Kobo | eBooks & Audiobooks
Overview
Kobo | eBooks & Audiobooks is the official mobile client developed by Rakuten Kobo Inc.. Positioned as the primary global alternative to Amazon's e-reading system, the Kobo application serves as a unified library for digital books and audiobooks. Unlike Amazon's approach, which splits text-based reading and audiobooks into separate apps, Kobo integrates both formats into a single interface.
The application offers a highly customizable reading environment. Users can easily adjust typographic elements, including font size, style, margin widths, alignment, and line spacing. To improve reading comfort under different lighting conditions, the app offers an eye-friendly Night Mode and support for both portrait and landscape screen rotation.
For avid readers, the app features the "Kobo Plus" subscription service. This subscription program provides unlimited access to over 3 million eBooks and 400,000 audiobooks, working similarly to a digital public library.
For users who own dedicated Kobo e-Ink readers (such as the Libra, Clara, or Forma), the mobile app serves as a seamless companion. It automatically synchronizes reading progress, bookmarks, personal notes, and highlight markers across devices using the Kobo cloud network.
Additionally, the platform integrates with public library systems via OverDrive, allowing readers to borrow library books directly from their mobile devices.
Pros & Cons
Automatically synchronizes reading progress, bookmarks, and notes across Kobo e-readers, tablets, and web browsers.
The optional Kobo Plus subscription provides cost-effective, unlimited access to millions of eBooks and audiobooks.
Extensive typographic adjustments let users customize margin widths, line heights, and dyslexia-friendly fonts.
A built-in offline dictionary lets readers look up word definitions instantly without leaving their book.
Combines eBooks and audiobooks into a single library, allowing users to switch formats without managing multiple apps.
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Cloud synchronization does not support sideloaded EPUB files, meaning reading progress for personal files will not sync across devices.
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Recent software updates have caused lag with footnote hyperlinks, making them difficult to trigger.
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Due to app store billing guidelines, users in several regions cannot buy books or redeem audiobook credits directly in the app.
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Users sometimes report issues where previously downloaded books refuse to open unless the device is connected to the internet.
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FAQs
Can I read personal EPUB files in the Kobo application?
Yes, you can import and read DRM-free EPUB and PDF files. However, Kobo's cloud synchronization for reading progress and annotations does not support these sideloaded files.
What is Kobo Plus, and how does it work?
Kobo Plus is a monthly subscription plan that provides unlimited reading and listening access to over 3 million eBooks and 400,000 audiobooks. Users can choose plans for eBooks only, audiobooks only, or a combined package.
Can I connect my local public library card to the app?
Yes, in supported regions, Kobo integrates directly with OverDrive and Libby. This allows you to search, borrow, and read public library books within your Kobo reading environment.
How do I manage or cancel my Kobo audiobook subscription?
Because of mobile app store payment restrictions, subscription management—including cancellations—must be handled through the official Kobo desktop website rather than directly inside the mobile app.
Does Kobo sync reading progress with other brands of e-readers?
No, Kobo's cloud syncing is designed exclusively for Kobo hardware, Kobo mobile apps, and the official web player. It does not sync progress with other e-reader platforms like Kindle or Nook.
Hot Reviews
Users highly value the cross-device sync, noting that being able to start a book on their Kobo eReader and pick up right where they left off on their phone is incredibly convenient.
Recent feedback highlights an issue where the app overrides system settings to force maximum screen brightness, which can cause severe eye strain during nighttime reading sessions.
Reviewers praise the convenience of having their eBook and audiobook libraries in one place, finding it much easier than managing separate applications.
Several users express disappointment with offline reliability, reporting that the app sometimes fails to open downloaded books when they are away from an active internet connection.