Kobo vs Kindle 2025 continues to be a popular debate—but if you’re a student, your needs are specific. You want something affordable, portable, and powerful enough to handle long reading sessions, study materials, and occasional PDF highlighting.
In this comparison, we’re focusing on two of the best student-friendly eReaders in 2025: the Kindle Paperwhite (11th Gen) and the Kobo Clara BW—Kobo’s updated 6-inch E Ink Carta 1300 device. Let’s break down which one is truly best for school use.
1. Portability and Reading Comfort
Both devices are compact and lightweight—perfect for slipping into a backpack.
- Kindle Paperwhite: 6.8″ display, 205g weight, waterproof, ergonomic design
- Kobo Clara BW: 6.0″ E Ink Carta 1300 screen, 174g weight, also waterproof (IPX8)
Kobo Clara BW is lighter, but Kindle’s larger screen and flush-front design make it more comfortable for reading dense material or viewing larger fonts.
✅ Winner: Kindle Paperwhite
2. Screen Quality and Front Light
Kobo Clara BW is equipped with the new E Ink Carta 1300, offering faster page turns and deeper contrast. It also includes ComfortLight PRO for adjustable brightness and blue light filtering.
Kindle Paperwhite uses a slightly older display tech but includes adjustable warm light and excellent contrast.
Want to explore display differences? See our Kobo Libra Colour review.
✅ Winner: Tie — Kobo has better tech, Kindle has better lighting control
3. Notes, Highlights, and Study Use
Neither device has handwriting input, but both support highlights, bookmarks, and dictionary lookup.
Kindle stands out here because your notes sync across devices via the Kindle app, perfect for later review on a laptop or phone.
Want advanced note-taking? Check our Kindle Scribe vs reMarkable review.
✅ Winner: Kindle Paperwhite
4. Library and Format Support
Kobo Clara BW supports EPUB, PDF, CBZ, and integrates directly with OverDrive. That means borrowing books from your school or public library is easy and fast.
Kindle supports fewer formats but excels with Kindle Unlimited, textbook availability, and syncing Amazon-purchased titles.
Curious about format flexibility? Visit our Kobo vs Kindle comparison.
✅ Winner: Kobo Clara BW
5. Audio and Accessibility
Kobo Clara BW supports Bluetooth, allowing students to listen to audiobooks via wireless headphones—a big plus for auditory learners.
Kindle Paperwhite doesn’t support audio (only Kindle Scribe and Oasis have Audible support).
✅ Winner: Kobo Clara BW
6. Price and Student Value
- Kobo Clara BW: ~$129, 16GB storage, eco-friendly build, Bluetooth, library access
- Kindle Paperwhite: ~$139, 8GB or 16GB, premium build, student bundles available
Amazon often offers education bundles that include free Kindle Unlimited, classic titles, and a protective case.
✅ Winner: Kindle Paperwhite (especially if bundled)
Final Verdict: Which One Should Students Choose?
| Feature | Kindle Paperwhite | Kobo Clara BW |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size & Comfort | ✅ 6.8″, ergonomic build | 6.0″, lightweight |
| Lighting & Display Tech | Warm light, flush front | ✅ E Ink Carta 1300, ComfortLight PRO |
| Highlight & Notes Sync | ✅ Kindle cloud sync | Local highlights only |
| File Format Flexibility | Limited EPUB | ✅ Native EPUB, PDF, CBZ |
| Library Support | Libby (manual sync) | ✅ Built-in OverDrive |
| Audio Features | ❌ None | ✅ Bluetooth audiobook support |
| Price & Value | ✅ Better bundles available | Great value standalone |
If you’re looking for the best all-around eReader for studying, the Kindle Paperwhite still has the edge—especially with its syncing features and Amazon ecosystem.
But if you value open formats, Bluetooth audiobook support, and library access, the Kobo Clara BW is an excellent alternative—especially for students who prefer EPUB books or borrow heavily from libraries.
Ready to Buy?
Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn commissions from qualifying purchases—at no extra cost to you.