Kindle Cloud Reader is the former name for Kindle for Web, Amazon’s browser-based reader for Kindle books. You can use it on a supported desktop or mobile browser with an Amazon account; you do not need a Kindle e-reader. However, Amazon says some Kindle titles are not available in the web reader, and feature support can vary by book format.
What Kindle Cloud Reader does
Amazon now calls the service Kindle for Web. It provides a way to read Kindle books in a mobile or desktop browser and access your Kindle library through your Amazon account. It is a reading option, not a requirement to own a Kindle device. Amazon’s Kindle page notes that Kindle Cloud Reader is now known as Kindle for Web; Amazon’s Kindle for Web help page describes browser reading.
What you can do in the browser
Amazon advertises controls for text size, font, margins, and background color, as well as notes, highlights, in-book search, and dictionary lookup. These are supported capabilities in the service, not a guarantee that every control works with every title or format. Amazon’s Kindle format guide documents differences in feature support across formats, including limitations in some cases for text selection, dictionary functions, user font settings, and screen-reader support.
Browser and device requirements
Amazon’s current help page lists the following minimum browser versions and mobile operating systems. Requirements can change, so check the live help page if a browser fails to open the reader.
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#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.
| Platform | Browsers listed by Amazon | Minimum operating system listed |
|---|---|---|
| Desktop | Chrome 87, Firefox 78, Safari 11, Edge 87 | Not stated |
| Mobile | Chrome 87, Firefox 78, Safari 11, Opera 61, UC Browser 10.0, Samsung Browser 12.0 | iPhone OS 13 or Android 10 |
These are the thresholds stated on Amazon’s Kindle for Web help page; they should not be treated as a promise that every newer or differently configured browser will work identically.
Why a Kindle book may not open in Kindle for Web
Not all Kindle titles are available to read through the web reader. If a title is unavailable there, Amazon points readers to the Kindle app or a Kindle e-reader as alternatives. A title’s format can also affect which reading features are available, so browser access does not mean every Kindle feature is supported for that book.
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.
When to use the browser reader or another option
- Use Kindle for Web when the title is supported and you want to read in a browser on a desktop or mobile device.
- Try the Kindle app if your book is not available in the web reader or you prefer an app-based reading option.
- Consider a Kindle e-reader if you want a dedicated physical reading device. It is optional; it is not needed to use Kindle for Web.
Amazon’s help page identifies the app and e-reader as alternatives, while its device-identification page can help identify Kindle devices.
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.
- 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 #4
- 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 #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.
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.
