Amazon’s previous generation Kindle Paperwhite isn’t vastly different from the latest version, although it is slightly slower.
At The Verge, we often highlight the newest gadgets, but sometimes older models provide better value. The 2021 Kindle Paperwhite is one such example, available refurbished with ads, 8GB of storage, and a 90-day warranty for $49.99 at Woot today, April 12th, a $90 discount from the original price. Amazon Prime members get free shipping.
The basic refurbished units function well but have some wear, labeled as “scratch and dent.” Woot also offers non-S&D 2021 Paperwhites with ads and 8GB of storage for $69.99 with the same warranty. The refurbished Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, including wireless charging, an automatic backlight sensor, and quadruple the storage, is $99.99, saving $90 from the original MSRP.
The 11th-gen Paperwhite offers IPX8 waterproofing and a 6.8-inch display, smaller than the new 7-inch Paperwhite. Still, it provides the same 300ppi resolution and adjustable color temperature for comfortable reading day or night. It has extended battery life and USB-C, though it’s not as fast as newer versions in response and page turns.
With Amazon ending support for pre-2012 Kindle devices on May 20th, 2026, preventing new content acquisitions via the Kindle Store, Woot’s Paperwhite deal is timely. Though Amazon offers a 20% discount for new Kindle purchases until June 20th, the 2024 Paperwhite would still cost almost three times more than the discount price.