Kobo Aura vs Kobo Clara

Last updated: July 12, 2023
Kobo Aura and Kobo Clara are two e-reader devices from the same brand, Kobo, but they have key differences in terms of their design, features, and display. Firstly, Kobo Aura features a 6-inch E Ink Carta touchscreen display with a resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels. It has a sleek and compact design, making it easy to hold and carry. The device is equipped with ComfortLight technology, which provides adjustable front-lighting for reading in various lighting conditions. On the other hand, Kobo Clara has a similar 6-inch E Ink Carta touchscreen display but boasts a higher resolution of 1448 x 1072 pixels. It features a more ergonomic design with a textured back for improved grip and comfort during long reading sessions.

Secondly, Kobo Aura and Kobo Clara differ in terms of their storage capacity. Kobo Aura typically comes with 4GB of internal storage, allowing users to store thousands of e-books. However, it does not have expandable storage options. On the other hand, Kobo Clara offers 8GB of internal storage, providing even more space for e-book collections. Additionally, Kobo Clara has the advantage of a microSD card slot, which allows users to expand the storage capacity further, accommodating an even larger number of e-books.

Lastly, there are slight variations in the features and software capabilities of Kobo Aura and Kobo Clara. Both devices provide access to the Kobo e-bookstore, allowing users to browse and purchase e-books directly from the device. They also come with built-in Wi-Fi for easy synchronization and downloading of e-books. However, Kobo Clara has an advantage with its improved software interface and responsiveness, thanks to its more recent release. It provides a smoother and more intuitive user experience compared to Kobo Aura, ensuring a seamless interaction with the device's features and functionalities.
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Kobo Aura
Kobo Aura's beautiful 6" ClarityScreen and a high res, edge-to-edge low-glare Pearl E Ink screen provides a print on paper reading experience, even in direct sunlight. The latest E Ink screen technology allows you to transition between pages without those annoying flashes. With pinch to zoom, you'll catch every detail when zooming in to PDFs and select books. Or change font sizes with a simple pinch.
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Kobo Clara
Kobo Clara always provides the best light for reading day or night with ComfortLight PRO. You can adjust brightness and color temperature to reduce blue light before bedtime. It has a natural, print-like reading experience on its 6" glare-free high-definition 300 PPI screen. Easily customizable features help you read the way you want to.
Kobo Aura vs Kobo Clara in our news:

2024. Kobo releases new firmware for Colour e-readers



Kobo has released a new software update for its three latest e-readers, the Clara Colour, Libra Colour, and the Clara BW, known for their superior performance and affordability. While details about the updates are scarce, Kobo has mentioned stability enhancements and bug fixes. However, this attention to the latest models underscores a prolonged period without updates for other Kobo e-readers. The update rollout begins today, promising availability to all users within a few days. Updating is straightforward - simply press the sync button. Alternatively, for those inclined, the latest firmware patches are accessible on our site. Select your model, download the file to your PC or MAC, connect your e-reader via USB-C cable, transfer the file to the root folder, and reboot your device to access the new features and enhancements.


2024. Kobo has introduced the Kobo Clara BW E-reader



Kobo is introducing the Kobo Clara BW, an enhanced black-and-white e-reader designed for an immersive reading experience. With its 6-inch glare-free E Ink Carta 1300 HD screen and full waterproof protection, reading becomes effortless. Powered by a MediaTek processor MT8113L, the device allows seamless access to Kobo's extensive library of audiobooks and ebooks. Enjoy your favorite titles via Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, compatible with earbuds, headphones, or external speakers. The USB-C port facilitates easy content transfer and charging. With a low-end 1,500 mAh battery, compact dimensions of 112 x 160 x 9.2 mm, and weighing just 174 g, it offers portability without compromise. Priced at $129.99 (USD), the Kobo Clara BW could be your perfect companion for endless reading adventures.


