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How to Plant and Grow Paperwhites

For a simple indoor gardening project, plant pots of paperwhites to keep around the house. They also make beautiful holiday gifts.

Sharon is a writer and contributor at Better Homes & Gardens, where she writes, edits, and updates content on the website, refreshing recipes and articles about home design, holiday planning, gardening, and other topics. Before joining Better Homes & Gardens, Sharon began her career as a blogger, then became a freelance writer, focusing on home design and organization, midlife and empty nesting, and seniors and eldercare. Her work has been published on a range of websites, including Angi, Purple Clover, HuffPost, Grown and Flown, Seniors Matter, AARP’s the Girlfriend and the Ethel, and many other outlets.

Where to Plant Paperwhites

How and when to plant paperwhites, paperwhite care tips, temperature and humidity, pests and problems, types of paperwhites, frequently asked questions.

Paperwhites are winter-flowering perennial bulbs with varying degrees of fragrance, depending on the type. Paperwhites are loved for their pretty white blooms that last for about two weeks. After they've faded, snip off the flowers and enjoy the green leaves as a houseplant for a few more weeks.

Paperwhites are in the same family as daffodils, Narcissus. Paperwhites are closely identified with the winter holidays when they're used to add fresh flowers to indoor celebrations.

According to the ASPCA , paperwhites can be toxic to dogs and cats if ingested. Keep out of reach of your pets.

While paperwhites can be planted outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11 , most of the time, they're planted indoors in pots or vases. Paperwhites are most often grown without soil, and the bulbs are placed in a pile of rocks or small stones, where a little water is added to them and replenished only when needed.

Paperwhites grow in late fall to early winter when planted indoors. Plant between five to eight bulbs together. They look more impressive in large groups than if they're more sparsely planted. Pack paperwhite bulbs snugly into your selected pot. Each bulb will give you a multitude of small flowers.

You can grow paperwhites in either soil or water. To grow these bulbs in water, use decorative shallow dishes or trays at least 4 inches deep. Fill the containers with 2-3 inches of stones, pebbles, or glass beads. Nestle in the bulbs, pointy sides up, and add water just to touch the bottom of the dried roots, but not the bulb itself.

An ample container, a bit of water, and a spot with sunlight are the most important things these bulbs need to grow and blossom. You'll often see paperwhites supported with slim stakes, twine, or a metal ring around the foliage, due to their tendency to flop over.

Start by placing paperwhites that are settled in their containers in a cool, dry place. Once roots have grown, move them to a spot with bright but indirect sunlight.

Soil and Water

Watering paperwhites is easier to manage when you plant them in potting soil in a container with a drainage hole. Start with a few inches of soil, then tuck in the bulbs and add soil up to the top third of the bulbs. Water to keep the soil moist but not soggy . Stash your planted bulbs in a cool spot (55-65˚F) for a couple of weeks. They don't need light at this point, but once you see some green growth, move them into a warmer, well-lit location.

Paperwhite bulbs are very sensitive to water. When you grow paperwhites in water with rocks or stones, add only enough water to barely make contact with the bottom of the bulbs. The roots will reach down into the water, but if the bulb is sitting in water, it will rot.

Remember to check the water daily if you've planted them on stones and every other day if they're planted in soil.

Paperwhites that have started to grow need bright light, but the flowers will last longer if the plants stay around 65˚F. An ideal location could be a cool windowsill with indirect sunlight or a tabletop near a sunny window. Avoid a southern window with the sun streaming in all afternoon.

Paperwhites don't need fertilizer—just air, water and sunlight.

Because paperwhites bloom for only two weeks, there's no need to prune them.

Potting and Repotting Paperwhites

It's possible to replant paperwhites in soil to grow new flowers once their blooms have died, but it will take at least two to three years for new growth to occur.

When grown indoors, pests are not a problem for paperwhites. Mold and rot can develop if there's too much water in their pots or soil.

'Ziva' is a popular variety with bright white flowers, a strong fragrance, and fast growth.

Grand Soleil d'Or

Grand Soleil d'Or has an orange cup, yellow petals, and a bold fragrance.

Nir has short stems, a mild fragrance, and showy white flowers.

Once paperwhites bloom, their flowers can weigh heavily on their stems and make them flop over. Try keep your paperwhites upright by giving them a shot of hard liquor . Research confirms that paperwhites growing on pebbles have shorter, sturdier stems when watered with 80-proof liquor (which is 40% alcohol) mixed in.

Mix one part any hard liquor (vodka is cheapest) with seven parts water for a 5% alcohol solution. Start the bulbs with plain water, and after they sprout leaves and stems, replace the water with the alcohol mixture.

Paperwhites alone are a beautiful addition to any holiday decor, but if you want to dress up your plants, add some red holly berry branches, poinsettia flowers or add moss at the top of the stone or pebble base.

Because they bloom in December when nearly every other flower doesn't, paperwhites represent hope and optimism for the beauty when spring returns.

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A Complete Guide to Growing Paperwhite Flowers

From the best lighting conditions to alternative ways to grow them and more, two gardening experts share their advice.

Caroline is a freelance writer for Martha Stewart. She is a frequent contributor to The New York Times, Apartment Therapy, The Wirecutter, Architectural Digest, Refinery 29, and other publications. She covers design, lifestyle, interiors, real estate, and more.

If you aren't already growing paperwhites in your garden , then now's the time to get started. "Paperwhites are a showy perennial with bright white petals and blue-green leaves that give off a sweet, musky fragrance," says Valerie Ghitelman, VP of product development, design, and sourcing at 1-800-Flowers.com . "This hardy bulb blooms naturally outdoors in the spring but can be potted and grown indoors during the winter months."

Interested in learning more about how to grow and care for paperwhites, both indoors and out? We asked Ghitelman and professional gardening expert Melinda Myers to share their advice about planting and maintaining these fragrant flowers.

How to Grow Paperwhites from Bulbs Outdoors

A member of the daffodil family , Myers says that paperwhites are grown from bulbs rather than from seeds. To grow paperwhite flowers in an outdoor garden, Myers recommends planting the bulbs in fall for a spring bloom. "Plant bulbs six inches deep in a sunny location with well-drained soil," she advises. Additionally, Ghitelman suggests planting paperwhites in clusters of three to five bulbs, spaced about four inches apart in the garden bed. "This way, they will grow in groups and create maximum impact with their bright white hue when in bloom," she explains.

How to Grow Paperwhites from Bulbs Indoors

When growing paperwhites indoors, Myers says bulbs can be planted and grown container-style in stones or soil. "To grow in stones, fill a shallow watertight container with two inches of sterile pea gravel, pebbles or marbles," she advises. " Place five or more bulbs, pointed end up, close together on the gravel, and secure the bulbs in place by covering the bottom half of the bulbs with more pebbles." To grow paperwhites in soil, Myers says to use a shallow container with drainage holes . "Cover the bottom of the pot with several inches of a quality potting mix," she says. "Set the bulbs close together on top of the potting mix (pointed end up) and add enough soil so just the top one third of the bulb is exposed."

How to grow paperwhites from seedpods.

While it is possible to grow paperwhites from seeds, Ghitelman says it will require propagating an already established plant —and a lot of patience. "You will have to wait until the blooms of an established plant have expired and its swollen, greenish-brown seedpods have appeared," she explains. "Move the seedpods to a plastic bag surrounded by a damp paper towels and use fluorescent lights to help them germinate. Over time, the seeds will transform into small bulblets which can be potted to help mature into fully formed bulbs, but this could take anywhere from three to five years."

Divide the Bulbs of Established Paperwhites to Grow New Ones

In addition to using the seedpods of an established plant to grow fresh paperwhites, Ghitelman says you can divide up the bulbs of an established plant to grow new ones. "A fun fact about paperwhites is that they naturalize outdoors, meaning their bulbs multiply underneath the soil ," she explains. "Every three years in the fall, it is recommended to dig up the bulbs, split them up and plant them so they may produce new paperwhite blooms in the spring."

How to Care for Paperwhites

When it comes to caring for your paperwhites, Ghitelman says it mostly comes down to watering them correctly . "Check the bulbs frequently and water thoroughly when the soil is dry one inch below the surface, but not more than once a week until the plant begins active growth," she advises. Ghitelman adds that it's also important to keep paperwhites out of direct sunlight until their bulbs have rooted when growing them indoors. "This usually takes about three weeks and can be checked by tugging gently on the bulbs, and if met with any resistance, then it is a good indicator that they have begun to produce roots," she explains. "Once this happens, the container can be moved to a sunny window."

Related Articles

What is the Kindle Paperwhite? Everything you need to know about Amazon's mid-level waterproof ereader

• The Kindle Paperwhite is the mid-level product in Amazon's family of ebook readers. It's notable for its high-resolution screen and waterproof design. 
• The Paperwhite is priced starting at $130 for the 8 GB model and has enough features to satisfy most ebook readers. 
• Here is everything you need to know about the Kindle Paperwhite and how it compares to other Kindle models.

Amazon's Kindle family of ebook readers remain popular despite the fact that you can read digital books on general-purpose tablets like the iPad. That's due in large part to the Kindle's paper-like E Ink display, which is easier on the eyes in a lot of reading situations because it is specifically designed for that purpose. The Kindle Paperwhite is Amazon's middle child, falling between the basic Amazon Kindle and the premium Kindle Oasis. As such, it's a popular choice for many ebook buyers. Here's what you need to know about the Kindle Paperwhite.

What is the Kindle Paperwhite?

The Kindle Paperwhite is an ebook reader with a sharp E Ink Carta 300-ppi 6-inch display that is glare-free with built-in light. Its IPX8 water-resistance rating means that you can feel free to use it in places where it might get wet, like the beach, pool, and even in a bathtub. According to Amazon, the Paperwhite can withstand being fully immersed in two meters of freshwater for up to 60 minutes, making it ideal for tropical vacations and downtime in the sun. 

The battery lasts a long time – about 28 hours of use between charges, which Amazon estimates is about six weeks of 30 minutes of reading per day. Otherwise, battery life largely depends on individual use and the measures one takes to preserve it. 

The Paperwhite is thin and light (just over 8 mm thick and about 6.4 ounces). The screen is flush with the bezel, so there is no recessed indent that can trap dirt or sand, and the back of the reader has a soft, almost rubbery finish that's easier to grip. 

Kindle Paperwhite cost

The Paperwhite comes in two versions: an 8GB model which sells for $130 and a 32GB model for $160. Both are available in four colors, and you can also opt for an ad-free version for $20 more. 

How the Kindle Paperwhite compares to other Kindle models

While each model has distinctive features, all three main models – the Kindle, Kindle Paperwhite and Kindle Oasis – are more common than they are different. The underlying E Ink screen is the same for all three Kindles, but the basic Kindle has a modest 167 ppi resolution screen, though it can be hard to see the difference most of the time. Here are the main differences:

Display . The Kindle has a 6-inch 167 ppi display, while the Kindle Paperwhite has a 6-inch 300 ppi screen. The Kindle Oasis has the same 300 ppi screen in a slightly larger 7-inch format. The Kindle has an indented screen, while it's flush on the Paperwhite and Oasis – which probably contributes to those two more premium models being waterproof. The basic Kindle has four LED lights, while the Paperwhite has five, but neither compare to the 25 LED lights the Oasis has, which contributes to the screen glowing more evenly. 

Battery life . You should expect the base Kindle to run for about 4 weeks of regular reading on a single charge. The Paperwhite and Oasis both have an upgraded battery that should last for about 6 weeks. 

Storage . The Kindle has 8GB of storage while both the Paperwhite and Oasis are available with your choice of 8GB or 32GB.

Other features . While the internal specs of an ebook reader are not usually very important, the Kindle Oasis has a faster processor than the Paperwhite, which makes page turns and other features, like opening the menu, a little snappier. The Oasis also has a few additional "premium" features, like sensors that automatically adjust the backlight and an adjustable warm light, as well as buttons in the extended bezel to turn pages so you don't need to swipe the screen.

Price . The Kindle is the most affordable model, priced at $90 (or $110 without ads). The Oasis is substantially more expensive — $250 for the 8GB version or $280 for 32GB (and add $20 to each for no ads). That makes the Kindle Paperwhite a good in-between choice for users looking for a waterproof, high resolution ebook reader, priced at the aforementioned $130 for the 8GB model.

Related coverage from  Tech Reference :

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Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite: Which One Should You Buy?

We tested both e-readers to find the better buy.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

While nothing can top the smell and feel of paper books or the experience of flipping pages, there's no denying that e-readers have a few advantages.

First of all, these compact devices are super portable and compact so you can squeeze them into small backpacks (and even purses). They also tend to be significantly lighter than most physical books. With an e-reader, gone are the days of carrying around bulky hardcovers! Lastly, most e-readers like the Amazon Kindle connect to Wi-Fi so you'll have access to thousands of titles via the Kindle Store. With just one press of a button, you can purchase your next read no matter where you are and skip a trip to the bookstore or library.

Here, we break down some of the key differences between two of Amazon's most popular Kindles, the Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite, to help you decide which one is worth it for you.

What’s the difference between a Kindle and a Kindle Paperwhite?

The Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite share a lot in common: Both of these e-readers are built with glare-free screens that use E Ink, which gives the screen a paper-like appearance. Thanks to this technology, you can read books on the beach or by the pool without feeling blinded by the sun like you might if you were using an LCD tablet.

Other similarities aside, the major difference you'll notice between these two e-readers is their size. While they look almost identical at first glance in terms of design and configuration, the Kindle is notably smaller than the Paperwhite. Amazon sums up their differences perfectly, describing the Kindle as the "lightest and most compact Kindle," while the Kindle Paperwhite features a "larger screen and waterproof reading."

Amazon Kindle

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite: Price

The Amazon Kindle costs $100, which is about $50 cheaper than a Paperwhite with the same storage space, or 16GB.

To save some money on the $150 Paperwhite you could opt for less storage (8GB) and save $10, but this won't be worth it for most consumers. Another factor to consider when making your purchase: If you want a Kindle without lockscreen ads, it'll cost you.

For an ad-free model, the Paperwhite (16GB) price jumps up to $170 while the Kindle increases to $120. Personally, I think you can probably survive with the ads, but I do appreciate having the option to get rid of them.

Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite: Size, weight and design

Similar in design and appearance, both Kindles feature a slim border around their screen as well as one button at the bottom to wake up the device or turn it off entirely. It's worth noting, however, that the Kindle is much smaller than the Kindle Paperwhite. When I held both models in one hand, the Kindle felt easier to grasp and turn pages single-handedly. It's so small that it might even fit into some back pockets.

When it comes to weight, both models are under half a pound. Though the Kindle is technically lighter than the Paperwhite, most readers won't notice a flagrant difference.

Lastly, each Kindle is sold in black and denim (a blue shade), but the Paperwhite offers one additional color: Agave green, which is similar to a pale mint green. For those who love green as much as I do, this could be enough to sway a decision.

Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite: Display

Because the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite aren't the same size, the display isn't either. The Kindle has a 6-inch screen while the Paperwhite has a larger 6.8-inch display. I prefer the Paperwhite's larger screen that squeezes more text onto a page, but I can see the allure of a smaller overall device.

Both displays have the same 300 pixels per inch resolution so there are no dealbreakers there, but the Paperwhite is technically a bit brighter thanks to 17 LEDs (versus the Kindle's 4 LEDs) built-in. When comparing the two in a dark bathroom with no light, I didn't notice a difference, but the Kindle's screen has a bluer undertone. Ultimately, I found that the Paperwhite display looked more natural.

Another reason why I'd opt for the Paperwhite over the Kindle is that you can not only adjust the screen's brightness but also its warmth. For anyone who wants to replicate the look of actual book pages that feature a warmer tone, this is the only way to do it. It's also a handy feature when reading in low-light settings so you can adjust to your liking and what feels best on your eyes.

But it's important to note that both the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite light up so you can read in the dark (or if you have occasional insomnia like me, in the middle of the night). This is especially handy when you want to read but don't want to turn on the lights or wake up a partner.

Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite: Battery life and performance

I've used the Paperwhite for years, and it feels like I never have to charge it. According to Amazon, the battery life can last up to 10 weeks. On the other hand, the Kindle's battery life is a bit shorter and will get you up to 6 weeks. That's still an exceptionally long battery life, but if you hate having to recharge devices you may want to opt for the Paperwhite.

When setting up both Kindles, their performance felt equal. While browsing the Kindle Store is certainly not as speedy as it would be on a more powerful tablet, both e-readers connected to Wi-Fi, flipped pages and ran updates at roughly the same speed.

Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite: Durability and waterproofing

You can expect the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite to gather some scratches and dents over time if you don't use them with a case. But when it comes to waterproofing, only the Kindle Paperwhite has an IP rating similar to shower speakers , which means that it has been tested to withstand two meters of fresh water immersion for up to an hour. As someone who loves to take frequent baths and has even been caught using a Kindle in the hot tub or pool, this IP rating is enough reason for me to pay the extra price for the Paperwhite. I've dropped my Paperwhite in hot water before, and it's still alive and well today.

Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite: Storage

The Kindle comes with 16GB of storage, while the Paperwhite gives you the choice between 8 or 16GB for a difference of $10. While most readers won't need 16GB, if you have avid readers in your Amazon household the upcharge could be worth it. Expert tip: You can share content via Family Library .

Bottom line: Is the Kindle Paperwhite worth the extra cost?

There are several reasons why I'd choose the Kindle Paperwhite over the Kindle, and most of them come down to personal preference.

First, I love being able to adjust my display's warmth. Though it's certainly not a must-have, it's a feature that I appreciate fiddling with. More importantly, the Paperwhite is waterproof while the Kindle isn't. As someone who is notoriously clumsy and likes to read while taking a bath or soaking in a hot tub, this is essential for the survival of my devices. Lastly, I prefer the Paperwhite's slightly larger display.

Nevertheless, I can see the advantages of having a smaller, more compact e-reader at a lower price point, especially for readers who prefer petite devices. I'll admit that it's easier to hold in one hand and it will take up even less space in a purse or tote bag , but for some, it might just be too small.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

GH Institute analyst and writer Olivia Lipski covers consumer electronics, home, travel, fitness and more for GH, including travel gear , noise-cancelling headphones and computer monitors . Not only does she help readers make better buying decisions by testing and reviewing the latest gadgets to hit the market, but she brings years of product review experience to her role. As someone who has lived abroad, frequently travels and commutes on the NYC subway multiple times a week, she's come to appreciate the convenience of Kindles and their lightweight, compact design.

