Kobo vs Kindle 2025 is the ultimate showdown for readers looking to upgrade this year. Choosing the right eReader isn’t just about paper vs screen anymore—it’s about ecosystems, flexibility, note-taking, and even color display options.
Let’s break it down in plain English, with a focus on how these devices really feel to use—not just what’s written on the spec sheet.
Kobo vs Kindle at a Glance
Before we dive deeper, here’s a quick side-by-side summary of the most relevant differences:
| Feature | Kobo (e.g. Libra Colour, Elipsa 2E) | Kindle (e.g. Paperwhite, Scribe) |
|---|---|---|
| Openness | Supports EPUB, OverDrive, drag & drop | Amazon store only, limited EPUB support |
| Note-taking | Elipsa 2E with stylus, export options | Kindle Scribe, limited annotation tools |
| Color display | Libra Colour with Kaleido 3 screen | Still monochrome in all models |
| Library access | Built-in OverDrive for public library lending | Kindle Unlimited (paid subscription only) |
| Best use case | Flexibility, library borrowing, file freedom | Amazon books, simplicity, Kindle ecosystem |
The Ecosystem Question: Open vs Closed
If you like owning your books—or borrowing them from your library—Kobo wins hands down. It supports EPUB, PDF, and even comic book formats like CBZ. You can upload books simply by dragging and dropping them from your computer. There’s no DRM lock-in.
Kindle is tied closely to Amazon. Yes, you can send EPUB files now, but it’s still more effort, and Amazon wants you buying through their store. If that’s already how you read, it won’t feel limiting—but if you’re coming from other sources or using Calibre, Kobo feels more natural.
Curious how to sideload books? Read our guide on transferring EPUB files to Kindle.
Note-Taking: Which Device Feels More Like Paper?
Both Kindle and Kobo now offer models with stylus support. Kindle’s option is the Scribe. It’s sleek and offers a solid writing experience, but it feels… basic. You can annotate Kindle books, but exporting notes or using advanced writing tools? Not really there yet.
Kobo’s Elipsa 2E, by contrast, is built with note-taking in mind. You get a flexible notebook system, better handwriting-to-text tools, and the ability to export notes easily.
If you’re a student or someone who likes to write as much as read, Kobo currently does this better.
Want a full comparison? See our Kindle Scribe vs reMarkable 2 review.
Color Comes to eInk (Kobo Only)
In 2025, Kobo made waves by releasing the Libra Colour, their first mainstream color eReader using the Kaleido 3 display. The color is subtle—not like an iPad—but it adds so much: color-coded highlights, visible book covers, and more enjoyable comics.
Kindle, as of mid-2025, still hasn’t released a color device.
If color is important to you, even as an enhancement—not a must-have—Kobo is leading the way.
Libraries vs Subscriptions: How Do You Read?
Here’s a key lifestyle difference.
If you like borrowing books from your public library, Kobo’s OverDrive integration is a dream. You can search, borrow, and return books right on the device.
Kindle doesn’t offer that. Instead, Amazon’s approach is Kindle Unlimited—a monthly subscription with a huge catalog. If you read a lot of commercial fiction, this might be worth it. But it’s not the same as access to your library’s full range.
Prefer public libraries over subscriptions? See why Kobo beats Kindle for library users.
File Transfer: Simplicity vs Ecosystem Lock
Want to upload your own books?
- On Kobo: just connect a USB cable and drop your files in. EPUB? PDF? CBZ? No problem.
- On Kindle: you’ll need to use the “Send to Kindle” feature or email your files.
Again, if you’re used to buying books from Amazon, Kindle is perfectly fine. But for personal documents, sideloaded books, or indie authors, Kobo is far more accommodating.
So… Which One Is Best for You?
If you love the Amazon ecosystem, own a lot of Kindle books, and just want a straightforward experience, the Kindle Paperwhite or Kindle Scribe might be perfect. They’re polished, responsive, and reliable.
But if you want a reading device that gives you more freedom—like uploading your own EPUBs, borrowing from your local library, writing notes, or seeing color—Kobo is the clear winner in 2025.
The best part? There’s no wrong answer—just the one that fits your reading life better.
Our Top Picks for 2025
- Kobo Libra Colour Review – Best for color reading, EPUB fans, and OverDrive users
- Kobo Elipsa 2E Review – Best for note-takers, students, and flexible file use
- Kindle Paperwhite Overview – Great value for everyday readers in Amazon’s world
- Kindle Scribe vs reMarkable – For loyal Kindle fans who want to try handwriting too
Ready to Choose Your eReader?
If you’ve made up your mind—or even if you’re still exploring—here are our recommended models you can check out on Amazon:
- 📘 Kobo Libra Colour on Amazon
- ✍️ Kobo Elipsa 2E on Amazon
- 📖 Kindle Paperwhite on Amazon
- 📝 Kindle Scribe on Amazon
Whether you’re team Kobo or team Kindle, the right eReader can transform how you read, learn, and enjoy books every day.
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