I bought the wrong Kindle — here's how you can get free Kindle Unlimited (so you don't make the same mistake)

the kindle colorsoft 2026 photographed in direct sunlight
(Image credit: Erin Bashford)

I recently reviewed the brand-new Kindle Colorsoft 2026, and it's definitely one of the best e-readers I've tried. I loved curling up in bed with this Kindle and devouring an unholy amount of fantasy novels — but I had to buy each book. I didn't realize I could get 3 months free of Kindle Unlimited with my new e-reader.

Kindle Unlimited is effectively a refillable soda for books... or just a library card. Instead of buying each book individually, you pay a flat $11.99 a month, and you can "borrow" unlimited books per month. You can only have 20 Kindle Unlimited books downloaded at a time, but you can easily swap these out. It truly is "unlimited".

But you have to order a specific version of the Kindle to take advantage of this. The basic version is just 1 free month, so here's how you can triple that. Unfortunately, these deals are only for Prime Members. This deal is both U.S. and U.K.

The best US Kindle Prime Day deals

Amazon Kindle
Save $25
Amazon Kindle: was $109.99 now $84.99 at Amazon

This is Amazon's basic Kindle. Although it doesn't have a night mode, it still has 6 weeks of battery, speedy page turning, a 6" glare-free screen, and, of course, access to Kindle's library.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
Save $35
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite: was $159.99 now $124.99 at Amazon

This is Amazon's mid-range Kindle, with an e-ink screen (and night mode) and the same 8 week battery life. You're effectively paying for a night mode to prevent eye strain and a 7" inch screen (compared to the basic Kindle's 6").

Amazon Kindle Colorsoft 2026
Huge savings
Save 36% ($90)
Amazon Kindle Colorsoft 2026: was $249.99 now $159.99 at Amazon

I reviewed the Kindle Colorsoft 2026 just last week and loved it. The paperlike screen is perfect for reading at night, thanks to night mode, and is still clear in direct sunlight. The colors are vibrant and comics read super well. This would be my personal pick.

How to get 3 months free Kindle Unlimited

Kindle Unlimited (3 months): free @ Amazon

Kindle Unlimited (3 months): free @ Amazon
Ahead of Prime Day, Amazon is offering 3 free months of Kindle Unlimited. (That's $35 in savings). You don't even need a Kindle in order to claim this freebie. There's a free smartphone app that works on iOS and Android. Select from thousands of best-selling novels and get reading, why not set yourself a challenge to see how many books you can read within the three-month free trial period?

Snagging 3 months free Kindle Unlimited is so easy, I'm kind of beating myself up over not getting it for myself.

Here's exactly how you do it.

When you go to Amazon, scroll down. There are two secret tabs underneath the price information.

a screenshot from amazon showing how to get kindle unlimited

(Image credit: Tom's Guide / Amazon)

Make sure you have selected "With 3 months of Kindle Unlimited" before you check out.

two screenshots from amazon showing how to get free kindle unlimited

(Image credit: Tom's Guide / Amazon)

Obviously, this is only a "trial," and you will have to pay $11.99 after your first three months. But saving $36 is awesome, especially if you've already saved $90 on the brand-new Kindle Colorsoft.

I wish I had known this when I bought my Kindle — now I'm stuck paying $11.99 each month!

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Erin Bashford
Senior Writer, Reviews

Erin Bashford is a senior writer at Tom's Guide, focusing on reviews. She has a Masters in Broadcast and Digital Journalism from the University of East Anglia. As an ex-barista, she knows her way around a coffee machine, and as a music lover, she's constantly chipping away at her dream of having a multi-room home sound system. In her spare time you can find her reading, practising yoga, writing, or stressing over today’s NYT Games.

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