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 Touch Review | 68 Data compared

Avg. price:~£110Screen size:6 inchesPixel density:167 ppiInternal storage:2 GBBattery life:20 hoursSupported bookstore ecosystem:Kobo Ecosystem

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

4.7

Overall score

Score
4.7/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 90% of models
Score components

90%

4.5

Technical score

10%

7.1

User score

â–¼Worse than 90% of ereaders
4.5

Technical score

Technical score
4.5/ 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 91% of models
Score components

25%

3.9

Display

22%

6.3

Reading

18%

3.3

Battery

14%

4.0

Hardware

12%

4.6

Connectivity

9%

4.6

Design

â–¼Worse than 91% of ereaders
7.1

User score

User score
7.1/ 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 82% of models
Score components

70%

7.4

User ratings

30%

6.3

Number of reviews

Based on 440 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 82% of ereaders
  • kobo-touch
kobo-touch

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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 Touch

Technical score
Technical score
4.5/ 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 91% of models
Score components:

25%

3.9

Display

22%

6.3

Reading

18%

3.3

Battery

14%

4.0

Hardware

12%

4.6

Connectivity

9%

4.6

Design

4.5
User score
User score
7.1/ 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 82% of models
Score components

70%

7.4

User ratings

30%

6.3

Number of reviews

Based on 440 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.
7.1
Popularity
Popularity
6.3/ 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–² Better than 65% of models
Popularity:
Kobo Touch has a popularity score of 6.3 points, which is higher than that of 64.8% of products in this category.
6.3
Value for money
Value for money
6.3/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
Score components:

