Kobo vs Kindle: finding the perfect eReader gift in Canada

When it comes to eReaders, Kobo and Kindle dominate the category as the leading brands. Both offer sleek devices designed to make digital reading comfortable and immersive, but choosing the right one as a gift depends on the reader’s habits, preferences, and priorities. Whether you’re shopping for a casual bookworm, a student, or someone who loves annotating their reads, understanding the strengths of each ecosystem can make the decision much easier.

Kobo vs Kindle: brand overview

Kobo

As a Canadian brand and subsidiary of Rakuten, a Japanese conglomerate, Kobo appealed to readers looking for a more flexible system even before the acquisition. That largely centres on support for EPUB files, the most common ebook format, along with a wide range of other formats for text and image files. Its plug-and-play integration with Windows and macOS also make it very simple to drag-and-drop supported files onto a Kobo device that you can then view and read later. Kobo expanded into audiobooks and now offers those for sale on models that support Bluetooth connectivity.

If you have a library card, you might also appreciate Kobo’s OverDrive integration, where you can browse, borrow, and read eBooks from the local library directly on the device without using a computer.

Then there’s Kobo Plus, a monthly subscription that’s like a buffet where you can access a rotating selection of eBooks and audiobooks. To be clear, this doesn’t mean full access to the millions of titles in the Kobo Store, just a fraction of that, most of which lean toward indie titles and Canadian authors. Every so often, a more renowned or prestigious series or set of ebooks are made available for a limited time.

Kindle

Amazon’s Kindle ecosystem, on the other hand, has a longer history, though not necessarily as open or quick to innovate. It’s a more structured system in that Kindle devices don’t natively support EPUB but rely on Amazon’s proprietary AZW format (though you can convert EPUB files and send to Kindle more easily than before).

It integrates seamlessly with Audible for audiobooks, with features like Whispersync letting readers seamlessly switch between reading and listening across devices on the same account. That way, you never lose your place whether you feel like reading or simply listening to the same book.

Amazon’s catalogue is huge and it shows when searching for ebooks or audiobooks. The Kindle Unlimited subscription is similar to Kobo Plus in that you get unlimited access to a select portion of the Kindle library for a monthly fee. The key difference beyond that is Kindles aren’t as open to various file formats, but if you have compatible ones, there are options to move them. There’s Send to Kindle, for example, where you effectively email it to your device, or you can plug it into a computer and do it that way.

Best Kobo models to gift

Like any eReader, much of this depends on who it’s for. A casual reader might not care as much about screen size or colour as a voracious reader who has experience using eReaders. In this case, the Kobo Clara BW is an option that combines compact portability with a traditional E Ink monochrome display. It’s the kind of device that you can take anywhere, be it curling up on a couch, reading before bed, or while travelling. Both newcomers and everyday readers could probably appreciate what it is.

The Kobo Libra Colour stands out for the obvious fact it displays colour. Granted, not the kind of rich and vibrant tones you see in a phone or tablet, but more of a watercolour effect that can breathe some life into images. Comics, graphic novels, and illustrated eBooks all benefit from it, and since it’s easy to transfer file formats supporting that content, it only improves the experience further. Plus, it’s waterproof and ready to use in the tub or pool.

If bigger is perceived to be better—and taking notes is imperative—the Kobo Elipsa 2E is an excellent choice. It pairs a large, glare-free screen with stylus support for writing directly on eBooks and PDFs—perfect for anyone who loves annotating. There are some caveats to how it works, though, but there are neat features like notebooks and converting handwriting to text to flesh things out further.

Best Kindle models to gift

The Kindle Paperwhite is the standard eReader in the Kindle lineup, balancing price, performance, and portability. You get a sharp 6.8-inch display with a waterproof and lightweight body that fits in just about anywhere. Its simplicity doesn’t mean it lacks in features, with plenty of Amazon’s core reading and customization features available.

Finally, though, Amazon also added some colour to its lineup in the form of the Colorsoft. This is like having a Paperwhite with a colour E Ink display, given the size and form factor closely resemble that model. The Colorsoft comes in three variants, including one for kids.

Speaking of kids, the Kindle Kids models keep things simple for youngsters. Free of ads, it includes a durable cover, and comes with a year of Amazon Kids+ content for some peace of mind while encouraging good reading habits. You can find it in both Paperwhite Kids and Colorsoft Kids versions.

For something bigger and bolder, the Kindle Scribe is an option. A large 10.2-inch screen with an included stylus pen make this both an eReader and notetaking device. No colour on this one, though a newer colour model is coming soon.

Kobo vs Kindle: feature comparison table

How to choose an eReader based on the recipient

Matching the eReader to the reader is key. As I noted earlier, casual readers will probably feel at home with the Kobo Clara BW or Kindle Paperwhite for their simplicity and readability. The thing about colour is that it’s hard to go back to simple black and white, even if text isn’t in colour or quite as sharp. The ability to highlight passages in different colours, see photo inserts in colour, and read content made for colour alters the whole experience.

Those who enjoy audiobooks or already have an Audible subscription will benefit most from Kindle’s integration. Library users and students, meanwhile, will find Kobo’s OverDrive access and varying file format support invaluable for borrowing books and accessing a broader set of content. For instance, if you like to bring PDFs to your eReader, Kobo makes that process infinitely easier.

If the person you have in mind is a note-taker or creative thinker, the Kobo Elipsa 2E or Kindle Scribe are both strong picks. Even those who like the biggest screens or may have trouble seeing text clearly on smaller displays can enjoy what these models can do. It’s just that they’re bigger and not as mobile. In contrast, frequent travelers will likely prefer something more portable and durable, which is why the Kobo Libra or Kindle Paperwhite provide that convenience and durability without sacrificing screen quality.

For younger children, Kobo doesn’t make a dedicated eReader for kids, so you could get something like the Clara and apply some parental controls on it. The Kindle Kids models are distinct in that they offer extra protection both physically with a case and visually in that they are free of ads and steer clear of inappropriate content.

Accessories that make it a perfect gift

A protective cover is easily the most common and practical accessory you can find for these eReaders. While some cases and covers are more rugged than others, and certain ones are folios that cover the screen as well, you can decide how much protection is ideal for whomever you have in mind. If they’ve owned eReaders before, you may be able to observe and get insight into what they like. Warding off scratches and nicks is key to keeping a Kobo or Kindle in good condition.

A stylus is always an option if it’s a model that supports it. The Elipsa and Scribe models come with one, whereas others supporting pen input don’t, so keep that in mind when shopping around.

Alternatively, you can gift content itself in a couple of ways. Give them a gift card for the Kobo or Kindle store and the recipient can choose their own books, or opt in for services like Kobo Plus or Kindle Unlimited. Both brands also offer ways to gift specific ebooks, which is a great way to share a bestseller or a great title from a lesser known author.

Conclusion

It’s hard to position one brand over the other as the “best” eReader because they each have their own strengths. Kobo caters to those who want more flexibility with file formats and variances in screen size and colour options. Kindle remains the go-to for audiobook enthusiasts and Amazon users deeply embedded in its ecosystem. The person you have in mind may have also made their brand choice long before, only making your decision easier.

Whichever you choose, an eReader is more than just a gadget, it represents how one prefers to read. That not only applies to the brand, but also to the presentation, content, and format.

Check out all the latest Kobo and Kindle eReaders available now, plus accessories.