Kobo Aura HD

Overview

TechSpot Metascore

Based on 34 expert reviews

Excellent:

9
Good:

18
Average:

7
Bad:

0

Pros:

Large, sharp E Ink display.
Angled back is comfortable to hold.
Bright-white illumination.

Cons:

High-resolution display translates to smallish navigational text.
Hefty and larger than competing e-readers.

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Last revision on April 8, 2016

Reviewers Liked

Large, sharp E Ink display
Angled back is comfortable to hold
Bright-white illumination
Fast page turns
Soothing edge lighting for dark rooms
Excellent font customization options
Informative current progress display
Plenty of storage plus a memory card slot

Reviewers Didn't Like

High-resolution display translates to smallish navigational text
Hefty and larger than competing e-readers
Larger display levies major price premium
Thicker and heavier than competing readers
Hard plastic housing feels a little flimsy
Inconsistent touch response on occasion

Competitors and Related Products

Our editors hand-pick related products using a variety of criteria: direct competitors targeting the same market segment, or devices that are similar in size, performance, or feature sets.

Expert reviews and ratings

The Kobo Aura HD has many great features, including the ability to download a large variety of document files, but it doesn't have the same value as other eBook...

By TopTenREVIEWS on October 22, 2014

This reader's got solid specs, but price and size constraints will likely hamper wide...

By Engadget on January 17, 2014

100

The Kobo Aura HD is the best eReader on the market. It's got the best display by far, and also the best ergonomic design. However, for this design and, particularly, its display, you are paying a premium. The Kobo Aura HD retails for £139.99. It is...

By Know Your Mobile on November 29, 2013

Back in April of this year, Kobo raised the bar on screen quality with the release of its Kobo Aura HD product. This model featured a 6.8-inch WXGA+ Pearl E Ink touch screen with a resolution of 1440 x 1080. Now Kobo has produced another model in the...

By GadgetSpeak on October 24, 2013

100

No manufacturer of ebook readers has come closer to matching Amazon with the quality of its devices than Kobo, and it aims to snatch the lead with its latest model, the Aura HD. It's marketed as the Porsche of ebook readers, and at first glance it looks...

By crn.com.au on July 18, 2013

By PC Authority on July 15, 2013

Although rather plasticky just like the Amazon Kindle, the Aura HD felt to us like a better quality product – even with all the snags and problems we experienced getting our own books onto it. In the end comfort of reading is what e-readers are also all about, and this device can provide just that.

By PCAdvisor on July 08, 2013

The Kobo family has been joined by Aura HD – an eReader with integrated front light and high-resolution screen. The Japanese company's new top ebook reader can now pitch against the competing Amazon Kindle Paperwhite . Take a look at our review of the...

By PC Advisor on July 08, 2013

It has a market-leading screen, but the Aura HD isn’t perfect and the Kindle is cheaper...

By Expert Reviews on June 14, 2013

100

The Kobo Aura HD is a breakthrough in readability. The light lights the screen consistently across the display, and it isn't overkill. The only real snag is that while the bigger-than-usual screen makes reading easier on the eyes, it may scare away...

By DigitalVersus on May 30, 2013

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Kobo Aura HD

Overview

Pros & Cons

Reviews

TechSpot Metascore

Pros:

Cons:

Reviewers Liked

Reviewers Didn't Like

Competitors and Related Products

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Kobo Arc 10HD

Barnes & Noble Nook HD+

Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 8.9

Expert reviews and ratings