Looking for a Kobo ereader but not sure which one to buy? These handy devices let you read books anywhere without carrying heavy books around. They’re light, easy on the eyes, and can store thousands of books.
The best Kobo ereader for you depends on your reading habits, budget, and what features matter most to you. Some readers want a big screen, while others need a waterproof option for reading in the tub or at the beach. Kobo offers several models with different sizes and features to match what readers need.
1. Kobo Clara 2E
The Kobo Clara 2E stands out as a feature-packed e-reader designed for both convenience and eco-conscious readers. It comes with 16GB of storage, giving users plenty of space for their entire ebook and audiobook collection.
One of the most useful features is its Bluetooth capability. This lets readers listen to audiobooks whenever they want without needing extra devices.
The device offers significant improvements over its predecessor, the Clara HD. When comparing the two models, the 2E shows better performance for activities beyond just reading, though some users note the upgrade might not be essential for those who already own the HD model.
The Clara 2E has a comfortable design that fits well in most hands. Its screen provides clear text that’s easy to read even in bright sunlight, making it perfect for outdoor reading sessions.
Battery life is another strong point. Readers can enjoy books for days before needing to recharge, which makes it ideal for travel or daily commutes.
The blue light control feature helps reduce eye strain during night reading. This is especially helpful for people who enjoy reading before bed without disturbing their sleep patterns.
The Clara 2E is also waterproof, allowing readers to enjoy books in the bath or by the pool without worry. This feature adds a level of durability that extends the device’s lifespan.
For readers looking to escape Amazon’s ecosystem, the Clara 2E offers a solid alternative. It supports multiple ebook formats, giving users more flexibility in where they purchase their books.
The user interface is simple and intuitive. Even people new to e-readers can quickly learn how to navigate, adjust settings, and download new books with ease.
While not the cheapest e-reader on the market, the Clara 2E offers good value considering its features and build quality. The device strikes a balance between affordability and functionality that many readers appreciate.
2. Kobo Libra 2
The Kobo Libra 2 stands out as a top choice for e-reader fans. It features a fast E Ink screen and comfortable design that makes reading easy on the eyes.
One of the biggest perks is its generous 32GB of storage. This means you can store thousands of books without worrying about running out of space, which is more than most Kindle models.
The screen quality truly shines on this device. Users who have compared it to other models like the Kobo Clara Color report that the Libra 2 offers superior clarity. The crisp text makes reading enjoyable even during long sessions.
Physical buttons for page turning add to the user-friendly experience. Many readers prefer these tactile buttons over touchscreen-only controls, making it easier to use while relaxing in different positions.
The Libra 2 also comes with Bluetooth technology. This handy feature lets readers connect wireless headphones to listen to audiobooks, adding flexibility to how you enjoy your books.
Format support gives the Kobo Libra 2 an edge over some competitors. It offers wide support for different content formats, which means you’re not locked into just one book store.
Battery life impresses most users. The device can last for weeks on a single charge with moderate use, perfect for travel or daily commutes without the need for frequent charging.
Waterproofing adds another practical benefit. Readers can enjoy books by the pool, in the bath, or at the beach without worrying about water damage.
The reading experience feels natural thanks to the adjustable brightness and color temperature settings. This helps reduce eye strain, especially when reading at night.
Price-wise, the Libra 2 sits in the mid-range category. It offers premium features without the highest price tag, making it a smart choice for serious readers who want quality without overspending.
The Kobo Libra 2 continues to be a favorite among e-reader enthusiasts in 2025. Its balance of features, quality screen, and reader-friendly design keep it among the top options for digital book lovers.
3. Kobo Libra Colour
The Kobo Libra Colour stands out in the e-reader market with its color E Ink Kaleido 3 touchscreen. This device keeps the same ergonomic design that made the Libra series popular, featuring a curved form that fits well in your hand.