60%

4.7

Overall score

40%

9.9

Price

6.3
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
600x800 px
Screen resolution
600x800 px
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
This ereader uses a screen resolution of 600x800 px, which is less sharp than that of 83.6% of eReaders and the same as that of 15.6% of eReaders.
Pixel density
167 ppi
Pixel density
167 ppi
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
Market range: <150 ppi – >300 ppi
This ereader has a pixel density of 167 ppi which is lower than 77.9% on this spec and equal to 10.7% 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
15
Supported file types
15
â–¼ 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
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.
Battery capacity
1,000 mAh
Battery capacity
1,000 mAh
â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
Market range: <1k mAh – >4k mAh
This ereader has a battery capacity of 1,000 mAh which is lower than 85.1% on this spec and equal to 9.9% of eReaders.
Charging time
4 hours
Charging time
4 hours
â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
Market range: <1 hours – >6 hours
This ereader takes 4 hours to charge which is slower than 81.8% on this spec and equal to 12.7% of eReaders.
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
2 GB
Internal storage
2 GB
â–¼ Worse than 81% of models
Market range: <2 GB – >62 GB
This ereader offers 2 GB of internal storage which is less than 81.2% on this spec and equal to 17.2% 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 0.8 GHz
CPU base clock speed
1x 0.8 GHz
â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
This ereader has a CPU base clock speed of 1x0.8 GHz, which is slower than that of 76% of eReaders and the same as that of 14.9% 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
185 g
Weight
185 g
â–² Better than 66% of models
Market range: <160 g – >480 g
This ereader weighs 185 g which is lighter than 65.6% on this spec and equal to 1.6% of eReaders.
Thickness
10 mm
Thickness
10 mm
â–¼ Worse than 83% of models
Market range: <6 mm – >11 mm
This ereader is 10 mm thick which is thicker than 83.5% on this spec and equal to 1.7% of eReaders.
Height
165 mm
Height
165 mm
â–² Better than 61% of models
Market range: <150 mm – >240 mm
This ereader is 165 mm tall which is shorter than 61.5% on this spec and equal to 1.6% of eReaders.
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 Touch 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.
  • Supports stylus
    Stylus support
    yes
    â–² Better than 62% of models
    This ereader supports a stylus, while the average eReader does not. 38.2% of eReaders support a stylus.
    Official Kobo Stylus support.
  • 13.1% lighter
    Weight
    185 g
    â–² Better than 66% of models
    Market range: <160 g – >480 g
    This ereader is lighter than the average eReader (185 g vs 213 g). The average eReader weighs 213 g.
    185 g vs 213 g
  • 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
  • 54.5% cheaper
    Kobo Touch is cheaper than the average eReader (£110 vs £170).
    £110 vs £170
  • 54.5% cheaper
    Kobo Touch is cheaper than the average eReader (£110 vs £170).
    £110 vs £170
  • Supports stylus
    Stylus support
    yes
    â–² Better than 62% of models
    This ereader supports a stylus, while the average eReader does not. 38.2% of eReaders support a stylus.
    Official Kobo Stylus support.
  • 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.
  • 13.1% lighter
    Weight
    185 g
    â–² Better than 66% of models
    Market range: <160 g – >480 g
    This ereader is lighter than the average eReader (185 g vs 213 g). The average eReader weighs 213 g.
    185 g vs 213 g
  • 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 with OverDrive/Libby integration.
    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 front light
    Front light
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
    This ereader does not include front light, while the average eReader does. 74% of eReaders include front light.
  • 2 hours longer charging time
    Charging time
    4 hours
    â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
    Market range: <1 hours – >6 hours
    This ereader charges more slowly than the average eReader (4 hours vs 2 hours). The average eReader charges in 2 hours.
    4 hours vs 2 hours
  • Lower screen resolution
    Screen resolution
    600x800 px
    â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
    This ereader supports lower screen resolution than the average eReader (600x800 px vs 1072x1448 px). The average eReader supports 1072x1448 px screen resolution.
    600x800 px vs 1072x1448 px
  • 37% lower pixel density
    Pixel density
    167 ppi
    â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
    Market range: <150 ppi – >300 ppi
    This ereader has a lower pixel density than the average eReader (167 ppi vs 265 ppi). The average eReader has a pixel density of 265 ppi.
    167 ppi vs 265 ppi
  • 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.
  • 15.6% worse value for money
    Kobo Touch has worse value for money than the average eReader (6.3 vs 7.3).
    6.3 vs 7.28
  • 12.7% lower user score
    User score
    7.1/ 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 Touch
    the average eReader
    Kobo Touch has a lower user score than the average eReader (7.10 vs 8.000).
    7.1 vs 8
  • 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 front light
    Front light
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
    This ereader does not include front light, while the average eReader does. 74% of eReaders include front light.
  • Lower screen resolution
    Screen resolution
    600x800 px
    â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
    This ereader supports lower screen resolution than the average eReader (600x800 px vs 1072x1448 px). The average eReader supports 1072x1448 px screen resolution.
    600x800 px vs 1072x1448 px
  • 37% lower pixel density
    Pixel density
    167 ppi
    â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
    Market range: <150 ppi – >300 ppi
    This ereader has a lower pixel density than the average eReader (167 ppi vs 265 ppi). The average eReader has a pixel density of 265 ppi.
    167 ppi vs 265 ppi
  • 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
  • 5 fewer front-light LEDs
    N. of front-light LEDs
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <0 – >35
    This ereader has fewer front-light LEDs than the average eReader (0 vs 5). The average eReader has 5 front-light LEDs.
    0 vs 5
  • Basic touchscreen technology
    Touchscreen technology
    infrared
    â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
    This ereader uses infrared touchscreen technology, while the average eReader uses capacitive.
    infrared vs capacitive
  • 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 with OverDrive/Libby integration.
    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.
  • Limited library support
    Library lending platforms supported
    OverDrive
    â–¼ 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
  • 2 hours longer charging time
    Charging time
    4 hours
    â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
    Market range: <1 hours – >6 hours
    This ereader charges more slowly than the average eReader (4 hours vs 2 hours). The average eReader charges in 2 hours.
    4 hours vs 2 hours
  • 36.1% smaller battery capacity
    Battery capacity
    1,000 mAh
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    Market range: <1k mAh – >4k mAh
    This ereader has a smaller battery than the average eReader (1000 mAh vs 1565 mAh). The average eReader battery has a capacity of 1565 mAh.
    1,000 mAh vs 1,565 mAh
  • 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.
    20 hours vs 21 hours
  • 87.5% less storage
    Internal storage
    2 GB
    â–¼ Worse than 81% of models
    Market range: <2 GB – >62 GB
    This ereader offers less internal storage than the average eReader (2 GB vs 16 GB). The average eReader provides 16 GB of internal storage.
    2 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
  • Slower CPU base clock speed
    CPU base clock speed
    1 x 0.8 GHz
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    This ereader has a slower CPU base clock speed than the average eReader (1x0.8 GHz vs 1x1 GHz). The average eReader has a CPU base clock speed of 1x1 GHz.
    1x0.8 GHz vs 1x1 GHz
  • 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.
  • 10 older
    Release date
    2011
    â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This ereader is older than the average eReader (2011 vs 2021). The average eReader was released in 2021.
    June 2011
    2,011 vs 2,021
  • 1.9 mm thicker
    Thickness
    10 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 83% of models
    Market range: <6 mm – >11 mm
    This ereader is thicker than the average eReader (10 mm vs 8.1 mm). The average eReader thickness is 8.1 mm.
    10 mm vs 8.1 mm

