Kobo vs Kindle 2025 is the most important comparison for digital readers this year. Whether you’re looking for the best device for casual reading, manga, or advanced note-taking, both Kobo and Kindle have compelling options. This guide breaks down everything you need to know—design, display, ecosystem, formats, pricing, and more—so you can confidently choose the right eReader for your needs.
1. Design and Build Quality
When it comes to materials, Kobo puts sustainability front and center. Devices like the Clara 2E use recycled plastics, while Kindle sticks to a sleek matte-finish design. Both feel premium in the hand and are lightweight enough for long reading sessions.
Here’s a quick weight and thickness comparison:
- Kobo Clara 2E: 6.2 oz (176g), 8.66 mm
- Kobo Libra Colour: 7.5 oz (215g), 8.3 mm
- Kindle Paperwhite (11th Gen): 7.2 oz (205g), 8.1 mm
- Kindle Scribe: 15.3 oz (433g), 5.8 mm
Another difference is controls: Kindles are entirely touch-based, while Kobo’s higher-end models like the Libra Colour offer physical page-turn buttons—something many readers appreciate.
2. Screen and Display
If display matters to you—and it should—Kobo’s lineup gives you more variety. Screen sizes range from 6″ to 10.3″, and most models include ComfortLight PRO, which reduces blue light for night reading. Kindle’s Paperwhite and Scribe offer adjustable warm light but fewer display variations overall.
The biggest 2025 update? Color e-ink support. Kobo’s Libra Colour uses Kaleido 3 technology to show subtle but clear color—great for comics, textbooks, and annotations. Kindle still hasn’t released a color model.
3. Content Ecosystem
Amazon’s Kindle Store is massive, offering countless bestsellers and exclusives—especially through Kindle Unlimited, Amazon’s monthly reading subscription.
Kobo’s advantage is freedom. It supports more file types (including EPUB) and connects directly to OverDrive for public library borrowing. You can also easily sideload content from sources like Project Gutenberg or personal collections.
Want to see how library access compares? Read Kobo vs Kindle: Which One Supports OverDrive Better.
4. Supported Formats
- Kobo supports EPUB, PDF, CBR/CBZ (comics), MOBI, and more.
- Kindle supports AZW3, MOBI, PDF, and now limited EPUB via conversion.
So if you’re building a personal digital library from varied sources, Kobo is the more flexible platform.
5. Note-Taking and Advanced Features
If handwriting and digital notebooks are important to you, Kobo is ahead. The Kobo Elipsa 2E offers stylus support, handwriting-to-text conversion, and the ability to annotate books and PDFs.
The Kindle Scribe also supports stylus input, and while it offers a clean interface, its organizational and export features are more limited in comparison.
See our full Kindle Scribe vs reMarkable 2 review for a deeper look at handwriting tablets.
6. Pricing and Value
Here’s a quick breakdown of price vs features in early 2025:
| Model | Price | Standout Features |
|---|---|---|
| Kobo Clara 2E | ~$129 | Eco-friendly, waterproof, supports EPUB |
| Kobo Libra Colour | ~$219 | Color display, physical buttons, OverDrive |
| Kindle Paperwhite | ~$139 | Waterproof, warm light, Kindle Store integration |
| Kindle Scribe | ~$339 | Large screen, note-taking, Kindle Unlimited access |
Kobo often delivers more features at a similar or lower price, especially for those who want color or advanced annotation tools.
7. Best Device Based on User Type
| User Type | Recommended Device | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Casual Reader | Kindle Paperwhite / Clara 2E | Lightweight, affordable, waterproof |
| Students & Writers | Kobo Elipsa 2E | Full handwriting support, EPUB compatibility |
| Manga & Comics | Kobo Libra Colour | Color screen, CBR/CBZ support |
| PDF Handling | Elipsa 2E / Libra Colour | Native zoom, large screen, stylus-friendly |
8. Pros and Cons
| Kobo – Pros | Kindle – Pros |
|---|---|
| EPUB support, OverDrive, color screen | Huge content library, Amazon integration |
| Kobo – Cons | Kindle – Cons |
|---|---|
| Fewer exclusives, less known brand | No color e-ink, EPUB support limited |
9. FAQs
Does Kindle support EPUB?
Not natively. You need to convert EPUB or use the “Send to Kindle” feature.
Can I borrow books from libraries?
Yes. Kobo has built-in OverDrive support. Kindle users can use the Libby app and send to their Kindle manually.
Which lasts longer on battery?
Both can last multiple weeks. Smaller devices like the Clara 2E and Paperwhite typically last longer than large-screen models like the Elipsa or Scribe.
10. Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
Looking for the best eReader of 2025?
- Choose Kobo if you want EPUB compatibility, color screen, better note-taking, and public library access.
- Choose Kindle if you value seamless Amazon integration, exclusive titles, and simple, reliable hardware.
Both are excellent. It just depends on what kind of reader you are.
Ready to Buy?
- 📘 Check Kobo Libra Colour on Amazon
- ✍️ Check Kobo Elipsa 2E on Amazon
- 📖 See Kindle Paperwhite deals
- 📝 Compare Kindle Scribe on Amazon
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