OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using eReaders Methodology v1.0
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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.
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Kobo Clara Hd Review | 68 Data compared

Avg. price:~£110Screen size:6 inchesPixel density:300 ppiInternal storage:8 GBBattery life:40 hoursSupported bookstore ecosystem:Kobo Ecosystem

Kobo Clara 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.

6.2

Overall score

Score
6.2/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 52% of models
Score components

90%

5.9

Technical score

10%

8.8

User score

▼Worse than 52% of ereaders
5.9

Technical score

Technical score
5.9/ 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 53% of models
Score components

25%

7.2

Display

22%

5.9

Reading

18%

7.6

Battery

14%

2.8

Hardware

12%

4.6

Connectivity

9%

5.3

Design

▼Worse than 53% of ereaders
8.8

User score

User score
8.8/ 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
▲ Better than 87% of models
Score components

70%

8.8

User ratings

30%

8.9

Number of reviews

Based on 13,062 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.
▲Better than 87% of ereaders
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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 Clara Hd

Technical score
Technical score
5.9/ 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 53% of models
Score components:

25%

7.2

Display

22%

5.9

Reading

18%

7.6

Battery

14%

2.8

Hardware

12%

4.6

Connectivity

9%

5.3

Design

5.9
User score
User score
8.8/ 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
▲ Better than 87% of models
Score components

70%

8.8

User ratings

30%

8.9

Number of reviews

Based on 13,062 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.
8.8
Popularity
Popularity
8.9/ 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 87% of models
Popularity:
Kobo Clara Hd has a popularity score of 8.9 points, which is higher than that of 86.9% of products in this category.
8.9
Value for money
Value for money
7.3/ 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 52% of models
Score components:

60%

6.2

Overall score

40%

9.9

Price

7.3
Brand name
Kobo
Screen size
6 inches
Screen size
6 inches
▼ 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
1072x1448 px
Screen resolution
1072x1448 px
▲ Better than 46% of models
This ereader uses a screen resolution of 1072x1448 px, which is sharper than that of 45.9% of eReaders and the same as that of 11.5% of eReaders.
Pixel density
300 ppi
Pixel density
300 ppi
▲ Better than 52% of models
Market range: <150 ppi – >300 ppi
This ereader has a pixel density of 300 ppi which is higher than 51.6% on this spec and equal to 48.4% 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
40 hours
Battery life
40 hours
▲ Better than 85% of models
Market range: <12 hours – >42 hours
This ereader offers 40 hours of battery life which is longer than 85.4% on this spec and equal to 2.1% of eReaders.
around 40-45 hours of reading time with Wi-Fi off and moderate brightness
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
1 hour
Charging time
1 hours
★ Better than 92% of models
Market range: <1 hours – >6 hours
This ereader takes 1 hour to charge which is quicker than 91.8% on this spec and equal to 8.2% of eReaders.
approximately 2 hours with 10W charger, takes longer via PC USB port
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
8 GB
Internal storage
8 GB
▼ Worse than 53% of models
Market range: <2 GB – >62 GB
This ereader offers 8 GB of internal storage which is less than 53.3% on this spec and equal to 12.3% 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
no
Memory card slot
no
▼ Worse than 43% of models
This ereader does not have a memory card slot. 43.4% 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
166 g
Weight
166 g
▲ Better than 87% of models
Market range: <160 g – >480 g
This ereader weighs 166 g which is lighter than 86.9% on this spec.
Thickness
8.3 mm
Thickness
8.3 mm
▼ Worse than 54% of models
Market range: <6 mm – >11 mm
This ereader is 8.3 mm thick which is thicker than 53.7% on this spec and equal to 5.8% of eReaders.
Height
159.6 mm
Height
159.6 mm
▲ Better than 75% of models
Market range: <150 mm – >240 mm
This ereader is 159.6 mm tall which is shorter than 75.4% on this spec.
Width
110 mm
Width
110 mm
▲ Better than 87% of models
Market range: <100 mm – >200 mm
This ereader is 110 mm wide which is narrower than 86.9% on this spec and equal to 1.6% of eReaders.
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 Clara Hd vs the average eReader

