Kindle vs Kobo Clara BW: Which Should You Buy?
The entry-level 2024 Kindle against Kobo's Clara BW: same 6 inch 300 ppi class, different stores and a waterproofing gap.
Amazon Amazon Kindle (newest gen) – Lightest and most
Kobo Kobo Clara BW | eReader | 6†Glare-Free
Side by side
| Amazon Kindle (newest gen) – Lightest | Kobo Clara BW | eReader | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | See on Amazon → | See on Amazon → |
| Rating | ★★★★★ 4.6 | ★★★★★ 4.6 |
| Review count | 22,546 | 2,950 |
| Brand | Amazon | Kobo |
| Highlights |
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Our verdict
Buy the Kobo Clara BW if you want waterproofing, adjustable light colour and an open book ecosystem that reads EPUB and PDF. Buy the Kindle if you already own Kindle books or use Kindle Unlimited, since your library lives there. Screen quality is close: both are 6 inch, 300 ppi E Ink with 16GB of storage. The Kindle isn't waterproof; the Kobo is rated IPX8.
Which one is for you?
- People already invested in Kindle books or Kindle Unlimited, wanting the lightest, simplest reader. Read our full look at the Amazon Kindle (newest gen) – Lightest →
- Readers who want a waterproof reader for the bath or beach, warm light, and wider file format support. Read our full look at the Kobo Clara BW | eReader →
Screen and light
Both use a 6 inch, 300 ppi glare-free E Ink screen. The Kindle has an adjustable front light brighter than the 2022 model at maximum, but no warm light, according to TechBloat. The Kobo Clara BW lists ComfortLight PRO, which adjusts brightness and colour temperature, plus a dark mode option, and Carta 1300 E Ink.
If you read in bed at night, warm light is the kind of feature that matters. It's a real point for the Kobo.
Waterproofing and battery
The Kobo carries an IPX8 rating, waterproof for up to 60 minutes in up to 2 metres, per the listing. Reviewers of the previous Kindle noted it has no waterproofing, and TechBloat confirms the 2024 model has none either.
The listing quotes up to six weeks of battery for the Kindle, based on about 30 minutes of daily reading. A reviewer cites Kobo's own estimate of 53 days on a similar basis, so battery is a tie in practice. Both charge by USB-C. One reviewer notes the Kobo's battery is user replaceable.
Books and formats
The Kindle is built around the Kindle store, and the listing mentions Kindle Unlimited. The Kobo lists support for EPUB, PDF, MOBI, comics (CBZ, CBR) and several image formats, and Kobo audiobooks, per The eBook Reader's review. If you buy ebooks from several shops, the Kobo is more flexible.
The Kindle can play Audible audiobooks over Bluetooth, according to TechBloat and Expert Reviews.
Who should skip both
Anyone wanting a larger screen, warm light on a Kindle or longer battery should look at a Paperwhite, which TechBloat lists with a 6.8 inch screen, warm light and waterproofing. See Kindle vs Kindle Paperwhite.
Questions people ask
Is the Kindle or Kobo Clara BW better?
The Kobo wins on waterproofing, warm light and file formats; the Kindle wins if you already have a Kindle library or use Kindle Unlimited.
Is the Kobo Clara BW waterproof?
Yes, Kobo's listing says IPX8: up to 60 minutes in up to 2 metres of water.
Is the 2024 Kindle waterproof?
No, TechBloat lists no water resistance for the 2024 model.
How much storage do they have?
Both are 16GB, per the listings and reviews.
Can the Kobo read EPUB files?
Yes, The eBook Reader's review lists EPUB, PDF, MOBI and comic formats.
Sources
- TechBloat, Amazon Kindle (2024) specs compared
- The eBook Reader, Kobo Clara BW review
- Expert Reviews, Amazon Kindle (2022) review
Prices are pulled live from Amazon.
Prices move around, so always confirm on Amazon before deciding. Browse more options in eBook Readers & Accessories or see the whole Electronics department. New to the category? Start with our buying guide.