Olivia (she/her) is a media and tech product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute , covering tech, home, auto, health and more. She has more than five years of experience writing about tech trends and innovation and, prior to joining GH in 2021, was a writer for Android Central, Lifewire and other media outlets. Olivia is a graduate of George Washington University, with a bachelor's degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master’s degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.

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How To Grow And Care For Paperwhites

Learn how to plant, care for, and force the bulbs of your paperwhites. They're great gifts for the holidays or all year long.

Paperwhite Care

Types of paperwhites, propagating paperwhites, planting bulbs outside in fall.

• How to Force Paperwhites
• Common Pests & Plant Diseases

How To Get Paperwhites to Bloom

Common problems with paperwhites.

Ralph Anderson

Around the holidays, staying busy is a given. Luckily, adding paperwhites ( Narcissus tazetta ) to a table or your yard is surprisingly simple. The bulbs of these fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers can be forced indoors without chilling or planted outdoors in frost-free areas, sprouting and producing pretty white blooms in just four weeks.

"Paperwhites are some of the easiest flowers to grow, but they aren't all the same," says Brent Heath, a third-generation Southern bulb farmer. He and his wife, Becky, own Brent and Becky's Bulbs in Gloucester, Virginia. "Newer selections have lighter scents, larger blooms, and sturdier stalks," Brent explains, "and some even have pale yellow blooms versus the classic white flowers."

Paperwhites will remain beautiful throughout the holidays and beyond, making them great gifts for friends and family (and, of course, schoolteachers). Try some of the newer selections and experiment a little to find your favorites, using our guide to growing these beautiful flowers. All parts of the plant are toxic to pets and to people, but the bulbs are especially so. Keep bulbs and plants out of reach.

Paperwhites like sun, well-drained soil, and mild temperatures. Indoors, you may need to stake your paperwhites at some point. Brent says these flowers can get leggy with insufficient light. You can also enjoy forced paperwhites outdoors—as long as temperatures will stay above freezing.

Paperwhites require adequate light in order to bloom. Outdoors, plant in a sunny spot with some protection from the mid-day sun. Indoors, place them in or near a sunny window. Paperwhites don't like to overheat, so don't place them in a south-facing window where the afternoon sun streams in for hours. Rotate containers to keep the plants from leaning toward the light.

Paperwhites don't require soil to grow, which is why you can force them indoors in a glass bowl or vase on a bed of gravel, marbles, or polished glass. You can also plant them in a pot indoors or out. If you do use soil, good drainage is key. Use a lightweight potting mix with excellent drainage. If you plant in the ground, loamy soil or sandy loam is best. Clay soil must be amended to improve drainage. The bulbs can rot from growing in soggy, cold soil, which is why many Southern gardeners treat them as annuals.

Because paperwhite bulbs are sensitive to rotting, be careful not to overwater. The water level should be just beneath the bottom of the bulb if you are growing your plants in a glass bowl or vase. The roots will reach down into the water. If you are growing your paperwhites in soil, water just enough so that the soil is lightly moist. If you planted paperwhites in the ground, only water when the plants are actively growing. The bulbs prefer to be drier while dormant.

Temperature And Humidity

Paperwhites can be grown any time of year as long as they aren't subject to frost. The plants will be more compact and flowers will last longer when kept slightly below room temperature at around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Bulbs can sprout at lower temperatures of 45 or 50 degrees.

Outdoor containers can be brought inside when a freeze is expected. When planted outdoors in the ground, bulbs are more likely to become perennial in frost-free or almost frost-free areas like the Coastal South . Some varieties may be more cold-hardy, so check the bulb or plant label.

Fertilizer isn't required when growing bulbs for one season; the bulbs contain all the nutrients the plant needs. You can fertilize paperwhites planted in the ground. Use a bulb-boosting fertilizer at the time of planting and in subsequent years when the plants begin to sprout. Fertilizer may be provided a third time once paperwhites begin to die back if your plants bloomed poorly.

An early bloomer, 'Ziva' is the most readily available pure white selection used in prepackaged boxes. Some paperwhite selections, such as 'Inbal' and 'Ariel,' don't perform well in water and will force best in soil.

Other paperwhite varieties deviate from the usual pure white flowers. 'Cragford' and 'Falconet' both have dark orange trumpets, but the latter also has yellow outer petals. 'Grand Soleil d'Or' has the typical golden yellow coloring of its daffodil relatives , but with the pleasant scent of a paperwhite. 'Avalanche' is an unusually cold-hardy paperwhite that can be planted outdoors throughout the South. The blooms are white with a buttery-yellow trumpet.

Dividing narcissus bulbs is a practice commonly used to rejuvenate overcrowded clumps that stop blooming or flower poorly. You can also use this method to spread an expanding collection of paperwhites around your garden. Wait until the foliage has mostly turned brown and died back. Using a shovel or spade, gently dig a circle a few inches wider than your clump. Dispose of any damaged or sickly-looking bulbs. Divide your bulbs and replant 4-6 inches apart in deep, loose, well-drained soil at the same depth. Plant in groups of five or more for the most impact.

For a seasonal display, place the bulbs, with the tips exposed above the soil line, in tightly packed clusters of three to five in window boxes or large containers near doorways and garden entries to welcome guests. Plant them about four weeks before you want flowers to appear (you can stagger planting over the weeks to lengthen the bloom period). Add a little holly and a few berries for more color. Should the mercury threaten to dip, just bring your container inside until the temperature warms back up.

If you live in the Lower or Coastal South, paperwhites can be planted in the ground for spring flowers. This Mediterranean native performs best as a perennial in areas with hot, dry summers; many varieties are more likely to return in Zone 9 gardens. Don't use bulbs that have been forced in water, as they may not bloom again. Follow these steps for planting paperwhites in the ground in the fall:

• Prepare the garden bed, adding peat or compost to improve drainage if you have heavy soil. Loosen soil to a few inches deeper than the depth at which you will plant your bulbs. Mix in bulb-boosting fertilizer if desired, following package directions.
• Plant bulbs at a depth that is about three times the size of the bulb, usually about 6 inches deep, with the tip of the bulb facing up. Space bulbs 4 to 6 inches apart.
• Fill in holes with soil, water, and lightly mulch.

How To Force Paperwhites

With proper planning, you can force paperwhites to bloom right around Christmas . Choose one of these methods and start your bulbs in November four to six weeks ahead. Flowers will bloom for as long as two weeks.

This is the best and easiest way to force. Start with a small pot. Fill with a coarse potting soil mix. Add bulbs. Plant bulbs so that the pointed tip is right side up and about 1/4 of the bulb is exposed. Water well and let drain. Place pots in a cool room (around 55 to 60 degrees) for seven to 10 days to stimulate roots. Then move to a warm spot (around 70 degrees) with bright light to encourage foliage and flowers. As leaves emerge, rotate your pot every few days to keep stalks straight. As buds swell and open, move the pot to a cooler spot out of direct light to extend the life of the flowers. Keep soil slightly moist.

This is also easy. Purchase fine gravel from your local pet store. Natural stone colors work well and will complement the brown, papery skin of the bulbs. Gently add gravel to a shallow, clear dish or wide-mouthed canning jar. Place bulbs, and then add a little more gravel, if needed. Remember to keep at least one-third of each bulb above gravel level. Add water until it is just below the base of the bulbs. (Always keep water at that level so that the roots, not the bulb, stay wet.) From there, follow the same directions you'd use for planting in soil.

This can sometimes be tricky, but watching the roots grow is almost as much fun as watching the flowers open. Forcing vases fit well on windowsills and in other small spaces. A tall, slender one will help support the stalks as they grow. A single vase with one bulb can be eye-catching, but use multiple vases for a bigger show. Place a bulb in the vase, and add water until it just reaches the bottom of the bulb.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

As mentioned above, paperwhites are susceptible to rot from too much moisture. Throw out mushy bulbs and improve drainage or reduce watering for your healthy bulbs.

Paperwhites are fairly pest-resistant. Deer and rabbits don't bother them. The larvae of the narcissus bulb fly can infest bulbs grown outdoors, causing them to rot or send up scrawny growth. If you suspect an infestation, pull up bulbs after foliage has died back and dispose of any that are infested. Spray the base of plants with an insecticide each spring when the foliage is dying back to break the life cycle of the pest. Nematodes can also attack the bulb and stems, causing yellow patches on leaves, stunted foliage, and rot on the bulb. Throw out infected bulbs as the nematodes can spread to other plants in your garden.

Paperwhites require no special care to bloom as long as they have bright light and aren't subjected to a freeze . Adequate moisture is also necessary for the plant to bloom—water consistently so that the soil is lightly moist or so that the roots have access in their bowl or vase.

A more common complaint is that paperwhites don't bloom in their second year. Bulbs that have been forced indoors often haven't stored enough energy to bloom again. If you choose to plant your holiday bulbs outdoors in hopes the flowers will return, expect it to take two or three years for your paperwhites to bloom again.

On the other hand, if you started your bulbs in the garden and don't see blooms, other issues could be to blame , like a lack of sunlight, overcrowding, or pests. Dig up bulbs after the foliage has died back to see if they have been attacked by pests or rot. Divide and replant in a sunnier location if needed.

When forced indoors, a paperwhite's leaves can grow lanky and fall over. Unfortunately, the flowers flop right over with the plant. Not to worry—we've got a few solutions to this common problem.

Tall, Floppy Plant

Here are some approaches to preventing or dealing with extra floppy paperwhites:

• When the bulb first sprouts, begin to water the plant with a mild alcohol solution. The spiked water will cause the plant to grow more compactly and support its flowers. Mix 1 part of 40-proof hard alcohol with 7 parts water. Don't use beer or wine, which are too sugary for this purpose.
• Keep the plant at a cooler temperature of around 60 degrees for less lanky growth. Provide maximum sunlight in a cool spot.
• Stake leggy plants with bamboo or cut branches from your garden. American sweet gum ( Liquidambar styraciflua ) creates a rustic look, and redtwig dogwood ( Cornus sericea ) offers bold, Christmas-red stems. Use willow twigs after New Year's, as the yellow-green stems help warm up the winter months.

You can also tie the foliage up with a ribbon to give it more support. It's an especially festive touch around the holidays.

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Narcissus . ASPCA Pet Care.

Related Articles

How to Grow and Care for Paperwhite Flower

Ali Majdfar / Getty Images

• Propagation
• Pests & Plant Diseases
• Common Problems

Paperwhites ( Narcissus papyraceus ) are flowering bulbs known for their fragrant clusters of tiny white, yellow, or orange flowers. The narcissus genus also includes daffodils and jonquils. You can force paperwhites to bloom indoors in the winter anywhere, or plant bulbs outdoors in fall to grow as a spring perennial in certain regions. Forced bulbs planted in pots or in water-filled vases are a traditional holiday gift plant . Here's how to grow paperwhite flowers in your home or garden.

Paperwhite Flower Care

• Give paperwhites direct light before they bloom, then move them to a spot with indirect light.
• Plant paperwhite bulbs in a well-drained potting mix or grow them in water using pebbles or gravel.
• Water potted paperwhites when the top inch of soil has dried out.
• Skip fertilizing if forcing paperwhite bulbs indoors.

For forced paperwhites in winter, start with bulbs in a place with bright, direct sunlight, such as a south-facing window. When plants begin to bloom, move them to a cool place with indirect light. This will help extend the bloom period. Paperwhite bulbs planted outdoors in warm regions can grow well in full sun or part shade.

You can force paperwhite bulbs by planting them in a typical plant pot with drainage holes using a standard houseplant potting mix. Leave the top of the bulbs above the soil line. You can also force bulbs by placing them in a glass vase or dish filled with one to two inches of clean pebbles or gravel. Place bulbs on top of the stones, then add more stones over and around the bulbs to hold them in place with the tops still visible. Add water just to the base of the bulbs so the roots are submerged.

Water potted indoor paperwhites when the top inch or so of soil has dried out. If forcing paperwhite flowers in water, add water as needed to maintain the water level at the base of the bulbs.

Temperature and Humidity

Once paperwhites flower, cooler temperatures will help preserve blooms. Move plants to the coolest place in your home with indirect light after flowers appear. Paperwhite bulbs don't require a chilling period the way some other bulbs do. However, these Mediterranean native plants require hot, dry summers to bloom repeatedly as outdoor perennials. Gardeners in states like California, New Mexico, and Texas tend to have the most success with planting paperwhite bulbs outdoors for this reason.

There's no need to fertilize forced paperwhite bulbs, since this growing process is designed to be used for only one bloom period. For bulbs planted outdoors in appropriate regions, while it is possible to plant forced paperwhite bulbs outdoors after they flower, it may take plants a few years to replenish their energy stores enough to flower again.

Types of Paperwhites

• 'Ziva': This popular variety is valued for its prolific, pure-white flowers and musky aroma.
• 'Ariel': A more compact paperwhite, 'Ariel' is known for its early blooms.
• 'Chinese Sacred Lily': This cultivar native to China has flowers with buttery-yellow cups against white petals and a citrusy scent.
• 'Grand Soleil d'Or': Though you'll wait longer for blooms, this fragrant variety pops with cheery yellow petals centered around orange cups.
• 'Nir': An early-blooming, all-white cultivar with even more flowers per stem than 'Ziva'.

Propagating Paperwhites

Paperwhite bulbs are typically purchased new each year for indoor forcing, though they may be able to grow as outdoor perennials in certain warm regions. While it's possible to collect paperwhite seeds after the plants flower, plants germinated from seed can take anywhere from three to five years to mature.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases 

Paperwhites aren't known for having pest or disease issues, aside from basal rot, which is caused by a fungus found in soil. Outdoor plants are resistant to deer and rabbits.

How to Get Paperwhites to Bloom

Paperwhites will bloom more quickly the longer they're stored. Unlike hyacinths , paperwhites don't require a chilling period to bloom, so there's no need to refrigerate the bulbs before planting. Expect to wait several weeks longer for blooms if you plant bulbs in November than if you plant them in January. Bulbs require a growing medium, such as a potting mix or small stones, bright light, and water to germinate. Brightly lit conditions will support faster blooming.

Bloom Months

Paperwhites bloom in winter and spring, depending on when they are planted. Bulbs are often planted in November for December blooms. Depending on the variety, the time of year, and growing conditions, paperwhites can bloom in around four to six weeks, though some varieties take longer.

How Long Do Paperwhite Flowers Bloom?

Once blooms appear, you can expect them to remain for two to three weeks. Move flowers to the coolest part of your house out of direct sunlight to extend bloom time. Warm temperatures and too much sun can cause healthy flowers to deteriorate more quickly.

What Do Paperwhite Flowers Look and Smell Like?

Paperwhite flowers resemble small daffodils that grow in clusters of anywhere from a few to as many as 20 blooms per stem, with two to three stems per bulb. Flowers may be pure white, white with yellow cups, all yellow, or yellow with orange cups. All paperwhites are prized for their pleasant scent, but yellow-flowered varieties have a reputation for stronger fragrance.

Deadheading Paperwhite Flowers

There's no need to deadhead forced paperwhites, but if the flowers on some stalks begin to fade before others, you can cut them back at the base of the plant to keep it looking tidy. Spent flowers on outdoor paperwhites can be removed for the same reason.

Common Problems With Paperwhite

Plants falling over.

Certain growing conditions can cause paperwhites to grow so tall that they flop over. Too much warmth or too little light is typically the reason. Another way to prevent this is by pickling your paperwhites to stunt their growth by replacing four to six percent of the water you give them with hard alcohol like vodka or gin. Plants will grow shorter, but their flowers will be unaffected.

Flowers Not Blooming in Second Year

Forced paperwhite bulbs are typically discarded after they bloom , since paperwhites can only grow as perennials in limited regions of the United States, and indoor conditions don't typically allow plants to store up enough energy to rebloom anyway. You can try planting forced paperwhite bulbs outdoors after the flowers are spent and see if they'll establish in the ground after a few years, but don't count on second-year blooms in regions outside of the American Southwest.

Abnormal Flowers

Basal rot, a disease that affects the roots before spreading to the rest of the plant, can stunt paperwhite growth and cause flowers to grow abnormally. To prevent this, inspect paperwhite bulbs before planting. Only plant firm, healthy-looking bulbs to help prevent basal rot.

Forced paperwhites grown indoors will bloom only once before bulbs should be discarded. Paperwhites planted outdoors in the fall in frost-free climates will bloom once, in late winter. Only in hot, dry regions in these growing zones will paperwhites bloom more than once.

You can cut back spent paperwhite flowers to the base of the plant to keep it looking attractive during blooming, but it won't affect the plant's ability to rebloom or encourage more blooms.

Forced paperwhite bulbs should be discarded after the last of their flowers are spent. Except in warm regions with hot, dry summers, they will not rebloom when planted outside in the garden.

Narcissus . NC State Extension.

Home Forcing of Potted Paperwhite (Narcissus). NC State Extension.

Reblooming paperwhite narcissus. New Mexico State University.

Paperwhite Narcissus. University of Florida Gardening Solutions.

Pickling your paperwhites. Cornell University Flower Bulb Research Program.

Can paperwhite narcissus bulbs be saved after they have been forced indoors? Iowa State University Extension.

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A Guide to Growing Paperwhite Flowers

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'Ziva' paperwhite. Photo by: Red-Diamond / Shutterstock

If you long for spring daffodils during the bleak days of winter, paperwhites are a close relative that you can force indoors at almost any time of year to make it feel like spring even on a snowy day. Like amaryllis bulbs, paperwhites require no chilling period before forcing. Simply put them in soil or a bowl filled with water, and within a few weeks you will be enjoying their dainty, daffodil-like blooms. If you live in a warm southern climate, you can also plant paperwhites outdoors in the garden, where they will bloom in early spring.

On this page: Basics | Forcing Indoors | Growing Outdoors | Care | Bulb Buying Tips

On this page:

FORCING PAPERWHITES INDOORS

Growing paperwhites outdoors.

• PAPERWHITES CARE

PAPERWHITE BULB BUYING TIPS

Botanical name:.

Narcissus papyraceus

Plant type & origin:

Perennial bulb, native to the Mediterranean.

Bloom time:

Typically 4 to 8 weeks after planting indoors. February to March when planted outdoors.

12 to 18 inches

Flower colors:

Usually pure white flowers, but you’ll also find cultivars with yellow, orange, and bi-colored blooms.

Bloom size:

2 to 3 inches across

Special features:

Fragrant, fast growing, disease and pest resistant

Precautions:

All parts of the plant can be toxic if ingested, especially the bulb. If growing indoors, keep away from children and pets.

Photo by: EQRoy / Shutterstock

You can plant your paperwhites in potting soil or in shallow containers of water with some pebbles or decorative stones added to keep them in place. Note that some paperwhite varieties will force better in soil than in water alone, so be sure to read the guidelines on the bulb package before planting.

