If you’re in the market to replace an old Kindle that no longer works, is lost, or simply want to buy one without spending a lot, there are many options available. Amazon tends to discount Kindle e-readers on the Amazon website from time to time, primarily around special holidays such as Mother’s Day, Prime Day, etc. Beyond that, Amazon only sells them at regular prices. However, there are many hidden places where you can buy an older model at bargain prices.
One of the advantages of buying an older Kindle is that Amazon no longer pushes out firmware updates, so they are preferred for the older jailbreak methods. Whereas the 11th and 12th generation Kindles regularly get updates, so the jailbreak methods do not last nearly as long. One thing to bear in mind is that older Kindles may no longer be able to connect to the store. Any Kindle made from 2007 to 2012 should be avoided, as these are the first to fifth generation models.
Woot
Woot is a website where you can purchase refurbished older hardware, including computers, tablets, laptops, and Kindle e-readers. Amazon owns the website, and it’s been a destination for people to buy a Kindle Oasis 3 or Kindle Voyage, two of the most popular Kindle e-readers ever, with new batteries and often in pristine condition. You can buy the previous generation 11th for the Kindle, Kindle Paperwhite, and even older models. The prices typically range from $20 to $40, depending on the unit. There is a typical set amount of them, which occasionally pop up, so you need to bookmark the Kindle page.
Unclaimed Baggage
This website is based in the United States. There is a copious amount of lost or unclaimed baggage in all airports nationwide. This company buys the luggage and sells it online. They go through a complex sorting process so that you won’t find prescription glasses, medication, or personal stuff. However, you can find clothing and most of all, electronics. You can find lightly used Kindle e-readers from all generations. There are Kindle Paperwhite 5s available for 50% off the list price, and they can be yours for around $30. They have 11th-generation Kindles for $100 less than the list price on Amazon. You can view their entire e-readers section on the Unclaimed Baggage website.
Ebay
When people think of websites to buy used or even new e-readers for less than MSRP, eBay tends to come to mind first. This company has been selling e-readers since they first became available. You can find limited Edition e-readers, such as the Barnes and Noble Pearl Pink, Kobo Aura One Limited Edition, and all manner of Kindle e-readers. There are thousands available and can be purchased in almost all countries where eBay operates. Just be careful of a few things. Buying e-readers that are more than 7-10 years old tends to result in batteries that no longer hold a charge, thereby losing the portability factor. Buy a Kindle from the 8th generation onwards to enjoy it for years to come. Be sure to read the product description as well; some listings indicate that they are for parts only. View the Kindle page on Ebay.
Target
Target is an official distributor for Kindle e-readers in the United States. They sell them in-store and online. If Amazon is running a deal on its website, Target mirrors it. Sometimes Target has its sales and promotions, and the Kindle can be on sale at Target, but not on the main Amazon website. Sometimes, when Amazon runs a limited-time sale on its own website and then discontinues it, Target will still sell the item at the old price. Bookmark the Target Kindle page so you can check it regularly for deals and sales.
Best Buy
Best Buy is another official distributor for Amazon. They sell the 11th and 12th generation e-readers in their retail stores and on their online platform. They also mirror the Amazon sales and promotions whenever they occur, but unlike Target, when the Amazon promotion is over, Best Buy no longer matches the sale. However, Best Buy occasionally runs its own sales and promotions, so Amazon may not offer a discount on the Kindle directly on its website, but Best Buy will. Bookmark the Best Buy website so you can buy one locally or online.
Michael Kozlowski is the editor-in-chief at Good e-Reader and has written about audiobooks and e-readers for the past fifteen years. Newspapers and websites such as the CBC, CNET, Engadget, Huffington Post and the New York Times have picked up his articles. He Lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.