The Kobo Clara BW is a solid, well-built monochrome e-reader that is perfect for those who prioritize a lightweight, waterproof device with excellent library integration. However, because it is priced so close to the more powerful Kobo Clara Colour, most users will find better overall value by opting for the color model instead. Unless you have a strong preference for black-and-white screens or find the BW at a significant discount, the Clara Colour is the more logical purchase.
Video reviews
Pros
- Excellent, high-contrast monochrome screen
- Lightweight and highly portable size
- Full IPX8 waterproof rating
- Integrated support for OverDrive library lending
- Eco-conscious, repairable design
Cons
- Price is very close to the more capable Kobo Clara Colour
- Build feels plasticky and utilitarian
- Only 16GB of storage
- Lacks Dropbox and Google Drive integration
Safety signals
Facts
Better options
Why switch: For only a small price increase ($20), it offers a faster processor and a color screen, making it a better value proposition for most users.
If you only need a monochrome e-reader, this previous generation model performs almost identically to the Clara BW and is often cheaper.
Based on 8 sources
Kobo Clara BW | Rakuten Kobo eReader Store United StatesKobo Clara BW Review - Is it Really Better?Kobo Clara BW Review - Trusted ReviewsDevice review - Kobo Clara BW - Review, impressions, comparison (with PocketBook) | eReadersForum.comKobo Clara BW | Rakuten Kobo eReader Store AustraliaFull Review of the Rakuten Kobo Clara BW E-Reader - Good e-ReaderKobo Clara BW review: It's great, but I don't know why it exists - Digital TrendsKobo Clara BW review: The best budget eReader in Malaysia? | Price Shop MalaysiaBuyer reports
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