Kindle vs Kobo. Which ecosystem should you choose?

In this video, I discuss the topic of Kindle vs Kobo. Both are great e-reader ecosystems, but there are many pros and cons to them, which I explore in the video. Including US and Canadian considerations. My hope is that it will help you choose the right ecosystem (and therefore device) for you.

[@TonyonTech]

I ended up returning my Kobo Forma as I had issues with the specific device. Everything I said about the two ecosystems still stands. I replaced it with an Onyx Boox Nova Pro, a more flexible device at the expense of battery life and a little more distraction potential.

[@TonyonTech]

@mohammadali khazen My device had a brighter light band with a darker shadow near the buttons. It found it distracting but not a huge deal breaker. Unfortunately the device was also the first e-ink reader to give me headaches (when used with the light on). Other than that, it seemed like a solid device and I can see people loving it. It just didn't work for me. I'm really glad it didn't because I prefer my Nova Pro by a wide margin.

[@TonyonTech]

@mohammadali khazen For light reading, it'd certainly be okay. My main problem with such a capable device is that it would end up being too distracting. I might get an iPad in the future, but not for ereading purposes. In terms of being able to serve that purpose, it certainly can, though it's not as easy on the eyes as an e-ink device.

[@ahmetjank3892]

@@TonyonTech Hello Tony, please keep up the good work. I watched many reviews and comparison. Yours were to the point and also really enjoyed Canadian specific comment. I think you convince me to go for Kobo. I checked your replacement device Nova Pro but it is priced over $600 right? I personally still prefer paper books myself. I had used kindle long time ago and did not like the experience. But, I needed a e reader now mainly for my daughter during this Covid 19 close down so i can buy her or borrow her books because she reads a lot. So I think i will go for Kobo Libra H2O as it is priced at $200 instead of Kobo forma which is at $300, what do you think?

[@TonyonTech]

@@ahmetjank3892 Thank you. The Kobo Libra H20 is basically a cheaper, smaller Forma. Solid choice.

[@dcpowered]

I just got a Kobo Libra H2O today and the screen has bright spots. Sooo disappointing. I will have to return this to the store. Sad.

[@BartAnderson_writer]

I have both a Kobo and a several Kindles. I much prefer Kobo because: - I trust Kobo. I've followed them for years, I like their management, their philosopjy (win-win with partners). Kindle (Amazon) has a ruthless, screw-you philosophy. If they can get away with something they will. - The Kobo e-reader feels more open, more accessible. Many optioins. The newer Kindle feels packaged, easty-to-use at first but ultimately limiting. - As you point out, Kobo supports multiple formats, whereas Kindle is a locked down system. I get ebooks from many sources, and Kobo is easier to work with (paired with the free Calibre e-book software). - I'm American and I've never had a problem using Kobo. Sometimes the book prices are cheaper than Kindle, sometimes more expensive. It evens out.

[@BikeRideTherapy]

with Kobo you can request a price match for the ebooks. Check with them

[@RefactoringRyan]

Thanks for your input Bart!

[@CommanderMouse72]

Kindle has a very apple-like system, walled garden you can only buy from us give us money, kobo is far better especially for those outside the US where libraries tend to use overdrive which lets you borrow books directly from the ereader

[@monog870]

Can you move the kindle biught books to the kobo? And where do u buy books for kobo?

[@victoriag.7279]

Thanks for this summary!!! totally convinced me to give Kobo a try

[@SuperPlastered]

Nice! Kobo any day. When I buy a book, I want to actually own the book.

[@YoHo18]

Sorry, how do you mean? Interesting comment. I want to know more. Cheers.

[@stanger963]

Why?

[@YoHo18]

@@stanger963 I understand, one never “owns” ebooks. You only get rights to use it. If it is actually different, I just wanted to learn. Is it different with Kobo?

[@balamsky]

@@YoHo18 Well, actually it is different since it allows you to share your ebooks. In form, the may be similar, but in fact, that’s a difference that counts.

[@torototoro1252]

@@YoHo18 the only thing u need is to break an ebook's drm, and that ebook is yours to keep forever. u can look up ways with calibre to do that wit kobo and kindle books

[@chloesalomon2158]

I appreciate your input here. Many other reviews focus on the tech specs, but this gives me a better idea of how Im actually going to feel throughout using the device. I also appreciate pointing out the philosophical difference.

