6 Best Alternatives to the Kobo Clara BW (2026)
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The Kobo Clara BW delivers a crisp 6-inch E Ink Carta 1300 HD display with IPX8 waterproofing and 16GB of storage. You get adjustable ComfortLight PRO for eye comfort and a pocketable build that weighs just 6.14 ounces. These specs make it a reliable choice for everyday reading in various environments. However, you might seek kobo clara bw alternatives if you need a larger screen, color capabilities, or physical page-turning buttons.
This list highlights options that share core specifications with the original device. We selected products based on overlapping features like waterproofing, storage capacity, and screen technology. Some alternatives offer color displays for comics and graphics, while others provide larger 7-inch screens or hardware buttons. You can compare these devices to find the exact combination of size, display type, and form factor that fits your reading habits. Each option retains essential traits like battery life and water resistance while introducing distinct hardware differences.
Our top pick: Kobo Clara BW 6-Inch Waterproof E-Reader.
How Each Alternative Compares
Kobo Clara Colour 6-Inch Color E-Reader
The Kobo Clara Colour (model N367-TP-BK-S-CK) swaps the original monochrome Carta 1300 HD screen for a color display. You gain the ability to view color book covers, comic illustrations, and colorful text highlights. Both devices share the same 6-inch screen diagonal, 16GB internal storage, and IPX8 water resistance rating. Physical dimensions match at 4.39 by 6.26 inches, and both weigh exactly 6.14 ounces. You also keep features like Dark Mode and audiobook support. You trade dedicated black-and-white panel clarity for full color rendering. Pick this model if your reading list contains graphic novels, colored charts, or colorful study notes within a standard pocketable frame.
Kobo Clara Colour 6-Inch Color E-Reader
This alternative Kobo Clara Colour configuration provides color display capabilities on a 6-inch screen. You gain full-color viewing for book covers and illustrations alongside multi-color digital highlighting. It matches the original Clara BW with 16GB of storage, an IPX8 waterproof rating, Dark Mode, and audiobook playback. Dimensions are identical at 4.39 inches wide, 6.26 inches long, and 0.36 inches thick, weighing 6.14 ounces. What you give up is the specialized monochrome E Ink Carta 1300 HD panel. You should pick this unit over the Clara BW if you read illustrated titles or want color organization tools while maintaining the exact same compact physical size and water protection.
Kobo Clara Colour 6-Inch Color E-Reader
The Kobo Clara Colour under model N367-TP-WH-S-CK offers a color E Ink screen in place of the Clara BW black-and-white Carta 1300 HD display. You gain color rendering for graphics, colored annotations, and covers. You retain core capabilities from the original, including 16GB of internal storage, IPX8 waterproofing, Dark Mode support, and audiobook playback. Screen size stays at 6 inches. You give up the dedicated monochrome Carta 1300 HD contrast for color layer functionality. Pick this model if you need color reading capabilities and want the Clara form factor, but prefer the N367-TP-WH-S-CK hardware version over the pure monochrome Clara BW.
Kobo Clara BW 6-Inch Waterproof E-Reader
This variant of the Kobo Clara BW shares the core monochrome specs of the primary model, featuring a 6-inch touchscreen, 16GB storage, and IPX8 water resistance. It lists slightly altered physical measurements at 0.35 inches thick, 4.41 inches wide, and 6.3 inches long, compared to the original 0.36 by 4.39 by 6.26 inches, while maintaining an identical 6.14-ounce weight. You give up no storage capacity or waterproof depth. Both devices focus on pure black-and-white reading with adjustable lighting. Choose this model listing if you want the standard Clara BW monochrome feature set under the KOBO CLARA BW (BLACK) product code.
The Kobo Clara Colour (model N367-KU-WH-K-CK) equips an E Ink Kaleido 3 color screen in a white finish, contrasting with the black Carta 1300 HD monochrome original. You gain full color support for graphic novels and library borrowing, along with multi-color highlighting. Both options offer 16GB of storage, IPX8 waterproofing, audiobook support, and Dark Mode. You give up the black body styling and the dedicated monochrome-only screen architecture. This package listing shows dimensions of 8.9 by 10.8 by 0.71 inches and a weight of 10.6 ounces. Pick this alternative if you specifically want Kaleido 3 color capabilities and a white chassis.
