Our research on Kobo products: what each one is best for, how they compare and which alternatives to consider.
Buyzello is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the brands we cover.
Kobo
Buy it if you borrow lots of library e-books, own EPUB files or want an alternative to Amazon's store.
Thinking about buying Kobo? Buyzello covers 1 Kobo product in e-readers, each with an independent Buy, Consider or Skip verdict. Our highest-rated Kobo pick is the Kobo Clara BW, which typically sells for $129–$139 in the US.
The Kobo Clara BW is best for library borrowers and EPUB readers. Its key feature is overDrive built in and native EPUB support, and it usually costs $129–$139. Buy it if you borrow lots of library e-books, own EPUB files or want an alternative to Amazon's store. Skip it if you already own a big Kindle library; those books won't open on a Kobo. Our verdict: Buy, with a research score of 8.3 out of 10.
How does Kobo compare with rivals? In e-readers, the main alternatives include the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (most readers, $134–$169), the Amazon Kindle (budget and compact, $89–$109) and the Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition (comics and cookbooks, $249–$279). Our best e-readers list ranks them side by side so you can see where Kobo wins and where it does not.
Buying Kobo online is simple if you check three things: the exact model number, who the seller is, and how long the return window lasts. Listings sold by Amazon or the official Kobo storefront are the safest route to full warranty support.
Pick your store first: Kindle books stay on Kindle, and EPUB files are easiest on Kobo. Waterproofing is worth it if you read in the bath, by the pool or at the beach. Warm light makes bedtime reading more comfortable.
Yes in the US. Borrow through the Libby app or your library website and send the book to your Kindle. Kobo readers can borrow directly on the device. For most readers, yes. You get a larger screen, waterproofing and warm light for around $60 more.
Kindles are discounted most during Prime Day, Prime Big Deal Days in October and Black Friday. Amazon often bundles Kindle Unlimited trials with new devices. Check whether your public library uses Libby before deciding between Kindle and Kobo.
Across the e-readers we cover, typical prices run from $89 to $279. Store prices change often, so treat these as typical ranges and check the current price before you buy.
Where many readers begin: Our top-rated choice among coolers is the YETI Tundra 45 Hard Cooler, valued for bear-resistant build that holds ice for days. Our top-rated choice among electric toothbrushes is the Oral-B iO Series 5, valued for the iO cleaning motor without the extras. In water flossers, the Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser WP-660 ($69–$99) currently leads our picks for most people. In massage guns, the Therabody Theragun Prime ($249–$299) currently leads our picks for most people. Every pick links to stores in your country, and prices shown are typical US ranges for comparison rather than live quotes.
