OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using eReaders Methodology v1.0
eReaders Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo eReaders Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
Explore eReaders Methodology v1.0

Kobo Aura Review | 68 Data compared

Avg. price:~£130Screen size:6 inchesPixel density:212 ppiInternal storage:4 GBBattery life:20 hoursSupported bookstore ecosystem:Kobo Ecosystem

Kobo Aura Review: Compare 68 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the eReaders category and whether it is worth buying.

5.2

Overall score

Score
5.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the eReader's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best eReaders on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
Score components

90%

5.2

Technical score

10%

5.9

User score

â–¼Worse than 78% of ereaders
5.2

Technical score

Technical score
5.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the eReader's technical performance, covering key areas such as display quality, reading features, battery life, format support, ecosystem, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare eReaders based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
Score components

25%

5.7

Display

22%

5.8

Reading

18%

4.8

Battery

14%

4.1

Hardware

12%

4.6

Connectivity

9%

5.1

Design

â–¼Worse than 74% of ereaders
5.9

User score

User score
5.9/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the eReader.
When it matters
When you want to know how an eReader feels in daily reading and how reliable it is for screen comfort, battery life, and library management according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Score components

70%

6.8

User ratings

30%

3.8

Number of reviews

Based on 38 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–¼Worse than 97% of ereaders
  • kobo-aura
kobo-aura

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of eReader Kobo Aura

Technical score
Technical score
5.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the eReader's technical performance, covering key areas such as display quality, reading features, battery life, format support, ecosystem, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare eReaders based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
Score components:

25%

5.7

Display

22%

5.8

Reading

18%

4.8

Battery

14%

4.1

Hardware

12%

4.6

Connectivity

9%

5.1

Design

5.2
User score
User score
5.9/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the eReader.
When it matters
When you want to know how an eReader feels in daily reading and how reliable it is for screen comfort, battery life, and library management according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Score components

70%

6.8

User ratings

30%

3.8

Number of reviews

Based on 38 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
5.9
Popularity
Popularity
3.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the eReader.
When it matters
When you prefer to choose an eReader reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
Popularity:
Kobo Aura has a popularity score of 3.8 points, which is lower than that of 67.2% of products in this category.
3.8
Value for money
Value for money
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the eReader's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for an eReader with a good balance between reading comfort, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
Score components:

