ConsFirst / E-readers / Compare
Kobo Clara BW vs Kobo Clara Colour
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Kobo Clara BW ranks higher (#3 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on screen. Kobo Clara Colour wins on battery, ease of use.
The biggest complaint about the Kobo Clara BW is shorter real-world battery than kindle; for the Kobo Clara Colour it's color costs text clarity. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Kobo Clara BW | Kobo Clara Colour | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in e-readers | #3 | #4 |
| Price tier | $$ | $$ |
| Type | E-reader | Color e-reader |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 12% | 8% |
| Overall score | 3.9 | 3.9 |
| Screen | 4.5 | 3.5 |
| Battery | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| Book store & formats | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Ease of use | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| Build & durability | 4.0 | 4.0 |
Price tiers: $ under $120 · $$ $120–250 · $$$ over $250. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Kobo Clara BW
- Shorter real-world battery than Kindle
Kobo claims up to 53 days, but Wirecutter's reviewer got just a few weeks at higher brightness, versus about six weeks for the basic Kindle and two-plus months for the Paperwhite.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT) - Software crashes
Amazon's review summary says the software gets mixed feedback, with some owners reporting crashes.
- Small screen, plain build, no cloud transfer
TechRadar lists no cloud file transfer, a dated plastic design, and a 6-inch screen that some may find small. It also notes only Kobo-store audiobooks will play. Engadget notes Kobo's store is smaller than Kindle's.
Kobo Clara Colour
- Color costs text clarity
TechRadar says black-and-white text lacks contrast. Engadget says color adds slight noise to white areas and reduces text clarity. Amazon's summary says some owners find the screen grainy.
- Muted color and slower refresh
Wirecutter says color E Ink brings slower refresh, lower resolution and a limited color range that can look washed out, and all of these apply to this Kaleido 3 screen.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT) - Small screen, grainy plastic
TechRadar says 6 inches may be too small, especially for comics. Engadget says the plastic is grainier and the bezels sit less flush than on rivals.
Who should pick which
Pick the Kobo Clara BW if
Readers who want to avoid Amazon's ecosystem
Library borrowers (OverDrive built in)
Sideloading EPUBs over USB
Skip it if: You already own a big Kindle library; You want the longest time between charges; You want a screen bigger than 6 inches
Pick the Kobo Clara Colour if
A first color e-reader on a budget
Library borrowers (OverDrive built in)
Ad-free, waterproof reading
Skip it if: You mostly read plain text (the Clara BW is sharper); You want a bigger screen for comics; You're invested in Kindle books
We don't list prices — they change daily. Paid links.