Reading on the Libra Colour feels natural with its handy page-turn buttons. You can rotate the screen left or right depending on which hand you prefer to hold it with.
The e-reader sells for $229.99 and comes in black and white color options. It’s built with a 7-inch screen that shows both text and colorful images.
One major plus is that the Libra Colour is waterproof. This means you can read in the bath or by the pool without worry.
Some users have noted a few drawbacks with the color display. Reviews mention a noticeable screen door effect and ghosting. The screen also appears darker than standard e-ink displays.
Despite these issues, many find the device ridiculously light yet sturdy. This balance makes it comfortable to hold for long reading sessions.
The Libra Colour lets you fully customize your reading experience. You can change font sizes, adjust margins, and even use landscape mode for a different reading layout.
For those who enjoy reading comics, magazines, or books with images, the color display adds value. However, some users report that if you don’t have enough color content, the drawbacks might outweigh the benefits.
The device works with the Kobo Stylus 2, which adds note-taking abilities. This feature makes it more than just a reading device.
Battery life remains strong despite the color screen. Most users can go days or even weeks between charges with normal use.
The Kobo store offers access to millions of books directly on the device. You can also borrow library books through the built-in OverDrive integration.
4. Kobo Clara BW
The Kobo Clara BW represents one of the newest additions to the Kobo e-reader lineup. It features a 6-inch E Ink screen that makes reading comfortable and reduces eye strain compared to tablets or phones.
This model comes with waterproofing, allowing readers to enjoy books in the bath or by the pool without worry. The device is built to withstand accidental splashes or brief immersion in water.
The Clara BW includes ComfortLight PRO technology that adjusts brightness automatically throughout the day. This feature reduces blue light exposure at night, making bedtime reading more comfortable and less likely to interfere with sleep.
Storage isn’t a concern with the 16GB capacity that can hold thousands of e-books. The device also supports audiobooks, giving readers multiple ways to enjoy their favorite titles.
Users report the Clara BW is 25% more responsive than previous models like the Clara 2e. This improvement makes page turns faster and navigation smoother.
The e-reader includes a dark mode option for those who prefer white text on a black background. This setting can be easier on the eyes in low-light conditions or simply based on personal preference.
Battery life stands out as a strong point for the Clara BW. On a single charge, the device lasts weeks, not days, making it perfect for travel or daily commutes without frequent recharging.
Many first-time e-reader users find the Clara BW easy to use straight out of the box. The touchscreen interface is intuitive, and the device connects to the Kobo store wirelessly for simple book shopping.
The Clara BW weighs less than most paperbacks, making it comfortable to hold for extended reading sessions. Its compact size easily fits in most bags or even larger pockets.
Price-wise, the Clara BW sits in the mid-range of e-readers, offering a good balance of features without the premium cost of high-end models with larger screens or additional features.
5. Kobo Clara Colour
The Kobo Clara Colour offers a fresh take on e-reading with its color display. This device brings book covers to life on its 6″ E Ink Kaleido 3 screen, making it stand out from typical black-and-white e-readers.
Priced at $149.99, it sits in the mid-range of Kobo’s lineup. The Clara Colour balances cost with useful features, making it a good choice for readers who want color without breaking the bank.
The e-reader can show more than 4,000 colors while still offering 16 levels of grayscale for regular books. This makes it perfect for graphic novels and cookbooks where colors matter.
Users will find the device surprisingly light yet sturdy. It feels good to hold for long reading sessions without feeling flimsy or cheap.
Storage won’t be an issue with 16GB of space. This gives readers room for about 12,000 ebooks, more than most people will ever need at once.
The adjustable front light helps with reading in different settings. It also has blue light control to make nighttime reading easier on the eyes.
Battery life remains strong, like most e-readers. Readers can go days or weeks between charges depending on use.
Some reviewers have noted the screen appears slightly grayer than black-and-white models. However, many feel the color display makes up for this small drawback.
The Clara Colour is also waterproof. This handy feature protects against spills or lets you read in the bath without worry.