60%

5.2

Overall score

40%

9.8

Price

6.6
Brand name
Kobo
Screen size
6 inches
Screen size
6 inches
â–¼ Worse than 57% of models
Market range: <5 inches – >10 inches
This ereader has a screen size of 6 inches which is smaller than 57.4% on this spec and equal to 40.2% of eReaders.
Screen resolution
768x1024 px
Screen resolution
768x1024 px
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
This ereader uses a screen resolution of 768x1024 px, which is less sharp than that of 64.8% of eReaders and the same as that of 1.6% of eReaders.
Pixel density
212 ppi
Pixel density
212 ppi
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
Market range: <150 ppi – >300 ppi
This ereader has a pixel density of 212 ppi which is lower than 59.8% on this spec and equal to 12.3% of eReaders.
E-paper display
yes
E-paper display
yes
â–² Better than 2% of models
This ereader uses an e-paper display. 2.5% of eReaders have an e-paper display.
Show more
Supported file types
14
Supported file types
14
â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
Market range: <9 – >24
This ereader supports 14 file types which is fewer than 64.4% on this spec and equal to 3.4% of eReaders.
PDF reflow support
no
PDF reflow support
no
â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
This ereader does not offer PDF reflow. 55.4% of eReaders support PDF reflow.
Annotation support
yes
Annotation support
yes
â–² Better than 2% of models
This ereader offers annotation support. 1.6% of eReaders offer annotation support.
Dictionary
yes
Dictionary
yes
â–² Better than 1% of models
This ereader includes a built-in dictionary. 0.8% of eReaders include a built-in dictionary.
Text-to-speech
no
Text-to-speech
no
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
This ereader does not offer text-to-speech. 64.8% of eReaders include text-to-speech.
Show more
Battery life
20 hours
Battery life
20 hours
â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
Market range: <12 hours – >42 hours
This ereader offers 20 hours of battery life which is shorter than 52.1% on this spec and equal to 10.4% of eReaders.
based on standard usage conditions: 30 mins/day reading, WiFi off
Battery capacity
1,500 mAh
Battery capacity
1,500 mAh
â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
Market range: <1k mAh – >4k mAh
This ereader has a battery capacity of 1,500 mAh which is lower than 54.6% on this spec and equal to 11.6% of eReaders.
Charging time
2 hours
Charging time
2 hours
â–² Better than 49% of models
Market range: <1 hours – >6 hours
This ereader takes 2 hours to charge which is quicker than 49.1% on this spec and equal to 40% of eReaders.
Typically takes 3-4 hours when using a computer's USB port, potentially faster with a wall adapter
Wireless charging
no
Wireless charging
no
â–¼ Worse than 7% of models
This ereader does not offer wireless charging. 7.4% of eReaders offer wireless charging.
Internal storage
4 GB
Internal storage
4 GB
â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
Market range: <2 GB – >62 GB
This ereader offers 4 GB of internal storage which is less than 66.4% on this spec and equal to 13.9% of eReaders.
RAM capacity
0.256 GB
RAM capacity
0.256 GB
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Market range: <0 GB – >5 GB
This ereader offers 0.256 GB of RAM which is less than 71.3% on this spec and equal to 15.6% of eReaders.
CPU base clock speed
1x 1 GHz
CPU base clock speed
1x 1 GHz
â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
This ereader has a CPU base clock speed of 1x1 GHz, which is slower than that of 50.4% of eReaders and the same as that of 24% of eReaders.
Operating system
Kobo Firmware
Operating system
Kobo Firmware
â–¼ Worse than 57% of models
This ereader runs Kobo Firmware, which is less advanced than that of 57.4% of eReaders and the same as that of 13.1% of eReaders.
Memory card slot
yes
Memory card slot
yes
â–² Better than 57% of models
This ereader has a memory card slot. 57.4% of eReaders have a memory card slot.
Show more
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
â–² Better than 7% of models
This ereader connects over Wi-Fi. 6.6% of eReaders have Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
â–¼ Worse than 43% of models
This ereader supports Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), which is newer than that of 10.7% of eReaders and the same as that of 46.7% of eReaders.
Wi-Fi bands supported
2.4 GHz
Wi-Fi bands supported
2.4 GHz
â–¼ Worse than 43% of models
This ereader supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi bands, which is broader than that of 6.6% of eReaders and the same as that of 50% of eReaders.
Bluetooth
no
Bluetooth
no
â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
This ereader does not connect over Bluetooth. 60.7% of eReaders have Bluetooth.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Show more
Weight
174 g
Weight
174 g
â–² Better than 76% of models
Market range: <160 g – >480 g
This ereader weighs 174 g which is lighter than 76.2% on this spec and equal to 3.3% of eReaders.
Thickness
8.1 mm
Thickness
8.1 mm
â–² Better than 49% of models
Market range: <6 mm – >11 mm
This ereader is 8.1 mm thick which is thinner than 48.8% on this spec and equal to 3.3% of eReaders.
Height
150 mm
Height
150 mm
★ Better than 96% of models
Market range: <150 mm – >240 mm
This ereader is 150 mm tall which is shorter than 95.9% on this spec.
Width
114 mm
Width
114 mm
â–² Better than 78% of models
Market range: <100 mm – >200 mm
This ereader is 114 mm wide which is narrower than 77.9% on this spec and equal to 3.3% of eReaders.
Water resistance (splashproof)
no
Water resistance (splashproof)
no
â–¼ Worse than 25% of models
This ereader does not have water resistance against splashes. 25% of eReaders have water resistance against splashes.
Show more

