Excellent review! I have been a Kobo user for about 7 years with an Aura HD. I just upgraded to a Libra 2 and absolutely love it. However, to have access to Kindle unlimited and additional titles, I bought a Kindle Basic in December. I still prefer the Kobo since it is much more user friendly and easily accesses my local library. It slightly annoys me that as far as booktube generally is concerned, Kindle is the only ereader that exists. Thanks to a fellow Canadian to give the Kobo some love.
This comment made me so happy! I’m glad to give Kobo a little bit of spotlight, they’re amazing. Good to know there are alternatives, you know? Thanks for the support!
I have the first edition of the Paperwhite, which I’m just now realizing is about 10 years old. Still love it. Though some of the features on the new Paperwhite has me thinking about upgrading…
Very informative, thank you for gathering all this and making it plain to people. One thing I would add, I have a kindle paperwhite with ads but the ads only show up on the opening screen when it is first turned on, they never pop up between pages or even if you go back to the home screen. I usually have mine on airplane mode and the ads stop coming after a couple of days, it seems only a certain amount get loaded when I am online so when off line they quit coming on. I don't find them intrusive at all and I honestly hate commercials.
Thanks for this review. You addressed all my doubts like file types supported, ease of aging files etc.. I have seen many video and none addressed these things.
This was an incredible breakdown, Theo! One thing I wish I had mentioned in my Kindle Paperwhite video, which you might want to know if you’re interested in getting one, is how annoying it is to have the on/off button at the very bottom. It drives me nuts when I’m pressing down on the screen and inadvertently puts a slight weight on that bottom button to restart the whole device-and it is so slow rebooting when that happens! 😫 Otherwise, I can no longer live without it. 😅
Yeah that is a good point, I can see how that would be frustrating lol. I actually bought a Paperwhite myself to better compare and for future research and I enjoy it! Definitely pros and cons for each brand and each model within, but the Paperwhite is slick and I’ve started using it as my primary reader because my Kobo (like the Oasis) can feel a little too square at times.
I have an Oasis and my only reason for having it is the page turn buttons. I would be happy with the basic or paperwhite if they had page turn buttons. It was frustrating to me when they took this away.
I love the buttons, I actually edited out a part where I talk about how nice it is to have the buttons, but then I thought… People don’t actually care do they? Lol.
Whoa thanks for this comp video! I knew nothing about Kobos before but now I can tell they’d be a viable option for me if I need an E-Reader in the future!
thank you for this review. I currently have a 7th gen Kindle Paperwhite. It needs a new battery, so am thinking of upgrading and have been doing quite a bit of research and watching reviews. One thing that I don't think you mentioned is that there is a difference between Kindle and Kobo on devices that support stylus annotating. For Kindle you can highlight and attach notes. For Kobo you can highlight and write right on the books - in the margins or on the text. I don't have a Kobo, yet, so I'm unsure if they also have the option of attaching notes. It's possible that this capability is a new development since your review. For people who like to annotate and write in their books as they read, I think Kobo has the advantage.
I have a kindle paperwhite and had the oasis but I just ordered a kobo libra colour, still gonna keep my kindle but I def wanted a more open ecosystem of the kobo
Great video Theo! I can tell a lot of work must have gone into this and appreciate you providing this information. I still need an e-reader since I've started receiving epub ARCs and currently use my tablet which hurts my eyes after a bit of reading. Gave me some great options and more knowledge on Kobo's
GREAT video man! Thank you so much for doing all of this work you answered basically any question I would've had about these devices! If I didn't already own a Paperwhite I would've absolutely loved to watch this before purchasing.
I have gotten library ebooks to be read via a Kindle in Canada. It's not a straightforward process but it does work. You have to first download the book from the library onto your computer, then use a software to remove the DRM from the book, then email it to your Kindle email (sometimes there is an intermediate process to correctly re-encode the book using Calibre to display special characters correctly). It'd be nice if our libraries supported it out of the box though, it is not really a feasible process for someone non-technical. Expecting people to read an ebook or on a phone is ridiculous.
