Is Kindle not Available in India? What to Do?
It seems like Amazon has forgotten about Indian book lovers. Kindle devices have been out of stock for ages! It’s frustrating, especially for those who would love an e-reader and enjoy reading their books anywhere and everywhere.
The last time Amazon launched Kindle devices in India was in December 2022, reports Mint. As of today (Feb 07, 2025), the entire portfolio of Kindle devices is marked as “currently unavailable” on the Amazon India website.
But fret not; e-reading isn’t going anywhere. You have another option if you prefer reading on digital readers over physical books.
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Why Are Kindle Devices Out of Stock in India?
So, did Amazon stop selling Kindle in India? No one really knows. There’s been zero official communication from Amazon, which makes it even more frustrating.
Their support staff gives canned replies like:
“Unfortunately, we don't have specific timeline or information to let you know as to when these devices will be available in India. Please do keep an eye on the website.”
Maybe it’s nothing – just a temporary hiccup. It may be due to some supply chain disruptions. Or maybe sales in India weren’t high enough for Amazon to prioritise restocking.
The good news? Kindle eBooks and Kindle Unlimited are still available. And you can always use the Kindle app on your phone, tablet or PC. But if you’re set on a dedicated e-reader, you’ll need to look beyond Amazon. Kobo eReaders are an excellent alternative, offering a similar (if not better) reading experience.
Kobo – The Best Kindle Alternative in India
Kobo eReaders are your best bet if you’re looking for a Kindle replacement. It’s a Canadian company (plus an anagram of book) that’s a subsidiary of the Japanese tech conglomerate Rakuten. And it has been making dedicated e-readers for over a decade.
Why choose Kobo eReaders?
Well, Kobo devices are designed to give readers more freedom. They support various eBook formats, a lot more than Amazon Kindle devices.
- Wide eBook compatibility: While Kindle supports only Amazon’s proprietary formats, Kobo reads EPUB, MOBI and PDF documents easily. It also supports other text and image files. This means you can buy eBooks from multiple stores, not just Kobo’s.
- Support for OverDrive: Kobo has its own eBook store with a vast selection of books. Plus, it supports OverDrive, letting you borrow eBooks from libraries. Libraries in India don’t support it yet, but you might be able to use it via foreign libraries.
- Freedom from Amazon ecosystem: With a Kobo, you aren’t tied to Amazon for book purchases. You can buy from Kobo and independent bookstores or download DRM-free eBooks from different sites without worrying about the format.
So, if Amazon isn’t giving the option to e-read, maybe it’s time to switch! Kobo is the next best thing – as good as Kindle; if not better!
Where can you buy Kobo in India?
Kobo eReaders are available officially through online marketplaces in India. You can find the device on Amazon India and Flipkart.
On Amazon, these are the models currently available:
Kobo Clara BW eReader
Kobo Clara BW eReader is a 6-inch e-ink glare-free Carta 1300 HD black-and-white display e-reading device, which is waterproof. Comes with 16GB of storage that can store up to 12,000 eBooks. Made with recycled, ocean-bound plastic.
Kobo Clara Colour eReader
Kobo Clara Colour eReader is a 6-inch e-ink glare-free Kaleido 3 colour display e-reading device, which is waterproof. Comes with 16GB of storage that can store up to 12,000 eBooks. Made with recycled, ocean-bound plastic.
Kobo Libra Colour eReader
Kobo Libra Colour eReader is a 7-inch e-ink glare-free Kaleido 3 colour display e-reading device, which is waterproof. Comes with 32GB of storage that can store up to 24,000 eBooks. Made with recycled, ocean-bound plastic.
Other FAQs about Kindle in India
How to buy Kindle books in India?
Kindle books are readily available on Amazon’s Kindle Store. You can buy the ebooks from the Amazon India website. Once purchased, they’re available in your Kindle library for reading on any Kindle-supported device or app.
Is Kindle Unlimited available in India?
Yes! Kindle Unlimited (KU) is available in India, letting you read from a selection of eBooks for a monthly subscription fee. However, not all Kindle books are included. Also, the catalogue may keep changing every month.
How much does it cost for Kindle Unlimited in India?
Kindle Unlimited subscription service is available at ₹169 per month per month. You can use the 30-day free trial to explore the catalogue.
Is Kindle Unlimited free with Prime?
No, Kindle Unlimited isn’t free with Prime. Kindle Unlimited is a standalone service focused only on ebooks, magazines and comics.
Read about Amazon Prime Reading
Can I read Kindle books on my Kobo?
No, not directly. Kindle books use Amazon’s AZW file format, which Kobo doesn’t support. Plus, Digital Rights Management (DRM) keeps the files protected. So, you’ll need to find ways to convert each book into a format supported by Kobo eReaders.
Conclusion
Kindle devices may be unavailable in India, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. You can still use the Kindle app on all supported devices. And with a Kindle Unlimited subscription, you’ll never fall short of books.
For e-reader devices, Kobo offer a fantastic alternative with better format support and more flexibility. Kobo Clara BW, Kobo Clara Colour and Kobo Libra Colour are available on Amazon currently. So, enjoy reading!
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