Kobo (officially Rakuten Kobo Inc.) is a Canadian digital reading company that develops eReaders, distributes eBooks and audiobooks, and provides reading applications for smartphones, tablets, and computers. Founded in 2009 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Kobo has grown into one of the world’s leading digital reading platforms and is a subsidiary of the Japanese technology company Rakuten Group. [1]

Kobo began in 2009 under the name Shortcovers, a digital reading initiative created by the Canadian bookstore chain Indigo Books & Music. Shortly after its launch, the company rebranded as Kobo, a name derived as an anagram of the word “book.” [2]

The company quickly expanded its digital bookstore and introduced its own eReader devices, competing directly with Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble Nook.

In 2012, Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten Group acquired Kobo, allowing it to expand internationally while maintaining its headquarters in Canada. Under Rakuten’s ownership, Kobo has continued to develop new hardware, software, and digital reading services. [3]

Kobo describes its mission as bringing the power of reading to everyone by combining the experience of a neighborhood bookstore with modern digital technology. Its platform aims to provide:

• A wide selection of books

• Freedom to read on multiple devices

• Comfortable long-form reading

• Support for independent authors

• Access to digital libraries worldwide [4]

Kobo eReaders

Kobo designs dedicated e-ink reading devices known for their paper-like displays and long battery life. Popular models include:

• Kobo Clara BW

• Kobo Clara Colour

• Kobo Libra Colour

• Kobo Sage

• Kobo Elipsa 2E

Many models feature:

• E Ink displays

• Adjustable ComfortLight lighting

• Waterproof construction (selected models)

• USB-C charging

• Bluetooth audiobook support

• Stylus compatibility on premium models

• Support for EPUB and PDF formats [5]

Kobo Bookstore

Kobo operates one of the world’s largest digital bookstores, offering:

• Over 5 million eBooks

• Audiobooks

• Comics

• Manga

• Children’s books

• Academic titles

• Magazines (in selected markets) [6]

Kobo App

The Kobo app is available for:

• Android

• iPhone/iPad

• Windows

• macOS

Users can synchronize reading progress, bookmarks, highlights, and purchased content across devices through their Kobo account. [7]

Some of Kobo’s notable features include:

ComfortLight PRO

Automatically adjusts screen brightness and reduces blue light for nighttime reading.

EPUB Support

Unlike Amazon Kindle, Kobo natively supports the open EPUB format, making it easier to import books from multiple sources.

Library Borrowing

In many countries, Kobo devices integrate with public library services (such as OverDrive), allowing users to borrow digital books directly on compatible devices.

Pocket Integration

Users can save web articles to Pocket and read them later on Kobo eReaders.

Writing and Annotation

Premium models support handwritten notes and annotations using the Kobo Stylus. [8]

Kobo provides several digital services:

• Kobo Plus (subscription reading service in supported regions)

• Kobo Writing Life (self-publishing platform for authors)

• Digital audiobook marketplace

• Reading recommendations

• Personalized book collections [9]

Kobo Writing Life allows independent authors and publishers to:

• Publish eBooks

• Sell internationally

• Set pricing

• Track sales

• Reach Kobo readers worldwide

It serves as Kobo’s equivalent to Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). [10]

Kobo competes with several digital reading platforms, including:

• Amazon Kindle

• Barnes & Noble Nook

• Onyx Boox

• PocketBook

• Apple Books

• Google Play Books

Kobo is often recognized for its openness to standard eBook formats and broad ecosystem compatibility. [11]

Kobo serves readers in more than 190 countries through localized online bookstores, mobile apps, and retail partnerships. Its services are available in multiple languages and support a wide range of regional markets. [12]

Common strengths associated with Kobo include:

• Native EPUB support

• Long battery life

• High-quality E Ink displays

• Open ecosystem compared to some competitors

• Public library integration in supported regions

• Comfortable reading experience

• Support for independent publishers and authors [13]

Some users note:

• A smaller exclusive book catalog compared with Amazon Kindle.

• Audiobook support is not available in every country.

• Certain subscription and library features depend on regional availability.

• Accessories such as styluses are sold separately for compatible models. [14]

Kobo has established itself as one of the leading digital reading brands worldwide by combining dedicated eReaders, a large eBook and audiobook marketplace, and cross-device reading applications. Since joining the Rakuten Group in 2012, it has expanded globally while maintaining a focus on open standards, reader-friendly hardware, and a broad digital catalog. Its support for EPUB, public library integration in many regions, and note-taking capabilities on premium devices make it a popular alternative to Amazon Kindle for readers who value flexibility and ecosystem openness. [16]

1. Kobo Inc.

2. About us – Kobo empowers booklovers to read more | Rakuten Kobo Philippines

3. About Us | Rakuten Group, Inc.

4. About us – Kobo empowers booklovers to read more | Rakuten Kobo United States

5. The best ereader in 2026: 9 top ebook readers from Kindle, Kobo and more tested and picked by an expert

6. Can’t Choose Between the Kindle and Kobo Color E-Readers? Here’s the Real Difference

7. authorize.kobo.com

8. Here’s Why You Should Replace Your Kindle with a Kobo

9. An Artistic E-Reader

10. Rakuten to Acquire Kobo | Media Room

11. About us – Kobo empowers booklovers to read more | Rakuten Kobo India

12. kobo.com

13. Buy your first eBook or audiobook from Kobo – Rakuten Kobo

14. About us – Kobo empowers booklovers to read more | Rakuten Kobo United Kingdom

15. About Our Company | Rakuten

16. Our Businesses | Rakuten Group, Inc.