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 Hd Review | 68 Data compared

Avg. price:~£150Screen size:6.8 inchesPixel density:265 ppiInternal storage:4 GBBattery life:30 hoursSupported bookstore ecosystem:Kobo Ecosystem

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

5.7

Overall score

Score
5.7/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 66% of models
Score components

90%

5.6

Technical score

10%

6.6

User score

▼Worse than 66% of ereaders
5.6

Technical score

Technical score
5.6/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 66% of models
Score components

25%

6.8

Display

22%

5.9

Reading

18%

6.2

Battery

14%

4.3

Hardware

12%

4.6

Connectivity

9%

3.9

Design

▼Worse than 66% of ereaders
6.6

User score

User score
6.6/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 92% of models
Score components

70%

7.1

User ratings

30%

5.5

Number of reviews

Based on 248 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.
▼Worse than 92% of ereaders
  • kobo-aura-hd
  • kobo-aura-hd
kobo-aura-hd
kobo-aura-hd

Best prices

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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 Hd

Technical score
Technical score
5.6/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 66% of models
Score components:

25%

6.8

Display

22%

5.9

Reading

18%

6.2

Battery

14%

4.3

Hardware

12%

4.6

Connectivity

9%

3.9

Design

5.6
User score
User score
6.6/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 92% of models
Score components

70%

7.1

User ratings

30%

5.5

Number of reviews

Based on 248 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.
6.6
Popularity
Popularity
5.5/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 52% of models
Popularity:
Kobo Aura Hd has a popularity score of 5.5 points, which is higher than that of 51.6% of products in this category.
5.5
Value for money
Value for money
6.9/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 65% of models
Score components:

60%

5.7

Overall score

40%

9.7

Price

6.9
Brand name
Kobo
Screen size
6.8 inches
Screen size
6.8 inches
▼ Worse than 52% of models
Market range: <5 inches – >10 inches
This ereader has a screen size of 6.8 inches which is smaller than 52.5% on this spec and equal to 3.3% of eReaders.
Screen resolution
1080x1440 px
Screen resolution
1080x1440 px
▲ Better than 58% of models
This ereader uses a screen resolution of 1080x1440 px, which is sharper than that of 58.2% of eReaders.
Pixel density
265 ppi
Pixel density
265 ppi
▲ Better than 50% of models
Market range: <150 ppi – >300 ppi
This ereader has a pixel density of 265 ppi which is higher than 50% on this spec and equal to 0.8% of eReaders.
E-paper display
yes
E-paper display
yes
▲ 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
15
Supported file types
15
▼ Worse than 44% of models
Market range: <9 – >24
This ereader supports 15 file types which is more than 36.4% on this spec and equal to 19.5% of eReaders.
PDF reflow support
no
PDF reflow support
no
▼ 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
▲ Better than 2% of models
This ereader offers annotation support. 1.6% of eReaders offer annotation support.
Dictionary
yes
Dictionary
yes
▲ 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
▼ 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
30 hours
Battery life
30 hours
▲ Better than 72% of models
Market range: <12 hours – >42 hours
This ereader offers 30 hours of battery life which is longer than 71.9% on this spec and equal to 8.3% of eReaders.
Battery capacity
1,500 mAh
Battery capacity
1,500 mAh
▼ 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
▲ 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.
Wireless charging
no
Wireless charging
no
▼ 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
▼ 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
0.512 GB
RAM capacity
0.512 GB
▼ Worse than 47% of models
Market range: <0 GB – >5 GB
This ereader offers 0.512 GB of RAM which is more than 29.5% on this spec and equal to 23.8% of eReaders.
CPU base clock speed
1x 1 GHz
CPU base clock speed
1x 1 GHz
▼ 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
▼ 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
▲ 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
▲ 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)
▼ 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
▼ 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
▼ 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
240 g
Weight
240 g
▼ Worse than 64% of models
Market range: <160 g – >480 g
This ereader weighs 240 g which is heavier than 63.9% on this spec.
Thickness
11.7 mm
Thickness
11.7 mm
▼ Worse than 95% of models
Market range: <6 mm – >11 mm
This ereader is 11.7 mm thick which is thicker than 95% on this spec.
Height
175.7 mm
Height
175.7 mm
▼ Worse than 57% of models
Market range: <150 mm – >240 mm
This ereader is 175.7 mm tall which is taller than 57.4% on this spec.
Width
128.3 mm
Width
128.3 mm
▼ Worse than 52% of models
Market range: <100 mm – >200 mm
This ereader is 128.3 mm wide which is wider than 51.6% on this spec.
Water resistance (splashproof)
no
Water resistance (splashproof)
no
▼ 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 Hd vs the average eReader