Kobo Aura vs the average eReader

246810TotalDisplayReadingBatteryHardwareConnectivityDesign
  • Memory card slot
    Memory card slot
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This ereader includes a memory card slot, while the average eReader does not. 43.1% of eReaders include a memory card slot.
  • 18.3% lighter
    Weight
    174 g
    â–² Better than 76% of models
    Market range: <160 g – >480 g
    This ereader is lighter than the average eReader (174 g vs 213 g). The average eReader weighs 213 g.
    174 g vs 213 g
  • 23 mm shorter
    Height
    150 mm
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    Market range: <150 mm – >240 mm
    This ereader is shorter than the average eReader (150 mm vs 173 mm). The average eReader height is 173 mm.
    150 mm vs 173 mm
  • 13.6 mm narrower
    Width
    114 mm
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    Market range: <100 mm – >200 mm
    This ereader is narrower than the average eReader (114 mm vs 127.6 mm). The average eReader width is 127.6 mm.
    114 mm vs 127.6 mm
  • Memory card slot
    Memory card slot
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This ereader includes a memory card slot, while the average eReader does not. 43.1% of eReaders include a memory card slot.
  • 18.3% lighter
    Weight
    174 g
    â–² Better than 76% of models
    Market range: <160 g – >480 g
    This ereader is lighter than the average eReader (174 g vs 213 g). The average eReader weighs 213 g.
    174 g vs 213 g
  • 23 mm shorter
    Height
    150 mm
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    Market range: <150 mm – >240 mm
    This ereader is shorter than the average eReader (150 mm vs 173 mm). The average eReader height is 173 mm.
    150 mm vs 173 mm
  • 13.6 mm narrower
    Width
    114 mm
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    Market range: <100 mm – >200 mm
    This ereader is narrower than the average eReader (114 mm vs 127.6 mm). The average eReader width is 127.6 mm.
    114 mm vs 127.6 mm
  • Limited bookstore ecosystem
    Supported bookstore ecosystem
    Kobo Ecosystem
    â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
    This ereader uses the Kobo Ecosystem bookstore ecosystem, while the average eReader uses Android Open Ecosystem.
    Kobo Store.
    Kobo Ecosystem vs Android Open Ecosystem
  • Less advanced E-Ink technology
    E-Ink technology
    Pearl
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    This ereader uses Pearl E-Ink technology, while the average eReader uses Carta Plus.
    Pearl vs Carta Plus
  • No PDF reflow
    PDF reflow support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    This ereader does not support PDF reflow, while the average eReader does. 54.9% of eReaders support PDF reflow.
  • No USB Type-C
    USB Type-C
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
    This ereader does not have USB Type-C, while the average eReader does. 51.2% of eReaders have USB Type-C.
  • No Bluetooth audio
    Bluetooth audio support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
    This ereader does not support Bluetooth audio, while the average eReader does. 57.4% of eReaders support Bluetooth audio.
  • No Bluetooth
    Bluetooth
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This ereader does not have Bluetooth, while the average eReader does. 60.2% of eReaders have Bluetooth.
  • No color temperature adjustment
    Color temperature adjustment
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
    This ereader does not support color temperature adjustment, while the average eReader does. 51.6% of eReaders support color temperature adjustment.
  • 1 inches smaller screen size
    Screen size
    6 inches
    â–¼ Worse than 57% of models
    Market range: <5 inches – >10 inches
    This ereader has a smaller screen than the average eReader (6 inches vs 7 inches). The average eReader screen size is 7 inches.
    6 inches vs 7 inches
  • 35.8% lower user score
    User score
    5.9/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the eReader.
    When it matters
    When you want to know how an eReader feels in daily reading and how reliable it is for screen comfort, battery life, and library management according to user feedback.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Kobo Aura
    the average eReader
    Kobo Aura has a lower user score than the average eReader (5.89 vs 8.000).
    5.89 vs 8
  • 10.2% worse value for money
    Kobo Aura has worse value for money than the average eReader (6.61 vs 7.3).
    6.61 vs 7.28
  • 44.2% less popular
    Kobo Aura is less popular than the average eReader (3.78 vs 5.4).
    3.78 vs 5.44
  • Less advanced E-Ink technology
    E-Ink technology
    Pearl
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    This ereader uses Pearl E-Ink technology, while the average eReader uses Carta Plus.
    Pearl vs Carta Plus
  • No color temperature adjustment