Kobo Libra Colour 7" E-Reader
The Kobo Libra Colour steps up to a larger 7-inch color display, physical page-turn buttons, stylus support, and 32GB of internal storage. Compared to the Clara BW, you gain an extra inch of diagonal viewing area, dedicated hardware buttons, double the storage space, and digital note-taking capability. You give up the lighter 6.14-ounce weight and smaller 4.39 by 6.26-inch footprint of the original, as the Libra Colour weighs 7.05 ounces and measures 6.34 by 5.69 by 0.33 inches. Both keep IPX8 water resistance, Dark Mode, and audiobook playback. Pick the Libra Colour if you need button navigation, stylus markup, and larger screen real estate.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
Kobo Clara BW 6-Inch Waterproof E-Reader
Best for: compact black-and-white everyday digital reading
- Screen Size
- 6"
- Storage Capacity
- 16GB
- Display Type
- E Ink Carta 1300 HD
- Front Light
- ComfortLight PRO
- Battery Life
- weeks
- Water Resistance
- IPX8
View on Amazon: Kobo Clara BW 6-Inch Waterproof E-Reader Affiliate link
The Kobo Clara BW is a compact 6-inch monochrome e-reader designed for everyday reading anywhere. You get a sharp E Ink Carta 1300 HD display, 16GB of internal storage for your ebooks or audiobooks, and IPX8 water resistance that handles submersion up to two meters. ComfortLight PRO lets you adjust brightness and color temperature. It suits you if you want a lightweight, pocket-sized device dedicated to standard black-and-white digital text.
Pros
- E Ink Carta 1300 HD glare-free touchscreen
- IPX8 water resistance up to 2 meters for 60 minutes
- ComfortLight PRO adjustable brightness and color temperature
- 16GB storage holds up to 12,000 ebooks or 75 audiobooks
Cons
- Monochrome display does not show color content
- Compact 6-inch screen provides limited space for large documents
Good fit if
- You want a 6.14-ounce e-reader with full IPX8 waterproofing.
- You read black-and-white text and want adjustable color temperature.
- You need 16GB of storage for both ebooks and audiobooks.
Skip if
- You need a color display for comics or charts.
- You want a screen larger than 6 inches.
Verdict: Kobo Clara BW 6-Inch E-Reader delivers a clear Carta 1300 HD screen, dependable IPX8 waterproofing, and 16GB storage in a pocketable build. It provides essential monochrome reading specs without extra bulk.
Kobo Clara BW 6-Inch Waterproof E-Reader
Best for: waterproof monochrome reading in any lighting
- Screen Size
- 6"
- Storage Capacity
- 16GB
- Display Type
- E Ink Carta 1300 HD
- Front Light
- ComfortLight PRO
- Battery Life
- Weeks
- Water Resistance
- IPX8
View on Amazon: Kobo Clara BW 6-Inch Waterproof E-Reader Affiliate link
The Kobo Clara BW offers a 6-inch E Ink Carta 1300 HD display paired with 16GB of internal storage. It features IPX8 water resistance, allowing submersion up to two meters for 60 minutes. Built-in ComfortLight PRO lets you adjust screen brightness and color temperature for day or night reading. This compact 6.14-ounce device fits you if you want standard monochrome text reading with reliable water protection.
Pros
- E Ink Carta 1300 HD screen with glare-free surface and Dark Mode
- IPX8 waterproof rating up to two meters for 60 minutes
- ComfortLight PRO adjusts brightness and color temperature
- 16GB storage holds up to 12,000 eBooks or 75 audiobooks
- Lightweight build at 6.14 ounces
Cons
- Monochrome display does not show color content
- Compact 6-inch screen provides limited reading area for fixed layouts
Good fit if
- You read near water and need an IPX8 waterproof rating.
- You want an adjustable front light with color temperature control.
- You prefer a compact, lightweight 6.14-ounce reading device.
Skip if
- You need a color screen for illustrated books.
- You prefer a display larger than 6 inches.
Verdict: Kobo Clara BW 6-Inch Waterproof eReader delivers crisp monochrome text and IPX8 waterproofing in a pocket-friendly frame. It is a dependable option if you need an everyday reader with adjustable light warmth.
