Kindles are the darling device of BookTok, where you can scroll through thousands of videos on the best accessories and gadgets to maximize your reading experience. One thing about the BookTok girlies: They're right. While I've spent hours watching videos of people decking out their Kindles with accessories, I never really understood the extras until I tried them for myself.
Kindle accessories are add-ons like remote page turners, gooseneck stands, clear cases, PopSockets, and hand straps, which are all aimed at improving your reading comfort.
You may roll your eyes at a gooseneck stand or page-turning remote — I once did — but you're missing out on a life of luxury. A life that includes a Kindle on a stand, a remote page turner in hand, and you all tucked into the covers.
And keep in mind that while Kindles are the buzziest e-readers, there's a whole lot of love for Kobo e-readers on BookTok and here at Mashable. Even though the Kindle Paperwhite is our favorite e-reader, we still have a lot of love for the Kobo Clara Colour and Kobo Libra Colour.
So if you own a Kindle or use another e-reader, this guide is for you: It features the essential accessories, including stands, remotes, grips, and cases. Plus, all the recently launched remotes from Kobo and Boox.
Remote page turner
The remote control page turner was one of the first Kindle-adjacent gadgets to come across my feed. It clips onto the side of a Kindle, and then you press a button on the remote to turn the page, rather than tapping or swiping the screen. Tapping the screen is easy enough, but the page turner is an added layer of convenience.
At the end of the night, when you want to be cozy in bed, tucked under the blanket to stay warm, the remote allows you to do just that. Combined with the gooseneck stand? Nighttime reading is about to be the coziest it's ever been.
And while the page turner is great for getting cozy, it's also ideal for when you're using a Kindle while on the treadmill.
Kindle does not make a remote for its e-readers, while Kobo, Boox, and Durobo all do. While the Boox Tappy and Durobo Moodi aren't my favorite, the Kobo remote is perfectly designed.
Gooseneck stand
While the remote page turner helps you click through your book, to go truly hands-free, you need to prop up your e-reader, too. Enter the gooseneck stand. After seeing this viral video, I, and the rest of the internet, was influenced to get a clip-in stand for an e-reader.
And let me tell you, it is a luxury to have this stand. While a Kindle is still lightweight, when you're on a reading marathon, your arm inevitably gets tired from holding up the device. But having a gooseneck stand positions the Kindle within reading distance without any arm fatigue.
To test out a gooseneck stand, I tried the Magipea Gooseneck Stand, which is compatible with either a Kindle or Kobo e-reader (I used it with both). I find the bendy arm of this stand to be a little too stiff, but overall, it still works well.
Clear case
There are plenty of Kindle cases in the sea, but the most popular option among BookTok is a simple, clear case. Sure, that seems boring, but the exciting part is decorating it. Add-ons like charms also bring personal flair, and some people even buy inserts or stickers to swap out over time.
And if you're interested in using a PopSockets grip with your Kindle, I recommend getting a case that's MagSafe compliant so you can take it on and off. PopSockets has its own Kindle case that also happens to be MagSafe.
MagSafe PopSockets
PopSockets are already the best ergonomic grip for your phone, so why wouldn't they be the best grip for another handheld device? When I'm not using my Kindle with the gooseneck stand, I like using it with a PopSockets grip for an ergonomic hold.
With a traditional PopSockets grip, you attach it to a device with adhesive, but that means once it's on, it's on. But using a MagSafe PopSockets grip allows you to attach and reattach the grip, depending on whether you want your Kindle to lie flat.
I personally use the PopSockets MagSafe Kick-Out Stand with my Kindle since that's what I use on my phone, and I like that I can prop it up to stand vertically. However, PopSockets launched a line of bookish MagSafe grips to go with its line of Kindle cases.
Strapsicle Straps
If PopSockets grips aren't really your thing, then Strapsicle makes a nice alternative. Strapsicle's straps attach to the corners of your e-reader, creating a cross pattern. Your hand then slips through the straps, delivering an easy hold on your e-reader. While I personally prefer the feel of a PopSockets grip, the Strapsicle lets your hand lie flat, so it doesn't cramp up from being in a hold. The Strapsicle works best when it has a snug fit, so using it with a case can be a little tight.
Page Kindle Cases
Before I went deep into the world of Kindle accessories, I really just wanted a good case. After several well-placed Instagram ads, I landed on a case from Page. Not only do they have a ton of really cute designs, but they also make cases for a variety of e-readers, including the full Kindle and Kobo lineups.
The case automatically wakes and sleeps your e-reader, and it includes a hand strap for a nice grip while reading. Plus, I like this case because it guards the poorly placed power button on the e-reader. This way, when I'm reading on the treadmill, the button doesn't accidentally get pressed.
You could also always go for an official Amazon case for a simple cover with good protection. Any protective case is a good choice, especially one with reinforced corners to protect against drops.
via Zero Tech Blog