Like the Kobo Sage, the Libra 2 charges via USB-C, so you can finally get rid of those old micro USB cables you were using just for ebook readers. The Libra 2 is waterproof, though, so you don't have to worry about reading in the tub. I prefer flat fronts because they're less likely to attract dirt and sand than recessed screens. With Kobo, you have to pay for the much pricier Forma or Sage models for that feature. The reader's 7-inch screen is still recessed, whereas Amazon's Paperwhite now has a flat-front screen. The screen's light goes from blue to yellow It doesn't automatically dim based on ambient light like the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, however. The Libra's color-changing light goes from blue to yellow and can change automatically based on a clock, which makes for the ideal reading experience based on the time of day. Pages turn noticeably quicker than on the Libra H2O when you compare them side by side the Libra 2 should hold the same performance advantage against Kobo's Clara HD and Nia. It uses a 7-inch, 300ppi E Ink Carta 1200 screen, the same new panel as on Kobo's 10-inch Elipsa and the latest Kindle Paperwhite. Those larger models feel a bit overbalanced toward the top of the device.Īt 5.7 by 6.4 by 0.3 inches (HWD) and 7.6 ounces, the Libra 2 is a bit heavier than its predecessor (5.7 by 6.3 by 0.3 inches, 6.8 ounces), but is still comfortable to hold in one hand by its dedicated grip area. The Libra 2 and the Kindle Oasis have the right balance the Kobo Forma and Sage don't. The Libra 2's grip is more softly curved than the Libra H2O's more angled design.īalance is very important for an ebook reader, especially for models like the Libra 2 that are meant to be held by the edge. The Libra, on the other hand, has a real grip area on the side, with physical page-turn buttons. This design can make it a little difficult to know where to put your hand when you're reading. For example, models up to and including the Kindle Paperwhite tend to be almost all display and rely on a touch screen for navigation. With the Libra, Kobo takes a very different design philosophy than Amazon does with its Kindles. The Libra 2 (left) has a less angled grip area than the Libra H2O (right) Despite this trend, Kobo's Libra 2 still builds in physical page-turn buttons and an area to grip the device, thus evoking a more book-like experience. A Refined Grip and PerformanceĮbook reader owners tend to like the restfulness and physicality of books, but less expensive models have been paring away at the physical buttons that bind them to their physical counterparts and moving toward touch screens. But for everyone else, the $139.99 Kindle Paperwhite is our Editors' Choice winner.

If you're looking for a non-Kindle ebook reader, the Libra 2 is definitely the one to get. We'd like to see Kobo open up the device’s Bluetooth features, however, with support for audiobooks outside of the company's own selection. As with other Kobo readers we’ve reviewed, we like how the Libra 2 supports more formats and works more seamlessly with public libraries than Amazon's Kindles. The Libra 2’s improvements over its predecessor, the Libra H2O, aren't groundbreaking, but a better handgrip, an updated display, and USB-C charging are all welcome changes. The Kobo Clara 2E sells for $129 and the Kobo Libra 2 sells for $179.Kobo's $179.99 Libra 2 is the latest device in its lineup of ebook readers with physical page-turn buttons. The Libra 2 is available in black or white, and the Clara is available in black only (the back is blue). The Kobo Libra 2 weighs 215 grams and measures 144.6 x 161.6 x 9 mm the Kobo Clara 2E weighs 171 grams and measures 112.05 x 159.02 x 8.66 mm. The Kobo Libra 2 has a rotation sensor to switch hands and to use landscape mode the Clara does not support rotating or landscape mode. The Kobo Clara 2E supports dual band WiFi the Libra 2 only supports single band WiFi. The Kobo Clara 2E has 16GB of storage and the Libra 2 has 32GB. The Kobo Libra has a 7-inch screen with page buttons and the Kobo Clara 2E has a 6-inch screen with no page buttons. See my Kobo Clara 2E review and Kobo Libra 2 review for more details about each model. Both are waterproof, both have USB-C ports, both have frontlights with adjustable color temperature, and both offer the same general reading experience. Basically it comes down to a smaller device that’s more portable versus a larger device with page buttons.

Kobo clara hd vs kobo h20