Absolutely, I use Calibre and it’s a lot of work. I’d say it’s not a feasible process for most people, but good to know it’s possible. Thanks for watching and the input!!
Thanks for taking the time to put this together it was really helpful!!! I didn't realize that Kindles only allow access to US library books, that's really annoying and shouldn't be a thing if you're also borrowing through Libby in Canada like most US libraries! 🙈 As far as I can tell, Scribd (which I use for ebooks plenty), can only be put onto the Fire and no other Kindle models or Kobos at all but warm light settings are really important to me since I get migraines and open source is super helpful for me too since i have a combo of ebook formats purchased from years past since I have some from google play and some from apple books due to using various devices over the years. I know that KU is a viable alternative to Scribd, BUT my main reading format is audio and I love having access to the combo of audio and ebooks that Scribd offers instead of being relegated to mostly ebooks in my subscription of choice! KU does offer some audio but nothing like Scribd. Basically it sounds like none of the options are a perfect fit for me just yet and I should stick to reading ebooks on my old ipad. 😂
Hey Theo! Love the channel! As of this year I am also a rekindled reader and have just got into booktube. Not many of my friends or family are into the fantasy/sci fi genres like I am, so Im looking to maybe start my own channel to connect with more people. I think your camera/mic setup is very clean. What filming tools do you recommend to start a channel? Thanks man
Hey brother, I appreciate the kind words! I see that you also like to fish! Shoot me an email or join my discord server (see description) and we can get to chatting! I’ll be happy to share as much as possible.
Excellent review sir. I’m so tied into the Amazon ecosystem and particularly the features you highlighted of immersion reading, whispersynch and goodreads highlights to consider jumping to Kobo for now, but we’ll see what the future holds.
Thanks man! Yeah Kindle is doing well by you, glad you make such use out of all its features! Fun video to make, and it makes me realise how much I enjoy using e-readers.
Even though my country probably doesn't have Kobo I really enjoyed watching this video. I have the Kindle basic (10th gen), and it really blows my mind how comfortable it is on the eyes (I have sensitive eyes). Also, as you mentioned, Amazon's collection of ebooks is unparalleled. But prices of ebooks are increasing, have you noticed? (Of course Amazon doesn't set the prices, but still) 😢
I have, ebooks are sometime obscenely expensive! As an update, I also bought a Kindle Paperwhite so I can play with it and research for some future videos. I love it!!Each have their pros and cons as I think illustrated. I’m glad the video was valuable, thanks for watching!
I have a paperwhite 11th generation 2021 model. I'm thinking of getting another one, because my mom has "stolen" mine. She has cateracts, and wasn't able to read for years because of this, but she has discovered that the can read on the kindle even with her cateracts. So hey, she's happy. I'll just have to save up and get another one.
@@RekindledReader yes. Just a pity they cost a small fortune in South Africa given the exchange rate. But it's OK. I'll get a new one at some point. Until then, I'll have to share with her.
Wow. Great thorough comparison Theo! I had never heard of Kobo but I haven't had a Kindle Fire or e-reader in like 4 years or so. (I think I had a nook when they first came out.) Great timing for this video as well 😂. I'm kind of leaning towards Kobo for $$ sake and seems comparable, esp with the paperwhite/klara level, but accessibility is a big deal if I'm going to dive back into ebooks. Where do you get most of your e-books with Kobo? ...Or rather if not "you" persay but Kobo users, you think? I'm mostly only familiar with Kindle unlimited but like I said, it's been a while. Also, in the US.
