Nook versus Kobo: Which e-Reader Is Right for You?
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If you’re looking for a new e-reader but aren’t sure which one to get, this Nook versus Kobo comparison will come in handy.
Both offer impressive features, but there are a few key differences. We’ll walk you through the main ones such as screen size, battery life, design, and price so you can make an informed decision.
We focused on the latest models – the Nook GlowLight 4E and the Kobo Elipsa 2, but most key differences between the two brands stand even for older models.
Nook versus Kobo: features
Here’s a quick look at the main differences between the two. You can find more in depth info down below.
| Feature | Nook GlowLight 4E | Kobo Elipsa 2E |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 7.8 inches | 10.3 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 300 PPI | 227 PPI |
| Surface | E-ink | E-ink |
| Adjustable light | Yes | Yes |
| Storage | 32 GB, plus NOOK cloud storage | 32 GB |
| Manual Annotation | Basic (highlight text, type notes) | Handwritten notes, PDF annotation, handwriting-to-text |
| Stylus Support | No | Yes (included) |
| Battery Life | 1.5 to 2 weeks (moderate usage) | 1.5 to 2 weeks (moderate usage) |
| Audio Support | Bluetooth + headphone jack | Bluetooth only |
| Content Library | Access to Barnes & Noble Store (EPUB) | Access to Kobo Store (EPUB, PDF, CBZ/CBR) |
| Price | $167.99 | $349.99 |
Screen
Nook GlowLight 4 features a 7.8 inch screen with a 300 PPI resolution. The size is pretty standard for most basic e-readers, but the resolution is above average.
This pixel density ensures clear text and images, making it ideal for long reading sessions. Your eyes won’t tire.
It uses e-Ink and we can attest- there’s no glare, no reflection. From this point of view, the experience is similar to reading from paper. It’s comparable to Kindle Paperwhite.
Additionally, the Nook has a highly versatile natural light adjustment feature. You can go from pure white to orange in just a few moves. This makes reading comfortable in pretty much any circumstance.
Moving on to Kobo, the latest model Kobo Elipsa 2E has a much larger screen – 10.3 inches.
This makes it a great choice if you read essays, academic papers, and other documents that may contain large images, graphs, and schemes. This can however make it less portable than the Nook.
Kobo also uses e-Ink and offers very similar adjustable lighting features that go from pure white to orange tones.
The resolution is 1872 x 1404 (227 PPI), slightly lower than the Nook’s 300 PPI but still offers a sharp, high-quality reading experience.
Storage
Both Nook Glowlight 4 and Kobo Elipsa 2E offer 32 GB of storage. This is plenty of storage space for eBooks and audiobooks.
On top of that, Nook also offers free access to the NOOK cloud where you can store all books and content bought from the NOOK Store.
32 GB storage space means that it’s pretty much impossible to run out of space. You can add tens of thousands of ePubs to your ebook reader.
Design
The Nook GlowLight has that classic e-reader feel: compact, lightweight, and with rounded edges. It’s a bit bulkier than some, but the physical page-turner buttons make up for that big time.
If you’ve ever accidentally turned too many pages by pressing too hard on a touchscreen, you’ll appreciate how much easier it is to stay on track with this feature.
The Kobo Elipsa 2E, on the other hand, has a much more modern vibe. It’s sleek, with a larger screen and square edges, giving it a minimalist, contemporary look. The menu is clutter-free, making navigation easy.
It comes with a handy stylus comfortably embedded in the reader’s case.
You can quickly access it whenever you need it and make sure it never gets lost. Plus the annotation capabilities are endless. We’ll talk more about that below.
Annotation
| Feature | Nook GlowLight 4 | Kobo Elipsa 2E |
| Manual Annotation | Basic note-taking (highlight text, type notes) | Handwritten notes, PDF annotation, handwriting-to-text |
| Stylus Support | No | Yes, included |
| Handwritten Notes | No | Yes |
| PDF Annotation | No | Yes |
| Handwriting-to-Text | No | Yes |
| Text Highlighting | Yes | Yes |
| Note Organization | Limited (typed notes) | Yes, save and organize notes |
Note-taking and annotation are where the two e-book readers differ the most. The Nook GlowLight 4 supports basic note-taking: you can highlight text and enter a few notes using the on-screen keyboard.
On the other hand, the Kobo Elipsa 2E excels at personalized note-taking. You can create handwritten notes with the stylus, annotate PDFs, and even convert handwriting to digital text.
It’s much more versatile and a great tool if you’re studying or working with detailed content.
Battery life
Both e-readers have strong batteries that perform well. With moderate usage (2 hours a day, with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on), both can last between 1.5 to 2 weeks.
The Kobo Elipsa 2E features a 2400mAh battery, while the Nook GlowLight 4 Plus has a slightly larger 2500mAh battery.
The performance is very similar, and you can reliably count on both readers to get through your daily reading sessions without frequent charging.
Audio support
The Nook GlowLight 4 Plus lets you listen to audiobooks with both Bluetooth and a headphone jack, so you can use wired or wireless headphones.
The Kobo Elipsa 2E only supports Bluetooth for audio. When it comes to audio file formats, the Nook supports MP3 and AAC, while the Kobo supports MP3, M4A, and AAC,
Content library access
The Nook offers access to the Barnes & Noble Store, where you can find eBooks, audiobooks, and even magazines.
The primary format is EPUB, and to add books from other sources, you have to transfer them manually through your computer.
Similarly, Kobo gives you access to the Kobo Store, which has a wide range of books and audiobooks.
Formats supported include EPUB, PDF, and CBZ/CBR.
If you buy your books from other stores, the process is the same as it is with Nook: download the books on your computer, convert and transfer them to your Kobo via USB.
Price
The Nook GlowLight 4E is priced at $167.99, making it a great option for those who want a solid e-reader without breaking the bank.
It’s much more affordable than comparable e-readers like the Kindle Paperwhite, which is around $250.
On the other hand, the premium-tier features like the built-in stylus, manual annotation, and larger screen are reflected in the Kobo Elipsa 2E’s price, which is currently $349.99.
It’s a notably higher price, but it can be worth it if you really make use of those extra features.
Nook versus Kobo: verdict
While both are ebook readers with e-Ink and adjustable lighting, Nook and Kobo offer pretty distinct experiences.
If you read and annotate in regular places and want to keep tabs on your notes without much hassle, Kobo is a much better choice, being an all-in-one solution.
It’s great for students, professionals, or anyone who needs to interact deeply with their reading materials.
On the other hand, if you just want a straightforward ebook reader with high resolution, good battery life, and enough space to fit all the books you desire, then Nook is more than enough.
It comes down to your own needs and how you plan to use your ebook reader.
We hope this quick review helped you get a clearer view of what the two options offer. Let us know what you think about these two ebook readers. And if you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to ask.
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