Where to buy a Nook tablet right now

The Nook tablet line is no longer made by Barnes & Noble, so you cannot buy a new one directly from the company. Your options are used marketplaces, refurbished sellers, and older stock at third-party retailers. The most reliable sources are eBay, Amazon's used marketplace, and Decluttr, where you can see the device condition before purchase and return it if something is wrong.

If you want a tablet that works like a Nook — designed for reading with a large screen and long battery life — Barnes & Noble now sells the Nook app for iPad and Android tablets instead. You can also read Nook books on any tablet using the free Nook app, which syncs your library across devices.

Key Takeaways

  • New Nook tablets are not manufactured anymore, so you will need to buy used or refurbished models from marketplaces like eBay, Amazon, or Decluttr.
  • Check the device condition rating and return policy before buying used, since you cannot go back to Barnes & Noble for a refund.
  • Older Nook models (Nook Tablet, Nook HD, Nook HD+) are still functional for reading and light use, but software updates have stopped.
  • If you want a new tablet for reading Nook books, you can use the free Nook app on any iPad or Android device instead.

Used marketplaces where Nook tablets appear regularly

eBay has the widest selection of used Nook models at any given time. Sellers list devices by condition (like "good" or "acceptable"), and you can filter by price, storage size, and model year. Read the item description carefully — it will tell you whether the charger is included, if the screen has scratches, and whether the battery holds a charge. eBay's buyer protection means you can return the tablet within 30 days if it does not match the description.

Amazon's used and refurbished section carries Nook tablets less often than eBay, but when they are in stock, they come with Amazon's return may provide. The listing will show whether it is sold by Amazon Warehouse (their own refurbished stock) or a third-party seller. Amazon Warehouse items usually have a 90-day return window.

Decluttr buys and resells used electronics, including older Nook models. Their listings include photos of the actual device, a condition grade, and what is included in the box. Decluttr offers a 30-day return period and ships quickly.

What to check before buying a used Nook tablet

Battery health is the most important factor. A used Nook tablet from 2012 or 2013 may have a battery that no longer holds a charge for more than an hour or two. Ask the seller directly how long the battery lasts on a full charge, or look for that detail in the listing. If the listing does not mention battery life, assume it is degraded.

The screen should have no cracks or deep scratches. Minor scuffs on the back or edges are normal for used tablets. Check whether the charger and USB cable are included — replacement chargers for older Nook models can be hard to find and may cost $20 to $40.

Verify the storage size. Nook tablets came in 8 GB, 16 GB, and 32 GB versions. Larger storage is better if you plan to load many books or apps, though the Nook app can stream books without storing them locally. Also confirm the model — Nook Tablet, Nook HD, and Nook HD+ have different screen sizes and performance, and not all sellers are clear about which one they are selling.

Refurbished Nook tablets from certified sellers

Some electronics refurbishers buy old Nook stock, test it, replace worn parts like the battery, and resell it with a warranty. These are more expensive than private used sales but come with more protection. Look for sellers on eBay or Amazon who specifically state "refurbished" and offer a 90-day or longer warranty.

Gazelle and Back Market are two larger refurbished electronics platforms that sometimes carry Nook tablets. Both require sellers to meet quality standards and offer return periods. Prices are higher than used marketplaces, but the devices have been tested and the battery has usually been replaced.

Why Barnes & Noble stopped making Nook tablets

Barnes & Noble discontinued the Nook tablet line around 2015 as the iPad and Android tablets became cheaper and more powerful. The company shifted focus to the Nook app, which runs on any tablet and gives you access to the same Nook book library. This means you are not locked into a specific device anymore — you can read your Nook books on an iPad, a Samsung tablet, or an Amazon Fire tablet using the free app.

If you want a tablet optimized for reading, modern alternatives like the iPad (base model) or Samsung Galaxy Tab A are now more affordable and receive regular software updates. They also have access to the Nook app, so you keep your book library.

How to read Nook books without a Nook tablet

read the free Nook app from the Apple App Store (for iPad) or Google Play (for Android tablets). Sign in with your Barnes & Noble account, and your entire Nook library will appear. You can read books, adjust text size, and sync your reading progress across devices — if you read a chapter on your phone, the app remembers where you stopped when you open it on a tablet.

This approach is often better than hunting for an old Nook tablet, because you get a modern device with a faster processor, better screen, and years of software support ahead. The reading experience in the Nook app is nearly identical to the old tablets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Nook tablets still getting software updates?

No. Barnes & Noble stopped updating Nook tablets after discontinuing the line. Older models may have security vulnerabilities and cannot run the latest apps. If you buy a used Nook tablet, treat it as a device for reading books and light use only, not for browsing the web or handling sensitive information.

What is the difference between Nook Tablet, Nook HD, and Nook HD+?

The Nook Tablet (2012) has a 7-inch screen and 8 GB storage. The Nook HD (2013) has a 7-inch screen with higher resolution. The Nook HD+ (2013) has an 9-inch screen, better for reading magazines and comics. All three run the same Nook software, so the choice depends on screen size preference and how much storage you need.

Can I return a used Nook tablet to Barnes & Noble?

No. Barnes & Noble does not accept returns on used tablets bought from third-party sellers. Your return rights depend on where you bought it — eBay, Amazon, or Decluttr each have their own return policies. Always check the seller's return window before you buy.

Is it worth buying a used Nook tablet in 2024?

Only if you want a dedicated reading device and do not mind an older, unsupported tablet. For the same price or less, you can buy a new entry-level iPad or Android tablet, which will last longer and run current apps. If you already own a tablet, the free Nook app is a better choice than hunting for old hardware.

Where can I sell my old Nook tablet?

eBay, Decluttr, Gazelle, and Facebook Marketplace all accept used Nook tablets. Decluttr and Gazelle offer when ready quotes and handle shipping. eBay and Facebook Marketplace require you to list it yourself and arrange pickup or shipping. Prices vary widely depending on model, storage, and condition.