2022. Kobo's new waterproof Clara 2E e-reader takes on Kindle



Kobo is set to release the Kobo Clara 2E, a new waterproof e-reader that poses a strong competition to Amazon's Kindle e-readers. The device boasts an exterior crafted from over 85 percent recycled plastic, with 10 percent of it sourced from ocean-bound materials. Notable features of the Kobo Clara 2E include Bluetooth technology for audiobooks, water resistance for up to two meters for 60 minutes, increased storage capacity of 16GB for eBooks compared to previous Kobo models, a six-inch HD E Ink Carta 1200 screen that is glare-free and equipped with dark mode and blue light reduction, and an extended battery life lasting for weeks. Priced at $150, the Kobo Clara 2E falls in a mid-range bracket, being cheaper than the company's previous Forma model but more expensive than the Nia model. Additionally, Kobo's SleepCovers for the device are environmentally friendly, made from recycled polyester with an inner microfiber lining composed of 40 percent recycled plastic water bottles. The SleepCovers are available in various colors such as Black, Deep Ocean Blue, Coral Reef Orange, and Sea Glass Green.


2022. Kobo Clara HD 2 will be available soon



Kobo is set to launch the Kobo Clara 2, a second-generation e-reader, in the coming months. This new model is a successor to their highly popular 300 PPI e-book reader. It will feature a six-inch E INK Carta 1200 display panel, which will significantly improve page turn speed and overall performance. The Kobo Clara 2 will also have a 300 PPI screen, front-lit display, and a candlelight color temperature system. One particularly intriguing aspect of this model is that it will be the world's first e-reader to incorporate the innovative E Ink ComfortGaze technology. This advanced front light technology effectively reduces the amount of blue light emitted, resulting in a reduced Blue Light Ratio (BLR) and Blue Light Toxicity Factor (BLTF) by up to 60% and 24% respectively. The BLR represents the ratio of harmful blue light to the total blue light output, while the BLTF denotes the ratio of brightness to hazardous blue light.


2022. Kobo is now displaying advertisements on their e-readers



Kobo has introduced a new feature on their e-readers where advertisements are displayed upon waking the device from sleep mode. Users now encounter a full-page advertisement encouraging them to subscribe to Kobo Plus, and it also highlights the availability of a free 30-day trial. Notably, this ad appears regardless of whether the device's Wi-Fi is turned on or off, as the image is sourced from the device itself rather than the internet. This marks the first instance of Kobo displaying ads on their ebook readers, contradicting their previous marketing campaigns that emphasized their devices being ad-free compared to Kindle.


2021. Kobo e-readers get new My Words feature



Kobo has recently introduced firmware update 4.26 for their range of Kobo ereaders, bringing several notable enhancements. One of the key additions is the My Words option, accessible through the Beta Features list, which functions similarly to the vocabulary builder feature found in Kindle devices. This feature enables users to conveniently review and revisit words they have looked up in the dictionary. Additionally, the update includes a "Back to page x" button specifically designed for epubs, enhancing navigation within books. Furthermore, annotation sync has been improved, allowing for better synchronization of annotations across devices. Users can now edit text within the note preview window by tapping the text field, and landscape mode PDF viewing has been enhanced for a more seamless experience.


2020. Kobo introduces $99 e-reader Nia to replace Aura



Rakuten has introduced a new, entry-level e-book reader that stands up favorably to the most affordable Amazon Kindle in various significant aspects. The Kobo Nia features a 6-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 1024x758 pixels and 212 ppi. It incorporates Kobo's ComfortLight technology, allowing users to adjust the display's brightness according to their preference. With a sleek design weighing in at 172 grams and measuring 9.2mm in thickness, the Nia offers a visually appealing form factor. Inside, it is powered by a 1,000mAh battery, providing "weeks" of reading on a single charge, and offers 8GB of storage capacity. In comparison, Amazon's cheapest Kindle, which inevitably draws comparisons to the Nia, starts at $89.99 but includes Amazon's "Special Offers" ads. Without the ads, the price increases to $109.99. The Kindle also features a 6-inch display but with a lower resolution of 165 ppi and only half the storage capacity of the Nia. These factors make the Nia an enticing choice for budget-conscious e-reader shoppers who prefer not to be locked into Amazon's ecosystem.


