Amazon’s last-gen Paperwhite is on sale for less than the entry-level Kindle  | The VergeSkip to main contentThe homepageThe VergeThe Verge logo.The VergeThe Verge logo.TechReviewsScienceEntertainmentAIPolicyNotificationsNotificationsHamburger Navigation ButtonThe homepageThe VergeThe Verge logo.NotificationsNotificationsHamburger Navigation ButtonNavigation DrawerThe VergeThe Verge logo.Login / Sign UpcloseCloseSearchTechExpandAmazonAppleFacebookGoogleMicrosoftSamsungBusinessSee all techReviewsExpandSmart Home ReviewsPhone ReviewsTablet ReviewsHeadphone ReviewsSee all reviewsScienceExpandSpaceEnergyEnvironmentHealthSee all scienceEntertainmentExpandTV ShowsMoviesAudioSee all entertainmentAIExpandOpenAIAnthropicSee all AIPolicyExpandAntitrustPoliticsLawSecuritySee all policyGadgetsExpandLaptopsPhonesTVsHeadphonesSpeakersWearablesSee all gadgetsVerge ShoppingExpandBuying GuidesDealsGift GuidesSee all shoppingGamingExpandXboxPlayStationNintendoSee all gamingStreamingExpandDisneyHBONetflixYouTubeCreatorsSee all streamingTransportationExpandElectric CarsAutonomous CarsRide-sharingScootersSee all transportationFeaturesVerge VideoExpandTikTokYouTubeInstagramPodcastsExpandDecoderThe VergecastVersion HistoryNewslettersArchivesStoreVerge Product UpdatesSubscribeFacebookThreadsInstagramYoutubeRSSThe VergeThe Verge logo.Amazon’s last-gen Paperwhite is on sale for less than the entry-level Kindle NotificationsNotificationsComments DrawerNotificationsCommentsLoading commentsGetting the conversation ready...GadgetsCloseGadgetsPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All GadgetsTechCloseTechPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All TechVerge ShoppingCloseVerge ShoppingPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All Verge ShoppingAmazon’s last-gen Paperwhite is on sale for less than the entry-level Kindle The 2021 e-reader offers both a large, 6.8-inch display and water resistance for under $100.The 2021 e-reader offers both a large, 6.8-inch display and water resistance for under $100.by Sheena VasaniCloseSheena VasaniCommerce WriterPosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All by Sheena VasaniMay 28, 2026, 8:10 PM UTCLinkShareIf you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.The 2021 Kindle Paperwhite has never been cheaper. Photo: Chaim Gartenberg / The VergeSheena VasaniCloseSheena VasaniPosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All by Sheena Vasani writes about tech news, reviews gadgets, and helps readers save money by highlighting deals and product recommendations for The Verge.If you like to read by the pool or at the beach, the 2021 Kindle Paperwhite remains one of the best e-readers available despite its age. That’s because, unlike Amazon’s latest entry-level Kindle, the last-gen Paperwhite is waterproof. And now through June 14th (or while supplies last), it’s on sale at Woot with ads, 16GB of storage, and a 90-day Woot warranty for $99.99, which is $40 off its original price.2021 Kindle Paperwhite (with ads)$100$14029% off$100$100 at WootDespite being a few years old, Amazon’s last-gen Paperwhite offers nearly all the features that make the current model our favorite e-reader for those who primarily read Kindle books. It features a sharp 300ppi display and an adjustable warm front light, which makes reading at night more comfortable. Battery life is also excellent, often allowing you to eke out months of use on a single charge before you need to top it off via USB-C.RelatedThe new Kindle Scribe without Front Light finally releases on June 10thAmazon is ending support for older Kindles and Kindle FiresThe latest Paperwhite offers slightly better performance, battery life, and a slightly larger seven-inch display, but it also costs $159.99. Unless those upgrades matter to you, the older model remains a terrific value. The 2021 model is still snappy enough for most uses, and its 6.8-inch display remains spacious, especially compared to the base Kindle.Read our 2021 Kindle Paperwhite review.Verge ShoppingSign up to get the best deals on products we’ve found and tested sent to your inbox.Email (required)Sign UpBy submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice. 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Amazon's previous generation Kindle Paperwhite is currently available at a discounted price, being less than the cost of the entry-level Kindle, which presents a compelling value proposition. This older e-reader, specifically the 2021 model, retains several highly desirable features, including a large 6.8-inch display and crucial water resistance, making it durable and suitable for various reading environments. The device features a sharp 300ppi display and an adjustable warm front light, which enhances reading comfort, particularly in low-light conditions. Furthermore, the device is noted for its excellent battery life, often lasting for months on a single charge before requiring a recharge via USB-C.

Despite being an older model, the 2021 Kindle Paperwhite maintains significant utility, especially for readers who prioritize reading comfort and durability. The text contrasts this older model with newer iterations, noting that while the latest models offer slightly superior performance, improved battery life, and a larger seven-inch display, they come at a higher cost of $159.99. This suggests that for users whose primary focus is on reading Kindle books, the older model offers exceptional value. The 2021 model remains sufficiently responsive for most applications, and its spacious 6.8-inch screen is considered ample compared to the base Kindle. This positioning is relevant in the context of Amazon officially ending support for older Kindle and Kindle Fire devices, highlighting the continued relevance of established hardware. The comparison also implicitly contrasts this device with newer innovations, such as the upcoming Kindle Scribe without a front light, positioning the older Paperwhite as a cost-effective alternative that still offers core, high-quality reading experience features.