We have hundreds of reasons to buy a new Kindle device, especially when Amazon unveiled their new Kindle Scribes(2025/2026 models) with the new features (quick notes, AI-powered search, and the option to use Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive) while the previous gen Scribe are not included.
However, at the same time, we also have dozens of reasons to buy an older Kindle device, such as when we only want to buy this device to read our purchased titles. Another fact that must be mentioned here is that Amazon has adopted increasingly stringent encryption technology for Kindle eBooks on newer Kindles. As long as it's still possible to get ebooks off of older Kindles, why not purchase an old Kindle at a cheaper price?
When We Talk about Old Kindles, We Are Talking about:
When we talk about old Kindles, we are talking about those Kindle models which firmware are not updated to v5.18.5. This is because, so far, there is no way to remove the DRM from Kindle books on any device if it has been upgraded to kindle firmware version 5.18.5 (or above).
| Old Kindle Models | Kindle eReaders to Buy (or Not to Buy) |
|---|---|
| Kindle software lower than v5.18.5 (to buy) | Kindle Paperwhite (5th/6th/7th/10th Generation) |
| Kindle (7th/8th/10th Generation) | |
| Kindle Voyage (7th Generation) | |
| Kindle Oasis (8th/9th/10th Generation) | |
| Discontinued/outdated Kindles (not to buy) |
|
One thing to bear in mind is that most of the Amazon Kindles from 2007 to 2014 can no longer receive Kindle software updates and connect to kindle bookstore. So, don't buy these Kindle devices made from 2007 to 2014.
Where to Look for A Used/Refurbished Kindle at A Cheaper Price?
Buying a used Kindle is a fantastic way to save money. Here are the best places to look, along with key tips for a smart purchase.
| Where to Buy an Old Kindle | Based in | Shipping and handling costs extra | Free Delivery | Free Returns | Pro-tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Old Kindles Sold on eBay | Worldwide | No | Yes, 2-4 days | Yes | Look for sellers with high ratings (98%+). Filter for "Buy It Now" with "Condition: Used - Good" or "Certified Refurbished." Always read the description carefully. |
| 2. Refurbished Kindles Sold on Amazon Certified Store | Global | No | Yes, 4-7 days | Yes | These devices are inspected, cleaned, and tested by Amazon, come with a 1-year warranty (same as new). |
| 3. Old Kindles Sold on SHOPGOODWILL | United States and Canada | Yes, a minimum of $15 | No, pay extra, within 5 business days of receiving payment | No | At least the prices are lower than on eBay in most cases. But this platform uses a bidding process that takes 7 days. Please ask all questions before bidding. |
| 4. Buy an Old Kindle from Unclaimed Baggage | Global, over 100 countries | Yes | No, pay more if price is under $99, 3-8 business days after processing | No, within 14 days, a $1.99 per item | Prices are good, but it's "as-is". |
Key Checklist Before You Buy An Old Kindle
1. Confime which Kindle model you want to buy and use. Different models Kindle you want, different features you will get.
2. Make sure the micro-USB or USB-C port is intact and holds a cable.
3. Ask the seller about the battery life. It should still last weeks, not hours. It can be replaced, but it's a hassle.
4. Ensure the seller has deregistered his Kindle account. If not, you may be locked out.
5. The screen condition is everything. No cracks, no major scratches, and no dead pixels (tiny spots that are always black or white).
6. Kindle storage varies by model, typically 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB. If you love reading comics mangas, please select a 16GB/32GB device.
7. Confirm each point you are concerned about before making a purchase decision.
Happy reading!
Angel Dan has covered software online marketing for more than 10 years. She joined Epubor since 2013, covering content writing, affiliate marketing, global brand expansion, video marketing, and business development.