246810TotalDisplayReadingBatteryHardwareConnectivityDesign
  • 19 hours longer battery life
    Battery life
    40 hours
    ▲ Better than 85% of models
    Market range: <12 hours – >42 hours
    This ereader offers longer battery life than the average eReader (40 hours vs 21 hours). The average eReader offers 21 hours of battery life.
    around 40-45 hours of reading time with Wi-Fi off and moderate brightness
    40 hours vs 21 hours
  • 22.1% lighter
    Weight
    166 g
    ▲ Better than 87% of models
    Market range: <160 g – >480 g
    This ereader is lighter than the average eReader (166 g vs 213 g). The average eReader weighs 213 g.
    166 g vs 213 g
  • 1 hours shorter charging time
    Charging time
    1 hours
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    Market range: <1 hours – >6 hours
    This ereader charges faster than the average eReader (1 hours vs 2 hours). The average eReader charges in 2 hours.
    approximately 2 hours with 10W charger, takes longer via PC USB port
    1 hours vs 2 hours
  • 13.2% higher pixel density
    Pixel density
    300 ppi
    ▲ Better than 52% of models
    Market range: <150 ppi – >300 ppi
    This ereader has a higher pixel density than the average eReader (300 ppi vs 265 ppi). The average eReader has a pixel density of 265 ppi.
    300 ppi vs 265 ppi
  • 17.6 mm narrower
    Width
    110 mm
    ▲ Better than 87% of models
    Market range: <100 mm – >200 mm
    This ereader is narrower than the average eReader (110 mm vs 127.6 mm). The average eReader width is 127.6 mm.
    110 mm vs 127.6 mm
  • 10 more front-light LEDs
    N. of front-light LEDs
    15
    ▲ Better than 66% of models
    Market range: <0 – >35
    This ereader has more front-light LEDs than the average eReader (15 vs 5). The average eReader has 5 front-light LEDs.
    8 white and 7 orange LEDs
    15 vs 5
  • 11 more supported languages
    N. of supported languages
    21
    ▲ Better than 75% of models
    Market range: <4 – >34
    This ereader supports more languages than the average eReader (21 vs 10). The average eReader supports 10 languages.
    21 vs 10
  • 13.4 mm shorter
    Height
    159.6 mm
    ▲ Better than 75% of models
    Market range: <150 mm – >240 mm
    This ereader is shorter than the average eReader (159.6 mm vs 173 mm). The average eReader height is 173 mm.
    159.6 mm vs 173 mm
  • 54.5% cheaper
    Kobo Clara Hd is cheaper than the average eReader (£110 vs £170).
    £110 vs £170
  • 63.8% more popular
    Kobo Clara Hd is more popular than the average eReader (8.92 vs 5.4).
    8.92 vs 5.44
  • 13.2% higher pixel density
    Pixel density
    300 ppi
    ▲ Better than 52% of models
    Market range: <150 ppi – >300 ppi
    This ereader has a higher pixel density than the average eReader (300 ppi vs 265 ppi). The average eReader has a pixel density of 265 ppi.
    300 ppi vs 265 ppi
  • 10 more front-light LEDs
    N. of front-light LEDs
    15
    ▲ Better than 66% of models
    Market range: <0 – >35
    This ereader has more front-light LEDs than the average eReader (15 vs 5). The average eReader has 5 front-light LEDs.
    8 white and 7 orange LEDs
    15 vs 5
  • 11 more supported languages
    N. of supported languages
    21
    ▲ Better than 75% of models
    Market range: <4 – >34
    This ereader supports more languages than the average eReader (21 vs 10). The average eReader supports 10 languages.
    21 vs 10
  • 19 hours longer battery life
    Battery life
    40 hours
    ▲ Better than 85% of models
    Market range: <12 hours – >42 hours
    This ereader offers longer battery life than the average eReader (40 hours vs 21 hours). The average eReader offers 21 hours of battery life.
    around 40-45 hours of reading time with Wi-Fi off and moderate brightness
    40 hours vs 21 hours
  • 1 hours shorter charging time
    Charging time
    1 hours
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    Market range: <1 hours – >6 hours
    This ereader charges faster than the average eReader (1 hours vs 2 hours). The average eReader charges in 2 hours.
    approximately 2 hours with 10W charger, takes longer via PC USB port
    1 hours vs 2 hours
  • 22.1% lighter
    Weight
    166 g
    ▲ Better than 87% of models
    Market range: <160 g – >480 g
    This ereader is lighter than the average eReader (166 g vs 213 g). The average eReader weighs 213 g.
    166 g vs 213 g
  • 17.6 mm narrower
    Width
    110 mm
    ▲ Better than 87% of models
    Market range: <100 mm – >200 mm
    This ereader is narrower than the average eReader (110 mm vs 127.6 mm). The average eReader width is 127.6 mm.
    110 mm vs 127.6 mm
  • 13.4 mm shorter
    Height
    159.6 mm
    ▲ Better than 75% of models
    Market range: <150 mm – >240 mm
    This ereader is shorter than the average eReader (159.6 mm vs 173 mm). The average eReader height is 173 mm.
    159.6 mm vs 173 mm
  • 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 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.
  • 1 inches smaller screen size
    Screen size
    6 inches
    ▼ 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
  • Less advanced E-Ink technology
    E-Ink technology
    Carta
    ▼ Worse than 38% of models
    This ereader uses Carta E-Ink technology, while the average eReader uses Carta Plus.
    Carta vs Carta Plus
  • 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.
  • 1 inches smaller screen size
    Screen size
    6 inches
    ▼ 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
  • Less advanced E-Ink technology
    E-Ink technology
    Carta
    ▼ Worse than 38% of models
    This ereader uses Carta E-Ink technology, while the average eReader uses Carta Plus.
    Carta vs Carta Plus
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 50% less storage
    Internal storage
    8 GB
    ▼ Worse than 53% of models
    Market range: <2 GB – >62 GB
    This ereader offers less internal storage than the average eReader (8 GB vs 16 GB). The average eReader provides 16 GB of internal storage.
    8 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 older
    Release date
    2018
    ▼ Worse than 57% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This ereader is older than the average eReader (2018 vs 2021). The average eReader was released in 2021.
    June 2018
    2,018 vs 2,021