[@freddy77mac]

This was an excellent comparison of the two systems; thank you. I live in the United States and own a Kindle Paperwhite (previous generation) and a Kobo Libra H2O. I also have a Kindle Oasis arriving soon. I find that each eco-system, at least here in the U.S., has positives and negatives for me. While I have managed to take out a library book on my Kindle, it is much more intuitive on my Kobo. In fact, I find the basic operating system on my Kobo more intuitive and more book like. An example (for me) is how much easier it is to bookmark and remove a bookmark from the Kobo. Even the bookmark itself is more realistic on the Kobo. It was not worth it to me to spend an extra $20.00 to remove opening ads from my Kindle but I so much prefer Kobo's showing me the cover of the book I'm reading when I open it. Again, it is so much more book like. I find I prefer the 7-inch screen on my Kobo to the 6-inch screen on the Kindle, hence my decision to upgrade to the current Oasis. It is the perfect compromise between the smaller 6-inch screen and the 8-inch Kobo Forma screen. While I definitely agree with the more open system of the Kobo to the Kindle, I have to admit that the book choices are far greater on the Kindle and while most of the time books are the same price on either system if one of the systems charges less, most of the time it will be on the Kindle. I recently purchased a book by an author I quite like. I wanted to put it on my Kobo instead of my Kindle. However, the price on the Kobo was $13.99 while the Kindle's price was $9.49. On top of that, Amazon had given me a $2.50 future purchase credit on something I had purchased months ago. It was credited to the book purchase so what would have cost $13.99 on the Kobo was only $6.99 on the Kindle. Obviously, getting the book on the Kindle was a no-brainer. Ultimately, I have to admit that I like both the Kindle and the Kobo, though I like the physical Kobo H2O much more than the Kindle Paperwhite. However, when it comes to the ecosystem, and from an American point of view, I find each has advantages and disadvantages for me. EDIT, 14 November 2020: I have now had the Kindle Oasis for a couple of months and I do prefer it to the Kindle Paperwhite. The lighting is better, as already mentioned I prefer the 7-inch screen on the Oasis (and Kobo H20) to the 6--inch Paperwhite, and on both the Kobo H20 and Kindle Oasis, I love the page turn buttons. The Oasis is slightly lighter and thinner than the H20 but I find that, without a flip case on it, the H20 is much more comfortable to hold and, frankly, unless one is totally tied into the Amazon Kindle ecosystem, the price difference for the Oasis is not worth it, in my opinion. As far as the two ecosystems go, nothing has changed from what I wrote above. If the book choices were equal (though the Kobo offerings are large) and the prices for the books were always the same then, for me, the Kobo H20 would win over the Kindle Oasis. As it stands now, even though the initial cost of each was on the more expensive side of what an e-book should cost, I'm glad I have both.

[@wanderer990]

Really detailed and thoughtful review... Thanks!

[@jseger9000]

In the US you can use Overdrive on Kobo to borrow books from the library, just like in Canada.

[@daveklassen]

Excellent review of the ecosystems, Tony! As others have commented, you have reviewed the more important differences than what many other reviewers look at. Many thanks!

[@guskalo1981]

Thanks Tony. I am also a Canadian and the lack of audible support and library borrowing for Canada swung this in Kobo's favor for me.

[@TheHomesteadingRenter87]

Such a great video thank you so much! I’ve never had an e reader and when I found out they have separate ecosystems I needed a video like this to help make sense of it. Thank you!

[@maureenb7399]

Great job Tony! I have a kindle oasis which is the bomb for books I want to own. But, as I am Canadian I purchased the kobo aura to easily get my library books. Kind of nice to have both. If I could only pick one in Canada I would say go Kobo!

[@sidheart19]

Great video and you have covered all possible aspects of both the ecosystems. I am sharing my experience as a Kindle Paperwhite user below, just in case it helps anyone here: So I have been using a Kindle Paperwhite for a few years now and the experience has been excellent. Lately, my reading includes more of technical/programming books that have tons of code snippets and diagrams. This is where my Paperwhite's small 6" screen isn't helping at all. I changed the orientation to portrait, that helps but still not optimal. So after searching for a viable alternative with a larger screen (and ignoring the E-Ink based notebooks which are hell expensive, i.e. upward of $800), I finally placed an order for Kobo Forma. It has an 8" screen which should be better than Kindle Paperwhite (or even Oasis) to view pdfs and technical books. Waiting for my Kobo to arrive and being in Canada, I can't wait to read some of the books available in the public library. :) Lastly, thank you for your review and I will check out your other videos!!

[@thesecretgirlz]

Glad to see a Canadian perspective here! I've been looking at getting an eReader but couldn't decide between the two ecosystems, as I saw other countries had issues with kindle. I think I may go with Kobo, thanks for the video!