I’m glad it helped!!! I get mine from a few sources, but the Kobo store (accessed by website or directly from the device) has so many books. I know I mention Amazon has a larger selection but it’s rare when I cannot find a book I want. Kobo also has a Kobo Unlimited subscription which is great. I get E-ARCS from net galley, which go directly to your Kindle or Kobo and of course the library. There are also other sites where you can get stellar deals every now and then like Book Bub. I’ll also be honest and say friends and family share ebooks as well, which is most easily done with a Kobo. Hope that helps :)
My suggestion: check out the Kobo site for ebooks and determine if there is a gap in the offering vs what you would be looking for. I bet you will be able to find most everything you’re looking for :) For the rare ones, or kindle exclusives, you can still always use the FREE Kindle APP on your phone or tablet :)
Yes, you have been incredibly helpful, thank you!! I'll definitely check out their website like you mentioned. I think I'm still leaning towards Kobo, so big thanks for the deep dive research you did!
Using the kindle app on my phone I can send epubs books to my kindle Paperwhite. Doing it this way also lets me use all the fonts I sideloaded on non Amazon purchased books.
To help others - On your phone use a file manager to locate your book then share it to the kindle app, turn toggle off and select your device then hit send.
This is sooooo helpful, thank you so much! I have been reading on my Samsung tablet for ages, but the eyestrain is really wearing me down, so I have been looking into getting a proper ereader. My bday is coming up in 3 weeks, so I sent this video to my mom as a hint for a bday gift, lol. Definitely leaning towards Kobo right now, seems like you get the most bang for your buck. Though, if I get an epub file from an author for review, can I then get that onto a Kobo device? Thanks for sharing this, much appreciated 🤩🤩
I’m glad this was helpful :) You can absolutely get any epub files on your kobo - I use netgalley as well and there’s an option to put it on your kobo.
Hi there! If you don’t have a computer, I would say the only real way to do this is through your eReader or phone. You can rent books from the library that will be downloaded to your device to read (Google might be the best resource to find out how to do this depending on where you live and what device you have) and you can also download books from the library on your phone using apps like Libby. Downloading physical files to own would be difficult without a computer. Hope that helps somehow :)
@@RekindledReader Yes, they are great, but I've heard there is a possibility Amazon stops kindles. What's your opinion on this? I'm wary of spending all that money, only to have it stop working.
I’m not positive - do you mean ebooks directly from Barnes and Noble? If so I think they are DRM protected to be read by the Nook/Nook App and so I believe both the Kindle and the Kobo would require you to convert the file to read. It looks like it can be done on each but might require a third party conversion app and DRM remover like Calibre.
Excellent review! I have been a Kobo user for about 7 years with an Aura HD. I just upgraded to a Libra 2 and absolutely love it. However, to have access to Kindle unlimited and additional titles, I bought a Kindle Basic in December. I still prefer the Kobo since it is much more user friendly and easily accesses my local library. It slightly annoys me that as far as booktube generally is concerned, Kindle is the only ereader that exists. Thanks to a fellow Canadian to give the Kobo some love.
This comment made me so happy! I’m glad to give Kobo a little bit of spotlight, they’re amazing. Good to know there are alternatives, you know? Thanks for the support!
I have the first edition of the Paperwhite, which I’m just now realizing is about 10 years old. Still love it. Though some of the features on the new Paperwhite has me thinking about upgrading…
Yeah I think the Paperwhite has come a long way! Great choice :)
This video was SOO helpful! No other youtuber has such an in-depth comparison on Kindle and Kobo! Thanks so much! I learned a lot from this video 👏
Then I’ve done a service, I’m glad!! Thanks so much for the kind words! I’m so happy it helped someone.
Very great comparison and very useful, thank you!
Very informative, thank you for gathering all this and making it plain to people. One thing I would add, I have a kindle paperwhite with ads but the ads only show up on the opening screen when it is first turned on, they never pop up between pages or even if you go back to the home screen. I usually have mine on airplane mode and the ads stop coming after a couple of days, it seems only a certain amount get loaded when I am online so when off line they quit coming on. I don't find them intrusive at all and I honestly hate commercials.
Thanks for the kind words and for watching! Thank you also for the great input, this is important to know! Appreciate it.