2018. New Kobo Clara HD is an affordable Kindle competitor



Kobo, the Canadian ebook reader manufacturer, has finally unveiled its highly anticipated device, the Kobo Clara HD, after months of speculation. This new addition to their lineup marks their first budget-friendly model in almost three years, yet it boasts an impressive range of features. The Kobo Clara HD boasts a 6-inch Cara E Ink screen with a remarkable 300ppi resolution, ensuring sharp and clear text. With a generous 8GB of storage, users can store approximately 6,000 ebooks, providing ample space for their digital library. Additionally, the device offers exceptional battery life, lasting for several weeks unless extensively used. One standout feature of the Kobo Clara HD is ComfortLight Pro, which sets it apart from other Kobo ebook readers. Unlike traditional illumination methods for E Ink screens, ComfortLight Pro employs orange and red LEDs, reducing exposure to blue light. While this technology has been implemented in previous Kobo models, the Clara HD is the most affordable option currently available in the market.


2018. Kobo e-Ink readers get rapid Page-Turning


Kobo has recently launched a firmware update for their entire range of e-readers, aiming to enhance the speed of page-turning through the implementation of a new rendering engine. With this new system, users can experience faster page transitions by simply tapping their finger rapidly on the screen or using gestures. Holding a finger down on the screen also enables page-turning. However, it's important to note that during rapid page-turning, the text may become unreadable until the user releases their finger from the screen, allowing for full rendering. This rapid page-turning engine specifically works with KEPUB ebooks, which are books purchased directly from Kobo. It does not support CBR/CBZ or classic EPUB formats, and it is incompatible with sideloaded EPUB books.


2017. Kobo makes managing ebooks simpler



Kobo has recently released a firmware update for its e-readers, introducing several noteworthy features. One of the key additions is the "Manage Books" feature, accessible under the "My Books" section. This new feature allows users to select multiple books simultaneously, enabling actions such as marking them as finished or unread, removing them, or adding them to collections. The "My Books" section itself has undergone a visual enhancement, offering a cleaner layout of information, along with the inclusion of convenient Filter and Sort menus. The reading experience has also been enhanced with this update. Now, by tapping the middle of the page, users can easily access reading menus, navigate to the Table of Contents, or adjust Reading Settings. Additionally, the screen will now refresh after each chapter, as opposed to every six pages, providing a smoother reading experience.


2016. New 7.8-inch Aura One e-reader - the Cadillac of e-readers



In an effort to challenge Amazon's dominance, Kobo has unveiled the Aura One, targeting a niche market. With its impressive 7.8-inch display, the Aura One surpasses the Aura HD and carries a matching price tag of $230. Despite being relatively expensive for a dedicated e-reader, especially considering the Kindle Voyage's lower starting price, Kobo's past successes in pushing boundaries indicate potential for the Aura One. While acknowledging that this device may not appeal to everyone, it caters precisely to those willing to invest over $200 for the ultimate e-reader experience. Kobo once again showcases its innovative mindset, offering features such as a spacious screen, blue-light shifting, an attractive design, and ample storage. Although the Aura One may not be cost-effective for most readers, it is sure to captivate a devoted audience seeking an exceptional reading device.


2014. Kobo unveiled waterproof Aura H2O Reader



Kobo has unveiled the Kobo Aura H2O, a new waterproof device priced at $179, set to be released on October 1. This addition to Kobo's product lineup targets the premium segment of the market, offering a purpose-built e-reader tailored for avid readers. The Kobo Aura H2O serves as a versatile, all-terrain e-reader, catering to users who desire to bring their devices to unconventional locations such as the bathtub or the beach. With a sleeker and lighter design compared to the Kobo Aura HD, the Kobo Aura H2O features an upgraded high-definition display and a dustproof, air-tight construction that can withstand submersion in water for up to thirty minutes.