Growing paperwhites in soil:

Find a shallow pot (about 4 to 5 inches deep) with holes in the bottom for drainage. Fill until about three-quarters full with an indoor potting mix and plant the bulbs with the pointed ends facing up, allowing the tips to peek above the soil. Water well, allowing the water to drain through the holes.

Growing paperwhites in water and pebbles:

For this method, use a container without drainage holes so it can hold water. Fill it about halfway with your choice of pebbles, marbles, decorative stones, or glass beads and set the bulbs on top. Pack more pebbles around the bulbs to hold them in place, leaving the pointed tips exposed, and then add water to a level no higher than the base of the bulbs. Add more water as needed to maintain this level as the plants take root and grow.

Container options:

There’s no need to buy a special container for growing paperwhites because a simple decorative saucer or bowl will work fine and provide enough growing room for the roots. You can also grow paperwhites in a tall glass vase, which will help keep your plants upright as they grow and allow you to watch the bulbs take root.

Just be sure to choose a container large enough to accommodate the number of bulbs you plan to plant. For a fuller display, plant multiple bulbs in one container, spacing them no more than an inch apart.

Photo by: photoPOU / Shutterstock

In warm climates (zones 8 to 11), paperwhites are a great alternative to daffodils , jonquils, and other members of the Narcissus genus that require a period of cold weather in order to bloom outdoors.

Plant the bulbs anytime in the fall or early winter for blooms the following spring. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil, and plant the bulbs in holes about 6 inches deep, spacing them several inches apart. For maximum impact, plant in groups of 10 or more.

Get more tips for planting bulbs in the garden .

PAPERWHITE CARE

If your paperwhites are planted in a container with stones or pebbles, keep the water level just under the bulb base. If they are planted in soil, water only when the soil is dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, which can cause the bulbs to rot and prevent blooming.

Light/temperature:

To extend the bloom time of your paperwhites, keep them in a cool location (about 65 degrees F) and away from direct sunlight. Too much light will cause the flowers to wither faster and too little may cause the stems to get leggy. A spot with bright, indirect light is best.

Provide support:

Indoors, you may need to prop up your paperwhites with small stakes or encircle them with ribbon, twine, or a support ring to prevent the slender stems from collapsing under the weight of the flowers.

Stunting paperwhite growth:

Another solution to keep them from flopping is to stunt the growth of your plants so they don’t get tall and lanky by “pickling” them in gin or another distilled spirit, according to research from Cornell University. Spiking the growing water with alcohol will reduce the height of the stems by as much as 50% without affecting the size of the flowers. Learn how its done .

After they bloom:

Paperwhite blooms usually last about two to three weeks after they open. Once all the flowers have faded, the foliage will still be worthy of display for a few more weeks. Although it’s possible to get your bulbs to bloom again indoors, it’s usually not worth the fuss and most people find it easier to discard or compost the bulbs and buy new ones.

Outdoors in the garden, treat paperwhites as you would daffodils. Cut off the spent flowers but leave the foliage in place until it begins to turn yellow and you can pull it out by hand.

Photo by: Arina P Habich / Shutterstock

A few things to keep in mind when shopping for paperwhites:

• Buy the largest paperwhite bulbs you can find, because the bigger the bulb, the more flower stalks and blooms it will produce. Look for bulbs with a circumference of at least 17 centimeters (usually labeled as 17+ cm).
• If you are purchasing bulbs from a local garden center, make sure the bulbs are firm, like an onion, and free of soft spots and discoloration. Avoid any that feel squishy or have dark mold spots on the surface, which could be signs of rot.
• Paperwhites are the most fragrant members of the daffodil family, but some varieties (such as ‘Ziva’) have a strong, musky scent that some people find overpowering. If you prefer a lighter scent, try cultivars with just a hint of fragrance, such as ‘Inbal’ or ‘Wintersun’.
• For the best selection, shop for your paperwhite bulbs at garden centers or online beginning in late September, when the supply is most plentiful. By midwinter, the bulbs will be harder to come by. If you want blooms all winter, buy enough bulbs so you can plant them at intervals and stagger the bloom times.
• After buying your bulbs, store them in a cool place (about 55 to 60 degrees F) to preserve their quality until you plant them. Paperwhite bulbs have a short shelf life, so try to get them in pots within two to three months.

RELATED: Top 20 Spring-Blooming Bulbs Forcing Indoor Bulbs

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Amazon Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite: don’t buy the wrong e-reader

The Amazon Kindle is probably the first name that comes to mind when you think of the best e-readers , but what you may not realize is that the Kindle name represents an entire lineup of devices, from the humble Kindle (2022) that defines the brand to the all-new Kindle Scribe released last fall.

Amazon Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite: specs

Amazon kindle vs. kindle paperwhite: design and durability, amazon kindle vs. kindle paperwhite: performance, battery life, and charging, amazon kindle vs. kindle paperwhite: display, amazon kindle vs. kindle paperwhite: software and special features, amazon kindle vs. kindle paperwhite: price, overall winner: kindle paperwhite.

While the Scribe and Kindle Oasis are a duo of pricey flagship e-book readers that are each very distinctive in their own way, there’s also the Kindle Paperwhite that’s much more visually comparable to the entry-level Kindle. It’s so similar, in fact, that you may have a hard time deciding which one to go with. Certainly, the basic Kindle will offer a solid e-book reader for anyone on a budget, but more serious bookworms may want to take a closer look at the differences to decide if it’s worth spending a bit more on the Paperwhite — and if that extra money translates into a better reading experience.

At first glance, the 2022 Kindle and 2021 Kindle Paperwhite don’t look all that different. They both feature a plastic construction with an e-ink screen, plus the Kindle logo emblazoned on the front. You’ll also get USB-C charging on both — a welcome upgrade over the Micro-USB of the prior models.

Once you take that second glance, though, you’ll quickly notice some subtle but important design differences that set the premium Paperwhite apart. It’s slightly larger — a little over half an inch in both directions — but not so much that you really notice it. However, it also manages to sport a distinctively larger screen at 6.8 inches thanks to the smaller bezels. While opinions are mixed on whether that’s a good thing, since it provides less space for your thumb when reading, it’s hard to argue against a larger display.

The Kindle Paperwhite also features IPX8 water resistance, which the standard Kindle lacks entirely. This means you can feel more confident taking it to the beach, using it by the pool, or even sitting in your hot tub — all of which are great places to use a standalone e-book reader instead of a more expensive and fragile tablet.

In fact, the Paperwhite goes beyond the water resistance ratings of most other electronics, with the ability to withstand immersion in up to 2 meters of fresh water for up to 60 minutes and up to 0.25 meters (about 10 inches) of seawater for up to three minutes. Most smartphones can’t handle saltwater at all — at least not officially.

Both the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite are available in Black and Denim, but the Paperwhite also adds an Agave Green to the mix for those who want something a bit different. However, while the standard Kindle’s Denim applies to both the back and the front frame, the Kindle Paperwhite features black bezels on the front for all colorways.

Nevertheless, a larger screen, IPX8 water resistance that includes saltwater, and a wider choice of colors give the Kindle Paperwhite an easy win for this round.

Winner: Kindle Paperwhite

Amazon doesn’t go into a lot of detail when it comes to specs for its e-readers, but that’s not surprising as there wouldn’t be much to compare a Kindle to outside of another Kindle. After all, these aren’t tablets that run traditional apps and games, so all you need to know is how long it takes to load up a book and flip between the pages.

In that regard, you’ll find that both the Kindle and the Kindle Paperwhite perform equally well, which makes sense since they both pack in the same MediaTek MT8113 chip. Downloading books is done over Wi-Fi — gone are the days when entry-level Kindles offered free cellular connectivity — but with dual-band Wi-Fi operating on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz, it’s more than speedy enough that you shouldn’t be waiting too long to start reading. Page-flipping is smooth and effortless to the point where you won’t feel like you’re lagging between pages, although the e-ink display won’t give you the fancy animated transitions of an LCD or OLED screen.

However, while the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite may be on par for performance, the more expensive model edges it out when it comes to battery life, delivering up to 10 weeks on a single charge under the same conditions where the Kindle only lasts for six; those being 30 minutes of reading a day with Wi-Fi off and the front light set to 13. As for charging, both models only support wired charging over USB-C; you’ll need to spring for the Paperwhite Signature Edition if you want wireless charging, but wired charging shouldn’t be too much of a hassle for a device that you’ll probably only need to plug in once a month.

Although your actual mileage will vary depending on how much you read, it’s safe to say that, on average, the Paperwhite will last you about 60% longer between charges, which makes it an easy winner for this round.

The Kindle offers a 6.0-inch display with a resolution of 300 pixels per inch (ppi) — again, Amazon doesn’t get into the precise number of pixels on the screen because it doesn’t really matter for a device like this. That’s a nice improvement over the prior generation’s 167 ppi display that puts it more on par with the Kindle Paperwhite, although the latter still has it beat with a 6.8-inch screen in the same 300 ppi resolution. This gives you a more expansive reading canvas with room for more text and, therefore, less page flipping.

The Kindle Paperwhite display also wins in more areas than mere size. The flush-front design looks and feels more elegant, plus it sports 17 LEDs (versus four on the Kindle) for more uniform front lighting. Contrary to the “paperwhite” name, you can also adjust the display for a warmer amber look that’s easier on the eyes and feels more like reading a traditional paperback novel. You can also set up a schedule so that your Kindle Paperwhite shifts to warmer lighting at bedtime, although auto-adjustment is limited to the pricier Signature edition.

Both the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite now feature a dark mode for those who find that to be a more comfortable reading experience, and the front-lit e-ink screen on either will be a joy to read on for folks who stare at backlit computers, phones, and tablets all day long. However, while the Kindle gets the job done for simple reading, the adjustable color temperature and better front lighting make the Paperwhite the much better choice for avid bookworms.

The Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite run Amazon’s proprietary operating system that’s dedicated to reading e-books, although they do have a few other tricks up their sleeves.

The reading side includes everything you’d expect, including the ability to pull up a table of contents, highlight passages, add notes, and even use Smart Lookup to find definitions for words, related Wikipedia entries, and translations for any selected text. There’s also Amazon’s X-Ray feature that helps to summarize the most important information from a book, including notable clips, the names of people, places, terms, and images, and a Vocabulary Builder that will help you learn new words by keeping track of anything you look up. Highlights and reading positions for a book will sync using Amazon’s WhisperSync technology, which is particularly handy if you want to pick up where you left off using the Kindle app for a smartphone or tablet.

You can also see popular highlighted passages from others who have read the same book before you and share your own highlights via email or post them to your Goodreads profile, where you can also automatically share the books you’re reading with others online.

However, there’s more to the Kindles than just reading. You can also download audiobooks from Amazon’s audiobook service,  Audible , and listen to them using a Bluetooth headset or speaker. Just be aware that while the storage available on both models is more than enough for thousands of books, audiobooks will eat that up much more quickly. The Kindle Paperwhite is available in an 8GB version, but you’ll want to opt for the 16GB if you’re looking to carry around more than a couple dozen audiobooks.

Both Kindle models also support magnetic covers that can automatically sleep the device when closed and wake it up again as soon as you flip it open to start reading. Amazon naturally sells its own versions of these, but there are also numerous stylish third-party options available.

While the Kindle Paperwhite offers better hardware, it’s equally matched with its smaller and more affordable sibling when it comes to the software experience.

Winner: Tie

The Amazon Kindle (2022) starts at $100 for the “Lockscreen Ad-Supported” version, which will display ads related to Amazon products and services on the screen when it’s in sleep mode. If you prefer a more relaxing sleep screen, you can opt for the ad-free version for $20 more. 

The Kindle Paperwhite (2021) comes in the same ad-supported and ad-free configurations, starting at $140 for the 8GB model or $150 for the 16GB. As with the Kindle, $20 more on top of each of those will get you the ad-free configuration. There’s also a Signature Edition of the Kindle Paperwhite that packs in 32GB of storage, plus wireless charging, an auto-adjusting front light, and no ads for $190 — only $20 more than the ad-free 16GB Kindle Paperwhite.

It’s also worth adding that Amazon frequently discounts its entire Kindle lineup during special sales events like Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, so it’s worth keeping your eyes peeled for some great deals during those seasonal events.

The standard Kindle is a solid and affordable option for casual e-book readers, but if you’re somebody who loves consuming books, the Kindle Paperwhite will be the better investment by far.

You get a substantially better screen that your eyes will thank you for, plus the kind of waterproofing that will have you reading comfortably while relaxing in the middle of a lake. This is also joined by substantially better battery life and a more refined design all around. The regular Kindle is good for the money, but if you can afford it, the Kindle Paperwhite is really the way to go.

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However, with the usual two tiers of iPhone to choose from, we're presented with the same dilemma every year. Does Apple's iPhone Pro model pack in enough to justify its higher price tag, and what's more, do you really need everything it has to offer? Or would you be better off saving some money and sticking with the standard iPhone?

It seems like Samsung’s design team is going through some kind of design crisis. Just a day ago, we got our first detailed look at the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, and to say that it borrowed some aesthetic inspiration from the Apple Watch Ultra would be a cruel understatement.

The train didn’t stop there. Samsung’s next mainline earbuds seem to have blatantly copied the AirPods 3, while the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro seem to have pulled off a similar stunt after stealing a gander at the latest AirPods Pro, abandoning Samsung’s own standout looks.

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed a new rule that could eliminate one of the most frustrating aspects of smartphone ownership: carrier locking. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel wants to require mobile providers to unlock customers’ mobile phones within 60 days of activation, making it easier for consumers to switch providers.

The proposal, which will be discussed at the commission’s July 18 meeting, aims to help consumers by establishing universal unlocking requirements for mobile service providers. Carrier locking serves two purposes: deterring theft and encouraging customer retention, as a locked phone cannot be connected to another carrier.

Amazon Kindle vs Kindle Paperwhite: Which Amazon ereader should you buy?

Which is right for you: the new Kindle or the Paperwhite?

• Specifications
• Should I buy?

Browsing through the best Kindle options and deciding which Kindle is right for you can be very confusing. Amazon makes four Kindle models, including the new base model Kindle , launched late in 2022. There is also the Kindle Paperwhite , refreshed in 2021, priced a bit higher. At the high end there are the expensive Kindle Oasis and the gigantic Kindle Scribe.

We find ourselves recommending the basic Kindle and the Paperwhite most often, because, for the cost, they offer the best mix of features that you'll need. Differences in price don't always line up with better specs, so if you're deciding between these two ereaders, we can help break down the variations. 

We'll even look at the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition , as well as the Kids editions of every one of these ereaders. The differences there may be worth the price premium for some folks.

All of Amazon's Kindle ereaders are excellent for reading and listening to books. This is because Amazon uses the same E Ink technology across the range. No matter which Kindle you're reading, from the inexpensive basic Kindle through the massive new Kindle Scribe , you'll have a gray scale screen with 300 ppi resolution. That's more sharp than even the best iPad tablet, and Kindle screens specialize at fonts and text.

Because of the way e ink screens work, the battery on a Kindle can last a terrifically long time. Expect weeks of use if you read for a half hour or so every day. Also, books and text take up significantly less storage space than just about any other content. Even on a low-capacity Kindle, you will be able to store thousands of books.

These are some of the best Kindles around, and Amazon can be aggressive with sales and price cuts. We will keep our eyes open for great deals, and when it's time to make a decision, you can come here for our breakdown as we compare the newest ereaders in our Amazon Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite showdown.

Amazon Kindle vs Kindle Paperwhite: Design

The Kindle family is all about reading, so both the Kindle 2022 and the Kindle Paperwhite give you a nice screen and nothing to distract you from it. The Paperwhite display is a bit larger and it sits flush with the surface of the device, making it feel more like a piece of paper when hold it. The Kindle 2022 has a larger ridge around the display, and the screen is nearly an inch smaller, diagonally. 

The biggest difference in design, and perhaps the most important overall difference between the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite, is that the Paperwhite is water resistant. You can read with it in the bathtub. It can even handle a splash of salt water at the beach, something water resistant phones would never allow.

The two devices are the same thickness, and the extra weight on the Paperwhite seems to come only from having the larger display. Neither has an advantage here, and if you'd like a device that is thin and light, you have to jump all the way up to the ultra-premium Kindle Oasis .

You can get the Kindle in black or denim blue, while the Paperwhite is only available in black. There are tons of cases available for both devices, but it's still a shame Amazon doesn't provide more options out of the box.

Both the Kindle and the Kindle Paperwhite charge via USB-C. There is no charger included in the box, but you do get a USB-C cable.

Amazon Kindle vs Kindle Paperwhite: Display

The Kindle Paperwhite used to have a sharper screen than the basic Kindle, but the latest Kindle 2022 update endowed the base model with an e ink display capable of 300 ppi resolution, the same as every other Kindle. That means the text will look as crisp as paper even on the cheapest device. 

The Paperwhite does have more LED backlights behind the screen. Amazon says the Kindle 2022 has 4 LEDs while the Kindle Paperwhite uses 17 LEDs for brightness. Presumably, more LED means more light, and that's the way the ereaders appear as well. 

The Paperwhite is much more bright than the basic Kindle, and it made a difference no matter when we were reading, whether at night or in the daytime.

Speaking of night time reading, the Paperwhite can also change the glow of the backlight, making it warmer for better night reading. You can eliminate the blueish cast from the screen if you choose.

For an upgrade, you can go for the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, which not only has the warm light option, it can also automatically adjust and adapt as needed. The other Kindle and Paperwhite models cannot do this. Otherwise, the Signature screen is the same.

Amazon Kindle vs Kindle Paperwhite: Specifications

The Kindle Paperwhite is the obvious spec winner over the Kindle 2022, except in storage capacity. Inexplicably, when Amazon updated the Kindle in 2022 it gave the base model twice the storage as before, which also placed it above the basic Paperwhite. The Kindle has 16GB of storage, while the Paperwhite only has 8GB. 

The Paperwhite Signature edition has a whopping 32GB of storage. All of these Kindles can carry thousands of ebook titles, so why is storage important? Because of Audible and audiobooks. 

Audiobook files are many times larger than a simple book. If you're only going to be reading with your Kindle and you don't plan on storing a lot of audio content on it, the 8GB Kindle Paperwhite will be enough for you. If you use Audible for podcasts, you'll want a Kindle that is larger on the inside. 

Otherwise, there are no surprises in the Paperwhite's advantages over the Kindle. It has a larger display, which makes it a larger device. That means there is also a larger battery inside, so you can expect more longevity. Amazon says the Paperwhite will last for 10 weeks of casual reading while the Kindle 2022 will last for 6 weeks. The difference is almost laughable when we're charging our phone, headphones, and watch on a daily basis.

