress synced. Amazon says Sync is enabled by default in Kindle apps and devices. Connect the device to the internet; if your position has not updated, use the app’s “Sync now” option or the e-reader’s “Sync” or “Sync and Check for Items” option.
Can Kindle sync with an audiobook?
For supported titles, Amazon’s separate Whispersync for Voice feature can sync an ebook and audiobook when you own or borrow both versions. The title must support Read & Listen. This is continuity between digital text and audio, not a way to track progress in a printed book. Amazon’s Whispersync for Voice help explains the feature.
#1 Best Overall
- Light and compact - With adjustable brightness, high contrast ratio, and fast page turns.
- Effortless reading in any light - Read comfortably with a 6“ glare-free display, adjustable front light—now 25% brighter at max setting—and dark mode.
- Escape into your books - Tune out messages, emails, and social media with a distraction-free reading experience.
- Read for a while - Get up to 6 weeks of battery life on a single charge.
- Take your library with you – 16 GB storage holds thousands of books.
Do you need a Kindle e-reader?
No. A Kindle app is enough if you already read ebooks on a compatible device; a dedicated Kindle e-reader is optional. Amazon’s guide lists the Kindle Paperwhite (12th Generation, 2024 release), but that listing does not establish its current price or availability. See Amazon’s Kindle device guide for its device information.
Can you buy both editions together?
Amazon says Kindle books and physical items can be combined in a cart on its website. That does not mean every title is available in both formats, so check the individual book’s listing for a print edition and a Kindle edition before ordering. Amazon’s shopping help covers adding books and physical items to a cart.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Our fastest Kindle Paperwhite ever – The next-generation 7“ Paperwhite display has a higher contrast ratio and 25% faster page turns.
- Upgrade your reading experience – The Signature Edition features an auto-adjusting front light, wireless charging, and 32 GB storage.
- Ready for travel – The ultra-thin design has a larger glare-free screen so pages stay sharp no matter where you are.
- Escape into your books – Your Kindle doesn’t have social media, notifications, or other distracting apps.
- Adapts to your surroundings – The auto-adjusting front light lets you read in the brightest sunlight or late into the night.
Rank #4
- Our fastest Kindle Paperwhite ever – The next-generation 7“ Paperwhite display has a higher contrast ratio and 25% faster page turns.
- Ready for travel – The ultra-thin design has a larger glare-free screen so pages stay sharp no matter where you are.
- Escape into your books – Your Kindle doesn’t have social media, notifications, or other distracting apps.
- Battery life for your longest novel – A single charge via USB-C lasts up to 12 weeks.
- Read in any light – Adjust the display from white to amber to read in bright sunlight or in the dark.
Rank #3
- Our fastest Kindle Paperwhite ever – The next-generation 7“ Paperwhite display has a higher contrast ratio and 25% faster page turns.
- Ready for travel – The ultra-thin design has a larger glare-free screen so pages stay sharp no matter where you are.
- Escape into your books – Your Kindle doesn’t have social media, notifications, or other distracting apps.
- Battery life for your longest novel – A single charge via USB-C lasts up to 12 weeks.
- Read in any light – Adjust the display from white to amber to read in bright sunlight or in the dark.
Rank #2
- Light and compact - With adjustable brightness, high contrast ratio, and fast page turns.
- Effortless reading in any light - Read comfortably with a 6“ glare-free display, adjustable front light—now 25% brighter at max setting—and dark mode.
- Escape into your books - Tune out messages, emails, and social media with a distraction-free reading experience.
- Read for a while - Get up to 6 weeks of battery life on a single charge.
- Take your library with you - 16 GB storage holds thousands of books.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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