Kobo Clara Colour 6-Inch Color E-Reader
Best for: reading color ebooks, comics, and highlights
- Screen Size
- 6"
- Storage Capacity
- 16GB
- Display Type
- Colour E Ink Kaleido 3
- Front Light
- ComfortLight PRO
- Water Resistance
- IPX8
- Features
- Waterproof, Audiobooks, Dark Mode
View on Amazon: Kobo Clara Colour 6-Inch Color E-Reader Affiliate link
The Kobo Clara Colour is a compact reading device featuring a 6-inch E Ink Kaleido 3 color screen. You get 16GB of internal storage for your ebooks and audiobooks, alongside ComfortLight PRO to adjust brightness and reduce blue light. It carries an IPX8 water resistance rating for submersion in up to two meters of water. This device suits you if you want color illustrations, covers, and highlights in a portable size.
Pros
- 6-inch E Ink Kaleido 3 color display
- IPX8 waterproof rating up to 2 meters for 60 minutes
- 16GB storage capacity with audiobook support
- ComfortLight PRO with blue light reduction and Dark Mode
Cons
- 6-inch screen provides limited space for graphic novels
- Single 16GB storage option with no expandable memory listed
Good fit if
- You want to view book covers, comics, and highlights in color.
- You read near water and need IPX8 waterproof protection.
- You want built-in audiobook playback and 16GB of storage.
Skip if
- You prefer a screen larger than 6 inches for reading.
- You only read standard black-and-white text.
Verdict: Kobo Clara Colour 6-Inch Color E-Reader adds color display capabilities and IPX8 waterproofing to a lightweight, pocket-friendly body.
Kobo Clara Colour 6-Inch Color E-Reader
Best for: compact color reading and highlighting
- Screen Size
- 6"
- Storage Capacity
- 16GB
- Display Type
- Colour E Ink
- Front Light
- ComfortLight PRO
- Battery Life
- weeks
- Water Resistance
- IPX8
View on Amazon: Kobo Clara Colour 6-Inch Color E-Reader Affiliate link
The Kobo Clara Colour brings a 6-inch color E Ink display to a compact form factor. You get 16GB of internal storage for books and audiobooks, an IPX8 waterproof rating, and ComfortLight PRO front lighting that automatically reduces blue light exposure. It suits you if you want color cover art, comics, and multi-color highlighting without moving to a larger, heavier device.
Pros
- 6-inch color E Ink screen supports multi-color highlighting and illustrations
- IPX8 waterproof rating protects against immersion up to 2 meters for 60 minutes
- ComfortLight PRO offers adjustable brightness and automatic blue-light reduction
- 16GB storage accommodates thousands of ebooks along with audiobooks
Cons
- 6-inch screen provides less reading area than 7-inch alternatives
- Audiobook listening is restricted to Bluetooth connections without a 3.5mm jack
Good fit if
- You read comics, graphic novels, or illustrated titles requiring color
- You want an IPX8 waterproof device weighing 6.14 ounces
- You need multiple highlight colors to organize notes by chapter
Skip if
- You prefer a larger 7-inch screen for wider page layouts
- You read only standard monochrome text without illustrations
Verdict: Kobo Clara Colour 6-Inch eReader delivers color illustrations and IPX8 waterproofing in a pocket-sized 6.14-ounce body. It is a capable upgrade if you need color highlighting and book covers on a 6-inch display.
Kobo Clara Colour 6-Inch Color E-Reader
Best for: color reading in a waterproof 6-inch format
- Screen Size
- 6"
- Storage Capacity
- 16GB
- Display Type
- E Ink Kaleido 3
- Front Light
- ComfortLight PRO
- Battery Life
- weeks
- Water Resistance
- IPX8
View on Amazon: Kobo Clara Colour 6-Inch Color E-Reader Affiliate link
The Kobo Clara Colour upgrades the standard reading experience with a 6-inch E Ink Kaleido 3 color screen. You get 16GB of built-in storage for up to 12,000 ebooks or 75 audiobooks, alongside ComfortLight PRO to reduce blue light exposure. It also features IPX8 water protection for reading near pools or baths. This model suits you if you want color illustrations, covers, and multicolor highlighting in a compact design.
Pros
- 6-inch E Ink Kaleido 3 color display
- IPX8 water resistance up to two meters for 60 minutes
- ComfortLight PRO front light with blue light reduction
- 16GB storage capacity holds ebooks and audiobooks
Cons
- Compact 6-inch display limits viewing size for complex graphics
- No expandable memory card slot
Good fit if
- You read comics, graphic novels, or illustrated ebooks in full color.
- You want built-in multicolor highlighting tools for notes.
