Kobos and Kindles are virtually indistinguishable with regards to model and design, with all fashions sporting a slim black physique and black and white display. Every mannequin is front-lit, that means you’re seeing gentle mirrored onto the display moderately than LEDs shining straight into your eyes (as is the case together with your cell phone). Each mannequin launched since 2021 additionally makes use of E Ink Carta 1200 show expertise, which suggests the textual content is pin-sharp.
When it comes to display decision, each Kindle and the vast majority of Kobo machines use 300 PPI (pixels per inch). The exception is the Kobo Nia, which has a PPI of 212. The distinction to the bare eye is slight, however noticeable facet by facet. The remainder of Kobo’s vary, which incorporates the Clara 2E, Elipsa 2E, Libra 2 and Sage all function at 300 PPI.
One other factor you’ll need for comfy studying is a good display measurement – the common paperback is 9 inches diagonally. You may comfortably learn on any eReader bigger than six inches, which all Kindles and Kobos are.
One space the place the 2 differ is in supplies used. Whereas all Kobos are made out of plastic, a few the extra premium Kindle fashions (Oasis and Scribe) use aluminium and glass for the display. The result’s a glare-free, scratch-resistant and admittedly nicer wanting display. The Kobo Elipsa 2E does use magnesium alloy in addition to plastic.
One other design space which could sway a shopping for determination is waterproofness. You’ll need one thing with a water-resistant score of IPX8, which is the very best score you may get. It means the system will be absolutely submerged, so you should use it within the bathtub or in a swimming pool. You’ll discover that every one Kindle and Kobo eReaders besides the Kindle, Kindle Scribe, Kobo Nia and Kobo Elipsa are IPX8.
A closing function, which is a pleasant to have moderately than a vital, is page-turning buttons. It may appear a small factor, nevertheless it’s noticeably extra comfy, particularly when you’ve got joint points. The Kindle Oasis has this, as does the Kobo Libra 2 and Kobo Sage, however the Oasis additionally has an aluminium backing and a micro-etched glass display, making it a winner on the model entrance.
Winner: Kindle
Kindle vs Kobo: software program, storage and bluetooth
eReaders are designed to copy the expertise of studying from paper, so every web page takes noticeably longer to load than you’d discover on a smartphone display. The Kindles I attempted have been most likely marginally faster than the Kobos, however there’s little or no in it. I discovered significantly fast response instances within the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Version and the Kindle Oasis, and the Kobo Libra 2.
As for storage, it actually depends upon the mannequin, moderately than whether or not you purchase a Kindle or a Kobo. Whereas books will be saved within the cloud on each gadgets with out taking on inner storage, you’ll desire a respectable storage as a way to construct up a library in your system.
The gadgets with one of the best storage are the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Version, 32GB, the Kindle Oasis, 32GB, Kobo Libra 2, 32GB and the Kobo Elipsa, 32GB. Nevertheless, it’s price noting that the common Kindle guide is barely 2-3MB, so even an 8GB system will maintain hundreds of books.
Winner: it’s a tie
Kindle vs Kobo: audiobooks
One other piece of software program you may wish to think about is Bluetooth connectivity, though that is solely vital should you’re an audiobook listener. If you have already got an Amazon Audible account, think about shopping for any new Kindle. When you’ve linked your Amazon account, your audiobooks will seem in your library alongside your ebooks. All new Kobos even have bluetooth connectivity, bar the Kobo Nia.
That stated, Kobo audiobooks are moderately costly. An Amazon Audible account will price you £7.99 a month which incorporates one free audiobook a month. You may also financial institution credit should you don’t use them every month. In distinction, Kobo’s audiobooks can solely be purchased individually. Harry Potter and the Thinker’s Stone, a 223 web page guide, prices £14.99.
Neither model has compatibility for different sorts of audiobooks. Because of this, I’d advocate Kindles for audiobooks. You’ll need one with respectable storage, just like the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Version.
Winner: Kindle