    Color temperature adjustment
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
    This ereader does not support color temperature adjustment, while the average eReader does. 51.6% of eReaders support color temperature adjustment.
  • 1 inches smaller screen size
    Screen size
    6 inches
    â–¼ Worse than 57% of models
    Market range: <5 inches – >10 inches
    This ereader has a smaller screen than the average eReader (6 inches vs 7 inches). The average eReader screen size is 7 inches.
    6 inches vs 7 inches
  • 20% lower pixel density
    Pixel density
    212 ppi
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    Market range: <150 ppi – >300 ppi
    This ereader has a lower pixel density than the average eReader (212 ppi vs 265 ppi). The average eReader has a pixel density of 265 ppi.
    212 ppi vs 265 ppi
  • Lower screen resolution
    Screen resolution
    768x1024 px
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    This ereader supports lower screen resolution than the average eReader (768x1024 px vs 1072x1448 px). The average eReader supports 1072x1448 px screen resolution.
    768x1024 px vs 1072x1448 px
  • Limited bookstore ecosystem
    Supported bookstore ecosystem
    Kobo Ecosystem
    â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
    This ereader uses the Kobo Ecosystem bookstore ecosystem, while the average eReader uses Android Open Ecosystem.
    Kobo Store.
    Kobo Ecosystem vs Android Open Ecosystem
  • No PDF reflow
    PDF reflow support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    This ereader does not support PDF reflow, while the average eReader does. 54.9% of eReaders support PDF reflow.
  • No audiobook playback
    Audiobook playback
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
    This ereader does not support audiobook playback, while the average eReader does. 72.5% of eReaders support audiobook playback.
  • No text-to-speech
    Text-to-speech
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    This ereader does not support text-to-speech, while the average eReader does. 64.2% of eReaders support text-to-speech.
  • No folder support
    Folder support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    This ereader does not support folders, while the average eReader does. 54.5% of eReaders support folders.
  • 1 fewer supported file formats
    Supported file types
    14
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
    Market range: <9 – >24
    This ereader supports fewer file types than the average eReader (14 vs 15).
    14 vs 15
  • 1 hours shorter battery life
    Battery life
    20 hours
    â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
    Market range: <12 hours – >42 hours
    This ereader offers shorter battery life than the average eReader (20 hours vs 21 hours). The average eReader offers 21 hours of battery life.
    based on standard usage conditions: 30 mins/day reading, WiFi off
    20 hours vs 21 hours
  • 4.2% smaller battery capacity
    Battery capacity
    1,500 mAh
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    Market range: <1k mAh – >4k mAh
    This ereader has a smaller battery than the average eReader (1500 mAh vs 1565 mAh). The average eReader battery has a capacity of 1565 mAh.
    1,500 mAh vs 1,565 mAh
  • 75% less storage
    Internal storage
    4 GB
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    Market range: <2 GB – >62 GB
    This ereader offers less internal storage than the average eReader (4 GB vs 16 GB). The average eReader provides 16 GB of internal storage.
    4 GB vs 16 GB
  • 0.26 GB less RAM
    RAM capacity
    0.256 GB
    â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
    Market range: <0 GB – >5 GB
    This ereader has less RAM than the average eReader (0.3 GB vs 0.5 GB). The average eReader has 0.512 GB of RAM.
    0.256 GB vs 0.512 GB
  • Less advanced operating system
    Operating system
    Kobo Firmware
    â–¼ Worse than 57% of models
    This ereader uses Kobo Firmware, a less advanced operating system than Kindle OS on the average eReader.
    Kobo Firmware vs Kindle OS
  • No USB Type-C
    USB Type-C
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
    This ereader does not have USB Type-C, while the average eReader does. 51.2% of eReaders have USB Type-C.
  • No Bluetooth
    Bluetooth
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This ereader does not have Bluetooth, while the average eReader does. 60.2% of eReaders have Bluetooth.
  • No Bluetooth audio
    Bluetooth audio support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
    This ereader does not support Bluetooth audio, while the average eReader does. 57.4% of eReaders support Bluetooth audio.
  • 8 older
    Release date
    2013
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This ereader is older than the average eReader (2013 vs 2021). The average eReader was released in 2021.
    September 2013
    2,013 vs 2,021

