Are you searching for an e-reader with impressive battery life, portability, and a vibrant color display? Look no further than the Kobo Clara Colour. A veteran in the e-reader arena, Kobo has consistently delivered quality devices, and the Clara Colour is no exception. This compact e-reader boasts weeks of battery life and a sharp, color-rich display, making it a compelling alternative to the more expensive Kindle Colorsoft. But can it truly dethrone the reigning champion? Let’s delve into a comprehensive review to find out.
Kobo Clara Colour Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Size | 112 x 160 x 9.2mm |
| Weight | 174 grams |
| Display | 6-inch 300ppi (black and white), 150ppi (color) |
| Storage | 16GB |
| Battery Life | Up to 42 days |
| Charging | USB-C |
| Durability | IPX8 |
| Colors | Black |
Design and Durability
The front of the Kobo Clara Colour on a bookcase.
E-readers prioritize functionality over flashy aesthetics, often opting for durable plastic constructions. The Kobo Clara Colour follows this trend with its black recycled plastic body and textured back. While it feels sturdy, the smooth plastic can be surprisingly slippery. The recessed power button is a welcome addition, preventing accidental presses.
The back of the Kobo Clara Colour on a bookcase.
The 6-inch e-ink display is surrounded by thick bezels, providing ample grip space, which is crucial given the device’s slippery nature. The IPX8 water-resistance rating is a significant advantage, allowing for worry-free reading near water. However, the lack of dust resistance is a minor drawback. Kobo’s partnership with iFixit for repairability is commendable, extending the device’s lifespan. While functional, the Clara Colour’s design is undeniably understated.
Display Quality
Holding the Kobo Clara Colour in one hand.
The Clara Colour’s 6-inch Kaleido 3 color touchscreen offers a 300ppi resolution for black and white content and 150ppi for color. While smaller than some competitors, the display is remarkably sharp. Black and white text appears crisp, and color images, while slightly muted, resemble watercolors, providing a pleasant reading experience. Occasional ghosting can occur, but it’s infrequent and easily mitigated by adjusting the refresh rate.
Performance and Battery
The bottom of the Kobo Clara Colour, and the USB-C port.
Powered by a dual 2.0GHz processor, the Clara Colour delivers generally snappy performance for an e-reader. Navigating menus and turning pages is smooth, though color content, particularly large PDFs, can cause slight slowdowns. The 16GB storage, while sufficient for standard ebooks, may feel limiting for audiobook listeners or those with extensive color content libraries.
The Kobo Clara Colour in an ugly vase.
Battery life is exceptional, as expected from an e-reader. Kobo’s claim of 42 days holds true with moderate usage. The USB-C charging is convenient, and even short charging sessions provide ample reading time.
Reading and Audiobook Experience
Reading on the Kobo Clara Colour.
The Clara Colour excels at its primary function: reading. The sharp display and responsive performance create a seamless experience. Customizable tap zones and a convenient brightness control further enhance usability. Audiobook functionality is present, requiring Bluetooth headphones or a speaker. While functional, the audiobook interface lacks some advanced features found in dedicated audiobook players.
Listing to an audiobook on the Kobo Clara Colour.
Software and Kobo Store
The My Books page on the Kobo Clara Colour and Kobo Clara.
Kobo’s proprietary software is straightforward and functional, providing access to the Kobo Store, library management, and settings. While not particularly innovative, it’s efficient and easy to navigate. The lack of wireless sideloading for ebooks is a notable downside, requiring a USB connection for transferring files.
The settings page in the Kobo Clara Colour.
The Kobo Store offers a wide selection of ebooks, magazines, and manga. While the Kindle Store might have a slight edge in deals and self-published content, Kobo’s price match guarantee and Kobo Plus subscription service make it a viable alternative.
Overdrive on the Kobo Clara Colour.
Price and Availability
The Rakuten Kobo logo on the Kobo Clara Colour.
The Kobo Clara Colour is readily available for $160, significantly undercutting the Kindle Colorsoft. Its combination of features and competitive price makes it a compelling option for budget-conscious readers.
Migrating from Kindle
The Kobo Clara Colour and Kindle.
Switching from Kindle to Kobo unfortunately means leaving your Amazon ebook library behind due to DRM restrictions. This is a significant consideration for those with extensive Kindle libraries.
Should You Buy the Kobo Clara Colour?
Reading on the Kobo Clara Colour.
The Kobo Clara Colour is a resounding yes for anyone seeking a color e-reader without breaking the bank. Its excellent display, compact design, long battery life, and affordable price make it a strong contender. While the limited storage and lack of wireless sideloading are minor drawbacks, they are easily overshadowed by its overall value. If color is a priority, the Kobo Clara Colour is a compelling choice in 2025.