[@biancabechisi8124]

Hi from Romania! One important thing which helped me decide what ebook brand to buy was the screen illumination. I chose Kobo Clara HD over Kindle Paperwhite just because I liked the Kobo feature to change the color temperature of the screen illumination. I like to set it to a neutral to warm tone as I tend to read at night. One of my friends has the Paperwhite and the bright white illumination tires the eyes much faster. And after 2 years of using the Kobo Clara HD I can truly say that it's a great device... I only miss the lack of dictionary in my language... But beside that.. all is great!

[@raysonraypay5885]

Nice Nautica shirt

[@mathieupatenaudedufour8370]

Merci Tony. Je n'arrivais pas à trancher avant de tomber sur ta vidéo. Je vis au Canada et vais opter pour la Kobo. Merci pour ta vidéo instructive. Peace!

[@angylc5310]

J'ai ma Kobo depuis plus de 5ans maintenant, zéro soucis!! ;)

[@mukundparmar4121]

What a great and engaging review. I will go for Kobo, since I don't live in the US. Thank you! and keep up the awesome work brother!

[@brigitas9176]

I own very first kindle and voyager. Voyager stopped working last week so I decided to check other brands and found Kobo libra h2o. I love it. It’s better than Kindle in my opinion and it gives me more choices. My voyager turned on as soon as I received kobo in mail .Kobo is very easy to use, I love ability to borrow books from my local library and already got two books. I’m trying to close my wallet for amazon. I’m keeping kindle unlimited for now, because the rest of my family own kindle devices and use unlimited books. But one day all devices are going to be replaced with kobo.

[@drfujita1]

My favorite way of reading is to listen to the audiobook while reading along. So I am locked into buying the Kindle e-book and adding on the audible narration. The text is highlighted in the kindle app as the audiobook plays on my 8” iPad Mini. Koba doesn’t offer this functionality. I do wish Amazon offered an 8” and 10” Kindle Oasis and allowed the highlighting of the text while audible plays at the same time so that I can read on an e-ink screen at night instead of reading on a tablet screen.

[@muskndusk]

You can always strip the DRM, convert the book format and put it on any reader you want. This applies to both ecosystems.

[@Veggiebonbon]

Excellent review. Great explanations for Canadian users! Thanks

[@mytintinnabulation]

This guy is great! Loved the vid. Super helpful. Thank you! ps. Yay Canada.

[@dsramshaw]

Really informative! Seen quite a few of these comparison videos with all the sparks and colours so to speak, but yours helped me finally decide. Thank you.

[@brandonsalveson9729]

You could always just buy kindle books, convert to MOBI and put on Kobo. This would solve the "Some books you cant have on kobo" Problem.

[@DeepishMoog]

So how exactly is it converted? Download directly from the amazon website in browser on pc/mac, then convert to mobi? Then, transfer to your Kobo?

[@tanmaychandane8279]

Is there an app to do this? To extract the book from Kindle app

[@bigbird51]

Yep over a year ago I to chose Kobo. Got a Clara HD, because could use Overdrive here in US. Also liked that not locked down as much with multiple formats available with Kobo. And last year the Kobo had ability to read at night with the amber light to reduce eye fatigue and blue light reduction at night. Still very happy with purchase.

[@keithsedden2995]

Had a kobo Libra and or had far too many software issues. Would often restart on its own or even worse it would occasionally wipe everything from my device. Never once had an issue with a Kindle

[@fariakarim6143]

Hi thanks for your review. I was conflicted about whether to buy Oasis or Forma. But after your perspective, I think Forma is the way to go. I only have one question. I heard that the Forma has frontlight issues. Something about the left & right side having uneven lighting? Is it true? Some people commented that it's very distracting. Also is 8GB enough or do you have to buy the 32GB

[@CDubya.82]

Plenty of DRM removal and conversion options with Calibre. So for ebooks, pick the reader you prefer.

[@enntee1803]

Awesome review. 👍🏽👍🏽.To the point. Going with kobo! Thanks

[@katyareads221]

I have a Kindle basic, Nook glowlight 3 and Kobo Libra H2O.....prefer my Nook and kobo second. Love Goodreads on kindle and Overdrive on Kobo.

[@stephaniemcclure2410]

I'm going with both! I'm a big Kobo fan but there are books that I can't get on Kobo and Kindle has great sales.

[@mariyajaveedkhan159]

How do you download books on kobo??

[@stephaniemcclure2410]

@@mariyajaveedkhan159 You can buy books from Kobo/indigo-chapters or you can load any epub or .pdf file types and load them directly from your computer to the Kobo. I use the program Adobe Digital Editions program to load to my Kobo.

