Battle of the eReaders: Compare Kobo Versus Amazon Kindle

Some people wonder if they even need to invest in an eReader. After all, both Kobo and Kindle offer apps that work on smartphones, tablets, and computers.

TechRadar posted results from a Stanford research study that support the case for using a dedicated eReader over other devices. Some highlights of this study include:

This supports the argument that serious readers will find an eReader more satisfying. Also, eReader screens tend to work better in bright light, the batteries last longer, and they don’t constantly beep with notifications from other apps.

Upsie’s blog covered the latest Amazon eReader models, and the TechRadar post cited above does a good job of comparing Kobo models. Both companies offer eReaders with various features and prices, so readers should have the chance to find the ideal device from either company. This article focuses on the general difference between eReaders produced by either Amazon or Kobo.

Amazon customers who already subscribe to the company’s services may automatically gravitate towards a Kindle. For instance, members of Amazon Prime can take advantage of its reading service to enjoy borrowing books for free. In addition, Amazon offers limited support for borrowing books from U.S. libraries.

Kobo models include OverDrive, and this service allows borrowing from any local libraries that offer support. According to the OverDrive support page, this includes the U.S., U.K, Canada, Australia, and many more European and Asian countries.

Amazon supports its own proprietary files with an extension of .azw. It also supports .mobi files, but users must use software to convert .epub files into either .mobi or .azw. In contrast, Kobo supports almost all file types, including .pdf files. Kobo does not support Amazon’s .azw files.

The Kobo Store stocks a good selection of Audiobooks, but none of the company’s devices support them currently. Instead, Kobo users must download the Kobo app to another device. New Kindles support audiobooks from Audible, and they also offer Bluetooth connectivity for wireless earbuds and headphones.

Since Amazon bought Goodreads, they offer integration with that social site for book lovers. Kobo supports OverDrive, Dropbox, and Pocket. Pocket lets users save web content, and Kobo users can sync with their devices to save these articles to read later.

After comparing various models and the pros and cons of each brand, most readers feel satisfied with their choice of eReaders. Readers with either Kobo or Amazon Kindle should also consider buying an eReader extended warranty from Upsie.

Consider some highlights of Upsie warranty protection for Kindle or Kobo eReaders:

Upsie’s affordable prices, low deductible, and lack of hidden fees make them the clear choice for warranty protection. New customers can purchase Upsie warranties for eReaders bought within 60 days.