- You need IPX8 waterproof protection for reading near water.
Skip if
- You prefer a screen larger than 6 inches for reading.
- You exclusively read monochrome text and do not need color.
Verdict: Kobo Clara Colour 6-Inch E-Reader delivers color E Ink technology, IPX8 waterproofing, and 16GB capacity in a portable build. It serves as a full-featured color alternative to standard monochrome readers.
Kobo Libra Colour 7-Inch Waterproof E-Reader
Best for: Readers wanting larger color screens
- Screen Size
- 7"
- Display Type
- Color E Ink Kaleido 3
- Water Resistance
- Waterproof
- Features
- Waterproof, Audiobooks, Dark Mode
- Color
- Black
- Dimensions
- 6.34 × 5.69 × 0.13 inches
View on Amazon: Kobo Libra Colour 7-Inch Waterproof E-Reader Affiliate link
The Kobo Libra Colour is a 7-inch color e-reader using E Ink Kaleido 3 technology. It features a waterproof design and supports dark mode. At 7.05 ounces, it is slightly heavier than the 6-inch Clara BW models on this list. This device suits readers who want larger screens and color visuals for comics or graphic novels.
Pros
- 7-inch Color E Ink Kaleido 3 display
- Waterproof construction
- Dark Mode support
- 7.05 ounces weight
Cons
- 7.05 ounces is heavier than the 6-inch Kobo Clara BW
- 7-inch screen is larger than the 6-inch Clara BW
Good fit if
- You want a larger 7-inch screen for comics
- You need waterproof protection for reading
- You prefer color E Ink displays
Skip if
- You prefer the lighter 6-inch form factor
- You only read black and white text
- You want the smallest possible device
Verdict: Kobo Libra Colour 7" E Ink offers a larger color screen and waterproof build, making it a solid choice for graphic novel readers who do not mind the extra weight.
Kobo Libra Colour 7" E-Reader
Best for: 7-inch color reading with page buttons
- Screen Size
- 7"
- Storage Capacity
- 32GB
- Display Type
- Colour E Ink Kaleido 3
- Stylus Support
- Kobo Stylus 2 compatible
- Battery Life
- weeks
- Water Resistance
- IPX8
View on Amazon: Kobo Libra Colour 7" E-Reader Affiliate link
The Kobo Libra Colour gives you a 7-inch Colour E Ink Kaleido 3 display, physical page-turn buttons, and 32GB of storage. It steps up from standard 6-inch monochrome screens by adding full-color support and notebook features with optional Kobo Stylus 2 compatibility. You get an IPX8 waterproof build that handles submersion up to two meters. Choose this model if you need extra screen space, physical buttons, and color markups.
Pros
- 7-inch Colour E Ink Kaleido 3 screen
- Physical page-turn buttons with screen rotation
- 32GB storage for eBooks and audiobooks
- IPX8 waterproof up to 2 meters for 60 minutes
Cons
- Kobo Stylus 2 sold separately
- Heavier at 7.05 ounces than 6-inch e-readers
Good fit if
- You want physical page-turn buttons and landscape orientation.
- You read color graphic novels, comics, or illustrated eBooks.
- You need 32GB of space for audiobooks and color notes.
Skip if
- You want a standard monochrome black-and-white display.
- You prefer a lighter 6-inch form factor for small pockets.
- You expect an included stylus in the box.