For audiobook fans, the device allows listening through Bluetooth headphones. This 2-in-1 functionality adds value for those who enjoy both reading and listening.
One thing to keep in mind is the lock-in issue common with most e-readers. Books bought through Kobo stay in their ecosystem, just like with Kindle or other brands.
The Clara Colour works well for readers who want color but don’t need a large screen. Its portable size makes it easy to carry while still showing colorful covers and images.
6. Kobo Elipsa 2E
The Kobo Elipsa 2E stands out in the e-reader market with its impressive 10.3-inch screen. This larger display makes it perfect for readers who prefer seeing more text on each page or need extra space for notes.
The device comes bundled with the Kobo Stylus 2, letting users write directly on the screen. This feature makes it ideal for students, researchers, or anyone who likes to take notes while reading.
Reading on the Elipsa 2E is very comfortable thanks to its E Ink Carta 1200 touchscreen. The screen uses glare-free technology, making it easy to read even in bright sunlight.
The ComfortLight PRO feature helps reduce blue light. This means readers can enjoy books at night without the screen keeping them awake longer than they want.
Users can easily read and mark up PDF files on this device. The large screen makes viewing documents in their original format much easier than on smaller e-readers.
Despite its large size, many users report that the Elipsa 2E isn’t too heavy to hold comfortably. This balance between screen size and weight makes it practical for extended reading sessions.
The Elipsa 2E displays crisp text that’s easy to read. Its high-resolution screen shows much more content than basic e-readers, reducing the need to turn pages as often.
One drawback is the price point. The Elipsa 2E is more expensive than many competing e-readers. However, the added features like the stylus and large screen help justify the higher cost.
The device also supports the Kobo store, giving readers access to millions of books. This wide selection ensures users can find almost any title they want to read.
For those who take reading seriously or need note-taking abilities, the Kobo Elipsa 2E offers features that basic e-readers simply can’t match. Its combination of size, writing capability, and reading comfort makes it a top choice for power users.
7. Kobo Stylus 2 Compatibility
The Kobo Stylus 2 works with select Kobo e-readers, giving users the ability to write directly on their screens. Not all Kobo devices support this feature, so it’s important to check compatibility before making a purchase.
According to Kobo, the Stylus 2 is compatible with four specific models: Kobo Libra Colour, Kobo Sage, Kobo Elipsa, and Kobo Elipsa 2E. These models use the Microsoft Pen Protocol (MPP) technology to work with the stylus.
The stylus opens up new ways to use these e-readers. Readers can highlight text, make notes in the margins, or even transform handwritten notes into typed text. This makes these devices more useful for students or professionals who need to take notes while reading.
For the Kobo Libra Colour, the newest model in the lineup, stylus support adds extra value. Users can mark up color content with precision, making it ideal for textbooks, magazines, or comics.
The Kobo Sage presents a good middle option. It has a large enough screen for comfortable note-taking while remaining more portable than the Elipsa models. The Elipsa and Elipsa 2E, with their larger screens, are best for serious note-takers and students.
It’s worth noting that while other styluses using the MPP standard might work with these devices, the Kobo Stylus 2 is designed specifically for these e-readers. This ensures the best experience with pressure sensitivity and palm rejection features.
When shopping for a Kobo e-reader with stylus support, consider how you’ll use the writing features. The Elipsa models offer the most writing space, while the Libra Colour adds the bonus of color annotations.
The Kobo Stylus 2 must be purchased separately from the e-reader. This allows customers to decide if they need the writing features or prefer to save money by just using the touch screen.
8. Kobo Forma
The Kobo Forma stands out with its 8-inch display, making it the largest mainstream e-reader on the market. This size makes it perfect for readers who prefer larger text or enjoy manga.
The device has a unique design that sets it apart from other e-readers. Its asymmetrical shape includes physical page-turn buttons, giving readers options for how they interact with their books.
