If you're into accessories for your e-reader, then you probably already know about PopSockets. It's a popular grip attachment that's been around for years, originally designed for smartphones with a Kickstarter that launched back in 2012. That's still the PopGrips' main use, but plenty of people stick them on the back of a Kindle case to make their Kindle easier to hold. That used to require either a sticker or getting a magnetic adapter to get your PopSockets to stick to your Kindle or Kindle case of choice. But today, that changes.
PopSockets just dropped its first collection of Kindle cases, called the PopCase Kindle, that have a built-in MagSafe adapter so you can easily attach the PopSockets grip of your choice onto the case. The cases retail for $40 and come without a grip, so you can either choose one that matches the style of your new case or use one you already have. It comes in two sizes: a 7-inch model for the Kindle Paperwhite and Kindle Colorsoft, and a 6-inch model for the base Kindle. For now there will be four basic colors, plus two designs from the PopSockets Bookish collection, adding a new layer of options to the world of Kindle accessories. PopSockets also says more design options are to come.
I got to try out the 7-inch cases with my Kindle Paperwhite and Colorsoft. Here are my thoughts so far, and what you need to know to see if they're a good fit for your favorite e-reader.
Base Position
All of the PopCase Kindle cases I tried had the MagSafe adapter ring on the lower third of the case. The adapter is built into the case and centered from the sides, so it's at an ideal height and placement for either hand to use and have the bottom corner sit in your palm. You're able to attach any PopSockets grip you like onto the ring, whether it's one you already own or one you buy to match your new Kindle case.
I have small hands and was initially worried about the reach required to access the center of my e-reader while using it with a PopCase Kindle. I was still able to reach the grip, but I found the larger grip option, such as the Heart of Silver PopGrip ($40), to be the most comfortable. It has a wider top that my fingers could reach more easily than the standard sizes. I would've liked the option to adjust the magnetic ring to be more to one side, but that does mean you couldn't easily switch between hands, so it's understandable PopSockets chose to simply center it.
Overall, the PopCase Kindle was comfortable to use on these 7-inch devices, and using a PopSockets grip on your Kindle is a nice way to distribute the weight across your hand. I've got a wrist cyst that often makes holding a Kindle too long uncomfortable, but switching to the PopSockets Kindle case-and-grip combos really did take weight off my thumb and wrist while I held my Kindle. I didn't get to test it out on the basic Kindle, but I think this would also be comfortable to use on that model since it's even slimmer, making the PopSockets easier to reach.
The magnet does affect the Kindle similarly to a magnet cover—every time I took a PopGrip on or off my PopCase, it would tell my Kindle to turn off or on, depending on what setting it was already on. It's reacting to it as if it were a magnetic cover. I noticed it more than one typically would, since I was intentionally swapping around several PopSockets grips to test the case, but it was an interesting side effect of adding the MagSafe case onto a Kindle.
Case Comp
The cases themselves are made of flexible plastic that's easy to attach to your Kindle, but they don't feel flimsy. The PopCase Kindle adds a nice layer of coverage all around the back and sides of Amazon's e-reader, along with a subtle ridge on the front that could help protect the face of your Kindle from scratches. If screen scratches are your main concern, though, you should get a screen protector (we like this three-pack!), as these cases only protect the body of the device, not the screen itself.
The cases come in two sizes: one made for the 11th-generation Kindle, and one for the 12th-generation Paperwhite, which will also fit Colorsoft models. There's no option right now for the Scribe, but given its size, I'm not sure there's a good spot to put a PopSockets grip on the Kindle's digital notebook and e-reader hybrid.
There are four basic colors so far: Clear, Black, Gingham, and Aura, all of which are similar to PopSockets phone cases in the same colors. There are also two designs from the Bookish collection, both of which I tested and found to be beautiful prints. I really like that there are designs that cover your whole Kindle, and some semi-clear options, too, along with a true clear. My favorite pairing I tested was the Curled Up With a Good Book PopCase ($40) and PopGrip ($30) from the Bookish collection, which not only matched the case and grip but also left about a quarter of my Kindle's case uncovered, allowing the raspberry-pink shade to peek out. It pairs nicely with the pink and purple books on the cover, making it feel like an intentional pairing rather than a kismet test sample.
The matching set is a really fun option, and a few colors are available—there's an Aura PopGrip ($30) that you can pair with the Aura case, and a Red Gingham PopGrip ($30) that you can pair with the black and white Gingham case ($40). Most of the case-and-grip combos I tested were a mix-and-match option—like the Storied Shelves PopCase ($40) paired with the Heart of Silver PopGrip on my Colorsoft—but they still look great together. The PopSockets case and grip range offers a variety of choices to mix and match, allowing you to swap out the grip for a new look whenever you want.
Sticker Shock
These cases aren't cheap, especially compared to other simple designs and clear cases you can find and customize with stickers on Amazon for $10. A MagSafe adapter also typically retails for under $10, so you can still DIY this if you're on a budget. I think these cases are a great option for individuals who already have a PopSockets grip collection and want to attach them to their favorite e-reader more easily. However, if you're new to the PopSockets world, purchasing a new PopCase and a PopGrip will cost you $70.
Still, they really feel like they're made to last, rather than being just a cheap sheet of clear plastic. The matching sets are really fun in my eyes, but you'll also find me sticking the Heart of Silver on every Kindle I own from here on out.
Correction: 08/27/25, 11:15 am EST: An earlier iteration of this piece referred to the brand as PopSocket. It is PopSockets. The copy has been changed to reflect this.