[@afshinkavousi617]

Thanks Tony, it was nice and informatice.

[@larryfarr]

Thanks very much. Very interesting and helpful. Appreciated!

[@outforbeer]

I've used kindle for years, but now moving to kobo. Kindle have been static for years

[@MrsBrent]

Great review and perspective!

[@doodlefondue]

As a Kobo Plus subscriber i obviously prefer Kobo over Kindle. I live outside the US and amazon website is not as handy as the Kobo one

[@CommanderMouse72]

Amazon is too US centric, kobo is the only e reader that offers library book support through overdrive here in New Zealand

[@DeepishMoog]

I wanted a Kobo (libra), but the frequency of buyers citing uneven lighting issues was disappointing. I bought a like new Kindle Voyage for the time being, and will try not to buy many books from the Amazon kindle store, as I dont want to be permanently locked into their ebook monopoly. If Kobo makes a better ereader in the next year or two without their current lighting issues, I'll upgrade at that time. For the money, kindle oasis 2 is a decent value and overall a better device than Kobo's two flagships. The oasis 3 doesnt go very far beyond what you get for the 2 to warrant the price tag in my opinion.

[@brigitas9176]

I actually own both. My 2016 Voyager has barely there uneven light, but you have to stare at it to see. Same thing with kobo libra I purchased last week. I like libra much better, so much better, that I’m ready to donate my voyager. I already borrowed books from my local library, transferred books from kindle unlimited to kobo, it super easy to use. Kobo is more comfortable to hold when reading and feels better to touch and more responsive turning pages.

[@LvUhcX]

My ecosystem is kindle but any avid reader will not discriminate I also use kobo

[@marianagarciamartinez1368]

Really useful info. Thank U so much

[@blobblobbers1753]

I had a kobo recently that stopped working because it didn't get an upgrade in time. Now it can't be set up and kobo customer support just says sorry you will have to buy a new one (even though they caused the problem)...I'm switching to kindle now

[@Wh1msicalpickle]

Same.

[@rrenatabp]

I used to have a kobo and it was sooooooo slow and kept crashing on me as I was reading. It was a much worse reading experience. I ended up selling it and giving up on e-readers until my BF got a kindle and let me try it for a couple of weeks - I ended up buying myself one last week, that's how much of a smoother and pleasant experience the kindle was for me.

[@SomeKindaManthing]

Thank you, Tony.

[@TonyonTech]

You are very welcome.

[@smolbluelady5278]

Thank you for the research!

[@shiouming]

Thanks for making this useful video. Any functional or experience difference between Kobo app running on Onyx versus Kobo Forma?

[@BrianHallmond]

This is such a good video. Can you read your Audbile books on Kindle? (I'm in Australia and am considering getting a Kindle.)

[@W4TSKY]

Yeah you can listen to your audible books on kindle

[@caitie226]

Great video!

[@Volfas]

f I like in Canada, and now wondering if I should return kindle and get kobo

[@Lysander-Spooner]

I am in the USA and went Kobo Libra because Overdrive integration. I can download books directly from my library. I may buy an Oasis during next Prime Day sale. But Kobo is great in the US and don’t agree with your premise that Kindle is “default” choice in the US.

[@currangill430]

Even though I'm American I picked a kobo

[@saurabh5534]

He can be next president 😀

[@GoA7250]

It's not the reader, it was the store for me. I find the Kobo store easier to navigate and their recommended list is actually close to what I like and editable, that's to say if they recommend a book, author, genre, etc, that you don't like or not interested in, you can delete it and after a while, your recommended list gets better and more accurate. The reward system is good, and to be a VIP it cost $10.... a year. You want all the bloat, go Amazon, you want a streamline reading experience, Kobo every day and twice on Sunday.

[@gotcharamsys]

Great thank you

[@silviam.9224]

I tried the Clara HD with the light on and my eyes got really sore fast. Is the basic kindle or the paperwhite better in this?

[@KayceeBoo]

Kobo if you’re Canadian!

[@rickifigueira3503]

can you copy books from your laptop, to kobo? Or even download books?

[@lucielou7745]

Can any Australians comment as to how the kobo works here? Does overdrive work etc?

[@alexb3852]

Kobo you can borrow from your public library 📚 😀 your welcome

[@annaaudisio7344]

Do you happy to use Onyx Boox Nova Pro?How long do you read every day? Do you use amazon or kobo programmes there? Thank you )))

[@TonyonTech]

Ciao Anna, sorry for the late reply. I'm quite happy with the Nova Pro. No real complaints. Maybe an hour a day. I tend to use the library books, downloaded books (so typically sold as DRM-free), and Kobo or Amazon depending on pricing and availability of the book in their Canadian stores.

