I'm on my 3rd kindle now and have had all the previous ones for like 7+ years or something before I broke it or an issue arose. I bought a different e-reader between the first and second kindle I had and returned it because the similar kindle at the time was cheaper and way nicer quality (and everything I read is transferred through Calibre). I looked again when I was buying a new kindle last year and it seemed similar that there was no clear winner for what was better than the kindle or similar but cheaper and a reputable brand.
I'd love not buying Kindle if I knew what to get but every-time I look into it, seems like people suggesting similar products for marginally worse prices or its just personal preference of the person with no real justification.