Comfort is a key feature of the Forma. The ergonomic design allows users to hold it comfortably for hours. Readers can also switch between landscape and portrait modes based on their preferences.
One of the Forma’s best features is its waterproof construction. Users can read by the pool, in the bath, or at the beach without worrying about water damage.
The Forma includes ComfortLight PRO technology. This feature adjusts the screen’s color temperature automatically, reducing blue light at night to help with sleep patterns.
Software is where the Forma really shines. Kobo’s interface is user-friendly and offers more flexibility than Amazon’s Kindle system. Adding custom fonts and dictionaries is simple and straightforward.
Battery life is impressive on the Forma. A single charge can last weeks depending on usage, making it ideal for travel without worrying about finding an outlet.
The price point of the Forma is higher than many other e-readers at $279.99. This places it firmly in the premium category of e-reading devices.
Storage options are generous with the Forma. With 8GB of space, most readers can store thousands of books without running out of room.
The Forma supports numerous file formats including EPUB, PDF, and MOBI. This open approach lets users get books from various sources, not just the Kobo store.
Screen quality on the Forma is excellent. The E Ink display has 300 ppi resolution, making text crisp and easy to read in any lighting condition.
According to Forbes, the Forma’s combination of features makes it one of the best flagship e-readers available. The mix of physical buttons, large screen, and advanced lighting technology creates a premium reading experience.
9. Kobo Aura
The Kobo Aura stands out as a solid choice in the Kobo lineup of e-readers. It features a beautiful 6-inch E Ink Pearl screen with an edge-to-edge design that minimizes distractions while reading.
Weight matters with e-readers, and the Kobo Aura shines in this area. At just 6.1 ounces, it feels light in your hands even during long reading sessions. Its slim profile measures about 5.9 by 4.5 by 0.31 inches.
Battery life is impressive on the Kobo Aura. Users can expect over 2 months of reading time on a single charge, making it perfect for travelers who might not always have access to power.
The built-in ComfortLight feature sets the Kobo Aura apart from basic e-readers. This front-light technology provides even illumination across the screen, letting readers enjoy books in any lighting condition.
Storage space won’t be an issue with the Kobo Aura. With 4GB of internal memory, readers can store thousands of books. This makes it easy to carry an entire library wherever you go.
Content access is robust on the Kobo Aura. Users gain entry to over 3.5 million ebooks, magazines, comics, and children’s titles through the Kobo Store. This vast selection ensures readers always have something new to discover.
The reading experience feels natural on the Kobo Aura. Its E Ink display closely mimics the look of paper, reducing eye strain compared to reading on tablets or phones. The low-glare screen works well even in bright sunlight.
Portability makes the Kobo Aura a great everyday companion. Its slim design easily slips into bags, purses, or even larger pockets. The lightweight construction means you’ll barely notice it’s there until you want to read.
While newer Kobo models have since been released, the Aura remains popular among readers who want a simple, reliable e-reader without unnecessary extras. Its focus on the core reading experience continues to appeal to book lovers.
10. Kobo Nia
The Kobo Nia is the entry-level option in the Kobo e-reader lineup. This compact device packs a surprising punch for its size and price point.
At its core, the Nia features a 6-inch glare-free touchscreen that works well in sunny conditions. The screen has a 212 ppi resolution, which offers noticeably sharper text than the base Kindle model’s 167 ppi display.
The built-in ComfortLight feature lets readers adjust the brightness for comfortable reading in any setting. This proves especially useful for nighttime reading sessions.
Storage isn’t a concern with the Nia. It comes with 8GB of space, enough to hold up to 6,000 ebooks. Most readers will never come close to filling this capacity.
Size-wise, the Nia closely resembles the basic Kindle. The marginal differences in weight and dimensions make it equally easy to hold and use for extended reading periods.
One drawback worth noting is the lack of waterproofing. For readers who enjoy bathtub or poolside reading, this might be a limitation worth considering. Spending a bit more for a waterproof model could save headaches later.
