Kobo e-readers have evolved since the minimalist but feature-lacking Kobo eReader was launched in March 2010. The entire line now includes variations in screen sizes and newer colored screen models that match the product variations of the Amazon Kindle. Moreover, while Amazon leads the global market share, Kobo dominates specific geographic markets, like Canada and France, and has maintained its spot as the second most popular e-reader brand in the world.
E-Reader Guide For Consumers: Are Kobo E-Readers Worth The Hype?
Kobo is the premier choice for the independent reader who wants to escape the Amazon ecosystem. But choosing this brand means accepting a slightly less polished user experience.
Pros of Kobo e-Readers
The range of e-readers under the Kobo brand provides a strong alternative to Kindle devices. These are ideal for consumers who value format flexibility, library integration, and a less commercialized experience. Below are the main advantages of Kobo e-Readers:
• Seamless Library Integration: The brand has native support for OverDrive/Libby. This makes it easy to borrow from public libraries, especially for those who are outside the United States. A user can browse, borrow, and return library ebooks directly on the device without needing a computer or phone.
• Format Freedom and Sideloading: A notable advantage of Kobo over Kindle is its native support for EUPB file format, portable document format or PDF, and even comics formats like CBZ and CBR. There is no need to convert these formats into proprietary formats. It is also easy to sideload books from various sources.
• Sustainability and Repairability: Newer models, particularly those released since 2024, like the Clara and Libra Color, are designed with recycled plastics. These devices are also user-repairable via partnership with iFixit. A user can replace most parts of their eReaders, like batteries and screens.
• Customization and Product Variations: Kobo devices provide users with a significant level of control over their reading experience. Font size can be adjusted. Users can also sideload custom fonts. Libra Colour and Sage have ergonomic grips and physical buttons. Premium variants also support note-taking using a stylus.
Cons of Kobo e-Readers
Users accustomed to Kindle might find Kobo e-readers frustrating. Note that the Kindle Store is the largest digital storefront of ebooks. Support for native files is not universal. There are also some performance quirks. Below are the disadvantages of Kobo e-Readers:
• Limitations of the Kobo Store: The Kobo Store is generally considered less polished than the Kindle Store of Amazon. Exclusive titles are fewer, and the overall catalogue is smaller. The content recommendation feature and search function are not as efficient and effective as the Kindle Store or any mature e-store.
• Documented Performance Quirks: Kobo devices have solid hardware. However, when it comes to software, the user experience can feel a bit more sluggish or buggy than the more optimized interface of the Amazon Kindle. Downloads or transfers can also be slow, and ghosting is more noticeable in color models.
• Notable Audiobook Restrictions: Another disadvantage of Kobo devices is that users can only listen to audiobooks purchased from the Kobo Store. Specifically, unlike e-books, a user cannot easily sideload their MP3 and M4B audiobooks obtained from other sources because of the absence of native support.
• Lack of Send-to-Email Feature: One of the most common complaints for those switching from a Kindle to a Kobo is the lack of a native send-to-email service to upload or sideload an e-book or document to the device. The Kobo-specific workaround is via wired transfer, web-based wireless transfer, or cloud integration.
Important Takeaways
Kobo e-readers are a good choice for those who do not like the walled garden of Amazon. The strongest selling point of these devices is their native support for various e-book and document file formats. They are also suitable for users whose reading life revolves around public libraries. The selection of product variations gives options based on budget and preferences.
However, the fact remains that Amazon has the largest marketplace for e-books in the world. It also has a huge collection of exclusive titles. This makes Kindle devices an appealing option. The limited catalogue of the Kobo Store, in addition to audiobook restrictions, is a dealbreaker for Amazon-dependent readers and heavy audiobook listeners.