Kindle vs Kobo: Which E-Reader Is Right for You in 2025?
As an avid reader who's used both ecosystems extensively, here's my honest comparison between Kindle and Kobo e-readers to help you choose the best one for your reading habits.
Quick Comparison
Kindle Paperwhite (2024)
- • Display: 6.8" 300 PPI
- • Storage: 16GB
- • Waterproof: IPX8
- • Battery: 10 weeks
- • Price: $149
Kobo Libra 2
- • Display: 7" 300 PPI
- • Storage: 32GB
- • Waterproof: IPX8
- • Battery: 8 weeks
- • Price: $179
Ecosystem & Book Selection
Kindle wins here decisively. Amazon has the largest ebook selection, better prices, and Kindle Unlimited offers unlimited reading for $11.99/month. Kobo integrates with public libraries through Overdrive, which is fantastic if you use library ebooks frequently.
File Format Support
Kobo has the advantage with broader format support including EPUB, MOBI, PDF, and CBZ/CBR for comics. Kindle only supports Amazon's proprietary formats (AZW, KFX) plus PDF. If you have ebooks from multiple sources, Kobo is more flexible.
Hardware & Design
Both devices have excellent 300 PPI E Ink displays that are easy on the eyes. The Kobo Libra 2 has physical page-turn buttons and an asymmetric design that's great for one-handed reading. The Kindle is more minimal with a touchscreen-only interface.
Pros & Cons
Kindle Paperwhite
Pros:
- • Largest book selection
- • Kindle Unlimited option
- • Better prices
- • Longer battery life
- • Lower price
Cons:
- • Limited file formats
- • Locked into Amazon
- • No physical buttons
- • Less storage (16GB)
- • Ads on base model
Kobo Libra 2
Pros:
- • Supports more formats
- • Library integration (Overdrive)
- • Physical page buttons
- • More storage (32GB)
- • No ads
Cons:
- • Smaller book selection
- • Higher prices
- • More expensive device
- • Shorter battery life
- • Slower software
Which Should You Buy?
Choose Kindle if you want the largest book selection, best prices, and don't mind being in Amazon's ecosystem. It's the best choice for most readers.
Choose Kobo if you use public library ebooks, have ebooks in various formats, or prefer physical page-turn buttons. It's perfect for readers who value flexibility over convenience.
Final Verdict
For most people, the Kindle Paperwhite is the better choice thanks to its superior ecosystem and lower price. However, if you're a power user who borrows library books or has a collection of EPUBs, the Kobo Libra 2's flexibility justifies the extra $30.
My Rating: Kindle 9.0/10 | Kobo 8.5/10