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
The eBook Reader
≈ estimated
17/10/2013
Hands-on review · design, screen and front light tests
Verdict
Kobo Aura is thin, light and comfortable to hold, with a well-finished screen and only a few firmware and scrolling quirks.
9.5
Good e-Reader
≈ estimated
30/08/2013
Long hands-on review · design, PDF reading and features
Verdict
Kobo Aura is a thin, well-built 6-inch reader with excellent PDF handling; it is the best in its class.
7.0
CNET
≈ estimated
16/10/2013
Short review · design, screen and comparison with Kindle
Verdict
Kobo Aura is a very good e-reader, but hard to recommend over the Paperwhite given its higher price.
9.0
Engadget
≈ estimated
05/09/2013
First look · hands-on demo of Pocket, collections and page turns
Verdict
Kobo Aura has the best hardware of any e-reader right now, though the price is steep and it's mainly for Kobo users.
9.5
Good e-Reader
≈ estimated
31/08/2013
Comparison · hands-on tests against Kindle Paperwhite
Verdict
Kobo Aura is the e-reader to pick, with better PDF handling and open EPUB support.
9.5
Good e-Reader
≈ estimated
31/08/2013
Comparison · Aura vs Glow, screen, PDF and web browsing
Verdict
Kobo Aura is clearly the better choice over the Glow: smoother PDF and web browsing, with few drawbacks.
8.0
Good e-Reader
≈ estimated
30/08/2013
First look · unboxing and first boot
Verdict
Kobo Aura is promising so far, with a fast, smooth screen and a refined design, though this is only a first look.

