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Comparison E-Readers

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite vs Kobo Libra Colour: Which Should You Buy?

Quick answer

Kindle is best if you buy books from Amazon. Kobo is better for library borrowing and comics in colour.

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Buy

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

Best for most readers

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Buy

Kobo Libra Colour

Best for library readers and comics

Check price Paid link

Quick comparison

FeatureAmazon Kindle PaperwhiteKobo Libra Colour
VerdictBuyBuy
Best forMost readersLibrary readers and comics
Key featureFast, waterproof, warm lightColour screen with page buttons
Typical price$150–$190$200–$230
Where to buyCheck price Paid linkCheck price Paid link

Main differences

Store and library

Kindle uses Amazon's store; Kobo has library borrowing built in.

Colour

Kobo Libra Colour has a colour screen.

Buttons

Kobo adds physical page-turn buttons.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite if you

  • Buy books from Amazon
  • Want the lowest price
Check price Paid link

Choose the Kobo Libra Colour if you

  • Borrow from libraries
  • Read comics or want page buttons
Check price Paid link

Which specifications matter?

Focus on the differences listed above rather than headline numbers. See our full list of the best e-readers for more options.

Not sure about either? Consider these

Consider

Amazon Kindle Scribe

Best for
Reading and handwriting
Key feature
Large screen with pen
Typical price
$340–$450

Pros

  • Large screen
  • Pen included

Cons

  • Heavy for reading in bed
  • Expensive

Frequently asked questions

Which is better, the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite or the Kobo Libra Colour?

Kindle is best if you buy books from Amazon. Kobo is better for library borrowing and comics in colour.

Which is better value?

The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite typically costs $150–$190; the Kobo Libra Colour typically costs $200–$230. The better value depends on which differences above matter to you.

Buyrskip Editorial Team

Part of the Buyrskip research team. We compare specifications, documentation and real-world trade-offs so you can decide faster.