The Nia shines in its file format support. Unlike Kindle devices, it naturally handles EPUB files and library books without conversion headaches. This flexibility makes it appealing for readers who get books from various sources.
Battery life meets expectations for an e-reader, lasting several weeks between charges with moderate use. The device charges via a standard micro-USB port.
Price-wise, the Nia sits slightly above the basic Kindle in cost. However, many users find the higher screen resolution and broader file format support worth the small premium.
The Nia does show occasional ghosting issues on screen, where faint traces of previous pages remain visible. This is common to many e-ink screens but worth mentioning for those sensitive to such artifacts.
For readers seeking a simple, affordable e-reader free from Amazon’s ecosystem, the Kobo Nia represents a solid choice. Its combination of good screen quality, ample storage, and wide format support makes it an appealing entry point to digital reading.
Key Features of the Best Kobo eReaders
Kobo eReaders stand out with their unique features that enhance the reading experience. They combine advanced screen technology with impressive battery performance to create devices that cater to different reading preferences.
Display Technology and Resolution
The screen is perhaps the most important feature of any eReader. Kobo offers various display options across its lineup, with E Ink technology being the foundation of their reading experience. The newer Kobo Libra Colour features a 6-inch color E Ink Kaleido 3 touchscreen, bringing vibrant colors to digital reading.
Screen sizes vary across models, ranging from pocket-sized to larger formats that mimic hardcover books. Most premium Kobo devices offer ComfortLight PRO technology, which adjusts brightness automatically and reduces blue light exposure for nighttime reading.
Resolution matters greatly for text clarity. Higher-end models provide crisp text with pixel density that makes reading comfortable for hours. Many Kobo screens feature glare-free displays that work well in bright sunlight, unlike tablets or phones.
Battery Life and Charging
Kobo eReaders excel in battery performance, with most models lasting weeks on a single charge with moderate use. This long battery life is a key selling point that separates eReaders from tablets and smartphones.
Battery duration depends on several factors:
- Reading time per day
- Brightness settings
- WiFi usage
- Whether the ComfortLight feature is active
Most Kobo devices charge via micro-USB or USB-C ports, with full charging typically taking 2-3 hours. The battery-saving features include automatic sleep mode and power-saving settings that extend reading time between charges.
For travelers or heavy readers, this extended battery performance means less worry about finding power outlets. Many users report going on week-long vacations without needing to charge their Kobo devices once.
Kobo eReader Software and Interface
Kobo’s software ecosystem offers a blend of user-friendly design and powerful reading tools. The interface prioritizes reading comfort while supporting a wide range of file formats to accommodate diverse reading needs.
User Interface Experience
The Kobo interface features a clean, minimalist design that puts books front and center. The home screen displays your current reads and recommendations, with easy access to the Kobo store and your library.
Navigation is intuitive with simple swipes and taps. Readers can customize their experience by adjusting:
- Font size, type, and weight
- Line spacing and margins
- Screen brightness and color temperature
The Kobo store is integrated directly into the device, making book shopping quick and easy.
Reading stats track your habits, showing how long you’ll need to finish a book and your reading speed. The night mode automatically reduces blue light during evening hours, protecting your eyes during late reading sessions.
Kobo’s interface also includes useful tools like a dictionary, highlighter, and note-taking features. Some models support page-turn buttons for one-handed reading comfort.
Supported File Formats
Kobo eReaders support an impressive range of file formats, making them more versatile than many competitors. The main supported formats include:
- EPUB (both DRM-protected and DRM-free)
- EPUB3
- MOBI
- TXT
- HTML
- RTF
- Comic book formats (CBZ, CBR)
This wide compatibility means you can load books from various sources, not just the Kobo store. Users can borrow library books through OverDrive integration directly on the device.
For managing your ebook collection, Calibre remains the top software choice among Kobo users. This free tool helps organize, convert, and transfer books to your device.