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

P
pcmag.com
13/09/2013
Summary of the review
Kobo Aura Review - PCMag
C
cnet.com
17/10/2013
Summary of the review
Kobo Aura e-reader review: A Kindle competitor with a classy design
E
expertreviews.co.uk
25/09/2013
Summary of the review
Kobo Aura Review | Expert Reviews
G
geekdad.com
23/09/2013
Summary of the review
GeekDad Review: Kobo Aura
t3.com
07/11/2013
Expert review · Kindle rival
Verdict
The Kobo Aura is a compact reader with a handy backlight button, but its smaller ebook store makes it hard to recommend over the Kindle.
U
uk.pcmag.com
13/09/2013
Summary of the review
Kobo Aura - Review 2013
L
laptopmag.com
05/09/2013
Summary of the review
Kobo Aura | eReader Reviews
T
thenextweb.com
09/10/2013
Summary of the review
Kobo Aura Review: A Compact E-Reader that Packs a Punch
G
goodereader.com
27/08/2013
Summary of the review
Review of the New Kobo Aura
B
blog.the-ebook-reader.com
18/10/2013
Summary of the review
Kobo Aura Review
C
cnet.com
27/08/2013
Summary of the review
Kobo Aura: New Kindle competitor sports classy design, higher price
T
trustedreviews.com
10/10/2013
Summary of the review
Kobo Aura Review
E
ebook-fieber.de
05/10/2013
Summary of the review
Kobo Aura Review: Compact, Lightweight, and Bright
(Translated)Show original
elektronische-buecher.net
Ohne Datum
Comparison test · Kindle alternative
Verdict
The Kobo Aura is a good backlit reader with a few flaws, but its weak dictionaries make it a poor fit for foreign-language books.
L
lesen.net
10/09/2013
Summary of the review
Kobo Aura Review [+Video]
(Translated)Show original
C
computerbase.de
28/10/2013
Summary of the review
Kobo Aura Review: E-reader with a Hefty Price Tag
(Translated)Show original
papierlos-lesen.de
06/05/2014
Hands-on test · Privacy concerns
Verdict
The Kobo Aura is a light, easy-to-hold reader for web articles and Onleihe loans, but it tracks taps and requires a Kobo account.
0
01net.com
19/09/2013
Summary of the review
Kobo Aura Review: Small in Size, Big on Quality
(Translated)Show original
madame-dree.com
18/03/2014
Owner's first-weeks review · Daily use
Verdict
The Kobo Aura is a light reader with long battery life and a built-in dictionary, but it reacts slowly and its store is hard to browse.
blablahightech.fr
27/12/2014
Personal review · Articles and comics
Verdict
The Kobo Aura suits Pocket users who want a light e-reader with long battery life for reading in bed, though book tags and PDF zoom disappoint.
langolodeilibri.it
27/11/2013
Blog review · Hands-on test
Verdict
The Kobo Aura is a strong first e-reader; its built-in light and one-tap dictionary stand out, while the touch screen can glitch.
ebookreaderitalia.com
01/11/2013
Pros and cons · Buyer's guide
Verdict
The Kobo Aura suits first-time buyers, with a precise touch screen and well-built body, though faint streaks show in direct sunlight.
Q
qualescegliere.it
24/08/2015
Summary of the review
Review: Kobo Aura
(Translated)Show original
F
fwd.nl
26/09/2013
Summary of the review
Kobo Aura E-reader Review
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H
hardware.info
27/09/2013
Summary of the review
Kobo Aura and Aura HD review: on the way to the ultimate reader
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ereader.nl
25/09/2014
Review · Everyday e-reader
Verdict
The Kobo Aura is a fast, clear e-reader that reads well in sunlight and in the dark, but its Dutch-language selection is still limited.
bladzijde26.nl
04/03/2018
Owner's experience · Blog review
Verdict
The Kobo Aura is a light, handy reader with library ebooks and reading-time estimates, but its touch screen and lack of page-number search are frustrating.
traveljunks.nl
30/04/2015
Everyday use · Travel reading
Verdict
The Kobo Aura is a light e-reader that stays readable in bright sun and lasted about six weeks on two charges, though you need a USB charger.
I
intogadgets.nl
30/09/2013
Summary of the review
Review: Kobo Aura
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Third-party reviews

Based on 38 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: October 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Kobo Aura

  • Ultra-lightweight and pocketable design (6.1 ounces)
  • Flush, edge-to-edge capacitive touchscreen (no recessed bezel)
  • Extensive font customisation (11 styles, 24 sizes, weight/sharpness adjustment)
  • Expandable storage via microSD card slot (up to 32GB)
  • Broad file support including EPUB, PDF, and Mobipocket
  • Evenly distributed 'ComfortLight' front lighting
  • Pocket integration for reading saved web articles offline
  • Grippy rubberised back for comfortable one-handed use

What we don't like about Kobo Aura

  • Higher launch price compared to Kindle Paperwhite equivalents
  • Occasional inconsistent touch responsiveness or lag
  • Ebook store ecosystem is not as comprehensive as Amazon's
  • Visible ghosting issues reported on some page turns
  • Flush screen is prone to finger smudges and reflections
  • Thin bezels can lead to accidental page turns while holding
  • No built-in physical page-turn buttons

Verdict

The Kobo Aura is a compact and lightweight e-reader featuring a 6-inch E Ink Pearl ClarityScreen with a 1024 x 758 resolution (212 ppi) and a flush, edge-to-edge capacitive touchscreen. It is powered by a 1 GHz Freescale processor and includes 4GB of internal storage, which is expandable up to 32GB via a microSD card slot. Main characteristics include the adjustable ComfortLight for nighttime reading, built-in Wi-Fi, and native support for various file formats like EPUB, PDF, and MOBI. Its primary pros are its highly portable, pocket-friendly design (weighing just 174g), extensive font customisation options, and integrated Pocket support for reading saved web articles. However, some cons include a higher price point than similar competitors at launch and occasional ghosting on the screen that may require manual refresh settings.

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