[@nifa.9929]

Thank you c:

[@lazypops3117]

Hi Tony, any advice on Pocketbook and Tolino, for readers in Europe? thanks

[@TonyonTech]

I'm not an expert on those, but I think Pocketbook has both better hardware and better format support, so it would take my vote.

[@lazypops3117]

Tony on Tech- ok. though I'm confused about the native bookstore on the pocketbook. How do you purchase books on the Onyx?

[@TonyonTech]

@@lazypops3117 On the Onyx I can run Android apps, so I have the Kindle app, the Kobo app, etc. I buy through those or DRM-free elsewhere (e.g., The Pragmatic Bookshelf).

[@1967dragonaxe]

Nice review. Would have been nice to include non North American countries though. A comparison of only two countries makes it irrelevant to over 90% of the world

[@gavinmathew7491]

That's a YES from Sydney.

[@kubabooba548]

But couldn't you buy a book from Amazon and format it to epub then read it on your Kobo? I'm thinking of switching back to Kobo but the Kindle Oasis has a really nice build quality. I also don't know if Oasis or Forma has the better ergonomic design.

[@TonyonTech]

You could but it's an extra step and conversions are not always pretty. I think format-wise, Oasis as the edge but the Forma is very much in the same ballpark.

[@Foambeard]

I have purchased just about every Kindle and Kobo device when they come out...I like to run them thru their paces. I have now given away most of the Kindles. Why?...Library/Book and File management with Calibre. I travel a bunch so carry 1000 or more books on my devices..I want them organized the way I want! I still buy most of my ebooks on Amazon, but immediately stick them on my "kobo dujour" with Calibre. Collections, series, favorites, file names by series number, etc...just cant do easily on Amazon/Kindle devices. Book Library management sucks on Kindle...which is why Kobos travel with me. Conversions are automatically done by Calibre, then put in Kobo

[@tivonutdc]

The Android apps for Kindle, Nook, etc... are not as good.

[@denisepinet9472]

where did you get the nova pro?

[@TonyonTech]

Amazon (.com). With conversion rate and import, it was a steep $525.

[@DeepishMoog]

Astronomical price. All things considered, a very good laptop or tablet has more power and functionality for about the same price.

[@josephs4212]

You forgot Amazon censors books now. I got a kobo

[@damyandimitrov611]

So... For people out of America who want freedom - Kobo. Otherwise Kindle

[@johannes21e6]

I need Color!!!

[@jooleeyeen]

Then buy poke 2 or an ipad.

[@FunnyAsian00]

Can I read kindle book in kobo I got amazon prime Canada

[@TonyonTech]

No, you cannot.

[@BikeRideTherapy]

I tried the latest Kindle Oasis, but I did not felt a significant improvement on screen size compare to my paperwhite 7th Gen. Also the new Kindle Oasis is difficult to grab with the new metal case, it is too slippery and because of that I was pressing, by accident, the turning page buttons. I am waiting for my new Kobo Forma. Let's see

[@meokih]

How is it now?

[@BikeRideTherapy]

@@meokih I am totally in love with the Kobo Forma. I completely let go Kindle. The device is much better for the reader and also I can get books from my public library for 21 days from the device itself. Go for it. It is excellent.

[@meokih]

@@BikeRideTherapy Thanks for replying! Do you have any problems regarding the screen (flickering and light strip, as other people have said?). How's the speed of the Kobo's OS? Does it annoy you? Kindle's OS seems to be more faster and smooth. Also, how's the battery life on both? Thank you!

[@BikeRideTherapy]

@@meokih I don't any issues with the screen. I tried hard to find it, but mine is fine. Regarding the speed, It is very fast. I honestly do not have any complaints.

[@BikeRideTherapy]

@@meokih The life of the battery on the Kobo is far longer than the Kindle Oasis. I am honestly enjoying more the Kobo than my Kindle Paperwhite. The Oasis I returned it because it was very disappointing. On another note, you will need Calibre to better manage your library unless you will be buying only from Kobo store. Also, renting books from the library is a BIG plus.

[@belenlora7818]

Alguien de México que sepa donde conseguir una Kobo?

[@Maribejita]

Holaaa!!! Lo puedes comprar en la Librería Gandhi desde su página oficial. Yo lo pedí en línea y me llegó a la semana.

[@D_video_games]

Great video !

[@TonyonTech]

Thank you very much, Dominic.