Kindle vs. Kobo: Which E-Reader Should You Get Next?
In the heated debate of e-readers, we decided to put them to the test!
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If you've even spent one second on BookTook, you know that trying to figure out which e-reader to get is like a life-or-death situation. After all, this is where your entire library is going to live and, if you're anything like us, you definitely need it to last anything that life plans on throwing our way. But with two major companies—Amazon's Kindle and Rakuten's Kobo—having all us second guessing what exactly would be best, well, we just had to test them for ourselves and figure out which one would be better for every kind of reader. So whether you're looking to replace your current e-reader or finally deciding to dip into the wild world of ebooks, we're making the first big and bold choice an easy one!
Here's our top Kindle and Kobo picks for every kind of reader.
What is the main difference between the Kindle and Kobo?
There are several differences between them, but the most important one is that the Kindle is created by Amazon while the Kobo is created by Rakuten. Like different kinds of e-readers, they all offer different features and capabilities including what file types they accept, how you send and receive books, and what other extras they may offer.
Other than the basic ability to read books, Kindle Unlimited is only offered on Amazon Kindle devices, while Kobo has it's own program called Kobo Plus. Some books are only available in either service, with Amazon's being bigger and more exclusive. However, Kobo's prices tend to be cheaper when it comes to books and it allows for easier transfer of files if you decide to buy your books from an outside party like Bookshop.org. Amazon also allows you to read various file types, but has made it harder to transfer files in and out as you are no longer able to just connect it to a computer to move stuff from either device.
How are they similar?
All of the devices featured here are also waterproof and tested at IPX8, which means they can be submerged under 2 meters of fresh water for up to 60 minutes. Other than the Kindle Paperwhite 11, the other devices feature a color screen that use 300 ppi (pixels per inch) for black & white (Kindle Paperwhite 11 also features this) and 150 ppi for color. In terms of size, all of the devices include a 7 inch screen, except for the Clara Colour which is slightly smaller with a 6 inch screen.
How did you test each e-reader?
Just like every other person, we took these e-readers absolutely everywhere. Sometimes, we read the same book in different ones just to see if we could feel a difference. They came with us all around the world, in various settings like the beach and pools, and spent countless hours with us on our commutes. Considering that I'm also the lead at Cosmo for our books section and our book imprint, Cosmo Reads, I know exactly what kind of things readers are looking for when it comes to the perfect e-reader.
So, which one would you recommend?
The interesting part of our testing process was that they were all completely unique that it'll ultimately depend on you as a reader and what you're looking for from your device. We have broken down the picks based off of what you're most interested in as a reader and you'd be surprised by what came out as a top reason for each. Either way, you definitely will find the perfect e-reader that you're looking for!
Pros
- Able to annotate with a stylus
- Can highlight in different colors
- Can easily move files to e-reader
- Buttons make it easier to move to the next page
Cons
- Size is bigger than most e-readers
Every e-reader is different, but I often gravitated more to Kobo's Libra Colour than others. I soon realized that this is because it is perfect for annotations, especially paired with the Kobo Stylus 2 which allows you to write directly on the pages, highlight in various colors, and add in any kind of notes you want. The buttons are perfect especially if you end up standing on the subway and just have one hand free to turn the page.
The Kobo line is also great for readers who read in a variety of formats thanks to its easy ability to transfer files in and out of the system. The Kobo system also supports outside software like KOReader or NickelMenu, allowing you to really customize your experience.
Pros
- Can highlight in different colors
- Easily transportable due to to its small size
Cons
- Sand and dirt can sometimes get caught in the lip of the screen
Kobo's Clara Colour is slightly smaller than the Libra Colour, making it the perfect size for those who are constantly traveling around and just want something to read everywhere. The color highlights are a plus for those who still want to track special moments. While annotating is not an option, if you're just more of a mood reader who likes to highlight big moments, this allows easy access to do that.
Pros
- Clearest screen out of the options
- Perfect for sensitive eyes
- Kindle Unlimited access
Cons
- Cannot easily add or remove books like a Kobo
While color e-readers are super cool, especially if you're a fan of comics and want to see them really pop, they do add a "screendoor" effect that makes the words not as clear as a black & white reader. Readers with sensitive eyes benefit more from the smoother screen that feels like you're reading a real book. And, if you don't really need a color version, then this is perfect for you!
Pros
- Can change between two different color modes
- A great alternative for comic book readers
Cons
- Cannot annotate with a stylus like a Kobo Libra Colour
- Some early adopters reported a yellow line that requires a trade-in
While original users of the Kindle Colorsoft did report some issues, it looks like it was all fixed recently which makes the new e-reader a nice addition to the Kindle lineup. If you prefer a flush screen, then this is a better option than the Kobo Colour options. However, the reason reason to get it is the access to Kindle Unlimited which is a must-have for hardcore readers. That access, matched with the beautiful color screen, make the perfect pairing for big time readers who love to show off their collection!
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