Which used e-reader should you buy in 2026?

E-readers are very sturdy devices, and buying a used or refurbished one is actually a pretty smart move.

TLDR: E-readers are durable devices that can easily last 10+ years, making the used and refurbished market a smart way to save money. Reliable picks include the Kindle Paperwhite, Kobo Clara Colour, and Kobo Libra Colour. Be cautious with older 6-inch Kindles, as it can be hard to identify the exact model and generation. Good places to shop secondhand in the US include eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Amazon’s refurbished section. Always ask the seller about battery health, screen condition, and the exact model before buying.

I personally have e-readers that have been working perfectly for over 10 years.

By browsing classifieds sites or the used/refurbished sections of major e-commerce platforms, you can find many e-reader models at great prices.

The e-reader models worth buying used in 2026

I’ve put together a selection of the best e-readers to buy new. If you can find one of these models at a good price secondhand, it’s definitely worth grabbing. Here are my tried-and-true picks.

E-readers with black-and-white e-ink screens:

• Kindle Paperwhite with 7-inch screen
• Kobo Libra 2
• Pocketbook InkPad 4
• Pocketbook Verse Pro
• Kobo Clara 2E
• Kobo Clara BW
• Pocketbook Verse
• Pocketbook Verse Light

E-readers with color e-ink screens:

• Kobo Clara Colour
• Kobo Libra Colour
• Pocketbook InkPad Color 3
• Kindle Colorsoft
• Pocketbook Verse Pro color

You can also look at slightly older models like the Kindle Paperwhite with a 6.8-inch screen or the Pocketbook Touch Lux 5, which will be available at even lower prices.

Note that buying a used e-reader can also be a way to get a high-end device without paying full price. I’d recommend these color models, which retail new for close to $300, but that you can find used for around $150 or $200 if you’re patient:

• Kindle Colorsoft
• Pocketbook InkPad Color 3

Used e-readers to be cautious about

Some e-readers are difficult to identify precisely, and sellers sometimes don’t even know which version they’re selling.

Among these, I’d especially recommend being careful with standard Kindles and Kindle Paperwhites equipped with a 6-inch screen.

It will be difficult to know exactly which model you’re getting before it’s in your hands. It could be a recent model or a much older one.

The problem is you might end up with an e-reader that has 7 or more years of use on it. If the device is in good condition, that’s not necessarily a dealbreaker, but battery life may not be great and you could be disappointed.

So unless you’re paying only a small amount for it ($50 or less would be a fair price), it’s probably not worth it.

Where to buy a used e-reader?

You can check classifieds and secondhand sites like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist to find used e-readers.

Swappa is also a great option, offering devices across a range of prices.

Amazon also offers refurbished Kindle models, sometimes at very attractive prices. The advantage is that you get a warranty on your device.

Here are the best places to look:

• All brands on eBay
• Refurbished Kindles on Amazon
• Swappa (various brands)

A few tips before buying a used e-reader

Before buying a used e-reader, here’s what you should ask the seller:

1. The exact version of the e-reader (name, brand, and generation for Kindle devices)
2. The condition of the battery
3. Whether a protective case is included (this can be a nice bonus, as a case can cost between $20 and $50)
4. The general condition of the body
5. The condition of the screen (scratches, lighting issues, etc.)

If possible, also ask whether the e-reader was carried around a lot (in a bag, on the subway, etc.). Generally, a device that stayed at home is more likely to be in good shape.

You should also look up the retail price of the e-reader new, or the price of its replacement model.

For example, the Kobo Clara 2E was replaced by the Kobo Clara BW. The Pocketbook Touch Lux 4 was replaced by the Touch Lux 5, which was itself replaced by the Pocketbook Verse, and so on.

By pointing out that the model is discontinued and that a newer version exists, it will be easier to negotiate a better price.

If you’re looking for a brand-new e-reader instead, feel free to check out a budget e-reader guide or a best e-readers guide. You can also sign up for a newsletter to receive deals and discounts on e-readers and ebooks by email.