One of the best source of information about Amazon’s changes to the Kindle eBook ecosystem is the YouTube channel CriminOlly (@CriminOllyBlog).
Olly explains your options in this video (a written summary is below):
Introduction
Recent changes to Amazon’s Kindle platform have prompted many readers to reconsider their reliance on Kindle devices and the Kindle Store. According to Olly, some people have been wary of Amazon’s business practices for a while, and these developments may be the final push they need to explore alternatives. Olly said he personally stopped using Kindle devices and buying books from Amazon months ago. This post summarizes Olly’s key points on how to move away from Amazon and outlines three different paths to consider.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Amazon Changes
Before detailing the alternatives, Olly addressed some common questions about downloading and transferring Kindle books:
- Downloading and Transferring via USB
- This option is only available if the user has a physical Kindle device.
- Olly noted that as of February 21 (in the UK), this feature was still available and would remain so until February 26.
- Kindle Apps Will Still Work
- Readers can continue to use the Kindle app on phones and tablets.
- These apps are unaffected by the changes and will still allow access to Kindle libraries.
- What Does Downloading Kindle Books to a Computer Allow?
- It grants a proper offline backup outside of Amazon’s reach.
- It enables the removal of DRM (Digital Rights Management) if desired, making the books fully portable to other devices.
- Olly suggests using Calibre for DRM removal, emphasizing there are many guides available online for this process.
Three Ways to Break Free from Amazon Kindle
1. Keep Using Your Kindle, But Stop Supporting Amazon
- Olly said users can still read their existing Kindle books without continuing to purchase from Amazon.
- Another option is to sideload DRM-free books from other sources (e.g., Project Gutenberg or direct from publishers like Tor).
- These can be transferred to Kindle devices via USB or by sending them to the device’s unique email address.
- The same approach can work with Kindle apps on tablets and phones, so no additional expense is required for a new device.
2. Move to a Different E-Reading Ecosystem (Kobo)
- Olly suggests Kobo as a popular alternative to Kindle.
- Kobo Devices: For instance, the Kobo Libra 2 or Kobo Libra Color feature e-ink screens, page-turn buttons, and note-taking abilities.
- Kobo Store: While selection may be slightly smaller than Amazon’s Kindle Store, Kobo offers most mainstream titles.
- Kobo Plus: A subscription service with an extensive library.
- This option shifts users away from Amazon, but they will still be purchasing and reading within another big digital store environment.
3. Switch to Android-Based E-Readers
- According to Olly, devices like those from BOOX (by Onyx) or Bigme run on Android, allowing installation of multiple e-reading apps (Kindle, Kobo, Libby, etc.).
- Advantages:
- Freedom to install preferred reading apps.
- Can sideload DRM-free ebooks.
- Various device sizes, including large-screen note-taking devices and phone-sized readers.
- Olly suggests this route for maximum flexibility and independence from a single ecosystem.
Conclusion
Readers uncomfortable with Amazon’s recent policy changes or business practices can take several paths away from the Kindle Store. Some may simply wish to keep using existing Kindle devices while purchasing ebooks elsewhere. Others may opt for an entirely new device—either from another major brand like Kobo or from companies making more open Android-based devices. As Olly said, it comes down to what each reader values most: cost, convenience, device preference, or greater control over their digital libraries.
For more details on the devices mentioned, Olly recommends checking out his other reviews and tutorials on his YouTube channel.
About the featured image
Collage of 3 images:
- “eReaders Vs Paper Books” by sirwiseowl is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
- “Onyx Boox Max” by Stratageme.com is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.
- “Kobo ereaders” by Raymond Snijders is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.