Kobo Clara vs Nook GlowLight

Last updated: July 10, 2023
The Kobo Clara and Nook GlowLight are both popular eReader devices that offer unique features and experiences for book enthusiasts.

In terms of display, the Kobo Clara features a 6-inch Carta E Ink touchscreen display with a resolution of 212 pixels per inch (ppi). It provides a comfortable reading experience with clear text and crisp graphics. The Clara also includes ComfortLight technology, allowing users to adjust the front light for reading in different lighting conditions. On the other hand, the Nook GlowLight typically features a 6-inch E Ink Pearl touchscreen display with a resolution of 167 pixels per inch (ppi). It offers a sharp display with a built-in front light for reading in low-light settings.

When it comes to software and ecosystem, the Kobo Clara is closely integrated with the Kobo ecosystem. It provides access to the Kobo eBookstore, personalized recommendations, and features like Pocket integration for saving articles and web content. The Clara supports various eBook formats, including EPUB and PDF, making it compatible with a wide range of content sources. It also offers features like customizable fonts, highlighting, and note-taking. The Nook GlowLight, on the other hand, is closely tied to Barnes & Noble's ecosystem. It provides access to the Nook eBookstore and offers features like B&N Readouts for browsing book excerpts and recommendations. The GlowLight supports various eBook formats, including EPUB and PDF, and offers features like adjustable fonts, highlighting, and note-taking.

In terms of design and build, the Kobo Clara has a compact and lightweight design, optimized for comfortable one-handed use. It typically features a flush-front design with a touchscreen interface for easy navigation. The Nook GlowLight also has a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to hold for extended reading sessions. It typically features a physical home button and a touchscreen interface for navigation.
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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.
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Nook GlowLight
NOOK's GlowLight illuminates your screen with a soft light that is perfect for bedtime reading. With advanced lighting technology not available on any other reader, GlowLight lets you stay up late reading in total comfort - while your partner stays asleep in the dark.
Kobo Clara vs Nook GlowLight 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.


2023. Nook firmware update adds useful FAQ and custom book sorting



Barnes and Noble has recently rolled out a firmware update, version 8.13.160, for their Nook e-reader, offering several notable enhancements. One of the key additions is a new FAQ system within the support section of the settings screen, providing a convenient solution for addressing common queries and concerns without the need for a computer or visiting the Nook website. Moreover, the update introduces a revamped system for custom sorting of shelves, enabling users to easily reposition shelves or books within a shelf based on their preferred order. This can be done directly on the e-reader by selecting the custom option from the sorted by menu. Additionally, content and shelves now come equipped with arrow keys, enhancing the overall layout flexibility. Furthermore, users can now conveniently sort and view all their notes and annotations made in ebooks directly from the search bar, eliminating the need to manually locate them by opening the respective book.


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.


2021. Nook Glowlight 4 gets smaller and lighter design



Barnes and Noble has introduced the Nook Glowlight 4, their latest e-reader model, now available for ordering on the B&N website. This 6-inch Nook boasts 32GB of storage, features USB-C connectivity, and showcases a revamped, compact design (although specific weight reduction details are not provided). Retaining the page buttons on both sides of the screen, albeit positioned closer to the edges, the device incorporates a frontlight with adjustable color temperature, aptly named Night Mode by B&N. The Nook Glowlight 4 exhibits a 300 ppi E Ink screen, with the presumption that it employs a newer E Ink screen with improved contrast and darker blacks. Equipped with a quad-core 1.5GHz CPU, the e-reader operates on software based on Android 8.1. All these features come at a price of $149.99.


2018. Barnes and Noble unveiled charging dock and keyboard for Nook 10.1



Barnes and Noble has recently launched the new Nook Tablet 10.1, and they have now introduced two accompanying accessories. The Charging Dock is designed to provide continuous power while you enjoy audiobooks or movies, and it is available for purchase at $34.95. By using the promo code STACKED, customers can avail of a limited 20% discount. The Smart Folio Cover with Keyboard features a magnetic clip that effortlessly attaches to your tablet, eliminating the need for pairing. This accessory enables you to conveniently take notes or work on your literary masterpiece. Priced at $39.95, it also qualifies for the 20% discount when using the same promo code as the charging dock. The Nook Tablet 10.1 operates on Google Android 8.1, granting users the ability to install their favorite apps from the Google Play store.