Video reviews

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

8.0
Palmsolo: A Mobile Tech Story
≈ estimated
18/07/2011
Hands-on review · comparison with Nook Touch
Verdict
Kobo Touch is a toss-up against the Nook Touch; both are good, so the choice comes down to personal preference.
7.0
The eBook Reader
≈ estimated
18/06/2011
Full review · touch controls, reading options and store
Verdict
Kobo Touch is a decent reader with useful settings, but it has no zoom for PDF or comics and a basic store.
9.0
Good e-Reader
≈ estimated
12/06/2011
Hands-on review · interface, store, web browser and Reading Life
Verdict
Kobo Touch is very responsive and a clear step up from earlier Kobo models, though the browser and setup have a few quirks.
6.0
dr idiot
≈ estimated
20/04/2017
Short hands-on review · daytime reading and night limits
Verdict
Kobo Touch is cheap and works in daylight, but it is hard to read at night, so a Kindle is the better buy.
8.0
TechVideo
≈ estimated
31/01/2012
Unboxing · first impressions and PDF test
Verdict
Kobo Touch feels nice in the hand, handles PDFs quickly and is affordable, with a full hands-on test promised later.
9.0
Matthew Tman
≈ estimated
25/12/2011
First look · unboxing and first use
Verdict
Kobo Touch is light, easy to read and lasts up to a month on a charge, so it is a clear buy.
8.0
VideosCronoGadget
≈ estimated
23/05/2011
Hands-on first look · touch screen and performance demo
Verdict
Kobo Touch offers faster touch performance on a familiar screen, with a compact design and a simple one-button layout.
Shop video
Brand video
Hands-on video, no verdict

