What’s the difference between the Kobo Libra 2 and Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021)?
Choosing the best ereader is not easy. Do you go for the market leader, Amazon’s Kindle, and if so, what’s the best Kindle? Or do you try a different brand, like Kobo (which has also been around a long time, since 2010)? Both Amazon and Kobo sell ebooks and audiobooks, as well as their stable of ereaders, but it’s the Kobo Libra 2 and the latest Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021) that are the most popular.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Kobo Libra 2 and the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 2021, including how they compare to each other and which one is best for you.
These ereaders both launched in September 2021. The Kobo Libra 2 costs $179 / £160 / AU$279 and has 32GB of storage. The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021) sells for $139.99 / £129.99 / AU$199.99 and has 8GB storage. However, in addition to the standard Paperwhite, there’s also the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (2021), which sells for $189.99 / £179.99 / AU$289, and has 32GB storage, wireless charging and an auto-adjusting front light.
Both ereaders have large displays, with the Libra 2 offering a 7-inch screen to the Paperwhite’s 6.8-inch. At 144.6 x 161.6 x 9mm and weighing 215g, the Libra 2 is slightly heavier yet has a smaller footprint. The Paperwhite measures 174.2 x 124.6 x 8.1 mm and weighs 205g. The Libra 2 has a plastic screen while the Paperwhite’s is glass.
Something else to think about when choosing between the Libra 2 and the Paperwhite is capacity, The Libra 2 offers 32GB as standard, which is good for thousands of ebooks or about 140 audiobooks. That will be overkill for many. The default Paperwhite offers 8GB – a respectable 35 audiobooks – while the step-up Paperwhite Signature Edition offers the same 32GB as the Libra 2.