246810TotalDisplayReadingBatteryHardwareConnectivityDesign
  • Memory card slot
    Memory card slot
    yes
    ▲ 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.
  • 9 hours longer battery life
    Battery life
    30 hours
    ▲ Better than 72% of models
    Market range: <12 hours – >42 hours
    This ereader offers longer battery life than the average eReader (30 hours vs 21 hours). The average eReader offers 21 hours of battery life.
    30 hours vs 21 hours
  • Higher screen resolution
    Screen resolution
    1080x1440 px
    ▲ Better than 58% of models
    This ereader supports higher screen resolution than the average eReader (1080x1440 px vs 1072x1448 px). The average eReader supports 1072x1448 px screen resolution.
    1080x1440 px vs 1072x1448 px
  • Higher screen resolution
    Screen resolution
    1080x1440 px
    ▲ Better than 58% of models
    This ereader supports higher screen resolution than the average eReader (1080x1440 px vs 1072x1448 px). The average eReader supports 1072x1448 px screen resolution.
    1080x1440 px vs 1072x1448 px
  • 9 hours longer battery life
    Battery life
    30 hours
    ▲ Better than 72% of models
    Market range: <12 hours – >42 hours
    This ereader offers longer battery life than the average eReader (30 hours vs 21 hours). The average eReader offers 21 hours of battery life.
    30 hours vs 21 hours
  • Memory card slot
    Memory card slot
    yes
    ▲ 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.
  • Limited bookstore ecosystem
    Supported bookstore ecosystem
    Kobo Ecosystem
    ▼ 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
    ▼ 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
    ▼ 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
    ▼ 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
    ▼ 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
    ▼ 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
    ▼ 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.
  • No audiobook playback
    Audiobook playback
    no
    ▼ Worse than 73% of models
    This ereader does not support audiobook playback, while the average eReader does. 72.5% of eReaders support audiobook playback.
  • 20.8% lower user score
    User score
    6.6/ 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
    ▼
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Kobo Aura Hd
    the average eReader
    Kobo Aura Hd has a lower user score than the average eReader (6.62 vs 8.000).
    6.62 vs 8
  • 5.3% worse value for money
    Kobo Aura Hd has worse value for money than the average eReader (6.92 vs 7.3).
    6.92 vs 7.28
  • Less advanced E-Ink technology
    E-Ink technology
    Pearl
    ▼ 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
    ▼ 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.
  • Basic touchscreen technology
    Touchscreen technology
    infrared
    ▼ Worse than 73% of models
    This ereader uses infrared touchscreen technology, while the average eReader uses capacitive.
    infrared vs capacitive
  • 0.2 inches smaller screen size
    Screen size
    6.8 inches
    ▼ Worse than 52% of models
    Market range: <5 inches – >10 inches
    This ereader has a smaller screen than the average eReader (6.8 inches vs 7 inches). The average eReader screen size is 7 inches.
    6.8 inches vs 7 inches
  • Limited bookstore ecosystem
    Supported bookstore ecosystem
    Kobo Ecosystem
    ▼ 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
    ▼ 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
    ▼ 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
    ▼ 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
    ▼ Worse than 55% of models
    This ereader does not support folders, while the average eReader does. 54.5% of eReaders support folders.
  • Limited library support
    Library lending platforms supported
    OverDrive
    ▼ Worse than 78% of models
    This ereader supports fewer library lending platforms than the average eReader (OverDrive vs OverDrive, Libby).
    Requires Adobe Digital Editions or manual transfer steps.
    OverDrive vs OverDrive, Libby
  • 4.2% smaller battery capacity
    Battery capacity
    1,500 mAh
    ▼ 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
    ▼ 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
  • Less advanced operating system
    Operating system
    Kobo Firmware
    ▼ 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
    ▼ 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
    ▼ 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
    ▼ Worse than 58% of models
    This ereader does not support Bluetooth audio, while the average eReader does. 57.4% of eReaders support Bluetooth audio.
  • 3.6 mm thicker
    Thickness
    11.7 mm
    ▼ Worse than 95% of models
    Market range: <6 mm – >11 mm
    This ereader is thicker than the average eReader (11.7 mm vs 8.1 mm). The average eReader thickness is 8.1 mm.
    11.7 mm vs 8.1 mm
  • 8 older
    Release date
    2013
    ▼ 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.
    April 2013
    2,013 vs 2,021
  • 12.7% heavier
    Weight
    240 g
    ▼ Worse than 64% of models
    Market range: <160 g – >480 g
    This ereader is heavier than the average eReader (240 g vs 213 g). The average eReader weighs 213 g.
    240 g vs 213 g