Thanks for this review. You addressed all my doubts like file types supported, ease of aging files etc.. I have seen many video and none addressed these things.
Glad it helped, even a bit :)
This was an incredible breakdown, Theo! One thing I wish I had mentioned in my Kindle Paperwhite video, which you might want to know if you’re interested in getting one, is how annoying it is to have the on/off button at the very bottom. It drives me nuts when I’m pressing down on the screen and inadvertently puts a slight weight on that bottom button to restart the whole device-and it is so slow rebooting when that happens! 😫 Otherwise, I can no longer live without it. 😅
Yeah that is a good point, I can see how that would be frustrating lol. I actually bought a Paperwhite myself to better compare and for future research and I enjoy it! Definitely pros and cons for each brand and each model within, but the Paperwhite is slick and I’ve started using it as my primary reader because my Kobo (like the Oasis) can feel a little too square at times.
I have an Oasis and my only reason for having it is the page turn buttons. I would be happy with the basic or paperwhite if they had page turn buttons. It was frustrating to me when they took this away.
I love the buttons, I actually edited out a part where I talk about how nice it is to have the buttons, but then I thought… People don’t actually care do they? Lol.
Whoa thanks for this comp video! I knew nothing about Kobos before but now I can tell they’d be a viable option for me if I need an E-Reader in the future!
Absolutely, they should be considered haha. Thanks, Ben!
thank you for this review. I currently have a 7th gen Kindle Paperwhite. It needs a new battery, so am thinking of upgrading and have been doing quite a bit of research and watching reviews. One thing that I don't think you mentioned is that there is a difference between Kindle and Kobo on devices that support stylus annotating. For Kindle you can highlight and attach notes. For Kobo you can highlight and write right on the books - in the margins or on the text. I don't have a Kobo, yet, so I'm unsure if they also have the option of attaching notes. It's possible that this capability is a new development since your review. For people who like to annotate and write in their books as they read, I think Kobo has the advantage.
@@cindyn628 thanks for adding this info!
Extremely helpful and informative. Excellent video Sir. I just received my Paperwhite yesterday.....so I'm glad you gave it the nod in that category.
It’s one of the best 🤙🏻 Thanks, man!
Such an in depth video. I didn’t knew so many features like immersion read and different features about Kobo. Thanks for this video
🙏🏻🙏🏻
I have a kindle paperwhite and had the oasis but I just ordered a kobo libra colour, still gonna keep my kindle but I def wanted a more open ecosystem of the kobo
The new Libra Colour seems pretty sweet. Let me know how you like it!
Super insightful video mate! I’m a paperwhite guy but I really appreciated having the rest of the devices broken down for when I upgrade!
Thank, friend!! Glad it might help someone haha.
After that intro, I’m convinced this man has morphed into his final editing form haha. Look forward to watching this tomorrow, Theo! Cheers!
HAHAHAHA no no, still just the basics!
I've been considering an upgrade for my current Kindle so this was helpful!
Nice!! I’m glad this helped!
Great video Theo! I can tell a lot of work must have gone into this and appreciate you providing this information. I still need an e-reader since I've started receiving epub ARCs and currently use my tablet which hurts my eyes after a bit of reading. Gave me some great options and more knowledge on Kobo's
Thanks so much, man! Glad it provided some insight. Whatever you choose, you’ll be happy - having an eReader is awesome!
Great comparison Theo! I still really love my Paperwhite, but it looks like Kobo has a lot to offer.
Totally, not everyone knows they have alternatives. At the end of the day, it’s nice to have choice.
GREAT video man! Thank you so much for doing all of this work you answered basically any question I would've had about these devices! If I didn't already own a Paperwhite I would've absolutely loved to watch this before purchasing.
Thanks, man! Means a lot that it could possibly help 🙏🏻
I have gotten library ebooks to be read via a Kindle in Canada. It's not a straightforward process but it does work. You have to first download the book from the library onto your computer, then use a software to remove the DRM from the book, then email it to your Kindle email (sometimes there is an intermediate process to correctly re-encode the book using Calibre to display special characters correctly).