2018. Nook e-Readers stop working without security update



Barnes and Noble has issued a notice stating that without installing a mandatory security update, Nook e-readers will cease to function after June 29th. This means users will be unable to make purchases, download, or manage their NOOK Content directly from their NOOK Device. The security update is part of Barnes and Noble's comprehensive upgrade to enhance the security system across all their websites and servers, ensuring the protection of customer information and processing of payment data. The affected e-reader models include the Nook Simple Touch with Glowlight, Nook Color, Nook Tablet, Nook HD, Nook HD+, and Nook Glowlight.


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.


2017. Barnes and Noble released Nook Glowlight 3



Barnes and Noble has recently unveiled their latest e-reader, the Nook Glowlight 3, marking their first release in two years. This device introduces several innovative features, including page turn buttons that allow users to skip ahead a chapter with a double tap or rapidly flip through the pages of an e-book by holding the button down. It also incorporates a comfortlight system, a first for Nook e-readers, which reduces the brightness of the white screen and gives it a soothing orange hue. Powered by Google Android, the Nook Glowlight 3 boasts an advanced front-lit display system. Notably, the device is equipped with physical buttons, with two page turn buttons on both the left and right sides. The main Nook Reading app showcases excellent design, ensuring speedy page turning, while the ability to copy/paste text into the note app adds a touch of innovation.


2015. Barnes & Noble created waterproof Nook



After more than a year since discontinuing the Nook and Nook HD+, Barnes & Noble has finally given its flagship e-reader a much-needed update with the introduction of the GlowLight Plus - the company's first waterproof e-reader. Along with its waterproof feature, the Nook GlowLight Plus introduces user profiles, catering to couples or reading partners who enjoy sharing their reading experiences. Priced at $130, the new version offers a 300ppi display, doubling the pixel density of its predecessor, and boasts a sleek aluminum body that is both slimmer and slightly heavier than the GlowLight. The addition of waterproof capabilities means Nook enthusiasts can now enjoy their favorite e-books even while indulging in a relaxing soak in the tub. The Nook GlowLight Plus is now available for purchase.


2013. Barnes & Noble releases new ultra-light Nook GlowLight



Barnes & Noble has unveiled a completely redesigned version of the Nook GlowLight e-reader, an updated iteration of the Nook SimpleTouch with GlowLight. Priced at $119, it is $10 more expensive than its predecessor. Notably, this matches the cost of the Kindle Paperwhite with ads, whereas the GlowLight does not include ads. The Nook GlowLight offers twice the storage capacity of the older model, increasing from 2 GB to 4 GB, accommodating over 2,000 ebooks. This storage capacity also doubles that of the Kindle Paperwhite. However, it is worth mentioning that the GlowLight lacks the microSD slot present in the previous model, preventing further expansion of the device's storage. Similar to the Paperwhite, Barnes & Noble's new e-reader showcases an updated 6-inch E-Ink display with 62% more pixels, enhancing text clarity and contrast compared to the previous Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight. Additionally, Barnes & Noble has improved the LED-based light source of the e-reader, ensuring more uniform light coverage across the page. While Amazon positions the light source just below the bottom edge of the screen, the GlowLight's light sources are clearly visible from just above the top edge. Overall, the GlowLight screen boasts impressive visual quality, with comparable contrast and lighting to that of the Paperwhite. E-Ink e-readers undeniably hold their place in the tablet market, and although Barnes & Noble and Amazon do not disclose specific e-reader sales figures, it is evident that both companies remain dedicated to the category, and customers continue to make purchases.


2013. B&N drops Nook GlowLight price to $99. Undercuts Amazon and Kobo



Barnes & Noble has just made an exciting announcement, reducing the price of the GlowLight to a mere $99. This price cut positions the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight as the most affordable option among premium e-readers. In comparison, the ad-supported Kindle Paperwhite is priced at $119, while the Kobo Glo costs $129.99. The Nook Simple Touch GlowLight, powered by a front-lit screen known as GlowLight, emits a pleasant glow that differs from traditional backlighting. This feature is gentler on the eyes, although it does decrease the battery life by half. Nevertheless, the battery still lasts an impressive 2 months. The reduced price suggests that Barnes & Noble may be aiming to sell off existing inventory in preparation for the release of a new model. It's worth noting that Barnes & Noble recently announced its decision to discontinue in-house development of tablets while continuing to manufacture e-readers.