Video reviews

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

5.0
The eBook Reader
≈ estimated
13/05/2013
Hands-on review · PDF reading tests
Verdict
Kobo Aura HD is not recommended as a PDF reader: it has few zoom and page features, so waiting for something better is advised.
9.0
The eBook Reader
≈ estimated
13/05/2013
Initial review · screen, front light and night reading
Verdict
Kobo Aura HD's screen is the highlight, evenly lit and comfortable at night, though its back feels thick.
9.0
Good e-Reader
≈ estimated
17/04/2013
Hands-on review · resolution, PDFs and comics
Verdict
Kobo Aura HD has the sharpest e-reader screen yet for comics and PDFs, but navigation and note-taking are limited.
5.0
Good e-Reader
≈ estimated
31/08/2013
Comparison · against the new Aura, software and PDF tests
Verdict
Kobo Aura Hd is clearly behind the new Aura, with more steps for everyday tasks and PDF reading.
7.0
The eBook Reader
≈ estimated
13/05/2013
Comparison with Kobo Glo · screen and software differences
Verdict
Kobo Aura Hd has a sharper, larger screen and a better home layout, though its differences from the Glo are small.
9.0
Good e-Reader
≈ estimated
17/04/2013
Comparison · night-light test against the Glo
Verdict
Kobo Aura Hd has a clean, white front light that suits night reading well, though the Glo is brighter at its top setting.
8.0
IBTimes UK
≈ estimated
16/04/2013
First look · initial impressions and feature tour
Verdict
Kobo Aura HD offers sharper, more comfortable reading, which makes its premium over rivals worthwhile.
Hands-on video, no verdict
Hands-on video, no verdict
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

U
uk.pcmag.com
22/04/2013
Summary of the review
Kobo Aura HD Review - PCMag UK
T
trustedreviews.com
23/04/2013
Summary of the review
Kobo Aura HD Review - Trusted Reviews
W
wired.com
07/05/2013
Summary of the review
Review: Kobo Aura HD - WIRED
T
the-ebook-reader.com
15/05/2013
Summary of the review
Kobo Aura HD Review - The eBook Reader.com
G
geekdad.com
13/06/2013
Summary of the review
Kobo Aura HD review: amazing display makes this the ultimate device for e-book fans - GeekDad
E
expertreviews.co.uk
14/06/2013
Summary of the review
Kobo Aura HD Review - Expert Reviews
M
memeburn.com
16/04/2013
Summary of the review
Kobo Aura HD hands-on review: the hottest eReader yet - Memeburn
P
pcmag.com
22/04/2013
Summary of the review
Kobo Aura HD Review - PCMag
L
laptopmag.com
23/04/2013
Summary of the review
Kobo Aura HD Review | eReader Reviews - Laptop Mag
G
gizmodo.com
29/04/2013
Summary of the review
Kobo Aura HD Review: A Beautiful Reader Screen Trapped in an Ugly Body
newatlas.com
17/02/2014
Hands-on review · Sharp E Ink screen
Verdict
The Kobo Aura HD is a sharp, comfortable 6.8-inch reader that looks almost like print, but its back shows fingerprints and touch lags behind most smart devices.
howtogeek.com
22/01/2014
Hands-on review · Font customization
Verdict
The Kobo Aura HD has the most detailed font controls of any reader, suited to devoted readers who tweak text, but its home tiles shift and its store is sparse.
I
ibtimes.co.uk
15/04/2013
Summary of the review
Kobo Aura HD Review
C
chip.de
17/07/2013
Summary of the review
Kobo Aura HD (E-book Reader) Review - CHIP
(Translated)Show original
hifitest.de
09/12/2013
Lab test · Large-screen reader
Verdict
The Kobo Aura HD is a big, sharp reader with a long-lasting battery, but its light trails the older Glo and it is almost too large for everyday use.
C
connect-living.de
17/06/2013
Summary of the review
Kobo Aura HD Review - connect-living
(Translated)Show original
F
focus.de
30/04/2013
Summary of the review
Kobo Aura HD: The Sharpest E-Book Reader Currently Tested
(Translated)Show original
F
focus.de
15/04/2013
Summary of the review
Kobo Aura HD: The Sharpest E-Reader Put to the Test
(Translated)Show original
C
computerbase.de
27/07/2013
Summary of the review
Kobo Aura HD Review: E-book Reader with High Resolution
(Translated)Show original
allesebook.de
23/10/2026
Lab test · 6.8-inch display
Verdict
The Kobo Aura HD has a sharper screen than any rival, well suited to small print, but it is heavier than 6-inch models and creaks in the hand.
C
computerbase.de
27/07/2013
Summary of the review
Kobo Aura HD tested: e-book reader with a high resolution
(Translated)Show original
T
teltarif.de
20/04/2013
Summary of the review
None sharper: e-book reader Kobo Aura HD tested
(Translated)Show original
0
01net.com
02/05/2013
Summary of the review
Test: This e-reader's large high-res screen is perfect for comics
(Translated)Show original
U
uxui.fr
25/10/2013
Summary of the review
eReaders: mature technology, a frustrating experience
(Translated)Show original
liseuses.net
26/02/2014
Full review · Screen and comfort
Verdict
The Kobo Aura HD is a sturdy, evenly lit reader whose big screen suits people who read a lot at home, but it has no night mode.
mitic.education
23/08/2014
Long-term test · Fonts and store
Verdict
The Kobo Aura HD is a sturdy reader with dyslexia-friendly fonts and a big screen, but its Kobo store and book management are weak.
L
liseuses.net
07/05/2013
Summary of the review
Kobo Aura HD review: Looking for info on available software updates for this model?
(Translated)Show original
lesnumeriques.com
05/02/2015
Lab test · Screen and light
Verdict
The Kobo Aura HD is a strong reader for night reading, with an even front light and the best measured contrast so far, but it has no audio or text-to-speech.
P
panorama.it
24/04/2013
Summary of the review
Kobo Aura HD, our review
(Translated)Show original
D
dday.it
25/07/2013
Summary of the review
Kobo Aura HD Review: The King of E-readers?
(Translated)Show original
D
dday.it
21/05/2013
Summary of the review
Kobo Aura HD: our first look
(Translated)Show original
E
ebookreaderitalia.com
16/04/2026
Summary of the review
Kobo Aura HD, eReading in 6.8 inches
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neyven.wordpress.com
05/02/2014
Owner's review · Notes and highlights
Verdict
The Kobo Aura HD is a touch reader well suited to anyone who highlights and takes notes, but it sometimes ignores taps.
E
ebookreaderitalia.com
21/04/2013
Summary of the review
The Kobo Aura HD in American reviews
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W
webnews.it
15/07/2013
Summary of the review
Kobo Aura HD
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E
ereaders.nl
03/05/2013
Summary of the review
Kobo Aura HD Review - eReaders.nl
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F
fwd.nl
13/06/2013
Summary of the review
Kobo Aura HD E-reader Review
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id.nl
18/06/2014
Review · Reading comfort
Verdict
The Kobo Aura HD is a big-screen reader that suits people with weaker eyesight, but it is less handy to carry and its plastic frame creaks.
P
pcinside.info
01/09/2013
Summary of the review
Video Review: Kobo Aura HD - The best eReader right now
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ereaders.nl
14/08/2024
Personal review · Large screen
Verdict
The Kobo Aura HD has a sharp, evenly lit large screen that reads like paper, but it is heavier than 6-inch models and its sleep cover is awkward.