It'd be nice if our libraries supported it out of the box though, it is not really a feasible process for someone non-technical. Expecting people to read an ebook or on a phone is ridiculous.
Absolutely, I use Calibre and it’s a lot of work. I’d say it’s not a feasible process for most people, but good to know it’s possible. Thanks for watching and the input!!
I wanted to ask regarding compatibility with the Libby app in Europe for borrowing books from the library.
Hmm - to be honest I’m not sure about Libby in Europe! I’m sure it must work, or if not, there must be a similar app :)
Thanks for taking the time to put this together it was really helpful!!!
I didn't realize that Kindles only allow access to US library books, that's really annoying and shouldn't be a thing if you're also borrowing through Libby in Canada like most US libraries! 🙈
As far as I can tell, Scribd (which I use for ebooks plenty), can only be put onto the Fire and no other Kindle models or Kobos at all but warm light settings are really important to me since I get migraines and open source is super helpful for me too since i have a combo of ebook formats purchased from years past since I have some from google play and some from apple books due to using various devices over the years.
I know that KU is a viable alternative to Scribd, BUT my main reading format is audio and I love having access to the combo of audio and ebooks that Scribd offers instead of being relegated to mostly ebooks in my subscription of choice! KU does offer some audio but nothing like Scribd.
Basically it sounds like none of the options are a perfect fit for me just yet and I should stick to reading ebooks on my old ipad. 😂
HAHHAA thanks for watching, Stacey! And great input thanks. Haha yeah, it’s hard to get everything in one package, hey??
@@RekindledReader Definitely! 🙈 Hopefully Kindle fixes the library issue for Canadians!
Hey Theo! Love the channel! As of this year I am also a rekindled reader and have just got into booktube. Not many of my friends or family are into the fantasy/sci fi genres like I am, so Im looking to maybe start my own channel to connect with more people. I think your camera/mic setup is very clean. What filming tools do you recommend to start a channel? Thanks man
Hey brother, I appreciate the kind words! I see that you also like to fish! Shoot me an email or join my discord server (see description) and we can get to chatting! I’ll be happy to share as much as possible.
Excellent review sir. I’m so tied into the Amazon ecosystem and particularly the features you highlighted of immersion reading, whispersynch and goodreads highlights to consider jumping to Kobo for now, but we’ll see what the future holds.
Thanks man! Yeah Kindle is doing well by you, glad you make such use out of all its features! Fun video to make, and it makes me realise how much I enjoy using e-readers.
Really great video and informative, thanks for the info, gives me lots to consider when looking at buying a ereader
Thanks, Drew!! Glad it might help!
Even though my country probably doesn't have Kobo I really enjoyed watching this video. I have the Kindle basic (10th gen), and it really blows my mind how comfortable it is on the eyes (I have sensitive eyes). Also, as you mentioned, Amazon's collection of ebooks is unparalleled. But prices of ebooks are increasing, have you noticed? (Of course Amazon doesn't set the prices, but still) 😢
I have, ebooks are sometime obscenely expensive! As an update, I also bought a Kindle Paperwhite so I can play with it and research for some future videos. I love it!!Each have their pros and cons as I think illustrated. I’m glad the video was valuable, thanks for watching!
I have a paperwhite 11th generation 2021 model. I'm thinking of getting another one, because my mom has "stolen" mine. She has cateracts, and wasn't able to read for years because of this, but she has discovered that the can read on the kindle even with her cateracts.
So hey, she's happy. I'll just have to save up and get another one.
Aw that’s awesome! That’s right, at least she’s happy! Now you have an excuse to buy a new one haha
@@RekindledReader yes. Just a pity they cost a small fortune in South Africa given the exchange rate. But it's OK. I'll get a new one at some point. Until then, I'll have to share with her.