Video reviews

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

9.0
thelittlepig
≈ estimated
20/07/2022
Personal review · Kobo vs Kindle · tips and tricks
Verdict
Kobo Clara HD is loved for keeping your library always at hand, though trying reading on a phone first is advised.
8.0
Maneetpaul Singh
≈ estimated
01/04/2021
Hands-on review · software, reading features and ergonomics
Verdict
Kobo Clara HD wins praise for its minimalist design and software, but a region-limited store and missing highlight sync hold it back.
9.0
Teoh on Tech
≈ estimated
02/12/2020
Hands-on review · library borrowing and Kindle comparison
Verdict
Kobo Clara HD is a bit pricey, but OverDrive library borrowing justifies the cost.
8.0
The eBook Reader
≈ estimated
27/06/2018
Hands-on walkthrough · design, reading, search and menus
Verdict
Kobo Clara HD is lighter and sharper than the Glo, with better highlighting, but its menus and library need too many taps.
8.0
Good e-Reader
≈ estimated
29/05/2018
Hands-on walkthrough · menus, reading settings and features
Verdict
Kobo Clara HD feels closer to a 5-inch device than other 6-inch Kobo models, so it is very portable.
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

V
verdict.co.uk
25/06/2018
Summary of the review
Sales of eBooks are plummeting - Can the new Kobo Clara HD fix it? - Verdict
T
teleread.org
30/06/2018
Summary of the review
Review: The Kobo Clara HD e-ink reader - TeleRead
T
techadvisor.com
14/06/2018
Summary of the review
Kobo Clara HD Review: Bright and Light - Tech Advisor
pcmag.com
11/09/2018
Hands-on review · Library reader
Verdict
The Kobo Clara HD is a small, light e-reader that suits public library borrowers, with easy OverDrive borrowing and a sharp screen.
expertreviews.co.uk
29/07/2019
Hands-on review · Kindle rival
Verdict
The Kobo Clara HD is a Kindle Paperwhite lookalike with a sharp screen, suited to readers who don't need waterproofing or audiobooks.
womanandhome.com
01/11/2021
Hands-on review · Sharp 6-inch reader
Verdict
The Kobo Clara HD is a sharp, light e-reader with plenty of text options, suiting buyers who don't need waterproofing, 4G or audiobooks.
express.co.uk
29/07/2022
Hands-on review · Warm-light reader
Verdict
The Kobo Clara HD is a warm-lit alternative to the Kindle Paperwhite that is easy to hold one-handed, suiting readers who want to avoid Amazon's store.
techradar.com
06/02/2023
Hands-on review · Compact e-reader
Verdict
The Kobo Clara HD is a compact, light e-reader that suits commuters and holiday readers, though its store is smaller than Kindle's and it isn't waterproof.
U
uk.pcmag.com
11/09/2018
Summary of the review
Kobo Clara HD Review - PCMag.com
G
goodereader.com
29/05/2018
Summary of the review
Kobo Clara HD e-Reader Review
T
trustedreviews.com
29/05/2018
Summary of the review
Kobo Clara HD review: A super compact e-reader
T
techradar.com
27/07/2018
Summary of the review
Kobo Clara HD review
P
papierlos-lesen.de
03/07/2018
Summary of the review
Kobo Clara HD Review – Reading Without Paper
(Translated)Show original
L
liseuses.net
27/04/2022
Summary of the review
You should no longer buy the Kobo Clara HD
(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
15/06/2018
Summary of the review
Kobo Clara HD review: A simple, practical and affordable e-reader
(Translated)Show original
L
liseuse.biz
30/05/2018
Summary of the review
Kobo Clara HD: the e-reader that takes on the Paperwhite
(Translated)Show original
kreatore.it
28/08/2020
First impressions · Backlit e-reader
Verdict
The Kobo Clara HD is a sharp, responsive e-reader whose backlight adjusts to the room, suiting evening readers in dim light.
