Where Nook tablets are sold today

Nook tablets are no longer manufactured, so you cannot buy a new one from a retailer. Barnes & Noble stopped making Nook tablets around 2014. If you want a Nook tablet, your only option is to buy a used or refurbished model from a secondhand marketplace.

The main places to find used Nook tablets are eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Amazon's used section. You may also find them on Swappa, a marketplace focused on electronics. Local thrift stores sometimes carry older tablets, though Nook tablets are less common than iPads or Samsung models.

Before you buy used, understand that Nook tablets are now several years old. Battery life may be reduced, the screen may have scratches, and software updates are no longer released. The device will still read e-books and run basic apps, but performance will be slower than a current tablet.

Key Takeaways

  • Nook tablets have not been manufactured since around 2014, so new models are not available from any retailer.
  • Used Nook tablets are sold on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Amazon's used section, and Swappa, with prices typically between $30 and $150 depending on model and condition.
  • Older Nook tablets may have reduced battery life, screen wear, and slower performance than when new, and will not receive software updates.
  • If you want a tablet that reads e-books and receives updates, a current iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, or Amazon Fire tablet is a more practical choice.

What to check before buying used

When you find a used Nook tablet online, ask the seller for photos of the screen, back, and sides. Look for cracks, deep scratches, or discoloration. A few light scratches are normal on a device this old, but a cracked screen means the tablet will be difficult to use.

Ask whether the battery holds a charge. A Nook tablet that powers on but dies within an hour is less useful than one that lasts four to six hours. The seller may not know the exact battery life, but they should be able to tell you whether it powers on and stays on for a reasonable time.

Check the model number before you buy. Nook tablets came in several versions: the original Nook Tablet, the Nook Tablet 7, the Nook Tablet 10, and the Nook HD. Each has different screen size and storage. Make sure you know which one you are buying so you can research its specifications and known issues.

Price ranges for used Nook tablets

A used Nook tablet in working condition typically costs between $30 and $150, depending on the model, storage capacity, and condition. The original Nook Tablet and Nook Tablet 7 are usually cheaper because they are older and have smaller screens. Nook HD models, which had better screens, tend to cost more.

Tablets listed as "refurbished" by the seller (meaning they have been tested and cleaned) usually cost more than ones listed as "used" or "as-is," but they may come with a short warranty or return period. Check the listing details to see whether the seller offers any may provide.

Avoid paying more than $150 for any Nook tablet unless it is in excellent condition and includes original packaging or accessories. At that price point, you are better off buying a current budget tablet like an Amazon Fire 7 or iPad, which will receive updates and have a longer useful life.

Why buying new is not an option

Barnes & Noble discontinued Nook tablets to focus on e-readers and apps. The company now sells the Nook e-reader (a device that displays text only, not apps or video) and the Nook app, which you can read to any tablet or phone to read e-books.

If you want to read e-books on a tablet, you have two paths: buy a used Nook tablet, or buy a current tablet and read the free Nook app. A current tablet will be faster, receive security updates, and last longer. A used Nook tablet will be cheaper upfront but may need battery replacement or repair sooner.

Safer alternatives if you cannot find what you want

If you search for a used Nook tablet and find only overpriced listings or models in poor condition, consider buying a current budget tablet instead. An Amazon Fire 7 costs around $60 new, has a 7-inch screen similar to the Nook Tablet 7, and receives regular updates. You can read Nook e-books on it using the free Nook app.

An iPad (the base model) costs around $330 new and will last longer than a used Nook tablet. A Samsung Galaxy Tab A costs between $150 and $250 depending on screen size. Both receive updates for several years and have larger app libraries than older Nook tablets.

If you want an e-reader without apps or internet, the current Nook e-reader (a black-and-white device) costs around $100 and is still sold by Barnes & Noble. It reads e-books but does not run apps or display color. It is a different product from the Nook tablets, but it serves the same purpose of reading books.

How to avoid scams when buying used

When you message a seller on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, ask specific questions about the device: Does it power on? Does the screen respond to touch? Are there any cracks? A legitimate seller will answer these questions directly. If a seller avoids answering or gives vague responses, move on.

If you buy in person, test the tablet before you hand over money. Power it on, swipe the screen, and open an app. If you buy online, use a payment method that protects you: PayPal Goods & Services, a credit card, or eBay's payment system. Avoid wire transfers or cash payments that cannot be reversed.

Check the seller's rating or reviews on the platform you are using. On eBay, look for sellers with at least 95% positive feedback and hundreds of sales. On Facebook Marketplace, read comments from other buyers. On Craigslist, ask the seller for references or meet in a public place during daylight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still read apps and books to a used Nook tablet?

Yes, you can read the Nook app and read e-books on any Nook tablet. However, the Nook app store no longer adds new apps, and some older apps may not work on older Nook tablets. The device will still read e-books, browse the web, and run basic functions, but you will not be able to read new apps the way you can on a current iPad or Android tablet.

What is the difference between a Nook tablet and a Nook e-reader?

A Nook tablet is a full tablet with a color screen, apps, and internet. A Nook e-reader is a black-and-white device designed only for reading books, similar to a Kindle. Barnes & Noble still sells the Nook e-reader new, but Nook tablets are discontinued. If you want to read books and use apps, a tablet is what you need.

Is it worth buying a used Nook tablet instead of a new budget tablet?

A used Nook tablet is cheaper upfront (usually $30 to $100), but a new Amazon Fire 7 ($60) or base iPad ($330) will last longer and receive updates. If your budget is very tight and you only want to read e-books, a used Nook tablet works. If you plan to use the tablet for several years, a new budget tablet is the better choice.

Where is the safest place to buy a used Nook tablet?

eBay is the safest option because it has buyer protection: if the tablet does not match the listing or does not work, you can return it for a refund. Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are cheaper but offer no protection if the seller misrepresents the device. Always test the tablet in person on Craigslist or use a payment method you can dispute on Facebook Marketplace.