Kindle alternatives: Which e-book readers can keep up?


Looking for Kindle competition? We take a look at models that don't tie you to Amazon. (Image: stock.adobe.com joostverbeek)






Looking for Kindle competition? We take a look at models that don’t tie you to Amazon. (Image: stock.adobe.com / joostverbeek)

Amazon’s Kindle is undoubtedly one of the most popular e-book readers on the market, but it’s far from the only option. Maybe you are looking for a model that is more open, can handle other formats better or has its own strengths that Amazon lacks?

In this guide, we have taken a look at current alternatives for you and how they can keep up with the Kindle in terms of features, reading comfort and price.

What is the alternative to Kindle?

Tolino, PocketBook and Kobo are currently the best-known alternative models to the Kindle. These brands offer e-book readers with versatile features and flexible format support.

The Tolino supports the open ePub format and is perfect for books from various sources such as Onleihe or Thalia. PocketBook also supports numerous file formats (e.g. PDF, CBZ/CBR for comics) and additional features such as text-to-speech. Kobo is part of the Japanese online retailer Rakuten and also produces models made from recycled materials.

So if you want to do without Amazon, then these alternatives may be interesting for you.

Are Kobo and Tolino the same?

Kobo and Tolino are two independent brands, both known as alternatives to the Kindle, but with different focuses. Kobo is aimed particularly at frequent readers and environmentally conscious users.

The devices offer a wide range of functions such as individually customizable fonts and line spacing as well as access to the Kobo store with numerous German and international e-books.

Some models, like the Kobo Clara 2E, focus on sustainability and are made from recycled materials, while high-end devices like the Kobo Elipsa even enable note-taking functions with a pen.

Tolino On the other hand, it is a cooperation between German booksellers such as Thalia and Hugendubel and scores above all with its openness and flexibility. The devices support the widely used ePub format, so that e-books from various sources – including online loans from public libraries – can be used. The Tolino cloud also enables books to be synchronized regardless of the provider.

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Models like the Tolino Shine 4 or the waterproof Vision 6 are ideal for readers who value an uncomplicated and open system that is specifically tailored to the German-speaking market.

Is Tolino or Kindle better?

Whether Tolino or Kindle is better depends on what is important to you. Tolino offers openness and supports the ePub format, which means you can use e-books from different sources and use online lending.

Kindle, on the other hand, scores with its seamless integration into the Amazon ecosystem, exclusive books and convenient functions such as Whispersync. Choose Tolino if flexibility is crucial for you, and Kindle if you primarily want to read in the Amazon universe.

You can find out more about this in our comparison article.

Is Kobo or Kindle better?

The decision between an Amazon Kindle and a Rakuten Kobo also depends on your budget as well as your individual reading habits and priorities.

Here is a comparison of the two current models: Kobo Libra Color and Amazon Kindle Colorsoft.

  • Preis: The Kobo Libra Color is available in Germany from around €229. The Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition, on the other hand, costs around €289.99.
  • Display and color representation: Both devices use the latest color E Ink technology and offer 7-inch displays with a resolution of 300 ppi. The Kindle Colorsoft features more vibrant colors and faster refresh rates, which is particularly beneficial for colored content.
  • Operation and ergonomics: The Kobo Libra Color has physical scroll buttons and supports an optional stylus, making it easier to highlight text. The Kindle Colorsoft does not offer these functions.
  • Ecosystem and file formats: The Kindle is closely tied to the Amazon ecosystem and primarily supports proprietary formats. The Kobo, on the other hand, supports a variety of formats, including EPUB, and allows direct access to public libraries via OverDrive.
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If you value an open system with versatile format support, physical scroll buttons and stylus support, the Kobo Libra Color is a recommended choice. However, if you prefer a more intense color display and are already integrated into the Amazon ecosystem, the Kindle Colorsoft might be more suitable for you.

Is PocketBook or Kindle better?

PocketBook is a well-known e-book reader brand that originated in Ukraine. Today the company is based in Switzerland. PocketBook is best known for its flexible, open devices. With a wide selection of models – from entry-level devices to premium readers such as the InkPad – the brand has made a name for itself worldwide.

  • Equipment and files: In the comparison between the PocketBook Verse Pro and the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite, both devices have a 6.8-inch display with a resolution of 300 ppi. Similar to Kobo and Tolino, PocketBook Verse Pro supports a variety of formats, including EPUB, PDF and MOBI, and allows access to various e-book stores as well as using Onleihe to borrow e-books from public libraries. The Kindle is still tied to its own ecosystem.
  • Service: Both devices offer touchscreen operation and have a waterproof design (IPX8) that allows reading in the bath or by the pool. The PocketBook Verse Pro offers features such as text-to-speech and the ability to play audio books, which is interesting for users who also want to enjoy audio content.
  • Preis: The PocketBook Verse Pro is available in Germany from around 159 euros, while the Kindle Paperwhite (12th generation) is 190 euros.

If you value an open system with broad format support and features such as text-to-speech, the PocketBook Verse Pro is a recommended choice. However, if you prefer seamless integration into the Amazon ecosystem and value features such as waterproofing, the Kindle Paperwhite (12th generation) might be more suitable for you.

Note: In an earlier version we wrote that only the Kindle Paperwhite was waterproof according to IPX8. However, this also applies to the PocketBook Verse Pro. We have revised the relevant position.

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