If you’re shopping for an e-reader this year, chances are you’re torn between Amazon’s Kindle and Rakuten’s Kobo. Both are excellent choices, but they cater to different kinds of readers. Whether you’re a library regular, a weekend novel enthusiast, or a student juggling PDFs, let’s break down which one fits your reading style best.
đź’ˇ Want a quick answer? Jump to our comparison table and FAQ section at the bottom!
1. Content & File Support: Locked Down vs. Open Access
Kindle: Stuck in Amazon’s Ecosystem (But It’s a Nice Ecosystem)
Kindles work flawlessly with Amazon’s services—Kindle Store, Kindle Unlimited, and Audible—so if you’re already deep into Amazon’s world, this is a no-brainer. U.S. users can borrow library books via OverDrive/Libby, but this feature isn’t available everywhere.
The big downside? Kindles still don’t natively support EPUB. If you’ve got a bunch of EPUB files lying around, you’ll need to convert them (Calibre is your best friend here).
Kobo: The Open-Book Alternative
Kobo plays much nicer with different file formats and libraries. It supports EPUB, PDF, MOBI, and even comics (CBZ/CBR) right out of the box. Plus, OverDrive/Libby integration works globally, so library borrowing is a breeze no matter where you are.
Want to sideload books? You can plug in via USB or even sync through Dropbox on some models. If you like flexibility, Kobo’s got your back.
2. Hardware: Which One Feels Better in Your Hands?
Kindle’s 2025 Lineup: Sleek, But Missing Buttons
- Kindle (2022) – The budget pick, with a sharp 6″ 300 PPI screen.
- Paperwhite – 7″ display, waterproof, warm light (perfect for bedtime reading).
- Scribe – A 10.2″ beast with stylus support—great for note-takers.
- Colorsoft – Finally, a color E Ink Kindle for comics and illustrated books.
All Kindles now use E Ink Carta 1200 for super crisp text. But if you’re a fan of physical page-turn buttons, you’re out of luck—Amazon phased those out.
Kobo’s 2025 Models: More Variety, More Buttons
- Nia – Entry-level, but only 212 PPI (noticeably less sharp).
- Clara BW / Clara Colour – 6″ 300 PPI, now with a color option!
- Libra Colour – 7″ color E Ink (Kaleido 3 tech) and physical buttons—my personal favorite.
- Elipsa 2E – 10.3″ with stylus support, ideal for students and note-takers.
Kobo offers more ergonomic variety, including models with physical buttons (a godsend for one-handed reading). Some also come with ComfortLight PRO for easier nighttime reading.
3. Software & Customization: Who Gives You More Control?
Kindle: Simple, But a Bit Restrictive
Kindle’s software is clean and user-friendly, with nice extras like Goodreads integration, reading stats, and X-Ray (which lets you dive into book details).
But if you like customizing your reading experience, Kindle falls short. Font choices are limited, and EPUBs still need conversion.
Kobo: The Reader’s Playground
Kobo’s software is all about customization. You get native EPUB support, deep font and layout tweaks, and even landscape mode on some models. Plus, the reading stats are way more detailed than Kindle’s.
If you hate distractions, Kobo’s UI is minimalist and reader-focused—no ads, no pushy store recommendations.
Final Verdict: Which One’s Right for You?
- Get a Kindle if: You’re all-in on Amazon’s ecosystem, love Kindle Unlimited/Audible, or want the smoothest integration.
- Get a Kobo if: You want more file support, physical buttons, better library access, or just more control over your reading experience.
Still unsure? Check out the quick comparison table and FAQ section below!
đź“Š Comparison Table: Kobo vs Kindle (2025)
| Feature | Kindle | Kobo |
|---|---|---|
| File Support | AZW, MOBI, PDF (No EPUB) | EPUB, PDF, MOBI, CBZ |
| Library Books | OverDrive (U.S. only) | OverDrive (Global) |
| Page-Turn Buttons | No | Yes (on some models) |
| Color Display | Colorsoft only | Clara Colour, Libra Colour |
| Best For | Amazon loyalists | Library users, EPUB lovers |
âť“FAQ: Kindle vs Kobo in 2025
Q: Can Kobo read Kindle books?
A: Not directly. Kindle books are DRM-locked. You’d need to remove DRM and convert them using tools like Calibre (which may violate Amazon’s terms).
Q: Does Kindle support EPUB?
A: Not natively. You must convert EPUB files to MOBI or AZW using software like Calibre before sideloading to Kindle.
Q: Which is better for library books?
A: Kobo wins—its OverDrive integration works worldwide, while Kindle’s support is limited to the U.S.
Q: Are there color e-readers for both?
A: Yes! Kobo offers Clara Colour and Libra Colour. Amazon recently released the Kindle Colorsoft.
Q: Which is better for note-taking?
A: Kindle Scribe and Kobo Elipsa 2E both support stylus input. Kobo offers more open software for exports.
đź›’ Ready to Choose?
đź”— Still torn? Read our guide: Kobo Libra Colour Review: Is It Worth the Upgrade?