S
smartworld.it
21/06/2018
Summary of the review
Kobo Clara HD Review
(Translated)Show original
tuttotech.net
18/09/2018
Multi-week test · Compact e-reader
Verdict
The Kobo Clara HD is a compact, light e-reader with weeks of battery life and many text settings, but it has no water resistance or memory card slot.
ereader.nl
06/03/2021
Hands-on test · Lightweight e-reader
Verdict
The Kobo Clara HD is a sharp, light e-reader whose ComfortLight PRO adapts to the room, suiting bedtime readers, though its screen is compact.
coolesuggesties.nl
01/11/2018
Review · Compact reader
Verdict
The Kobo Clara HD is a light, responsive reader with a gentle backlight, suited to anyone who prefers digital books to paper.
id.nl
04/09/2018
Review · Pocket-size e-reader
Verdict
The Kobo Clara HD is a light, pocket-sized e-reader that is easy to read in bright sun, though its rubber back can slip and the software is slow.
T
techpulse.be
15/12/2020
Summary of the review
Kobo Clara HD review: Clear for Clara
(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
13/07/2024
Summary of the review
Five Six-Inch E-Readers: Reading Comfort vs. Customization
(Translated)Show original
A
adorablebooks.nl
27/07/2018
Summary of the review
Review: the new Kobo e-reader - the Kobo Clara HD!
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on 13,062 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: October 2026 · How we calculate this
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What we like about Kobo Clara Hd

  • Integrated OverDrive support for easy library book borrowing
  • ComfortLight PRO allows adjustable screen warmth to reduce blue light at night
  • Extremely compact and lightweight (166g) form factor, easily portable
  • High-resolution 300 PPI display with sharp, crisp text and an anti-glare coating
  • Supports a wide variety of native file formats (EPUB, PDF, MOBI, CBR, CBZ, etc.)
  • Excellent battery life that can last for several weeks on a single charge
  • Customizable reading settings including font weight, sharpness, and margin sizes
  • Direct Pocket integration for reading saved web articles

What we don't like about Kobo Clara Hd

  • Lack of waterproofing (no IP rating), making it risky for use near water
  • Uses an older Micro-USB charging port rather than the modern USB-C standard
  • No native support for audiobooks or Bluetooth connectivity
  • Screen can be sluggish or laggy, especially when highlighting text or navigating menus
  • PDF and large comic file performance can be slow due to the 6-inch screen size and processor
  • The 8GB internal storage is not officially expandable (requires technical teardown)
  • Non-flush screen design (recessed bezel) can collect dust and debris
  • No physical page-turn buttons, relying entirely on the touchscreen

Verdict

The Kobo Clara HD is a compact e-reader featuring a 6-inch E Ink Carta touchscreen with a sharp 300 PPI resolution (1448 x 1072) and 8GB of internal storage, capable of holding approximately 6,000 eBooks. Its standout characteristic is the ComfortLight PRO technology, which allows for manually or automatically adjustable brightness and colour temperature to reduce blue-light exposure for night-time reading. Main pros include its extremely lightweight 166g design, wide native support for 14 file formats (including EPUB and CBZ), and seamless integration with OverDrive for borrowing library books. However, it lacks waterproofing, uses an older micro-USB charging port, and does not feature physical page-turn buttons.

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