If you spring for the Kindle Paperwhite Signature edition, you can charge the ereader wirelessly using any Qi-enabled wireless charger. It may seem like a strange feature on a device that charges once every three months, but the Signature seems aimed at Audible users, who will also tax the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities more heavily, thus draining more power.

Amazon Kindle vs Kindle Paperwhite: Price

The Amazon Kindle starts at £84.99 / $89.99, today at least. Amazon Kindle pricing can be volatile, and Amazon loves to use its own devices as bait for its big sale days. As we prepared this story, the price dropped $5 in the US. Kindle pricing is like the weather in Boston; if you don't like it, just wait a moment and it will change. 

The Kindle Paperwhite starts at £129.99 / $109.99. All of these prices are for ereaders that show ads on the lock screen when you are not reading. It's a weird and frankly tacky way for Amazon to shave $10 or so off the price, but it doesn't change the ereader experience, so we think it's worth accepting the eyesore. 

In Australia you can only get a version of the Kindle without advertisements. Kindle pricing in Australia was unavailable at press time as all of the devices show up sold out at Amazon, so we suspect Amazon is making some changes to pricing behind the scenes.

You can also upgrade the storage on the Kindle Paperwhite for £ 20 / $15 to 16GB. If you're only reading books, that upgrade is not worth the extra cost, as you'll have plenty to read with only 8GB, and you can swap any time you have a Wi-Fi connection.

If you're an audio fan, you should probably consider upgrading to the 32GB Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition instead of just upgrading to 16GB of storage on the Paperwhite. It's another £ 30 / $20, but you get quadruple the original 8GB storage, and that's still much cheaper than the Kindle Oasis, which costs £229.99 / $199.99.

Both of these Kindle devices come in a "Kids" flavor . The Kindle Kids and Paperwhite Kids cost a bit more, but the device is exactly the same. What you get is a colorful cover that your kid may enjoy, and a year's subscription to Amazon Kids+.

If you're starved for content, Kids+ will help. On the other hand, if you already have plenty of books you love and own, Kids+ will feel limited, so you're better off just buying your own cover and sticking with your own titles.

We think the Kindle Kids and Kindle Paperwhite Kids upgrade is worthwhile only if you have an idea what Amazon Kids+ content you like. You can find cheaper cases that your kids might like more, and there are no other value additions. 

Amazon Kindle vs Kindle Paperwhite: Verdict

The recent update to the Kindle 2022 made the base model ereader a much easier choice than the more expensive Kindle Paperwhite, but pay attention to Amazon sales and special deals, because the Paperwhite is worth the upgrade. 

If you want to read in a bathtub or by the sea, you need a Kindle Paperwhite. The IPX8 water resistance is worth the extra cost if you like to luxuriate in bubbles while reading your favorite mysteries. 

The upgrade options, including the Kindle Kids and Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, are hard to recommend, except in special cases. If you listen to a lot of Audible content, the extra space on the Paperwhite Signature will be appreciated. If your kids need a heap of books for long trips, Kids+ will be fun to peruse. 

Amazon is aggressive with deals, and the Paperwhite is getting older, so we'd follow along for price cuts and bundles as an update is imminent. Most folks will be happy reading with a Kindle 2022, but seafarers and bathers will need the Paperwhite. Either way, you get the same sharp e ink, long battery, and complete Amazon library. 

Amazon Kindle vs Kindle Paperwhite: Should I buy

Choosing between the Amazon Kindle 2022, Amazon Kindle Paperwhite, or something special like the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition? Here's the ereader you should consider, if...

Buy the Amazon Kindle 2022 if...

You want the best value on a Kindle The Kindle used to be a downgrade, but today's Kindle 2022 is just as sharp and even has more storage

You find it on sale The Kindle 2022 took a minor price cut even as we wrote this story. Amazon loves to discount its cheap ereader

Buy the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite if...

You plan on reading near water The Kindle Paperwhite is not just IPX8 water resistant for pool and bath, it can even handles a bit of salt water

You want a brighter screen The Kindle Paperwhite has more LED lights behind the text, and it's visibly brighter and easier to read

Buy a Kindle Paperwhite Signature if...

You listen to a lot of Audible content The only reason you'd need quadruple the storage on a Kindle Paperwhite is audio content, not books

Buy a Kindle Kids or Paperwhite Kids if...

You don't have a lot of children's books Amazon Kids+ has a ton of content, but it won't have every title you want. It's great if you just need more.

More Amazon Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite deals

• Best Kindle : which Amazon ereader should you buy?

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Phil Berne is a preeminent voice in consumer electronics reviews, starting more than 20 years ago at eTown.com. Phil has written for Engadget, The Verge, PC Mag, Digital Trends, Slashgear, TechRadar, AndroidCentral, and was Editor-in-Chief of the sadly-defunct infoSync. Phil holds an entirely useful M.A. in Cultural Theory from Carnegie Mellon University. He sang in numerous college a cappella groups.

Phil did a stint at Samsung Mobile, leading reviews for the PR team and writing crisis communications until he left in 2017. He worked at an Apple Store near Boston, MA, at the height of iPod popularity. Phil is certified in Google AI Essentials. He has a High School English teaching license (and years of teaching experience) and is a Red Cross certified Lifeguard. His passion is the democratizing power of mobile technology. Before AI came along he was totally sure the next big thing would be something we wear on our faces.

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Which Kindle do I have? A quick guide to identifying all of Amazon's e-readers

Published on April 16, 2024

The Amazon Kindle is arguably Amazon’s best product. The e-ink display, the long battery life, and the simple design make for excellent e-readers. Early Kindle had some confusing naming schemes, an issue that Amazon has cleaned up in recent releases. Still, many of these devices look like one another, so we’re here to help you determine which one you own. You may need to know which Kindle model to buy the proper case or other accessories or fix an issue , but how do you check which Kindle model you have? Perhaps you’re just curious, and you can’t remember. Here’s a quick and dirty guide to which Kindle you have from all the available options.

Editor’s note — This article is for Kindle e-readers. If you have a Kindle Android tablet, you can easily find your device’s name in the Settings menu.

QUICK ANSWER

Kindles running firmware 5.14 or higher can go into Settings , Device Options, and  Device Info . Your device's name should be the first thing listed. If you have a device running older firmware, you can check your Amazon account, use the serial number of the device, or look out for the physical identifiers listed below.

JUMP TO KEY SECTIONS

Identify your Kindle with Device Info

Check your amazon account.

• Use the Kindle's serial number to identify it
• Use physical attributes to identify your Kindle

Kindle devices now list their own device name in the Device Info section, starting with firmware version 5.14. That should include all modern Kindles and some from a few years back. Here’s how to check:

• Go into the Settings menu.
• Navigate to Device Options .
• Tap the Device Info option.
• Your Kindle will display information like Wi-Fi MAC address, firmware version, and other details.
• The very first item on the list should be your device’s model. Check the photo above to see what it looks like.
• Note — The Device Info section may vary depending on your device and the firmware version.

And that’s it. You should easily be able to see your device’s name. Unfortunately, older devices don’t have this luxury, so we’ll continue with other ways to identify your device.

Your Kindle is presumably linked to your Amazon account, so one method of checking which device you have is directly with Amazon.

To do this, head to www.amazon.com/mydevices . If you’re logged in, you’ll see the general Manage Your Content and Devices page, which shows all of the digital content and physical devices linked to your account. Along the top, you can select Devices  to narrow it down. when you see your Kindle, select it to see a description of which model you have.

Use the Kindle’s serial number or model number

Once you identify your serial or model number, refer to the table below to figure out which version you own.

How to find your serial number

• Go into your Settings menu.
• Navigate to Device Options.
• Finally, go to Device Info.
• The serial number and your Wi-Fi MAC Address, firmware version, and other data should be there.
• Note — This method works for modern Kindles. The Settings menu may be slightly different on older models.

How to find your model number

The model number is printed in two places. The first is on the back of the device, where all the information is. It’s usually towards the bottom. The other place is on the original box.

Use your Kindle’s physical appearance

Finally, we can help you identify your model based on its appearance. We only recommend this if you cannot get your serial or model numbers from the settings. Most Kindles also have a model number printed on the back of the device. If yours hasn’t rubbed off, you can Google your model number to find out your exact model and generation.

If that fails you, the section below shows you how to identify your Kindle based on its physical appearance. It’s the least efficient way, but it still works.

11th Generation

• Kindle Paperwhite 5 (2021) — The Paperwhite 5 has the black Amazon swoosh on the back and “Kindle” in white letters on the front. It’s physically similar to the Paperwhite 4. The biggest difference is its ability to emit warm light from the screen. Thus, if yours has a setting to emit warm light, it’s a Paperwhite 5. Otherwise, it’s a Paperwhite 4.
• Kindle Basic 4 (2022) — The Basic 4 is part of the 11th-generation Kindle. It looks very similar to the Paperwhite 5 but with a slightly smaller display. Additionally, the text on the front of the device is the same color as the device and not white like the Paperwhite.
• Kindle Scribe (2022) — The Scribe may not be part of the 11th Generation, but we’re listing it here anyway. This one looks similar to previous Oasis devices, except the thick bezel is on the left instead of the right. It also comes with a USB-C port. Notably, it’s also the only one you can write on.

10th Generation

• Kindle Basic 3 —  The back has the Amazon arrow logo without the word “Amazon.” It is otherwise physically identical to the Basic 2 aside from size.
• Kindle Paperwhite 4 — The Paperwhite 4 looks physically identical to the Paperwhite 3, except the text on the front is white instead of black.
• Kindle Oasis 3 — The Oasis 3 is physically identical to the Oasis 2. The only differentiation, as far as we know, is the Oasis 3 can emit warm light from the screen instead of the usual backlight color of the Oasis 2. If your settings have a warm light option, it’s an Oasis 3. Otherwise, it’s an Oasis 2.

9th Generation 

• Kindle Oasis 2 — The Oasis 2 is much larger than most other models at 7 inches, with a two-button handle on the right side. The handle is thicker than the rest of the device. The back has an Amazon arrow logo with “Amazon” text written vertically rather than horizontally.

8th Generation

• Kindle Basic 2 —  The back features rounded edges, which are different than the sloped edges of the Basic 1. The front otherwise looks identical to other Basic models.
• Kindle Oasis — The original Oasis looks the same as the other models. However, the original Oasis was much smaller than the other two, which is its only defining difference.

7th Generation

• Kindle Paperwhite 3 — The Paperwhite 3 is the only Paperwhite with black text on the front. It looks strikingly similar to Basic 1. However, looking closely, you’ll notice the Paperwhite 3 has a taller screen than the Basic 1.
• Kindle Voyage — The Voyage has a unique front design, with thin, vertical lines on the side and left and right soft-touch buttons for easy page-turning.
• Kindle Basic 1 — The first Basic is very similar to the other three Basic devices. However, on the back, the edges are sloped rather than rounded; to our knowledge, it is the only e-reader in the bunch with those sloped designs.

6th Generation

• Kindle Paperwhite 2 — The second-generation Paperwhite is the only Paperwhite with a glossy black Amazon logo on the back. All future generations have engraved logos with the same material as the rest of the device. The front looks the same as basically all other Paperwhites.

5th Generation

• Kindle 5 — The fifth-gen is physically identical to the fourth generation, except this one comes in black instead of silver. They are otherwise so close that Amazon lists them together on its list of all devices .
• Kindle Paperwhite 1 — The first Paperwhite looks the same as future generations. However, the first one is the only one with the name on the back and the front. All future generations use the Amazon logo.

4th Generation

• Kindle Touch — The Touch is easy enough to identify. It’s the only one with the physical, four-line home button on the front of the device.
• Kindle 4 — The fourth-gen e-reader has the characteristic square button on the front with two circular buttons on the left and right sides. However, this one only came in silver, and the fifth-generation model only came in black.

3rd Generation

• Kindle 3 — This third-gen product is the last one that came with a full keyboard. It has four rows of buttons along with two-page turn buttons on the right side. This model also introduced the square button that would be prevalent in the fourth and fifth-generation models later on.

2nd Generation

• Kindle 2 — This one has a totally unique look. It had a five-row keyboard with two buttons on the left and five buttons on the right. It is the only Amazon e-reader with that configuration.
• Kindle DX — The DX has a larger screen than most early devices. However, its four-row keyboard is much smaller, and, as a result, the screen-to-body ratio is much larger than most, making it easy to identify.

1st Generation

• Kindle 1 — The first one is easily identifiable by its keyboard. It’s the only one with a keyboard split down the middle and separated for easier two-hand typing. Additionally, each key has a weird bend that is vastly different from all other models.

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Article updated on October 26, 2021 at 6:00 AM PDT

Kindle Paperwhite 2021 review: A better screen and a nearly perfect size

The new Paperwhite adds USB-C charging, which is good, but the 6.8-inch screen is its biggest improvement.

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One of the problems with having a sophisticated, already excellent e-reader like the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is that it's hard to make it much better. The same might be said for Apple's iPhones and plenty of other devices. But with an e-reader, you're dealing with a limited feature set and a core technology, E Ink, that seems pretty stuck in neutral.

Not surprisingly, then, the new 11th-generation  Kindle Paperwhite (2021) ($140, £130, AU$239) isn't a huge upgrade over the Kindle Paperwhite 2018. Though we can give Amazon credit for enhancing it with new features -- namely, a larger 6.8-inch display with an upgraded lighting scheme and USB-C charging -- that offer just enough improvements to tempt you into buying one, whether you're an existing Paperwhite owner or not. The new version costs $10 more than the previous Paperwhite. And a step-up model, the  Paperwhite Signature Edition , adds wireless charging and additional storage -- 32GB instead of 8GB -- as well an auto-adjusting light sensor for $190 (£180, AU$289).

Kindle Paperwhite (2021)

• Larger 6.8-inch E Ink display in a chassis that's only slightly bigger and a tad heavier
• Light adds warmth settings and is a touch brighter
• USB-C charging
• Improved battery life
• Fully waterproof
• No dedicated page-turn buttons
• A little more expensive than the previous model
• Costs $20 to remove the ads

The biggest change is the screen. While 6.8 inches compared to the previous 6 inches doesn't sound like much, once you see the two devices side by side, you realize it adds more screen real estate than you think. I measured the actual screen sizes -- not the devices themselves -- and recorded that the previous Paperwhite's display is about 4.75 inches tall by 3.55 inches wide, while the new Kindle Paperwhite's screen is about 5.5 inches tall and 4.1 inches wide. Using an average font size, you get three or four more lines of text per page and a few more words per line. 

While the display is larger, the new Paperwhite is only a little bigger and weighs just 23 grams more than the previous Paperwhite (205g vs. 182g). The 2021 model also has a smaller 10.2mm bezel. It'd be nice if it was slightly slimmer and had almost no bezel, but it does feel like it's edging closer to being the perfect size. It remains small and light enough to fit in a jacket pocket with a more spacious screen. You get a similar sensation when you hold the flagship  Kindle Oasis  ($250) for the first time, but its metal back gives it a colder feel compared to the Paperwhite's textured plastic back.

Like other Kindle devices, many cover options are available, including Amazon's own, which now includes a snazzy cork cover ( $50 ). 

Read more :  Best e-readers for 2021

The new Paperwhite (left) vs. the previous version (right).

In some sense, the next-generation Paperwhite is a less fancy-looking version of the Oasis, which has a slightly larger 7-inch display. Like the Oasis and the previous Paperwhite, this 2021 version has a 300-ppi display, so text and images appear with the same degree of sharpness (Amazon calls it "laser-quality" text).

With the Signature Edition, you're getting a Kindle with comparable features to the Oasis such as the auto-adjusting light sensor, but you're also getting USB-C and wireless charging, features we assume will come to the next Oasis. Unlike the Oasis, however, the new Paperwhite doesn't include physical buttons for turning pages -- you'll still need to tap the screen for that.

Upgraded light

Amazon says that at its max setting, the adjustable "warm" light has a 10% brightness boost over the previous Kindle. You can see the difference in brightness, but it's quite subtle. The real lighting upgrade is the ability to adjust the light's color (warmth) from a sort of bluish-white to sepia tone, depending on your preference -- I usually go with a middle setting. This is another feature that's trickled down from the Oasis. (The Signature Edition just adds the auto-adjusting component.) 

The standard Paperwhite (2021) adds color temperature adjustment while the Signature Edition (shown) also has the Oasis' auto-brightness feature. 

Battery life is also improved, according to Amazon: It's rated at up to 10 weeks now. (That's with Power Saver mode engaged.) I left the Wi-Fi on, and after 3 days of light reading (about 5 hours total), the battery was down to 89%. At night while indoors, I read with the light on, and during the day I took the Kindle outdoors, turning the light off.

Of course, the nice thing about E Ink e-readers is that unlike the LCDs on phones and tablets, they're made to be viewed in direct sunlight: You can take them to the beach or pool and not worry about having your screen washed out. And speaking of washing out in the wet sense, this Paperwhite, like the previous model, is fully waterproof (IPX8 certified) and can survive a dunk underwater. That also makes it a good choice if you like to read in the bathtub. 

Along with improved battery life, Amazon says it's equipped the new Paperwhite with a more powerful processor and that page turns are 20% faster. Although E Ink is inherently sluggish compared to the responsiveness of an iPad, I did find the device zippier overall than the previous Paperwhite. It's also worth noting that Amazon recently  redesigned the Kindle interface  for the first time in five years (that redesign is available for legacy Kindles). Most people, including me, like the redesign, as it makes it easier to access the Kindle's most useful -- and used -- features and settings. 

The new Paperwhite is fully waterproof like the previous Paperwhite.

Yay for USB-C

After Amazon's Fire tablets were upgraded with USB-C charging, a lot of folks have been waiting for USB-C to come to the Kindle line. Practically speaking, because the majority of newer devices use USB-C these days, it's convenient to carry around fewer cables, and it's also slightly easier to plug in a USB-C cable than a micro-USB cable. Moreover, you seem to get a performance boost, though Amazon's official charge times have tended not to match my real real-world experiences (you can typically charge to near 100% but the last bit of charging is the slowest part). Instead of taking about 4 hours to charge with the previous Paperwhite, Amazon says that the new Paperwhite takes "2.5 hours to reach full charge time using a 9W adapter or larger." No power adapter is included with either the standard or Signature Edition Paperwhite, and you'll need a Qi charging pad to wirelessly charge the Signature Edition (I tested it, and it worked fine). 

