In-Depth Comparison: Kindle Paperwhite vs. Kobo Glo HD for 2023 Holiday Season
Just a few days ago, we published a comparison of the Kobo Glo HD and Tolino Shine 2 HD here. Today, we’re following up with the final showdown of two eBook readers for this year’s holiday season. This time, the Glo HD faces off against the Kindle Paperwhite 3. Both models were surprisingly introduced in the summer of 2015 and seem at first glance to be on par both technically and price-wise.
But what about the details? Let’s answer that question below.
Design and Build Quality
The Kobo Glo HD epitomizes minimalist design. Its look couldn’t be more understated: thin bezels, no buttons, and a discreet logo. This is precisely what gives the compact 6-inch model its charm, as the design focuses even more on the screen content compared to other manufacturers.
You can also appreciate that the Glo HD, with its subtly glossy black casing, is quite resistant to fingerprints and smudges. In this area, the latest Kobo eReader performs significantly better not only than the larger Aura H2O but also better than the Kindle Paperwhite.
Both devices are subtle in appearance. Left: Kindle Paperwhite 3; Right: Kobo Glo HD
The Amazon eBook reader, compared to its predecessor, uses a matte-black surface, which likewise leads to good fingerprint resistance. However, because of this, the Paperwhite 3 is somewhat more susceptible to fine scratches.
In terms of aesthetics, the latest reading device from Amazon offers something familiar. Aside from the surface color, there have been no changes to its design. The Kindle Paperwhite 3 is exactly the same size as its predecessor and preserves the familiar proportions, making it instantly recognizable as a Paperwhite. Like the Glo HD, the brand logo (beneath the display) on the Kindle is in an unobtrusive shade of black.
The build quality of the device leaves nothing to be desired. While the affordable entry-level Kindle (for 70 euros) feels somewhat cheap, the Paperwhite is appealing to touch and feels very solid. Even when held firmly, it emits no creaks or squeaks.
The Kobo Glo HD, however, does attract some criticism here. Although the build quality is generally good, the back is a bit “flimsier” than its competitor. Overall, the device—especially when gripped tightly—doesn’t feel quite as sturdy as the Paperwhite.
This shouldn’t be misunderstood—you don’t have to worry about the Glo HD falling apart or its back cover coming off. However, if you, for example, tap the back with your finger, the hollow sound gives a less solid impression than the Kindle Paperwhite.
While the Kobo eReader concedes in this area, it scores a clear victory elsewhere: weighing only 180 grams, the Glo HD is noticeably lighter (Paperwhite: 205 grams), which is particularly practical for long continuous reading sessions.
Ultimately, the weight advantage of the Kobo and the build quality advantage of the Kindle result in a draw.
Winner: Tie
Features
When it comes to features, both eBook readers stick to the now familiar standard configuration in the 6-inch segment: WiFi is included for wireless internet access, and the 4 GB of internal storage allows for eBook storage. Neither offers external memory card expansion.
The storage space available to the user is 3.04 GB on the Kindle Paperwhite, while it’s slightly more at 3.15 GB on the Kobo Glo HD.
As a small bonus for tinkerers, the Glo HD offers the option to swap out the internal memory card for a larger one. The back of the device can be easily removed, allowing for an uncomplicated exchange. This means you can equip the eReader with up to a 32 GB MicroSD card if needed. However, this process is not intended by the manufacturer, requires some computer know-how, and could potentially void the warranty. Therefore, this point does not factor into the evaluation.
But the Kobo eBook Reader isn’t the only one with a unique feature. The Kindle Paperwhite also boasts a handy additional function, officially offered by Amazon at an extra cost: 3G support.
The Paperwhite 3G allows use of the cloud and shop features even without a WiFi connection. This is an excellent alternative to the other 6-inch models for people who do not have internet access (or WiFi) at home or who travel frequently (the 3G connection works abroad as well). However, the 3G variant costs significantly more at 180 euros, so this feature does not factor into the comparison. At least: apart from the one-time higher purchase cost, there are no monthly fees for 3G use.
Winner: Tie (or Kindle Paperwhite 3G)
Software
Turning on and using the Kindle Paperwhite for the first time is hassle-free. The device is simple to set up initially and, thanks to the interactive quick-start guide, quickly understandable even for tech novices. Already here, you get a sense that Amazon has put a lot of thought into developing the software.
The Kobo Glo HD is also very easy to use and has an equally clear user interface. Various tips are also displayed during initial use, helping you find your way around quickly.
User-friendly systems
However, the mandatory registration requirement is an unpleasant detail that I could easily do without. You can’t even use the eReader without signing up with Kobo. Note: This section describes how to circumvent the forced registration with a trick.
To be fair, it should be noted: While the Paperwhite can fundamentally be used without an Amazon account, some features are disabled without signing in (e.g., collections). Besides, devices purchased from Amazon.de are automatically linked to the customer account, so they are generally used while signed in anyway. Thus, the disadvantage of the Kobo Glo HD quickly becomes relative in this light.
The eReader from Kobo excels with far superior text customization. It allows for a finely graded adjustment of font size, line height, and margin spaces. You can also install your own fonts. While the Kindle Paperwhite also has the most important customization options, it can’t quite match the nearly step-free adjustment of the Glo HD (see the image below).