Third-party reviews

Based on 248 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 Hd

  • Industry-leading 6.8-inch E Ink display with high 1440x1080 resolution (265 ppi) for exceptionally sharp text
  • Excellent 'ComfortLight' front lighting that is evenly distributed and can get significantly brighter than competitors
  • Highly customisable reading experience with extensive font styles, weight, and sharpness adjustments
  • Expandable storage via a microSD card slot supporting up to 32GB
  • Fast page turns and responsive performance powered by a 1GHz processor
  • Wide file format support including EPUB, PDF, MOBI, and comic book formats (CBZ/CBR)
  • Unique 'Reading Life' feature that tracks reading statistics and awards badges

What we don't like about Kobo Aura Hd

  • Premium pricing ($169/£140) makes it more expensive than the standard Kindle Paperwhite
  • Bulkier and heavier design compared to 6-inch e-readers, making one-handed use difficult for some
  • Kobo's bookstore ecosystem is often considered less comprehensive and polished than Amazon's
  • Unique angular/contoured back design is polarising; some find it ergonomic while others find it awkward or uncomfortable
  • Hardware and software issues reported, including a 'flimsy' plastic feel and occasional software freezes
  • Lacks social sharing features like book lending or sharing passages found on Kindle and Nook
  • Wi-Fi connection may drop when the device is idle

Verdict

The Kobo Aura HD is a high-definition e-reader featuring a 6.8-inch E Ink Pearl 'ClarityScreen+' with a resolution of 1440 x 1080 and 265 dpi. It is powered by a 1 GHz processor for smooth page turns and includes 4GB of internal storage, expandable up to 32GB via a microSD card slot. Key characteristics include the adjustable ComfortLight front-lighting system for night reading, a unique contoured back for grip, and a battery life lasting up to two months. Main pros are its exceptionally sharp display, extensive font customisation through TypeGenius, and wide file support (EPUB, PDF, MOBI, CBZ/CBR). However, cons include a bulkier and thicker design compared to standard 6-inch readers, a hard plastic shell that can feel less premium or attract fingerprints, and a lack of waterproofing found in later models.

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