The Kobo Clara Color E-Reader Is Now $40 Cheaper Than the Kindle Paperwhite.
The Kobo Clara Color has dropped from $179 to $159 on Amazon, making it an even better value than the Kindle Paperwhite , which recently jumped from $159.99 to $199.99. The biggest difference is that the Kobo offers color viewing without turning the device into a tablet. Book covers, illustrations, comics, and text highlights look more vibrant on the 6-inch E Ink Kaleido 3 display (though the color reproduction is a bit softer at 150 ppi), while regular black-and-white text still looks sharp at 300 ppi. Additionally, 16GB of storage should be enough for a large ebook collection, and there’s Bluetooth support if you want to switch to Kobo audiobooks.
Kobo’s built-in OverDrive integration is another reason the Clara Color is perfect for avid readers, as you can connect a library card and borrow supported ebooks directly from the device, rather than paying for each book you want to read. Once loaded, the device is also easy to carry for long periods—weighing 170 grams, it fits comfortably in one hand, and its IPX8 water resistance allows you to read by the pool or in the bath without worrying too much about splashes. Its recessed screen also handles outdoor glare well, and battery life can last for several weeks depending on brightness and wireless settings.
Drawbacks include the inconvenience of loading your own books—unlike the Kindle, where you can send files via email or use the “Send to Kindle” feature, the Clara Color usually requires a computer connection, as noted in a PCMag review . It also lacks the physical page-turn buttons that Kobo uses on the more expensive Libra Color. However, Kobo does have one advantage over most e-reader makers: repairability. A partnership with iFixit means you can purchase official replacement parts for components like the battery or display, rather than automatically replacing the entire device if it breaks. Overall, the Clara Color is easier to recommend, especially now that it offers a color screen, built-in library access, and water resistance for $40 less than the Kindle Paperwhite.