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

C
cnet.com
16/06/2011
Summary of the review
Kobo Touch review - CNET
W
wired.com
24/08/2011
Summary of the review
Review: Kobo E-Reader Touch Edition
T
trustedreviews.com
09/11/2011
Summary of the review
Kobo Touch eReader Review - Trusted Reviews
E
expertreviews.co.uk
12/11/2011
Summary of the review
Kobo eReader Touch review - Expert Reviews
uk.pcmag.com
17/05/2014
Hands-on review · Touch e-reader
Verdict
The Kobo eReader Touch Edition is a good, slim reader, but its lag and lack of page-turn buttons keep it behind the Kindle and Nook.
T
the-ebook-reader.com
23/10/2026
Summary of the review
Kobo Touch Review and Comparisons - The eBook Reader.com Would you like a similar list of video reviews or perhaps a breakdown of the technical specif...
Z
zdnet.com
18/07/2011
Summary of the review
Review: Kobo eReader Touch may best the Nook as the top ebook reader - ZDNET
T
teleread.com
12/06/2011
Summary of the review
Review: Kobo Touch – a solid entry-level reader - TeleRead
G
goodereader.com
10/06/2011
Summary of the review
Review of the Kobo Touch e-Reader
mobiletechreview.com
Not Dated
Editor's review · Touchscreen reader
Verdict
The Kobo Touch is a light, pocketable touchscreen reader that opens library and Sony Store EPUB books, though it runs slower than rival touch readers.
T
techcrunch.com
13/06/2011
Summary of the review
Review: Kobo eReader Touch Edition
M
macworld.com
17/06/2011
Summary of the review
Kobo eReader Touch Edition
pocket-lint.com
16/04/2013
Hands-on review · Sync and sideloading
Verdict
The Kobo eReader Touch is a well built reader with Kindle-style syncing, though books you add from other EPUB sources don't sync across devices.
chip.de
30/07/2012
Hands-on test · Store and formats
Verdict
The Kobo Touch reads well and supports EPUB, but its display is a little paler than the Kindle and its menus can be sluggish.
C
computerbild.de
04/05/2012
Summary of the review
Kobo eReader Touch Edition Review - COMPUTER BILD
(Translated)Show original
A
annabelle.ch
21/06/2012
Summary of the review
The New Kobo Touch eReader Review - Annabelle
(Translated)Show original
tintenmeer.de
10/09/2013
Personal test · Kindle comparison
Verdict
The Kobo Touch offers more fonts and reads EPUB, but it froze after a few hours of use, so the Kindle is the better choice.
mobiflip.de
29/06/2012
Hands-on test · Kindle comparison
Verdict
The Kobo Touch is lighter and easier to hold than the Kindle Touch, but its menus lag and it lacks Dropbox or email delivery for your own ebooks.
ladentdure.wordpress.com
25/08/2013
Personal review · Ebooks and reading
Verdict
The Kobo Touch is a light reader that stays readable in sunlight and handles nearly every ebook format, suiting readers on the move and fans of classics.
A
actualitte.com
04/11/2011
Summary of the review
Digital Reading: Kobo Touch Review and First Impressions
(Translated)Show original
0
01net.com
21/11/2011
Summary of the review
Kobo by Fnac Review: A Successful and Affordable E-reader
(Translated)Show original
ebookreaderitalia.com
15/10/2012
Full review · Mondadori bookstore
Verdict
The Kobo Touch is an easy reader that handles EPUB best, and you can set it up and buy books entirely over Wi-Fi.
M
makeyourebook.wordpress.com
24/12/2011
Summary of the review
Kobo Touch Review - E-book
(Translated)Show original
E
ebookreaderitalia.com
05/10/2012
Summary of the review
Kobo Touch: first impressions of the Mondadori-branded device
(Translated)Show original
macitynet.it
17/12/2012
Hands-on test · Mondadori store
Verdict
The Kobo Touch offers an open platform and better built-in dictionaries than Kindle, though its build feels slightly less solid.
E
ereaders.nl
02/09/2011
Summary of the review
Kobo Touch Review: Fast Performance and a Great Reading Experience
(Translated)Show original
B
bright.nl
23/03/2012
Summary of the review
First impression: Kobo Touch eReader
(Translated)Show original
G
gadgetgear.nl
06/02/2012
Summary of the review
Review: Kobo Touch Edition E-reader
(Translated)Show original
hobby.blogo.nl
26/06/2012
Personal experience · Everyday reading
Verdict
The Kobo Touch is a light reader that stays readable in strong sun and fits in any bag, suiting people who read on the move.

Third-party reviews

Based on 440 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: October 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Kobo Touch

  • Compact and lightweight design (approx. 6.5 ounces) makes it very portable.
  • Responsive infrared touchscreen that handles tap and swipe gestures well.
  • Extensive file support including EPUB, PDF, MOBI, and comic book formats (CBZ/CBR).
  • Expandable storage via a microSD card slot, allowing for thousands of books.
  • Highly customizable reading experience with numerous font styles, sizes, and margin adjustments.
  • Integration with 'Pocket' for syncing and reading saved web articles.
  • Open ecosystem that allows sideloading fonts and books from various sources.

What we don't like about Kobo Touch

  • Lack of a built-in front light or backlight, making it difficult to read in the dark.
  • Lower screen resolution (800x600, 167 ppi) compared to modern high-definition e-readers.
  • Performance can be slow or laggy when loading large files or navigating the store.
  • Abysmal PDF and manga handling, with poor rendering during pinching and zooming.
  • Setup often requires a computer and the Kobo Desktop application, which some users find dated.
  • Dictionary and highlighting features may not work reliably with sideloaded content.
  • Significant 'ghosting' issues unless the full-page refresh rate is set to be frequent.

Verdict

The Kobo Touch is a compact e-reader featuring a 6-inch Pearl E Ink touchscreen with 800 x 600 resolution and 16 levels of grayscale, powered by a Freescale 508 processor. It includes 2GB of internal storage (expandable up to 32GB via microSD), Wi-Fi connectivity, and a battery lasting up to one month. Main pros include its lightweight 185g design, a comfortable quilted back for grip, and broad file support for EPUB, PDF, and MOBI formats. However, it lacks a built-in front light for night reading, can occasionally experience software lag, and does not support dictionary lookups or highlighting for side-loaded content.

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