Better font options on the Kobo Glo HD (right).
The Kobo Glo HD is also at an advantage in terms of book management. This can be done using Calibre, allowing you to conveniently sort and synchronize larger collections on the PC. However, the Paperwhite can score back with a vocabulary trainer and parental controls, which Kobo lacks.
The dictionary function of the Kindle Paperwhite is more precise with the supplied dictionaries, but the Glo HD offers more dictionaries out of the box.
Dictionary and note-taking—intuitive and quickly accessible on both
Also worth mentioning is the E-Pub support on the Kobo. While Amazon uses its own file format that other manufacturers do not support, you can easily load the Kobo Glo HD with eBooks from third-party shops (using an Adobe ID). Got a gift card from Thalia? No problem!
The Kindle Paperwhite, on the other hand, can’t read E-Pub files, but users can enjoy the better-organized eBook store, which is more comprehensive not only in terms of publisher titles but also has a significant edge in indie titles.
In the end, the software of both competing models presents strengths and weaknesses. Neither provider truly has an advantage, so it remains a tie here as well.
Winner: Tie
Display
Arguably the most important aspect, the Kobo Glo HD and Kindle Paperwhite appear identical on paper: both have a 6-inch display utilizing E-Ink Carta technology. With a resolution of 1448×1072 pixels, they boast a superb 300 ppi density.
But how do they perform in practice? Let’s first consider the contrast ratio. Without lighting, the Glo HD scores with a slightly brighter display background and slightly better contrast—likely due to the infrared touchscreen that eliminates the need for an additional plastic layer on the display.
Without lighting, the display background of the Kobo Glo HD (right) is somewhat brighter in comparison.
When lighting is activated, however, the picture changes. The Paperwhite can then position itself just ahead of the new Glo.
To the naked eye, the differences are truly minimal and hardly worth mentioning. In both cases, readability is excellent—with or without lighting.
There are also very slight differences in lighting quality. Even though the number of LEDs in the frame differs (Paperwhite 4 LEDs, Glo HD 5 LEDs), both displays are very evenly lit. In direct comparison, there are indeed no noteworthy differences. You won’t find distracting light spots, shadows, brightness, or color gradients in either case.
With lighting, the contrast on the Kindle Paperwhite (left) is slightly better than on the Kobo Glo HD (right). The differences are very minor.
The brightness setting is also similar: at the maximum level, both devices light up almost equally brightly. Only in the lower settings is the Kindle darker (which is advantageous in a dimmed room). However, you can also set the Glo HD relatively dim, so this difference doesn’t really matter in practice.
Also, the fact that the Paperwhite 3’s lighting can’t be turned off completely has no practical implications. Even at level 0, the lighting minimally glows. But this is only noticeable in complete darkness and doesn’t stand out in everyday use.
Lastly, a word about color temperatures: our test devices have very similarly glowing LEDs. The color of the lighting is slightly warmer in both cases but essentially relatively neutral white. Therefore, even with the lighting on, both displays are pleasant to look at.
It’s noteworthy, however, that the color temperature can vary slightly from device to device. Due to normal production variations in LEDs, there are always certain differences within a model series—applied to every manufacturer. Therefore, it’s entirely possible that other devices differ more than the two eReaders I have in front of me here.
Ultimately, the display comparison between Kobo Glo HD and Kindle Paperwhite 3—how could it be otherwise—is once again even.
Winner: Tie
Price-Performance Ratio
As you can see, both eReaders are neck and neck when it comes to the previous comparison points. But not only in these areas; there are also no significant differences in terms of price.
The Paperwhite regularly costs at least 120 euros, while the Glo HD is available for around 130 euros. However, it’s worth noting that Amazon achieves the price advantage with the ad-supported version. If you want to buy the Kindle without ads, you’ll have to pay 140 euros.
Viewed this way, the two eBook readers are also on par in terms of price-performance ratio.
However, the Kindle Paperwhite was repeatedly offered for only 100 euros during the Christmas shopping season, whereas the Glo HD was only lowered to 110 euros towards the end. If Amazon continues to manage pricing as dynamically in the future, the chances of snagging a deal with the Paperwhite are higher.
Winner: Tie
Conclusion
So here we are at the end and somehow not much wiser than before, are we? In all individual areas, both devices have various pros and cons to boast, but ultimately it’s the first draw in our eBook Reader Comparison.
The same test grades could have been seen as a hint that Kobo Glo HD and Kindle Paperwhite are equivalent—the direct comparison confirms this impression.
Equivalent eBook Readers
Ultimately, it can be concluded that both eReaders currently rank among the best in the 6-inch segment, and the decision between the two manufacturers is a matter of personal needs (text customization, vocabulary trainer, parental controls …) and personal taste. The Glo HD and Paperwhite are two eReaders facing each other on equal footing, so you really can’t go wrong with either purchase.
If you’re hesitant to rely on online ordering and postal delivery so close to Christmas, you can usually find the two eReaders in local electronics stores. Media Markt, Saturn, and Euronics carry Kindle and Kobo.