The new Paperwhite also comes in a Kids Edition for the first time for $160. That model includes a cover, a one-year subscription to the Amazon Kids Plus service and two-year "worry-free" guarantee that allows you to replace the device at no charge should it get damaged in any way.

I charged the Signature Edition on a Qi wireless charging stand. If you read like this, you'll never run out of battery.

Cellular connectivity remains an option for the high-end Kindle Oasis, but these new Paperwhite e-readers are Wi-Fi-only. They come with a free four-month Kindle Unlimited membership. Bluetooth connectivity is available for listening to Audible audiobooks over wireless headphones or a Bluetooth speaker. Amazon says both models are built with 60% post-consumer recycled plastics and 70% recycled magnesium. 

Kindle Paperwhite 2021: Final thoughts

When Amazon first announced the new Kindle Paperwhite (2021) I wasn't sure how much of an upgrade it would be. On one level, as I said, it isn't a huge step forward. But once I was able to handle both the new Paperwhite and the previous version, the larger screen was more appealing than I thought it would be, even as someone who's well acquainted with the 7-inch screen of the Oasis.

I wouldn't say it made me want to run out and immediately ditch my old Kindle Paperwhite, but it did give me a little itch to upgrade and had me looking at trade-in options. Aside from the lack of physical buttons for page turns (some people are devotees of those buttons), you get about 90% of what's in the Kindle Oasis for $110 less.

While there are other e-readers out there that don't lock you into Amazon -- Kobo, for instance just announced its Libra 2 and Sage e-readers with 7- and 8-inch E Ink displays respectively -- those models are more expensive. It just shows what a good value the Paperwhite is, particularly when it goes on sale (most likely for $100) this holiday season. At $10 more than the previous Paperwhite, the 2021 Paperwhite remains the best e-reader for the money. 

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Medea Giordano

Review: Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (2021)

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Kindles are fantastic little devices, but I was staunchly against them until recently. “How could you give up real books?” I screamed into the void. Then I tried the Oasis, and suddenly I was hooked. After reading with the new Paperwhite Signature Edition , I can confidently confirm that Amazon's latest update to their beloved ereader is still great. 

Nothing compares to the feel of flipping through physical pages, but I've spent a lot of money on books. Not all of them were good. They sit, half-read, gathering dust on a bookshelf and getting moved from apartment to apartment. It's nice to be able to spend less on ebooks or check them out for free from the library without leaving my house.

The Paperwhite has always been the midlevel upgrade in the Kindle family —better than the basic Kindle , but not as feature-packed as the pricey Oasis . With its first update since 2018, it has turned into three models of its own: the standard Paperwhite ($140) , the Signature Edition ($190) , and a kids version ($160) . I tested the Signature Edition here, but I included information on how all three compare. Prices vary depending on whether or not you have ads, so read the Amazon page closely before checking out.

The screen on the 2021 Paperwhite is larger, at 6.8 inches over 2018's 6 inches. The bezels are also smaller, less than half an inch from the top and sides. The screen gets more room overall, and the whole thing looks a little more sophisticated. Compared to the Oasis, the Paperwhite is taller, and because it doesn't have the page-turn buttons, it's not as wide, so it's easy to palm for one-handed reading. The matte backing helps to prevent slippage, too. (The Oasis still has a slightly larger, 7-inch screen.)

All three of the new Paperwhites get adjustable warm lighting—it gets super orange at its brightest—and brighter screens overall (10 percent brighter, according to Amazon). Thankfully, e-ink screens don't hurt your eyes the way blue light from your phone does. Side by side, it's not quite as bright as the Oasis, but it was still easy to read, even outside. It also now has dark mode, if you prefer that.

Only the Signature Edition has the ability to auto-adjust brightness to the lighting around you, so you can read outside without tinkering with settings every time the sun comes out from behind the clouds. At this point, auto-adjust should come standard on all screens without having to pay more for it.

The Paperwhites get faster page-turn rates, which is noticeable and appreciated. There's even an animation you can turn on that gives the slight effect of a real page turning. I thought I'd hate it, but I didn't. However, there's still an infuriating lag and some screen blinks when you scroll through menus. There's also a delay between pressing a button and it registering. I hoped by now that kind of lag wouldn't exist, but it's not a dealbreaker. I just hope it gets addressed in a future update.

The major upgrades that the Paperwhite gets are power-related. The Signature Edition now has wireless charging capabilities. If you already have a Qi charging pad , it should work, but Amazon lists those that do not. It also has more storage than the base model, with 32 gigabytes instead of 8 gigabytes.  That's a significant jump, especially if you read audiobooks. It's worth noting, though, that you can delete books off the Kindle and still access them in your Amazon account. 

Battery life has improved, and it should now last up to 10 weeks give or take depending on how much you read. This means you can commute without having to plug it in every night or take it on a vacation without worrying about it dying just as you get to the good part. I haven't had the Paperwhite long enough to test the 10-week claim, but even reading on full brightness didn't drain it in a day, the way reading on my iPhone does. That's the beauty of a one-trick device.

When it does need some juice, it should happen faster, thanks to its new USB-C charging port—a lot of your devices probably already use this port . It comes with a cable, but not the brick that you plug into the wall. Amazon's official 9W charger should charge it from zero to 100 in 2.5 hours, although of course there are much faster bricks out there.  

All three are rated IPX8, which means that it can be submerged in water safely. The old Paperwhite already had this rating, but it's new to the kids Kindle. If you've spent any time around children, you know it's a nice feature so they can't accidentally ruin it. Like the older children's model , if you purchase the kids Paperwhite, you'll get a cover, a two-year warranty, and one year of Amazon Kids+ , which is Amazon's kid-friendly content library with parental controls.

We wrote about the new Kindle interface when the Paperwhites were announced. All Kindles will get this update eventually, if they haven't already. 

When you turn on a brand new Kindle, you can now use the Kindle app on your phone to set it up. It's just faster and easier to type on a phone, so it should cut down a couple of minutes. While you're reading, a pull-down menu offers quick access for brightness and warmth, dark mode, airplane mode, Bluetooth, and sync, plus a button to take you to all settings.

When you aren't in a book, there's a new navigator at the bottom of the screen to switch between home—where you'll find a slew of recommendations based on what you've been reading and what's popular on Kindle Unlimited—and your library, which is a much nicer, and less distracting, catalog of everything you have. A small icon of the book you're currently reading appears between home and library, for quickly jumping back in.

It's also easy to access Kindle's helpful features that have been around for a while, like X-Ray , which helps you keep track of characters. While reading Nothin But a Good Time , I was able to pull up X-Ray when I didn't remember what band each musician was in. You can browse all mentions or quickly jump right back to where you were. Unfortunately, not all books have this option.

The updates to these Paperwhites are solid improvements, but not life-changing. If you're happy with the Kindle you have, you don't need one of these new ones. But I do think that the upgrades—a bigger screen, better lighting, much better battery life and storage—are worth it over the base Kindle. You can leave the Oasis be. I like the physical page-turn buttons, but not enough to spend $80 more for it.

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What Is a White Paper?

Purpose of a white paper, how to write a white paper, the bottom line.

• Trading Strategies

White Paper: Types, Purpose, and How to Write One

Adam Hayes, Ph.D., CFA, is a financial writer with 15+ years Wall Street experience as a derivatives trader. Besides his extensive derivative trading expertise, Adam is an expert in economics and behavioral finance. Adam received his master's in economics from The New School for Social Research and his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in sociology. He is a CFA charterholder as well as holding FINRA Series 7, 55 & 63 licenses. He currently researches and teaches economic sociology and the social studies of finance at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

Thomas J Catalano is a CFP and Registered Investment Adviser with the state of South Carolina, where he launched his own financial advisory firm in 2018. Thomas' experience gives him expertise in a variety of areas including investments, retirement, insurance, and financial planning.

Michela Buttignol / Investopedia

A white paper is an informational document issued by a company or not-for-profit organization to promote or highlight the features of a solution, product, or service that it offers or plans to offer.

White papers are also used as a method of presenting government policies and legislation and gauging public opinion.

Key Takeaways

• A white paper promotes a certain product, service, or methodology to influence current and prospective customer or investor decisions.
• Three main types of white papers include backgrounders, numbered lists, and problem/solution white papers.
• A white paper provides persuasive and factual evidence that a particular offering is a superior product or method of solving a problem.
• White papers are commonly designed for business-to-business (B2B) marketing purposes between a manufacturer and a wholesaler, or between a wholesaler and a retailer.

White papers are sales and marketing documents used to entice or persuade potential customers to learn more about a particular product, service, technology, or methodology.

White papers are commonly designed for business-to-business (B2B) marketing purposes between a manufacturer and a wholesaler , or between a wholesaler and a retailer. It can provide an in-depth report or guide about a specific product or topic and is meant to educate its readers.

The facts presented in white papers are often backed by research and statistics from reliable sources and can include charts, graphs, tables, and other ways of visualizing data. A white paper can communicate an organization’s philosophy or present research findings related to an industry.

Types of White Papers

A startup , large corporation , or government agency will use white papers differently. There are three main types of white papers: backgrounders, numbered lists, and problem/solution white papers.

Backgrounders detail the technical features of a new product or service. Designed to simplify complicated technical information, they are used to:

• Support a technical evaluation
• Launch a product
• Promote a product or industry leader

Numbered lists highlight the key takeaways of a new product or service, and are often formatted with headings and bullet points such as the following familiar format:

• 3 Questions to Ask
• 5 Things You Need to Know

Problem/solution papers identify specific problems faced by potential customers and suggest a data-driven argument about how a featured product or service provides a solution to:

• Generate new sales
• Educate salespeople on product characteristics
• Build industry interest

White papers differ from other marketing materials, such as brochures. Brochures and traditional marketing materials might be flashy and obvious, but a white paper is intended to provide persuasive and factual evidence that solves a problem or challenge.

White papers are commonly at least 2,500 words in length and written in an academic style.

A white paper should provide well-researched information that is not found with a simple internet search and have a compelling narrative to keep the reader’s attention. The author of a white paper should:

• Research and fully define the topic
• Create an accurate outline of information
• Write an attention-grabbing introduction
• Format the paper for easy reading
• Revise and proofread

What Is an Example of a White Paper?

All of the documents listed below, publicly available on Microsoft’s website, focus on aspects of the company’s suite of cloud services. In contrast with brochures, these white papers don’t have a clear sales pitch. Instead, they dive into relevant topics, such as cloud security, hybrid clouds, and the economic benefits of adopting cloud computing.

• An AI-First Infrastructure and Toolchain for Any Scale
• Moving your Mission Critical Mainframe Data to Azure
• Mesh and hub-and-spoke networks on Azure
• Backup and recovery overview for Azure users
• Backup and recovery overview for users new to Azure

How Have New Industries Used White Papers?

Cryptocurrencies have also been known to publish white papers during initial coin offerings (ICOs) and frequently issued white papers to entice users and “investors” to their projects.

Bitcoin famously launched a few months after the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto issued its famous white paper online in October 2008.

Why Is It Called a White Paper?

White papers may have developed from the use of “Blue Papers” in 19th century Britain, where a Parliament report cover was blue. When a topic for the government was less serious, the blue cover was discarded and published with white covers. These reports were called White Papers. In the United States, the use of government white papers often means a background report or guidance on a specific issue.

A white paper is an informational document issued by a company, government agency, or not-for-profit organization to promote the features of a solution, product, or service that it offers or plans to offer. The facts presented in white papers are often backed by research and statistics from reliable sources and commonly written in one of three formats: backgrounders, numbered lists, and problem/solution papers.

Copy Engineer, via Internet Archive Wayback Machine. “ The 3 Types of White Papers and When to Use Each One .”

MasterClass. “ White Paper Guide: How to Write a White Paper .”

Microsoft Azure. “ White Papers on the Cloud and Azure .”

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Paperwhite Bulbs Planting & Growing Guide

Are you looking for something to keep things bright and fresh all winter long? Well, then Narcissus Paperwhites are for you! Not only are they incredibly easy to plant and grow, but they're also perfect for forcing indoors and grow beautifully through the cold months. Plus, if you need a failsafe gift, we have pre-planted options that everyone will love. Oh, and if the fragrance isn't your jam, no worries—not all varieties emit an aroma. Learn more about all the perks of Paperwhites with our complete guide!

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Where to Plant

Paperwhites are fantastic indoor or outdoor plants that fancy well-drained soil but can also be grown in water and pebbles. Place them indoors near a bright, sunny window or outdoors in a spot that receives full sun.

When to Plant

Paperwhites can be planted outdoors anytime from fall through winter in zones 8 to 10, with flowers arriving in the spring. However, those in cooler climates can also enjoy the blossoms by forcing indoors! We recommend planting a new batch every 2 to 3 weeks from October to January for continuous indoor blooms.

How to Plant in Soil

• For outdoor landscape planting, find a spot where the soil drains well and your Paperwhites will receive plenty of sun.
• For container planting, select a shallow container and keep in mind that Paperwhites only need 3 to 4” of space, so a 6” deep container is plenty! Fill the container ⅓ of the way with a well-draining potting mix.
• Dig holes and plant the bulbs directly next to each other with the pointy ends facing up.
• Cover the bulbs with soil so that the tips just barely peek out in containers and bury about 5” in the ground.
• Water until the soil is roughly as damp as a wrung-out sponge.

How to Plant in Pebbles and Water

• Select a container with tall sides if possible, such as a vase or other type of glass vessel, so that you can watch the roots grow.
• Pour pebbles or decorative glass stones into the bottom of the container to a depth of 1 to 2”.
• Add water to the container so it just barely reaches the tops of the pebbles.
• Place the bulbs on top of the pebbles with the pointy ends facing up so that the bottoms of the bulbs are just barely in contact with the water.
• Set your container in a bright, sunny area, such as on a windowsill.

How to Grow

• Keep the soil slightly moist during active growth periods. If planting in pebbles, monitor the water levels routinely, ensuring the bulbs never sit in standing water, which will cause them to mold.
• Keep the stems straight by rotating your containers daily if growing indoors.

Paperwhite Tips & Tricks

• Create the most dramatic display by planting in large sweeps or clumps of 7 to 10 bulbs.
• Pack your containers full if growing in soil, as doing so will create a full display of blooms and reduce the risk of floppy stems.
• Order pre-planted Paperwhites for spectacular gifts that take the guesswork out of gardening.
• Add some decorative branches to your indoor containers to serve as a trellis or support for the stems.
• Be mindful when forcing indoors that you're growing Paperwhites and not a different type of Narcissus.

From the Family

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• Ornamentals

How To Plant Paperwhites - Planting And Care

Published: Jan 29, 2022 · Modified: Mar 9, 2024 by Cheyanne Mullin · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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Paperwhites are those delicate white blooms often displayed in Christmas decor magazines. Planted a few months before the holidays, these popular indoor plants will bloom just in time for Christmas. Learn how to plant paperwhites, Narcissus Papyraceus, and fill your home with these scented and sweet blooms for the holiday season.

I'll never forget my first paperwhites.

I planted them many years ago. I wondered if I would have any success with these adorable holiday blooms, although they seemed simple enough to plant.

It was so much fun to watch the bulbs begin to grow and fairly quickly produce those tiny white daffodil shaped flowers.

They bloomed before Christmas, and maintained their flowering throughout the holiday season.

When the leaves and stems grew really tall, a few of them started to flop over. I learned that this was common, and tying them was a solution.

We tied the stems with raffia, which helped to keep the stems and leaves together nicely. It also looked very festive with the addition of the raffia bow.

I always associate paperwhite flowers with Christmas. They are part of my early holiday memories as a young adult.

These bulbs and flowers are simple and delicate, and yet so easy to grow.

One of the very best things about paperwhites is their absolute ease to plant. These bulbs are perfect to grow even for a beginner gardener.

They can be planted in soil or without soil, in beautiful vessels or in plain pots. Sometimes the simpler the presentation the better, to display these lovely flowers in their glory.

What Are Paperwhites?

Paperwhites are narcissus bulbs, and are a variety of daffodil known as Narcissus Papyraceus.

The fragrant blooms are highly scented, and take a bit getting used to. They are similar to Easter lilies with a comparable strong floral scent.

Compared to paperwhites, garden variety Daffodils are perennial bulbs that are usually planted in the garden in fall, and which grow and bloom the following spring. These bulbs require a period of cold temperature treatment, which the winter temperatures should provide.

As well, these flower bulbs will also naturalize, and grow large patches in the garden from the first planting. Once established, garden daffodils will continue to grow and spread each year, and bloom in profusion each spring.

Paperwhite narcissus on the other hand, are not planted into the garden in fall. They do not require a two to three month cold treatment for blooming.

Rather, paperwhites are tropical bulbs and are not winter hardy in areas that have frozen ground during the winter months.

They have become traditional Christmas or holidays bulbs, which are forced indoors for a holiday display. Instead of planting them into the garden, they are planted into containers to display indoors during the holiday season.

It's a wonderful way of bringing the garden indoors, and the tiny white blooms are so simple and they fit in with just about any decor.

When To Plant Paperwhites Bulbs For Christmas

These bulbs are often available at big box stores and local nurseries right after Halloween. The timing is perfect to plant and have blooms just in time for the holiday season.

Paperwhites should be planted approximately six to eight weeks before the holidays to hopefully get blooms in time for Christmas.

How To Plant Paperwhites Indoors

There are a number of different ways in which to plant your paperwhites.

If you have purchased your bulbs in a complete package, you will generally have everything you need to plant the bulbs included within the box.

You can always change the container if you wish, if you decide to plant them with a different look in mind.

For maximum impact, plant paperwhite bulbs in large groups or groupings and fill your container with the bulbs.

Different Methods For Planting Paperwhites

Following are two different methods for planting paperwhites.

For each method, prepare your paper white bulbs by removing any loose skin before planting, just to clean up the look of the bulb.

Planting Paperwhites In A Vase With Water And Pebbles

• Using this method, paperwhites can be planted into a beautiful glass vessel.

• The vessel can be a tall glass vase, which will support the paperwhite leaves and stems as they grow. It can also be a shallow bowl, with the paperwhites placed right at the surface for a natural look.
• The aesthetic of paperwhites planted in shallow containers can be quite pleasing to the eye.
• The chosen vessel is filled with several inches of pebbles or decorative stones at the bottom of the container, to provide a base on which to place the paperwhite bulbs.
• Pebbles or stones provide structure, and also add to the visual interest of the display.
• You can substitute pebbles for other materials, such as granite gravel, sea glass, marbles, or even coloured glass pebbles from the dollar store.