Verdict: Kobo Libra Colour 7" E-Reader provides a larger color display and hardware page buttons over standard monochrome 6-inch readers. Its 32GB storage and stylus support make it a versatile upgrade if you need color and note-taking.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Kobo Clara BW 6-Inch Waterproof E-Reader | Kobo Clara BW 6-Inch Waterproof E-Reader | Kobo Clara Colour 6-Inch Color E-Reader | Kobo Clara Colour 6-Inch Color E-Reader | Kobo Clara Colour 6-Inch Color E-Reader | Kobo Libra Colour 7-Inch Waterproof E-Reader | Kobo Libra Colour 7" E-Reader |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 6" | 6" | 6" | 6" | 6" | 7" | 7" |
| Storage Capacity | 16GB | 16GB | 16GB | 16GB | 16GB | not stated | 32GB |
| Display Type | E Ink Carta 1300 HD | E Ink Carta 1300 HD | Colour E Ink Kaleido 3 | Colour E Ink | E Ink Kaleido 3 | Color E Ink Kaleido 3 | Colour E Ink Kaleido 3 |
| Front Light | ComfortLight PRO | ComfortLight PRO | ComfortLight PRO | ComfortLight PRO | ComfortLight PRO | not stated | not stated |
| Stylus Support | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | Kobo Stylus 2 compatible |
| Battery Life | weeks | Weeks | not stated | weeks | weeks | not stated | weeks |
| Water Resistance | IPX8 | IPX8 | IPX8 | IPX8 | IPX8 | Waterproof | IPX8 |
| Storage | 16GB | 16GB | 16GB | 16GB | 16GB | not stated | not stated |
| Features | Waterproof, Audiobooks, Dark Mode, Touchscreen | Waterproof, Audiobooks, Dark Mode, Touchscreen | Waterproof, Audiobooks, Dark Mode | Waterproof, Audiobooks, Dark Mode | Waterproof, Audiobooks, Dark Mode | Waterproof, Audiobooks, Dark Mode | Waterproof, Audiobooks, Dark Mode |
| Color | Black | Black | Black | Black | not stated | Black | Black |
| Dimensions | 6.26 × 4.39 × 0.36 inches | 6.3 × 0.35 × 4.41 inches | 6.26 × 4.39 × 0.36 inches | 6.26 × 4.39 × 0.36 inches | not stated | 6.34 × 5.69 × 0.13 inches | 5.69 × 0.33 × 6.34 inches |
| Weight | 6.14 ounces | 6.14 ounces | 6.14 ounces | 6.14 ounces | not stated | 7.05 ounces | 7.05 ounces |
| Model | N365-TP-BK-S-EP | KOBO CLARA BW (BLACK) | N367-TP-BK-S-CK | KOBO CLARA COLOUR (BLACK) | N367-TP-WH-S-CK | N428-TP-BK-S-CK | N428-KU-BK-K-CK |
| Size | not stated | 6" | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
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Frequently asked questions
Is there a color version of the Kobo Clara?
Yes, the Kobo Clara Colour offers a 6-inch display with color E Ink technology. It retains the IPX8 waterproof rating and 16GB storage of the black-and-white model. This device is designed for readers who want to view color book covers, comic illustrations, and colorful highlights without adding bulk to their pocketable device.
Does the Kobo Clara Colour support audiobooks?
Yes, the Kobo Clara Colour includes built-in audiobook support. You can listen to audio files directly on the 6-inch device. This feature allows you to switch seamlessly between reading text and listening to narrated content while maintaining the same compact, waterproof design found in the standard Clara models.
What is the screen size of the Kobo Libra Colour?
The Kobo Libra Colour features a 7-inch display, which is larger than the 6-inch Clara screens. It uses E Ink Kaleido 3 technology for color rendering. This larger format provides more reading area while remaining lightweight at 7.05 ounces, making it suitable for those who prefer bigger text or images.
Does the Kobo Libra Colour have physical page-turn buttons?
Yes, the Kobo Libra Colour includes hardware page buttons for navigation. These buttons allow you to turn pages without touching the screen, which is useful when reading with one hand. This feature distinguishes it from the Clara series, which relies solely on a touchscreen interface for page turning.
Is the Kobo Libra Colour waterproof?
Yes, the Kobo Libra Colour is IPX8 rated for water resistance. You can read in the bath or by the pool without worrying about damage. This durability matches the waterproofing found in the 6-inch Clara models, ensuring protection against accidental submersion in fresh water.
Does the Kobo Libra Colour support stylus input?
Yes, the Kobo Libra Colour supports stylus input for note-taking. It also offers 32GB of storage, which is double the capacity of the Clara models. This combination makes it a versatile choice for readers who want to annotate PDFs or highlight text with color on the larger 7-inch display.
What storage capacity do the Kobo Clara models have?
All listed Kobo Clara models, including the Colour variants, come with 16GB of internal storage. This capacity is sufficient for thousands of ebooks and audiobooks. It provides ample space for your library without requiring external memory cards or cloud reliance for offline access.
How thick is the Kobo Clara Colour compared to the Clara BW?
The Kobo Clara Colour is 0.36 inches thick, while the Clara BW is 0.35 inches thick. Both devices maintain a pocketable profile with similar dimensions. The slight thickness difference does not significantly impact portability, allowing you to carry either device comfortably in a jacket pocket or small bag.