Kobo offers a more open alternative to Amazon's Kindle ecosystem, owned by Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten. The platform supports ePub format and offers some DRM-free options depending on publisher. However, you still receive licenses rather than true ownership, and your library is tied to your Kobo account. International availability and pricing can vary significantly by region.
Like competitors, Kobo ebooks are licenses. You receive the right to access content, not true ownership. Kobo can modify or revoke access based on their terms or publisher agreements.
Owned by Rakuten, your Kobo data flows into their broader ecosystem. Rakuten's terms and privacy practices apply alongside Kobo's specific policies. Data may be used across Rakuten services.
Content availability varies dramatically by country due to publisher licensing. Books available in one region may be unavailable in another. Moving countries can affect your library access.
Kobo Plus subscription works like Kindle Unlimited—pure access that ends when you cancel. Catalog rotates, availability varies by region, and nothing persists after cancellation.
There are limits on how many devices can be associated with your account. Managing multiple devices or family members requires careful attention to authorization limits.
If Kobo terminates your account for any terms violation, you lose access to your entire library. No refunds for purchased content, no way to export your books.
Kobo supports standard ePub format, offering more flexibility than Amazon's proprietary formats. Easier to load content from other sources onto Kobo devices.
Some publishers offer DRM-free ebooks through Kobo. These truly belong to you and can be backed up, converted, or read on any device supporting ePub.
Kobo integrates with OverDrive for public library ebook borrowing. Read library books directly on your Kobo device without additional apps.
Kobo e-readers often have features Amazon restricts (waterproofing at lower price points, customizable fonts, better PDF handling). Hardware is less locked-down.