Some advanced users even perform basic hacks to further enhance their Kobo’s functionality and customize the reading experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shopping for a new Kobo eReader comes with many questions. The right choice depends on your reading habits, budget, and feature preferences.
What are the top features to consider when choosing a Kobo eReader?
When selecting a Kobo eReader, screen size is one of the most important factors. Smaller 6-inch models like the Clara 2E are portable, while larger 7-inch models like the Libra 2 provide more text per page.
Screen resolution affects text sharpness. Higher pixel density makes reading more comfortable, especially for small fonts or PDF documents.
Waterproofing is valuable for bathtub or beach readers. Most newer Kobo models offer water resistance.
Battery life varies between models but typically ranges from weeks to months depending on usage. Models with more features tend to need charging more often.
Storage capacity matters if you read image-heavy books or maintain a large library. Most Kobo devices offer 8GB to 32GB of storage.
How does the Kobo Libra 2 compare to the Kobo Clara 2E?
The Kobo Libra 2 features a larger 7-inch screen compared to the Clara 2E’s 6-inch display. This makes the Libra 2 better for readers who prefer more text per page.
The Libra 2 includes physical page-turn buttons, which many readers find convenient. The Clara 2E relies solely on touch controls.
Both models offer similar resolution quality, but the Libra 2 has a slightly faster processor. This makes page turns and navigation smoother.
The Clara 2E is more compact and lightweight, making it easier to hold for long periods. It’s also more affordable, typically costing about $40-50 less than the Libra 2.
What are the benefits of purchasing a Kobo Elipsa Pack for avid readers?
The Kobo Elipsa offers note-taking capabilities with its stylus, perfect for students or researchers. Users can write directly on eBooks or PDFs.
With a large 10.3-inch screen, the Elipsa provides a paper-like reading experience for textbooks and documents. This makes it ideal for academic or professional use.
The Elipsa Pack includes a sleep cover that protects the device and holds the stylus. This complete package offers everything needed for a digital reading and writing experience.
Its expanded storage capacity (32GB) allows users to maintain extensive libraries without space concerns. This is especially useful for technical books or graphic novels.
For those new to eReaders, which Kobo model is recommended for beginners?
The Kobo Clara 2E is often recommended as an excellent entry-level device. It offers a great balance of features and affordability at around $120.
New users appreciate the Clara 2E’s straightforward interface and easy setup process. The device connects to WiFi for simple book downloading and account management.
The Clara models offer front-light technology that reduces eye strain compared to backlit tablet screens. This makes reading comfortable, even for extended periods.
The compact size makes it easy to carry anywhere, perfect for commuters or travelers just getting into eBooks.
What are the main reasons some users might prefer Kobo eReaders over Kindles?
Kobo devices support more file formats, including EPUB, which is widely used outside Amazon’s ecosystem. This gives readers more flexibility in where they purchase books.
The Kobo library integrates directly with public libraries through OverDrive, making borrowing eBooks simple. This feature saves money for frequent readers.
Kobo’s reading statistics and achievements gamify the reading experience. Many readers enjoy tracking their habits and earning badges for reading milestones.
Customization options are more extensive on Kobo devices, with more font choices and formatting settings. This allows readers to personalize their reading experience more fully.
Out of the latest Kobo models, which offers the best reading experience?
The Kobo Libra Colour stands out for its color E Ink display. This enhances magazines, comics, and illustrated books. The color technology maintains the eye-friendly benefits of E Ink.
For those who prefer black and white reading, the Kobo Libra 2 offers the best balance of features and price. Its ergonomic design with page-turn buttons makes one-handed reading comfortable.
The Kobo Clara Colour provides color in a more compact form factor. It’s perfect for readers who want color capabilities without sacrificing portability.
All the latest models include ComfortLight PRO technology that reduces blue light exposure. This feature is especially beneficial for nighttime reading.