• The paper white bulbs are then placed onto the pebbles, with the pointed tips facing up. Make sure that the root side has good contact with the pebbles. You don't have to worry about overcrowding or spacing between the bulbs.
• Water is then added, adding just enough to almost reach the base of the bulbs, but not quite. Do not add too much water so that the bulbs are sitting directly in water, as this can cause rotting of the bulbs.
• Ensure that the water level is below the base or bottom of the bulbs.
• Top the water up as necessary. Within several weeks the roots will begin to grow, and the bulbs will begin to sprout.

Growing paperwhites in a beautiful vessel adds an elegant look to the display. The bulbs and roots will be visible, making for a beautiful natural and organic display.

Planting Paperwhites In Soil Or Soilless Medium

• Planting in a pot with a potting mix or soilless medium is another option.
• I purchased an all inclusive box with paperwhite bulbs this season, which included everything one would need for planting a paper white display.
• The medium provided in the boxed set was a dehydrated and compressed coconut coir. It was simple to rehydrate and fun to watch as it quadrupled in size as the water was added to it.

• In the past I have used a potting mix, which was interesting to compare to the coconut coir.
• If planting in potting soil or a soilless medium, choose a pot with drainage holes.
• Place bulbs pointy end up into the planting medium, with approximately one half to two thirds of the bulb planted into the medium, and leaving the rest of the bulb exposed to the air on top. The medium acts as a support and will hold the bulb upright.

• You can add a decorative touch to this planting by adding moss around the bulbs for a more finished look, or you can leave them just as they are. Either way they look very attractive in the container.
• Water in after planting, then wait for the bulbs to start sprouting before watering regularly. Keep the medium moist.
• Once there is active growth water the bulbs every few days.

How Long Do Paperwhites Take To Bloom?

The length of time it takes for Paperwhites to bloom can vary, and is dependent on temperature, light, and moisture.

If the room or location is warm, and approximately 18-20°C, the bulbs should start to sprout within several weeks. Once they have begun to grow they will take another four to six weeks to bloom.

I planted my Paperwhites bulbs on November 8th. There was no growth visible on the top of the bulb when first planted.

Within two weeks the first evidence of sprouting was noticeable. From that time frame to first bloom took five weeks (seven weeks post planting).

However this year the bulbs were very slow to bloom, as the stems were in different stages of growth.

They continued to bloom over a period of four weeks, rather than having a flush of blooms that is most typical of paperwhite blooms.

Generally, the stems will form buds and then bloom, with a cluster of multiple flowers at the top of each stem.

The stems usually flower together, so that your display will have many flowering stems in bloom all at the same time. The delicate white flowers along with the long green leaves and stems make for a striking presentation, and a natural looking holiday display.

How To Care For Paperwhites

Watering frequency.

• Water paperwhites every second day while in active growth, once the stems and leaves become visible and start to grow.

Light Requirements

• Immediately after planting, the bulbs benefit from being in a darker and cooler location, which may be beneficial to promote root growth before stem growth. During root growth, place in an area with indirect light or low light.
• When the bulbs begin to sprout, a sunny spot is preferable.
• Once the paperwhites begin to bloom, avoid direct sunlight for longer lasting blooms.

Supporting The Stems

• The stems and leaves of paper white bulbs can grow quickly and become quite tall.

• Support the stems with ribbon or twine halfway up the length of the leaves, which will hold everything in place.
• If the bulbs are in a tall glass vase, the sides of the vase will naturally support the stems and leaves as they grow.
• The leaves will tend to bend towards the light. Rotate the growing container, and the leaves will naturally readjust.

Paperwhites And Alcohol

Researchers from the Flowerbulb Research Program at Cornell University have come up with a way to help prevent paperwhite stems and leaves from drooping, called Pickling Your Paperwhites .

The technique involves watering the paperwhites when they are in an active stage of growth, with a solution of water with 4% to 6% alcohol. The part alcohol solution includes using any sort of consumable spirit such as vodka, rum, gin, tequila or whiskey to name a few.

The use of alcohol on growing paperwhites is known to stump the leaf growth, creating a stockier plant which is less apt to become droopy.

The plant's growth is one half to one third shorter than expected without the alcohol solution.

How Long Do Paperwhites Last?

Paperwhites will grow fairly quickly after planting, and by about six to eight weeks after planting you should have lots of blooms.

The bulbs will bloom for one to two weeks, and then the flowers will fade.

Unless of course they bloom sporadically over the course of a month, as mine did this year. In this case each set of blooms still only lasted about a week, although the overall blooming period was prolonged.

Paperwhites Flower Care After Blooming

Snip off the spent flowers from the flower stems once they have finished blooming.

Once all the flowers have finished blooming, you can still enjoy the foliage in the display as long as it remains green and healthy. I love to grow the bulb on for a while, treating as a house plant while the leaves are still green.

Eventually the leaves will begin to get yellow.

What To Do With Paperwhites After They Bloom

In warmer growing zones where the ground does not freeze, paperwhites can be saved and planted outdoors in the garden.

In cooler climates however, the bulbs are generally treated as annuals, and discarded once the bulb becomes dormant.

If you have been growing the bulbs in pebbles or glass, remember to disinfect your growing medium, to reuse with your new paperwhite bulbs again next year.

Planting paperwhites is such a fun indoor gardening activity during the early winter months. Indoor forcing of the bulbs allows us to enjoy these wonderful flowers during the gardening off season.

The project is easy to do, and the bulbs are some of the easiest flowers to grow.

The pure white flowers are simple and pleasing to the eye. The bulbs are quite natural and organic, and allow us to experience fresh blooms indoors in winter.

Enjoy these sweet indoor blooms every holiday season. They may very well become an important part of your holiday traditions, just as they are at our house.

These fragrant flowers also make great gifts, especially if they are planted in a beautiful vessel.

You also don't have to plant them just for the holidays. If you succession plant, you can have paperwhites blooming all winter long.

Have you ever tried to plant paperwhites for holiday bloom ing ? Be sure to leave a comment below to share your experience!

Other Posts You May Like:

HOW TO GROW WINTERGREEN – A SWEET HOLIDAY PLANT

HOW TO PLANT AMARYLLIS BULBS IN POTS FOR CHRISTMAS BLOOM

VINTAGE BOTTLE BRUSH CHRISTMAS TREES – OLD AND NEW

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About Cheyanne Mullin

Cheyanne Mullin is an experienced gardener and flower farmer, growing in zone 5b, Nova Scotia, Canada. A practicing gardener for over 30 years, she retired from a career in nursing to grow flowers on a larger scale. A hybridizer of daylilies and daylily seeds for over 15 years, you can find her under the handle "Maya"on the Lily Auction. Cheyanne is the seed planter, seed collector, flower grower, bouquet maker, photographer and voice behind Farmhouse and Blooms, a gardening blog that teaches about growing flowers for the garden and cut flowers. You can also find Farmhouse & Blooms on the Farmer-Florist Collective in the Floret Directory!

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• Marketing and customer experience

white paper

• Nick Barney, Technology Writer

What is a white paper?

A white paper is an authoritative, research-based document that presents information, expert analysis and an organization or author's insight into a topic or solution to a problem. Companies or vendors use these papers in business-to-business ( B2B ) marketing models as part of a content marketing strategy. In these contexts, white papers are written to persuade clients, stakeholders, customers and prospective customers to purchase a product or service offered by the organization. They're also used to establish an organization's authority and thought leadership in a field.

White papers are more technical and in-depth than other types of content, such as blogs and case studies. They use research, statistics, expert opinions and original analysis to promote a product, service or methodology. These products and services are often referred to as solutions by technology vendors, as they are claimed to solve a client's particular issue.

White papers can be effective tools at multiple stages of the sales funnel . They generate sales leads at the top of the funnel, and they're good for nurturing leads already inside it. For instance, a company's blog post may include a call to action linking to a white paper to get a potential customer to make a purchase or to continue fostering a strong customer experience ( CX ).

Other organizations, such as research institutes, universities, nonprofit groups and government agencies, use white papers to present findings and guidance, and to propose policies and initiative. The term white paper most likely arose in England in the 19th century to distinguish shorter government reports from lengthy ones known as blue books .

Key characteristics of a white paper

White papers in business and technology are characterized by their extensive length and in-depth technical information. The following key characteristics are common in white papers:

• They have an authoritative and objective style that differentiates them from sales pitches and promotional content.
• They're written for a well-defined target audience with CX in mind.
• They're used before a sale for lead generation.
• They're generally at least 2,500 words long.
• They present educational information and facts before offering an expert analysis and proposed solution.
• They include references, citations and footnotes.
• They cite case studies and data, and use data visualization design elements, such as graphs and infographics to support analysis.
• They include numbered lists and bullet points with headings such as "10 Things You Need to Know."
• They use a narrative structure that feels like a factual story about an industry problem and its solution.
• They end with a call to action.

Main purpose of a white paper

Sales and content marketing professionals frequently create and use white papers. Information technology and other companies with complicated products tend to rely on white papers to explain in detail the benefits of their offerings and how they work.

White papers provide these other benefits that make them ideal sales and marketing tools:

• Build trust. White papers speak to readers with authority, using an educational approach, expert analyses and data-backed research.
• Generate leads. They offer valuable insights and data to potential customers who then look to the brand for more of this input.
• Nurture leads. When offered as free content, white papers help educate potential customers about a brand and its offerings.
• Propose solutions. They're a platform for companies to make the case for how their product and services solve specific issues. They let government agencies and nonprofit organizations propose new policies.
• Create brand visibility. White papers build brand awareness both for startups and established companies.
• Increase sales. White papers inform customers and potential customers, and move them closer to buying decisions.

Types of white papers

There are several types of white papers, including the following:

Problem-solution. This is a standard type of white paper that identifies a particular problem of the target audience and proposes a data-driven solution.

Thought leadership. These white papers are written to make an organization appear authoritative and visionary. Thought leadership white papers focus on a current issue or debate, explaining it in a way that informs the audience.

Backgrounder. These papers provide the technical evaluations, key takeaways and promotions of an organization's product or service.

Numbered lists. These are structured with headings and bullet points that highlight the key features of a product or service. For example, a white paper on load balancing , might be "3 Things You Need to Know About Load Balancers."

Technical paper. These white papers provide in-depth technical analyses of a product, service or technology. They are informational documents, written for people who use the product, service or technology on a daily basis.

Market research. The market research white paper is based on new or relevant original research findings that an organization thinks its customers and potential customers should be aware of. It's intended to educate readers about a specific subject matter and demonstrate authority.

Visionary. Visionary white papers reveal an organization's insightful thinking to readers. Similar to the thought leadership white paper, the goal of visionary white papers is to look beyond the scope of current issues toward where the writer thinks a debate or technology is headed.

Examples of white papers

Many professionals in the tech industry rely on white papers to stay educated and knowledgeable about current topics and evolving technology.

White papers often require a reader to fill out a registration form for access. These forms let organizations collect information about the people reading their content, such as a reader's company and role, so they have a better understanding of who their audience is.

Successful white paper examples include the following:

• Gartner's "Reinvent Strategic Workforce Planning."
• McKinsey & Company's "Developer Velocity: How software excellence fuels business performance."
• Satoshi Nakamoto's "Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System."
• TechTarget's " 2022-2023 Media Consumption and Vendor Engagement Study ."

How to create a white paper

Writing white papers involves the following steps:

• Define the target audience. Before writing, the author or organization should be aware of sectors the paper is targeting. Organizations often define their audience through customer segmentation .
• Select a topic. The writer selects a topic that is relevant to the target audience. For most companies, topics often center around the field or issue their product addresses. For instance, if a company is selling a network detection and response technology, and has a target audience of executives and IT professionals, a relevant topic would be cybersecurity, its risks and prevention.
• Research the topic. The author conducts extensive research to determine what the target audience wants to know about the topic and how to answer those questions. This research covers both the technical aspects of the topic and search engine optimization research if it's going to be posted online.
• Write a compelling introduction . White papers must have a compelling introduction and a concise, early declaration of the problem statement. A compelling introduction attracts a reader's attention, and a concise problem statement lets the reader know the purpose of the paper.
• Present data and analysis . The white paper should be filled with the most important information, data and original analyses. White papers rely on original research as well as other pieces of market, scientific and technical research available to the general public or hidden behind paywalls or membership requirements. A diversity of sources lends authority to a white paper and can strengthen an author's analysis. This research data should also be provided through engaging visuals such as graphs.
• Present a solution . After analyzing a topic, an author must offer a unique solution to the problem and recommendations for next steps. If a white paper is authoritative and educational enough, the reader will be prepared to learn how they might solve their own version of the problem statement.
• End with a call to action . White papers should end with a clear next step or call to action. This should be an action the reader can take immediately, such as requesting a free demo for a product or service, talking directly to a product expert or signing up for a newsletter. Getting the reader to take this step is the essential purpose behind a white paper.

White papers vs. e-books

White papers and e-books are two distinct, long-form content marketing tools that are often confused.

White papers

These in-depth reports typically aren't more than 20-30 pages and are usually shorter than e-books. White papers are more singularly focused on a topic and used in B2B business models to target specific audiences.

E-books are longer and broader in scope than white papers. For example, rather than focus on a specific problem within an industry, an e-book might focus on the industry itself. The target audience for e-books is also broader than the audience for white papers. For instance, e-books might offer how-tos and other kinds of guides for the general public. E-books are used more in business-to-consumer ( B2C ) contexts and tend to be more visually engaging than white papers.

White papers are an important part of generating leads for e-commerce companies. Learn how to create an e-commerce content strategy to improve sales .

Continue Reading About white paper

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• 21 lead generation tools to fill the sales funnel
• Sales funnel vs. flywheel: How sales and marketing has evolved
• B2B vs. B2C e-commerce: What's the difference?
• 5 examples of e-commerce content marketing strategies

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What is a White Paper? (Definition, Templates + Formatting Tips)

Written by: Masooma Memon

Most people assume that white papers are promotional documents written to convince readers to buy their product or service.

Others think they’re the in-depth version of ebooks — same as ebooks are the detailed versions of blog posts.

Except, a white paper isn’t all that. So, what is a white paper exactly?

Briefly, it’s the academic paper of the content world, designed to provide authoritative content on a particular topic backed by facts and evidence.

In this guide, we'll help you learn what a white paper is, its different types and how to write a white paper of your own. We’ve also got white paper templates to help you get off on the right foot.

Let’s get started.

Ready to create your white paper? Use our professional document creator to access ready-made white paper templates and drag-and-drop design tools, and build a white paper online in minutes.

What is a White Paper?

A white paper is an in-depth, authoritative document explaining or promoting a concept, idea or methodology in a formal, research-backed manner.

Below is an example of a white paper template you can customize:

Since it proposes a new idea or concept as a solution to a problem based on evidence, you can write a whitepaper using the classic copywriting formula: problem, agitate and solve (PAS).

What you need to keep in mind, though, are two things:

• White papers aren’t a place to share your opinions or light-hearted humor
• White papers aren’t overly promotional — all persuasion that you do has to be based on facts, research and real-life stories (think: customer case studies)

Note that the definition also says that a white paper presents a solution in a “formal” way. This means a chatty tone of voice is not appropriate for this type of content. No wonder white papers are known as the academic reports of the content industry.

Similarly, the definition also points out that white papers are “in-depth.”

This means you can’t take an over-the-top or superficial approach with your white paper content. Instead, you go deep into research on the topic to provide a detailed piece.

You can also enlist a subject matter expert’s help to write a white paper.

Or, you can talk to various industry-leading authorities on the topic to present a well-researched paper. In that case, be sure to give credit to the folks you talked to in your references or footnotes.

How long should a white paper be?

All the information noted above takes a lot of space. So, if you’re wondering how long should a white paper be, know that 6-8 pages are the minimum they take. Some white papers can even go up to 50 pages if the topic requires.

Want an example before we dig any deeper?

The Sprout Social Index Index™, Edition XVII: Accelerate presenting research on social data is a good example of a lead-generating white paper.

It’s gated content, of course.

But that leaves us with another important takeaway: if you're writing a white paper for lead generation purposes, you need to create a high-converting landing page for your white paper that gets people to share their information and get your content.

Here are more white paper examples and templates for inspiration.

Types of White Papers

Now that you have the answer to what is a white paper, let’s look at its types.

Keep in mind, the goal is always the same: to present a problem and offer a solution — you’ll find it prevalent in different ways in all three types of white papers.

This makes it clear: a white paper isn’t a user manual or a document enlisting your product features and why people should buy your product.

If you want to do that, again, go back to the main idea of a white paper: present your target reader’s problem. Then present a solution that showcases your product features and how it helps backed by research and case studies.

With that, let’s look at the three types of white papers:

1. Problem/Solution White Papers

These types of white papers come toward the top and middle of the marketing funnel — serving as useful lead magnets to educate your target audience.

Since this type of a white paper works toward spreading awareness, it’s best you understand the problem thoroughly.

To this end, interview customers or target buyers to understand the exact problems they face. This is essential for correctly capturing the readers’ pain points in your content.

After all, it’s only when you can explain the problem correctly that you can connect with your readers. Readers, on the other hand, feel understood and continue reading.

Then, present the solution.

This white paper template from Visme is a great example of a problem/solution white paper that discusses both at length.

Use this white paper template for driving awareness and educating readers in a visually-engaging manner. Make sure you back both the problem and solution with extensive research though.

Since your aim in this type of white paper is to propose and make a winning case for your solution (read: product feature or service), make sure you highlight other industry-leading solutions and their drawbacks too.

This way, readers can understand the solutions they can avail as well as why they should choose what you’re specifically suggesting.

As you share the solution, you can share a case study of another business (similar to the reader) achieving results with your proposed solution. This is the best way to convince readers based on social proof without coming across as overly promotional.

2. Backgrounders

Backgrounders cover technical aspects of your product features for solving business problems.

As this type of white paper goes into product features, it has less to do with awareness and education and more to do with persuading those who are aware of your product.

Meaning: backgrounders are helpful for capturing middle to bottom of the funnel leads — those who are on the verge of buying and want to educate themselves on why they should choose you.

Here's an example of a backgrounder white paper for a travel app:

Recall that white papers aren’t user manuals. This means you won’t sell product features. Instead, you’ll take a convincing approach — sharing a product feature, outlining the problem it solves and how it helps or what makes it different.

As you cover a handful of product features, you’ll make a solid case for why your product or service is the right choice for readers.

Use backgrounders when launching a product and when you want to take steps to establish yourself as the industry authority on the solution you offer.

3. Listicle White Papers

Finally, listicle white papers present a numbered list of questions, tips or points you make on a topic.

Use them to nurture readers through a long and complex sales cycle by presenting a roundup of points or questions on a topic.

