This straightforward Kindle accent has significantly upgraded my studying expertise – and it is low-cost

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• The Strapsicle silicone straps improve the grip choices in your Kindle and supply a safe maintain to stop drops.
• At $21, Strapsicle is a straightforward and reasonably priced Kindle accent to make your studying expertise much more comfy.
• Should you desire extra ergonomic grips or do not just like the look of straps throughout the again of your Kindle, another safety possibility could also be finest.

apr / 2025

Should you’re adventuring on summer time travels within the upcoming months, now’s the proper time to seize my favourite Kindle accent, particularly in the event you’re a voracious reader. Let me clarify. 

Should you’re an avid e-reader like me (and even in the event you’re new to the Kindle world), you in all probability shortly discovered how uncomfortable it may be to make use of the e-reader. That is not as a result of my Kindle Paperwhite is dangerous, however as a result of it is typically laborious to search out the proper place for optimum studying enjoyment. 

Kindles would not have built-in assist, making studying in mattress, on the pool, on the seashore, or anyplace much more difficult, particularly in the event you prefer to learn mendacity down or at odd angles. 

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And similar to it is in style to outfit our smartphones with grips, rings, and different equipment for stability, it is fairly en vogue to do the identical for our different tech, together with Kindles. After one too many instances dropping my Kindle Paperwhite onto my face (that factor does, in reality, go away a mark), I lastly caved and was significantly available in the market for a grip system. 

Throughout my journey, I encountered a few of the ordinary accent contenders: conventional grips like PopSockets, instances that convert to stands, and huge, clunky holders. However one thing else caught my eye — Strapsicle. 

I stumbled upon them on-line. Strapsicle is a stability possibility created for e-readers just like the Kindle and Kobo to make sure a cushty grip while you learn, and a safe maintain in your Kindle while you’re not (you already know, like while you go to sleep with the machine in your hand). Strapsicles are easy silicone items that pop over the corners of your machine and create a strap to deal with your Kindle securely. 

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So, the place had this accent been all my life? The reply is that Strapsicle has a big cult following of customers, many derived from BookTok, however the accent hasn’t fairly made it mainstream. However that scenario could also be about to alter. In 2024, the Australian-based model sealed a $250,000 deal on Shark Tank Australia. 

Since I initially wrote this evaluation, I have been utilizing Strapsicle on my Kindle for over six months. I now personal a number of units (just like the Eggnog and Blush pink units pictured on this article) and an identical Strapsicle silicone clutch. Here is why I am a fan for all times. 

The Strapsicle suits most e-readers, creates a safe grip, and provides a layer of safety. The accent is available in a number of enjoyable colours, together with blush pink (pictured on this article), lilac, sage inexperienced, and extra. The straps are available in 4 sizes: small, medium, giant, and Kindle Oasis, and a useful dimension chart makes it straightforward to match the correct Strapsicle set together with your respective e-reader mannequin. 

Since I’ve the Kindle Paperwhite 6.8-inch eleventh Gen mannequin, I bought the big dimension. Within the field, I acquired two silicone straps labeled “high left” and “high proper,” which made it straightforward to arrange my Kindle.

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You need to use each straps concurrently or select to solely use one strap in your machine, relying in your desire. I examined each approaches, and I desire having each straps on, particularly for the reason that silicone corners add some safety, too. 

Having a Strapsicle permits me to put my hand wherever I would like on my Kindle with out worrying about safety. This characteristic is why I selected to do this strap mannequin as a substitute of extra typical strategies, like a PopSocket, which may solely be mounted in a single spot. I can flip my Kindle the wrong way up and throughout, and it would not budge. 

PopSocket vs. Strapsicle

Earlier than I dive in, let me say that I’m not anti-PopSocket. I loved utilizing a PopSocket on my iPhone all through my teenagers, however as soon as I started working at ZDNET, it grew to become more and more impractical to proceed utilizing one on my telephone. 

I spent plenty of time testing MagSafe equipment, and it grew to become annoying to alter instances each time I examined merchandise. I additionally did not love utilizing a PopSocket sufficient to buy a more moderen MagSafe model. All that mentioned, a PopSocket was nonetheless my first thought when contemplating a grip for my Kindle. 

In keeping with Reddit, PopSockets are extensively used by avid readers on their gadgets. They’re an reasonably priced and personable possibility for including a grip to your Kindle. I do see the enchantment. 

My largest concern with including a PopSocket to my Kindle was its placement. Ought to I put it within the middle? Off to 1 aspect? It seems that some Redditors had the identical points. Whereas some mentioned they most popular a PopSocket for its extra ergonomic grip, others agreed that it was fairly annoying to solely be capable of grip your Kindle from one spot. One Redditor even admitted utilizing two PopSockets on her Kindle to fight this subject. 

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The position issues, and different adherence points (wouldn’t it follow my case?), finally pushed me away from the PopSocket possibility and in the direction of attempting Strapsicle. Plus, whereas primary PopSockets are underneath $12 on Amazon, some extra intricate and enjoyable designs value as much as $35, which I believe is kind of costly. 

Different Redditors mentioned that they appreciated the Strapsicle for its added safety, because of its silicone corners, customizable placement (which lets you grip from anyplace in your Kindle), and the truth that it did not pinch their pinky like PopSockets do for some folks. 

I agree with these people. I expertise no pinching or cramping in my palms utilizing Strapsicle, even for lengthy studying stints, and I like that I can learn securely from anyplace and at any angle with out fear. Plus, the Strapsicle is straightforward to wash and wipe down, and I can take away the accent with out trouble. The Strapsicle, in brief, is phenomenal, and I am unable to imagine it value me only a smidge greater than $20 as a result of I’d’ve paid far more for one thing that brings this sort of performance. 

If I am being choosy (which I’m; it is my job), the criss-cross Strapsicle look might not be for everybody. I do not care an excessive amount of in regards to the again of my Kindle. However in case you are into aesthetically pleasing tech, you might need to think about the PopSocket route. 

The straps might additionally match round my case slightly higher. I’ve a easy, versatile, clear case on my Kindle Paperwhite, and whereas the straps match positive across the corners, they do have a form of puckering that forestalls them from laying fully flush. Nevertheless, I do not thoughts as a result of the straps add padding to my Kindle’s corners and work so effectively. 

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Simply understand that there’s an opportunity that the Strapsicle might not match together with your current case, so that you’d want to purchase a brand new one or go with out. Strapsicle does promote its personal clear case to accompany the straps. 

ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation

My backside line right here: Strapsicle has created lightning in a bottle in a near-monopolized Kindle accent market. These easy silicone straps are purposeful, straightforward to make use of, and reasonably priced. At $21, a pair of Strapsicles seems like a a lot better purchase than a singular PopSocket, however to every their very own.

I don’t doubt that Strapsicle will in all probability be on retailer cabinets sooner or later and develop into synonymous with the e-reader expertise. I’ve nothing dangerous to say about this accent as a result of my face is now shielded from my Kindle, which was precisely the issue I wanted to unravel. Props to Strapsicle, and I hope I can get these straps for my iPad sometime.