Wow. Great thorough comparison Theo! I had never heard of Kobo but I haven't had a Kindle Fire or e-reader in like 4 years or so. (I think I had a nook when they first came out.) Great timing for this video as well 😂. I'm kind of leaning towards Kobo for $$ sake and seems comparable, esp with the paperwhite/klara level, but accessibility is a big deal if I'm going to dive back into ebooks. Where do you get most of your e-books with Kobo? ...Or rather if not "you" persay but Kobo users, you think? I'm mostly only familiar with Kindle unlimited but like I said, it's been a while. Also, in the US.
I’m glad it helped!!! I get mine from a few sources, but the Kobo store (accessed by website or directly from the device) has so many books. I know I mention Amazon has a larger selection but it’s rare when I cannot find a book I want. Kobo also has a Kobo Unlimited subscription which is great. I get E-ARCS from net galley, which go directly to your Kindle or Kobo and of course the library. There are also other sites where you can get stellar deals every now and then like Book Bub. I’ll also be honest and say friends and family share ebooks as well, which is most easily done with a Kobo. Hope that helps :)
My suggestion: check out the Kobo site for ebooks and determine if there is a gap in the offering vs what you would be looking for. I bet you will be able to find most everything you’re looking for :)
For the rare ones, or kindle exclusives, you can still always use the FREE Kindle APP on your phone or tablet :)
Yes, you have been incredibly helpful, thank you!! I'll definitely check out their website like you mentioned. I think I'm still leaning towards Kobo, so big thanks for the deep dive research you did!
Using the kindle app on my phone I can send epubs books to my kindle Paperwhite. Doing it this way also lets me use all the fonts I sideloaded on non Amazon purchased books.
Oooh great info - thanks for that!
To help others - On your phone use a file manager to locate your book then share it to the kindle app, turn toggle off and select your device then hit send.
This is sooooo helpful, thank you so much! I have been reading on my Samsung tablet for ages, but the eyestrain is really wearing me down, so I have been looking into getting a proper ereader. My bday is coming up in 3 weeks, so I sent this video to my mom as a hint for a bday gift, lol.
Definitely leaning towards Kobo right now, seems like you get the most bang for your buck. Though, if I get an epub file from an author for review, can I then get that onto a Kobo device?
Thanks for sharing this, much appreciated 🤩🤩
I’m glad this was helpful :)
You can absolutely get any epub files on your kobo - I use netgalley as well and there’s an option to put it on your kobo.
@@RekindledReader That's amazing, thanks for all the great insights!!
My man's been flexing Tress of The Emerald Sea during the year of Sanderson.
Excellent video! That's a solid amount of research!
Thanks, Jenn!! Definitely took some time to make - just hoping it helps :)
I love both and I have both.
SAME!!!
Kobo for me!!
@@eduardopatricio Kobo’s are so underrated - they’re amazing.
Can you please tell me how to download a PDF or a Kobo book if you do not own a computer? I appreciate it!
Hi there! If you don’t have a computer, I would say the only real way to do this is through your eReader or phone. You can rent books from the library that will be downloaded to your device to read (Google might be the best resource to find out how to do this depending on where you live and what device you have) and you can also download books from the library on your phone using apps like Libby. Downloading physical files to own would be difficult without a computer. Hope that helps somehow :)
Pity you can't get a kobo in South Africa. We can only buy a kindle here.
Kindle is great! I use mine almost exclusively now
@@RekindledReader Yes, they are great, but I've heard there is a possibility Amazon stops kindles. What's your opinion on this? I'm wary of spending all that money, only to have it stop working.
Can kobo read Barnes and Noble books?
I’m not positive - do you mean ebooks directly from Barnes and Noble? If so I think they are DRM protected to be read by the Nook/Nook App and so I believe both the Kindle and the Kobo would require you to convert the file to read. It looks like it can be done on each but might require a third party conversion app and DRM remover like Calibre.