Case in point — this white paper template presents roundup information in a well-formatted and easy-to-read fashion:

To reiterate, white papers provide in-depth content. So don’t expect to make a listicle white paper of extensive tips. Such a ‘101 tips on X topic’ type of content is best suitable for blog posts.

With white papers, you can dive between 3-9 pointers at a time. Why? Because it’s only then that you can cover them thoroughly — making a persuasive case in favor of your main idea.

How to Format a White Paper

White papers take a formal and informative tone of voice. But that doesn’t mean they’ve to be boring. Or, hard to read for that matter.

Similarly, white paper readers know that the document presents technical content and they’re ready to read them to educate themselves for making informed decisions.

Again, just because readers expect the paper to be tough to consume doesn’t mean that you make reading challenging for them.

So, what can you do to help? Improve your white paper’s formatting.

Follow these tips to boost your content’s quality by making it readable:

1. Insert a table of contents at the start.

A table of contents (TOC) makes it easy for readers to navigate through the content.

These help with navigation not only when the audience starts reading but also after they’ve read and want to revisit specific sections.

Here’s an example:

Want to make the TOC uber-useful for readers? Make it interactive.

This means when readers click on a particular section, the table should carry them straight to it.

2. Add an executive summary.

With backgrounders and problem/solution white papers, always include a short summary at the start.

It’s best to keep your summary to a few paragraphs or one page long, depending on how long the document itself is.

Here's an example:

Add an executive summary at the start of your white paper to set readers’ expectations — giving them a taste of what’s to come so they can jump in with the right mindset.

3. Organize your content with subheadings and bullet points.

Take on this task when outlining your white paper before writing it.

Subheadings break the text and explain what’s to come in a section — making reading simple.

Simply make sure all your subheadings are direct, to the point and convey benefits to the reader without giving too much info. This is essential to encourage readers to continue consuming your white paper.

While you are at it, make sure each section builds on the other. This is crucial for creating a flow that’s easy to follow.

If you’ve outlined the content beforehand, this shouldn’t be a problem. If not, you’ll want to reorganize the structure for a better narrative.

Also, where you can, use bullet points to deliver your points.

You can leverage them before presenting an argument too. This way, readers will know that the succeeding paragraphs will elaborate on the bullet points.

But bullet points don’t need to be the traditional kind. A visually attractive idea is to use design icons before your text as this white paper template does to introduce product features:

For listicles, you can add design call-out boxes or summary boxes that package what was covered under each point. This is the same as providing chapter takeaways — only more readable.

Here’s an example template using call-out boxes to share the white paper’s highlights at the start:

4. Review your sentences.

Once you’ve written your white paper, edit it for brevity. For this, first, review the entire document for identifying fluff and repetition.

Find a sentence not adding enough value to the paper? Erase it. Make every sentence earn its keep. Second, review each sentence for its structure.

If it’s written in passive voice, change it to active voice. This makes content more authoritative and clear and shortens the sentence too.

If there’s an unnecessarily long sentence, rewrite it to make it clearer and easy to consume.

5. Keep your paragraphs to 3-4 sentences long.

While this is something you should keep in mind as you write your white paper, you can always work on it later on.

But never gloss over it since long paragraphs can be difficult to read.

Shortening paragraphs will not only boost readability but it’ll also make your overall content design breathable and visually engaging.

6. Add supplementary visuals.

Visuals, such as images, do more than just break up the text.

In fact, you need visual content in your white paper for several reasons:

• Supplement and explain your message. This is why you’ll find charts, infographics, concept maps, geographic maps and other such visuals useful.
• Visually to engage readers. This keeps them on the page, cheering them to read on.
• Help readers retain your message. People remember 65% of the information they see in a visual so it makes sense to add more of them in your content.

This template from Visme, for example, uses not only supplementary visuals such as charts but also design icons throughout the paper to make the white paper enticing to read:

7. Choose a readable font type and size.

Fail here and you increase the odds of all the formatting you’ve done so far going to waste. Why? Because small-sized, difficult-to-understand fonts repel readers — no matter how good the content or its organization.

This doesn’t mean you need to invest in a paid font. Instead, free fonts such as Verdana, Times New Roman and Arial can help.

Also, stay away from cursive or fancy fonts as they’re difficult to understand. And keep the font size to at least 12 points.

8. Add enough whitespace to your design.

Whitespace, also known as negative space, is the empty space you add to the page. It’s the space you see between lines of text and around the pages that makes the overall content easy to consume.

Not sure how much is enough whitespace? Use a white paper template to create your document.

This way, you wouldn’t need to worry about the right spacing and can focus on the rest of the formatting.

On that note, let’s walk you through the best white paper templates you can use from Visme’s bank.

Looking to create a stand-out, visual white paper?

• Choose from dozens of professionally designed templates
• Create animated charts and creatively visualize stats and figures
• Customize anything to fit your brand image and content needs

11 White Paper Templates

In this section, you’ll find our handpicked white paper templates to help you create your own document in minutes.

Simply choose the template you like, customize it online in Visme's drag-and-drop editor, and then download it in high-quality or share it online.

Let’s roll:

1. Workplace Design White Paper Template

This is a visually engaging white paper template design with minimalism in mind.

There’s a simple yet effective TOC and attractive visuals such as a map to share locations where your business serves or where your headquarters are — whatever you find it useful for.

2. Travel Guide White Paper Template

This one is the perfect example of a well-structured white paper template.

Look at how it uses sub-sections, bullet points and visuals to divide text — making it a highly readable template.

3. Social Media Privacy White Paper Template

This template makes use of visuals and design icons strategically, improving the white paper’s formatting significantly.

For instance, there are design icons used for bullet points and for sharing feature updates. Numbers are also highlighted to grab readers’ attention.

4. Technology White Paper Template

This template is an excellent example of using call-out boxes to package key takeaways.

It also introduces subject matter experts in an engaging manner at the start. If you’ve talked to experts yourself, use this template to spotlight them and boost your content’s credibility.

5. Digital Marketing White Paper Template

This template is the best fit for a problem/solution white paper.

The reason: it has a handy chart outlining the drawbacks of other available solutions to make a strong case for its solution. It also has a page for showcasing customer success stories.

6. Security White Paper Template

This template is great for a roundup or listicle white paper.

It’s also a good pick for white papers sharing multiple solutions, tips or best practices. That's because it uses design icons for the pointers are shared — making them easier to digest.

7. Real Estate White Paper Template

This property analysis white paper is another clutter-free template to try.

It uses visuals and readable takeaways to improve the white paper’s formatting further. Not to forget, there’s an executive summary page already built into it.

8. Electronic Media White Paper Template

This is another template fit for the problem/solution type of white paper.

What makes it unique and worth using it is that it clearly highlights the reader's problem under a specified heading. And, offers a solution under a particular heading too.

Plus, it highlights quotes from experts — boosting the content’s authority instantly.

9. Business White Paper Template

This template does an effective job at showcasing the research you’ve done by using numbers-based design icons featuring stats from the study.

Additionally, this template is also packed with supplementary images that help make your message memorable.

10. Government White Paper Template

Have research insights to share but don’t need design icons to do so? Use this template that leverages a chart to feature research findings.

11. Cryptocurrency White Paper Template

This is another problem/solution white paper template design — complete with a key takeaways section.

That said, it’s best to use this template if you’re pitching your solution, idea or concept against one another solution.

If you need to introduce and compare your solution or idea against a third solution or concept, feel free to add more pages to the template.

Create a High-Performing White Paper Today

We hope you now have a clear understanding of what is a white paper and the different types of white papers you can leverage.

Always remember: white paper content is references-backed, well-researched technical content covering a topic of your audience’s interest in depth.

And while it’s written using a formal tone, you can make it easy to read with a clutter-free design and thoughtful formatting.

Ready to create your white paper? Head over to Visme's professional document creator and use it to create a breathable, easy-to-read white paper for free.

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About the Author

Masooma Memon is a pizza-loving freelance writer by day and a novel nerd by night. She crafts research-backed, actionable blog posts for SaaS and marketing brands who aim to employ quality content to educate and engage with their audience.

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Social Wasps: Yellowjackets, Hornets, and Paper Wasps

Baldfaced hornet nest. Photo: M. Talabac, UME

Key points about social wasps

• Maryland is home to over one thousand wasp species. Wasps are grouped into two categories: solitary or social. Very few are social; the majority are solitary. Maryland’s social wasps include yellowjackets, hornets, and paper wasps.
• Social wasps differ from solitary wasps by living in a community of a single nest housing dozens or thousands of members. The wasps in these communities work together to build the nest, find food, raise the young, and defend the nest against perceived threats. 
• Social wasps do not seek people out just to sting them. They capture prey with their jaws and do not rely on their sting. They only use their stinger when a nest is being defended or when workers are protecting themselves or their food source from a perceived threat. If you are concerned about a risk of stings and a nest cannot be avoided until a killing frost in late autumn (when the nest will cease to be threatening), you may need to have it removed. Refer to the Management section below. 
• Social wasp colonies only last one year, dying off each winter. Old nests are not reused. Only a handful of fertilized queens overwinter, starting a new nest from scratch each spring.

Social wasp behavior

• Adult wasps consume a liquid diet and are attracted to sugary substances. They feed on flower nectar, fruit juices, oozing sap, honeydew excreted by sap-feeding insects, and nutritional liquids produced by their young.
• Insects, other invertebrate prey (such as spiders or worms), and carrion (dead animals) are scavenged or hunted by adult wasps as food for their young (larvae). Captured food is typically chewed into smaller pieces and then flown back to the colony. Although adults might ingest juices from the prey item, it is not the primary food source of adults.
• Nests are built out of a paper-like material that wasps make using chewed-up wood pulp and saliva. This material forms the brood cells (the honeycomb-shaped structure the larvae live in) and the nest envelope (covering). Worker wasps enlarge the nest with additional comb and paper layers as the colony grows. Pulp from different wood sources can result in paper bands of a different color.
• Nests are located in sheltered hollows (such as tree cavities or wall voids), under building eaves or tree branches, or in the ground (such as in an old rodent burrow), depending on the wasp species. They do not excavate nesting sites, but find and utilize pre-existing locations that suit their needs. Wasps that nest in trees do not cause the tree significant damage, but the collection of nesting material may injure a few branches.
• The nest population grows in number throughout the season, with only a handful of individuals in spring and potentially hundreds by autumn. All nest members are female until the colony is ready to reproduce.

Life cycle of a colony

• Spring: As the weather warms, reproductive females, called queens, emerge from a hibernation-like state and search for a suitable nest site. Each wasp queen works alone and begins nest construction and raising the first generation of workers by herself. All worker wasps are sterile females.
• Summer: Workers take over nest construction duties as well as foraging for food, and the queen remains in the nest to lay eggs for future generations of workers. The nest population gradually increases until it reaches its largest number of wasps by late summer or early autumn.
• Late summer into autumn: Some of the larvae raised become new queens and males instead of workers, and they leave the nest to find mates. Males die soon afterward, while the queens search for a sheltered location to overwinter by themselves, such as under a fallen log or in a tree crevice. The social order of the nest may begin to break down, and the workers might be more easily agitated and defensive of a disturbed nest.
• Winter: Freezing weather ends any remaining nest activity. The original queen from spring, all of the female workers, and all of the males die. Young mated queens have left the nest and are inactive, overwintering elsewhere (leaf litter, tree bark, compost piles, logs, soil cavities, wall voids). The nest will not be re-used.

Identifying hornets, yellowjackets, and paper wasps

All wasps have a pair of compound eyes, a pair of antennae, six pairs of legs, two pairs of wings, and a narrow “waist” (petiole: area where the thorax and abdomen join). Wasp color patterns can help identify the species highlighted on this page. The coloration of the three main body segments (head, thorax, abdomen) are the key areas used to make comparisons. In some cases, the coloration of legs or antennae can also be helpful.

Hornets in Maryland

Only the European hornet and baldfaced hornet occur in Maryland.

European hornet

European hornet ( Vespa crabro )  

This is the only true hornet established in the U.S. They are non-native, but have lived in North America for over a hundred years.

Identification

• Relatively large among social wasps, ranging from ¾ to 1 ⅜ inches long. Due to size, it might be mistaken for a Northern giant hornet or the eastern cicada killer wasps . 
• Body colors are brick-hued reddish-brown with golden yellow on the abdomen and face, with darker markings on the thorax and abdomen. Teardrop-shaped marks on the abdomen are distinctive.

Nest traits

• Usually tan-brown in color and relatively fragile.
• Located in concealed sites, such as hollow trees, barns, outbuildings, wall voids, attics, and abandoned honey bee hives.
• At peak population, most nests may contain about 200 to 400 workers; larger nests can contain over 1,000 workers.

Notable behavior

• Often observed preying on other pollinators by hunting around flowering plants. Prey can include grasshoppers, flies, and bees, as well as other wasps, plus a variety of additional species.
• Can fly both day and night. Like many night-active (nocturnal) insects, this wasp may be attracted to outdoor lights (porch lights, landscape accent lighting, and light leaking through window blinds or curtains) and can accidentally collide with windows as a result. They may also be attracted to light from a flashlight.
• Chews bark off of young tree or shrub branches in order to cause sap to flow. May ingest the sap directly, catch insects drawn to the sap, and/or use the wood pulp for nest building. Common targets include lilac, viburnum, rhododendron and birch. If extensive girdling (damage to sapwood encircling the branch) occurs, the branch may die back to that point, but overall, shrubs and trees are usually not seriously harmed by hornet activity.

Baldfaced hornet

Baldfaced hornet ( Dolichovespula maculata )

Despite its common name, this is a type of “aerial” yellowjacket (one of 7 to 8 such species in North America), not a true hornet. They are native to the U.S. and widespread in Maryland.

• Medium-sized among social wasps, ranging from ⅝ to ¾ of an inch long for workers and just over an inch for queens.
• Body colors are black and white, with a white face.
• Usually light gray in color, but may include a mix of gray and light brown stripes.
• The main entrance is the lowest and most prominent opening in the cone- or egg-shaped nest, but other arched openings around the top of the dome also give wasps access to the interior. A relatively new nest may have a long entrance tube extending downwards.
• Nests are built out in the open, with combs surrounded completely by a paper envelope. They can be surprisingly easy to miss, given their eventual size, until winter reveals their presence. Nests may hang from a tree branch, potentially up to 60 feet or more high in the canopy, or be attached at least 3 feet high to a building overhang, wall, or utility pole.
• At peak population, nests may contain about 100 to 400 workers.

Hornets not in Maryland

Northern giant hornet and yellow-legged hornet are included for reference and comparison, since distant states have had isolated detections of these species. Neither species has been found in Maryland or neighboring states.

Northern giant hornet

Northern giant hornet ( Vespa mandarinia )

In the United States, this non-native hornet has not been found outside of Washington state. This wasp is native to Asia but was first found in British Columbia, Canada, and in Washington State in the fall and winter of 2019. Washington set up a baited trap system for surveying populations of this pest, and occasional isolated detections of additional hornet individuals or nests have occurred in the years following. Located nests are eradicated.

Given their large size, European hornets (social wasps) and Eastern cicada killers (solitary wasps) are often misidentified as this species. If you think you have found this hornet outside of Washington, it is likely one of the similar species above. After reviewing the identification materials on this page, if you think you have encountered a Northern giant hornet, please send a photo of the wasp to your local Extension office or submit it to Ask Extension .

• The largest hornet in the world, ranging from 1½ - 2  inches long for workers and  up to 2¼ inches long for queens.
• Body colors are golden-yellow, black, and dark brownish-black. The head is entirely yellow and the dark banding on the abdomen lacks the teardrop or triangular-shaped markings present on the European hornet.
• Nests are typically made underground in abandoned rodent burrows or sometimes in dead, hollow tree trunks or hollows between roots. Aerial nests are rare.
• At peak population, nests may contain about 300 or more workers.
• Workers are usually solitary hunters, but may team-up to attack other social wasp nests or honey bee hives, especially later in the season when workers are abundant.
• Northern giant hornets have three different attack phases: hunting phase, slaughter phase , and occupation phase . What triggers this shift in behavior (attack phases) is still unknown. 
• During the hunting phase , hornet workers will catch and kill individual bees (mainly guard bees and scouts) outside the hive. They pull apart the bee to access the thorax (the body segment powering wings and legs) because it is a rich energy source for the hornet larvae. If a honey bee nest is found, the hornet will scent-mark the nest to potentially return with more workers at a later time.
• During the slaughter phase , multiple worker hornets will target one particular honey bee hive. In this phase, up to 50 hornets will wait near the entrance of the hive and will bite to death each bee that approaches them. Unlike other attacks, they will not take any part of these bees back to their hive, but will drop the killed bee and wait for the next one. 
• Once the attacked honey bee hive is defeated, the occupation phase begins where the hornets will enter the hive and raid the comb; taking the protein-rich parts of the bee pupae and larvae back to their nest. Honey is rarely taken back to the hornet nest. Hornets will guard the honey bee hive from other hornets, people, and animals while taking resources back to their nest.
• Despite the sensationalized nickname “murder hornet,” Northern giant hornets are typically not aggressive toward humans, but will sting if handled or defending a nest. Use extreme caution near northern giant hornets. Like other hornets and wasps, they can sting multiple times.
• A Northern giant hornet sting is described as being extremely painful, due to stinger size and the volume of venom delivered per sting. However, it is not clear if they are more likely to cause death or induce an allergic reaction than honey bees, yellowjackets, and other social wasps.

Yellow-legged hornet

Yellow-legged hornet ( Vespa velutina )

This non-native hornet has not been found in the Mid-Atlantic region. The first detection of this species in the U.S. was in Savannah, Georgia, in August 2023, followed by another in South Carolina in November 2023. Their native range is tropical and subtropical areas of Southeast Asia, though they were accidentally introduced to Europe in the early 2000s. As per routine procedure for new and potentially invasive species, the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) is working with the Georgia Department of Agriculture, the University of Georgia, and Clemson University to identify, trap, track, and eradicate these hornets.

European hornets might be misidentified as this species due to their similar size and coloration. If you think you have encountered a yellow-legged hornet, please send a clear photo of the wasp to your local Extension office or submit it to Ask Extension .

• Somewhat large among social wasps, ranging from 3⁄4 to 1¼ inches long for queens. Early-season workers are relatively small at about ½ inch, with later generations nearing the size of a queen by the end of the season. 
• Body colors are variable (multiple color morphs exist), but only one color morph (form) has been introduced outside of Asia. This introduced color morph is primarily a mix of near-black and golden-yellow. The face is yellow; the rest of the head is black. Lacks the distinctive teardrop-shaped markings on the abdomen of the European hornet. The lower portions of the legs are yellow .
• The nest is similar in appearance to that of a baldfaced hornet.
• Nests are built out in the open, hanging from a tree branch, with combs surrounded completely by a paper envelope.
• Two nests are built during the course of a growing season. The first is more irregular in shape and houses only the first generations of workers the queen produces. Later in summer, the colony builds and moves into a separate secondary nest which is usually higher off the ground and the typical egg shape.
• At peak population, nests may contain about 400 workers. In its native range, where the climate is warmer, populations for a single nest can average thousands of workers.
• Uses a “bee hawking” behavior similar to the predation on honey bees of the Northern giant hornet. Prey preference includes bees, other wasps, and flies. Workers may hunt around pollinator-attracting flowers, near honey bee hives, or around dead animals that attract flies.

Yellowjackets

Several species of yellowjacket occur in Maryland. Except for the German yellowjacket ( Vespula germanica ), most (if not all) other species are native to Maryland.

• Small among social wasps, ranging from ⅜ to ⅝ of an inch long, with queens a bit larger than workers.
• Body colors are black and yellow, and pattern details on the thorax and abdomen vary slightly between species. Southern yellowjacket queens in particular have an orange-yellow abdomen with sparser black markings.
• Although they are not completely hairless, yellowjackets have much less body hair than a honey bee.
• Nest location varies based on species: some nest in the ground (such as in an old rodent or rabbit burrow), some attach a nest to the branches of dense shrubs, and others nest in wall voids or sheds.
• A gray-brown paper envelope covers the nest, but due to its secluded location, it is not often seen unless a nest is accidentally exposed.
• At peak population, large nests may contain thousands of workers.

• Has a reputation for being easily agitated, so may appear to sting without provocation. Attacking yellowjackets release an alarm pheromone that encourages nestmates to defend the nest if the threat does not leave the area. Vibrations near a nest, such as from a lawn mower or electric hedge clippers, can trigger a defensive response.
• Southern yellowjacket queens sometimes take over the young spring nests of other yellowjacket species, killing the original queen and laying their own eggs. Eventually, only her workers reside in the nest as the original generations from the first species die off.

Paper wasps

Several species of paper wasp (genus Polistes ) occur in Maryland. Except for the European paper wasp ( Polistes dominula ), which originated in Eurasia, most (if not all) other species are native to Maryland.

• Medium-sized among social wasps, ranging from ⅝ of an inch to nearly 1 inch long. Queens are the same size as workers. May look larger in flight due to long dangling legs.
• Body colors vary between species and typically include yellow, brick-hued reddish-brown, and near-black. In comparison to hornets and yellowjackets, paper wasps generally have less yellow in their coloration and their legs are relatively long.
• The longer antennae of male paper wasps tend to have curved tips, and their faces are usually more yellow compared to females (an exception is the ringed paper wasp, Polistes annularis ).
• The European paper wasp has antennae that are mostly orange in color, unique among paper wasps. Although superficially similar to a yellowjacket in size and body color pattern, its antenna color is distinctive.

• The single layer of comb, usually only a few inches across, is exposed and not covered by an envelope like yellowjacket nests. The papery material is a brown-gray color, and the nest has an umbrella-like shape.
• The central stalk atop the nest is attached to shrub branches or perennial plant stems, building eaves or door frames, or any protected location.
• At peak population, nests may contain around 20-75 members.
• Not as defensive of a nest as hornets and yellowjackets. May deliberately bump into an intruder as a warning before resorting to stinging.
• Can be semi-social, where several egg-laying females can share a single nest after developing a hierarchy of dominance. Nests contain a mix of workers and one or more queens, especially later in the season, with the “foundress” (the original nest builder) being the queen laying most of the eggs.
• The Northern paper wasp ( Polistes fuscatus ) appears to have the ability to recognize the unique facial patterns of other individuals. Researchers speculate that this helps reduce conflicts in a nest once dominance has been established among its members.
• Overwintering females (young queens) might form aggregations, where they gather in groups in protected areas.

Comparisons for identification

Managing conflicts with wasps and their nests

Social wasps are beneficial insects: they prey on insect pests (caterpillars, flies, other wasps, beetle larvae, etc.), scavenge carrion, and help with pollination while foraging for nectar. When possible, leave these beneficial insects alone and consider providing alternative habitat and floral resources to reduce human conflicts.

Social wasps tend to be non-confrontational and not aggressive unless a nest is disturbed or an individual feels threatened (like being swatted or caught). If a threat is perceived, wasps may sting, and individual wasps are capable of stinging repeatedly, unlike honey bees.

• Leave nests alone to avoid triggering a defensive response. Do not mow directly under a nest, strike a tree or wall containing a nest, or shine a light at the nest entrance. Avoid reaching into crevices and openings you cannot see into.  
• Remove or cover-up attractants. Foraging wasps will explore human food if given the opportunity, like sugary beverages, candy, fruit, and even meat. This is especially the case in the autumn, when there are fewer flowering plants and sources of nectar. Consider adding fall-blooming plants to your landscape to distract wasps from a picnic or cookout. Keep outdoor food and beverages covered, rake up and discard fallen tree fruit, and equip trash cans with tight-fitting lids. Scented soaps, shampoos, perfume, or cologne can also attract foraging wasps.  
• Avoid direct contact. Wasps sting when they feel threatened, which includes being handled, swatted, or smacked. Some threatened wasps release a scent marker that will attract more nestmates as reinforcements. When you come across a wasp outside its nest, calmly walk away, remove or cover attractants, and/or gently move them along with a piece of paper or longer object.  
• Turn off outdoor lighting where possible, or switch to motion-activated lights. Reducing artificial light will not only keep European hornets from being attracted to the light source itself, but it will deprive them of an easy hunting ground as light attracts many different insect species. LED bulbs with a warmer color temperature (yellower-looking light) have been shown to attract fewer insects overall compared to bluish-white light, but they still might appeal to certain insects (like earwigs).  
• Pesticide use should be the last resort. When a nest cannot be avoided until its natural demise (first hard frost), the use of a dust or an aerosol wasp spray may be needed. Follow all product label directions carefully so it is as effective as possible while reducing the risk of stings. Hire a pest control professional if you do not feel comfortable treating a nest yourself, or if a nest is hard to reach. The full impact of a pesticide treatment may take several days to achieve since the application residues need to contact workers coming and going from the nest.  
• Do not attempt to use a home remedy (flooding a burrow, setting a nest on fire, etc.). They are not necessarily going to be effective, and are likely to increase the risk of stings as the agitated wasps escape or as other colony members return from a foraging trip and detect a threat.  
• For nests built inside walls, try to have the inactive nest remnants removed so dead larvae do not attract flesh flies and rodents. Old nests in natural settings, such as in a tree, do not need to be removed. Any remaining prey in the nest becomes food for wildlife. The weather and foraging wild animals will eventually disintegrate the nest.

Related information

Cicada Killer Wasps

Predatory Wasps

Parasitoid Wasps

Additional resources

• European Paper Wasp | Penn State Extension
• Paper Wasp Dilemma | Bug of the Week blog
• Yellow-Legged Hornet | Penn State Extension
• Northern Giant Hornet | Penn State Extension
• A Side by Side Comparison of the Northern Giant Hornet and Other Insects | North Carolina State Extension

Sheehan, Michael J. and Tibbetts, Elizabeth A. " Specialized Face Learning Is Associated with Individual Recognition in Paper Wasps ." Science , vol. 334, no. 6060, 2011, pp. 1272-1275.

Tibbetts, Elizabeth A. and Sheehan, Michael J. “ Individual Recognition and the Evolution of Learning and Memory in Polistes Paper Wasps .” Handbook of Behavioral Neuroscience , vol. 22, 2013, pp. 561-571.

Author: Miri Talabac, Horticulture Coordinator, Home and Garden Information Center, January 2024. Reviewed by Madeline Potter, Faculty Specialist/Entomology & Integrated Pest Management; and Christa Carignan, Coordinator, Digital Horticulture Education, University of Maryland Extension, April 2024.

Still have a question? Contact us at Ask Extension .

Pocket-lint

Kindle paperwhite vs. kobo clara b&w: which e-reader is best for you.

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Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite offers the ultimate eReader experience with a long-lasting battery life, high definition display, and endless access to your favorite books.

• Better display
• Easy to use with Amazon account
• Easier to break

Kobo Clara B&W

The Kobo Clara eReader can hold thousands of books and has a two-week battery life, making it a convenient alternative to physical books.

• More durable
• Need to subscribe to a Kobo account
• Shorter battery life

For years, I've always been a proponent of physical books over e-reader tablets. I was the annoying person who would get into full-on debates with my friends over the necessity of physical books and how e-readers take away from the reading experience. While I still stand by that, I have to admit: I love e-readers. Call me a hypocrite, but after trying the Kobo Clara B&W e-reader for the first time a couple of weeks ago, I finally understand the hype.

E-readers are easy to take wherever you go. They fit into your bag without taking up the same amount of space as a 300 plus page book. Plus, they're so light you won't even notice the e-reader is there. The Kobo Clara B&W e-reader was my first taste of e-readers, and since then, I've become obsessed. Now, I'm determined to try every e-reader on the market to find out which one is the best. So, naturally, I wanted to test out what I consider to be the mother of all e-reading devices: the Kindle.

This ultra-portable e-reader has changed how I read when I travel

The Kobo Clara B&W e-reader single-handedly converted me from an e-reader hater to lover.

Don't get me wrong, Kobo Clara is great. The e-reader served me well during a recent trip to Switzerland and when I wanted to bring a book with me on my commute to school. However, the Kindle Paperwhite consistently ranks highest in all the “Best E-Reader” articles out there, so I needed to see what the hype is about. After only using the Kindle Paperwhite for a week, I can say wholeheartedly that I get it.

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The Kindle Paperwhite is a luxury e-reader well-fit for travel, so give it the on-the-go protection it deserves with these best cases and covers.

Amazon's Kindle Paperwhite makes it almost too easy to buy books. The biggest problem I encountered with the Paperwhite was trying to remember my Amazon password. I'm so used to it being automatically filled out on my laptop or phone that I needed to reset it in order to log into the Paperwhite. Reading on the Paperwhite so far has been an easy, enjoyable experience, but I wouldn't necessarily say it blows the Kobo Clara out of the water. If you've been debating between the Kindle Paperwhite or the Kobo Clara Black and White, here are my thoughts regarding both e-readers.

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We don't do arm-chair research. We buy and test our own products, and we only publish buyer's guides with products we've actually reviewed.

Pricing, availability and specs

Both e-readers cost roughly $150. Amazon's Kindle Paperwhite is, obviously, available on Amazon for $150. The Kobo Clara B&W is also available on Amazon for a couple of dollars less, at $130. In order to use the Kindle, users will be prompted to log in to their Amazon accounts. After logging in, you have full access to the Kindle store and can choose to buy any book or audiobook you want. For the most part, all the books are the same price they would be if you bought them in a store.

The Kobo Clara also offers a paid Kobo account. Readers can choose between three tiers:

• Access over 1.5 million eBooks
• Read on any Kobo eReader or with the Kobo app
• Access over 150,000 audiobooks
• Listen on any Kobo eReader or with the Kobo app
• Access over 1.5 million eBooks and 150,000 audiobooks
• Listen and read on any Kobo eReader or the Kobo app

After selecting a tier, you login to the account and can begin shopping at the Kobo store.

This is where the two devices drastically differ for me. I've had an Amazon account for years, so the only frustration I had having to login into the account was trying to remember my password and updating my credit card information. While that issue did take me a little too long to fix, I wasn't bothered by having to do it. However, with the Kobo, having to pay for yet another subscription service was beyond annoying. Of course, you can skip the subscription platform and buy books individually, just like with the Paperwhite.

Another notable difference in the pricing between the devices is that the Kindle Paperwhite offers readers a chance to choose whether they want to buy the book or audiobook with no upgrades required. When you sign up for the subscription for the Kobo Clara, you need to decide whether you want just the audiobook option, both the audiobook and a regular book, or no audiobook at all. Your choice will affect how much you pay.

If you're going for ease when debating between which e-reader to purchase, and you already have an Amazon account, the pricing definitely makes the Kindle Paperwhite more worth the money.

Design and display

The paperwhite features a more crisp display, but is less durable.

Both e-readers look similar in the sense that the devices are rectangular, imitating the shape of a book. The Kindle Paperwhite includes a 6.8-inch display, thin borders, and adjustable warm light. The Kobo Clara B&W, on the other hand, has a 6-inch display, slightly thicker borders and adjustable warm light. Both e-readers are made of recycled plastic. However, the Kindle Paperwhite offers a glass screen, whereas the Kobo Clara is fully made from recycled plastic. Plus, the devices are both waterproof and dustproof.

Truthfully, I appreciate both designs for different reasons. The Kindle Paperwhite immediately has a more modern, sleek, expensive look and feel than the Kobo Clara offers. The Paperwhite also feels more like an iPad or other tablet than the Kobo Clara does. As far as display goes, the Paperwhite has a clearer display and adjusts faster to different lighting than the Kobo Clara.

That being said, I prefer the smaller size of the Kobo Clara. The extra 0.8-inch added onto the Paperwhite makes it just a little too big to fit into my Lululemon fanny pack, whereas the Kobo Clara fits perfectly. Although the Kobo Clara does feel a little cheaper than the Kindle Paperwhite due to its all plastic design, I prefer plastic because it makes it feel like it's more difficult to break than the Paperwhite, which is great given I'm notorious for destroying anything that has glass in it. I shattered the back of my iPhone 13 Pro the first day I got it, so an all-plastic device is definitely something I can get behind. Even though the screen isn't as crisp and clear as Amazon's Kindle Paperwhite, it still gets the job done.

Performance

The paperwhite is overall faster.

Both devices perform relatively well, but the Kindle Paperwhite wins this category slightly. The Paperwhite is faster when it comes to turning pages, downloading books, and highlighting sections while reading. Both devices give you the option to highlight, annotate, and look up words. The Kindle just does it faster.

One issue with the Kobo Clara is that the device sometimes lags a bit. When you highlight a sentence, then turn the page, you can sometimes still see the outline of the highlights on the next page. In some ways, it does imitate real life books. If you highlight a physical page, you'll see the highlighting marks on the next page. But, when reading on an e-reader, that's not really what you want.

Despite the slower speed of the Kobo Clara, one factor I really like about the device is that when you shut it off, the cover of the book you're reading stays on the screen of the e-reader. Having the cover show with the percentage that's left in the book is a great motivating factor for picking it up and reading again.

Battery Life

10-week battery vs. 2-week battery.

Battery life is another category where the Kindle Paperwhite beats the Kobo Clara. The Paperwhite's battery life averages 10 weeks from a single charger, whereas the Kobo Clara only lasts roughly 2 weeks. Both devices offer impressive battery life, but a 10-week charge to a 2-week charge isn't comparable.

Amazon Kindle (2022) vs Kobo Clara 2E: What's the difference?

Amazon and Kobo have new eBook readers available soon. Here's how they compare.

Which is right for you?

If you’re an Amazon user, then the Kindle Paperwhite is the way to go. The Paperwhite is easy to set up, buy books on, and use. You can easily bring the e-reader to the beach, park or on public transportation.

That being said, if you don't use Amazon or if you're looking for a portable, more durable device to bring with you on adrenaline-filled trips such as hiking or camping, I would go with the Kobo Clara B&W. The Kobo Clara is easier to carry around and since there's no glass, you don't need worry about the device breaking.

Amazon’s last-gen Kindle Paperwhite is on sale for 50 bucks right now

You can also pick up the latest ipad for one of its best prices to date, along with a discounted echo dot kids..

By Brandon Widder , a senior editor overseeing deals, gift guides, and commerce. He spent six years spearheading buying guides and consumer tech coverage at Digital Trends.

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Lately, it seems as though the biggest happenings in the E Ink world revolve around large note-taking devices like the Kindle Scribe and color offerings such as the apt-titled Kobo Libra Colour . That said, if you’re looking for a basic ebook reader to burn through your summer reading list, there’s nothing wrong with picking up a last-gen e-reader like the 2018 Kindle Paperwhite — which happens to be on sale at Amazon (via Woot) in used condition with ads for $49.99.

The best Prime Day deals you can already get

• The greatest tech books of all time
• The best ebook reader to buy right now

Amazon’s last-gen Paperwhite has become more difficult to find since the arrival of the 2021 model , even if it isn’t a dramatic step down in terms of features. It still carries an   IPX8 rating for full resistance against water immersion, as well as a crisp six-inch, 300ppi display and support for Audible audiobooks via Bluetooth headphones. The newer Paperwhite sports a bigger display and better backlighting — not to mention wireless charging, if you opt for the 32GB Signature Edition — but it rarely drops below $100 in price, even when on sale. The real travesty here is the fact that the 10th-gen Paperwhite only offers a mere 8GB of storage in its base configuration and uses Micro USB for charging instead of USB-C, which, even in 2018, felt like a miss.

Read our Kindle Paperwhite (2018) review .

2018 Kindle Paperwhite (used, ad-supported)

The 10th-gen Kindle Paperwhite touts a worry-free waterproof build, weekslong battery life, and a crisp 300ppi panel that’s far sharper than the previous iteration. However, bear in mind that the used model on sale here may exhibit some minor cosmetic blemishes.

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• The recent discontinuation (RIP) of the last-gen iPad means the 10th-gen iPad is now the de facto choice for anyone seeking an entry-level tablet from Apple. That’s not such a bad thing, though, especially when you consider the base model is on sale at Amazon for $321 ($28 off). It features an older A14 Bionic chip, yet it’s still great at handling basic tablet things, from reading to streaming. Plus, it cribs many design elements from the iPad Air, including a larger 10.9-inch display and support for USB-C. Read our review .
• Although Prime Day doesn’t officially kick off until July 16th , that hasn’t stopped Amazon from dropping an array of Prime exclusives ahead of the two-day event. Right now, for example, you can pick up the latest Echo Dot Kids at Amazon for $27.99 ($32 off), which matches its lowest price to date. The kid-friendly smart speaker is nearly indistinguishable from the standard version, only it includes a year of Amazon Kids Plus service and one of two animal-themed configurations. Read our Echo Dot (2020) review .
• You can currently pick up a used pair of the Sonos Ace in like-new condition at Best Buy for $381.99 ($67 off). Their marque trick still needs a bit of work — the TV Audio Swap feature that allows you to transfer sound from a Sonos soundbar to the headphones is a bit spotty, to say the least — but they remain an impressive pair of first-gen headphones with superb comfort, great noise cancellation, and a helpful transparency mode that’s second only to Apple’s in how natural it sounds. Read our review.

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