Kobo | eBooks & Audiobooks


Rating: 3.7	Downloads: 10,000,000+
Category: Books & Reference	Offer by: Kobo Books

The Kobo | eBooks & Audiobooks app is a popular digital reading platform offering access to millions of eBooks and Audiobooks across various formats like EPUB, AZW, and MP3. It enables users to download, manage, and read content on their compatible devices, featuring customization options like adjustable fonts, sleep modes, and collection management. This app caters primarily to avid readers, students, and audiobook enthusiasts seeking a versatile reading companion.

Its key value lies in providing an extensive library with diverse pricing options, robust customization for accessibility, and seamless integration with the Kobo ecosystem. The app appeals through its focus on user experience, allowing readers to enjoy their favorite books across multiple devices while managing their collections efficiently.

App Features

Extensive eBook & Audiobook Library: Access millions of titles from global stores with diverse pricing, featuring classics and bestsellers. This variety ensures readers can discover new authors and genres, catering to all tastes while offering competitive purchase options.
Customizable Reading Interface: Adjust fonts (serif/sans-serif), sizes, spacing, background colors, and rotation to suit individual preferences, including accessibility features like large print. The extensive customization supports different lighting conditions, reading environments, and specific vision needs for comfortable reading sessions.
Audiobook Support & Management: Play, pause, and control audiobooks across various formats, highlighting text while listening, using sleep timers, and bookmarking progress. This feature transforms commuting and multitasking into enjoyable experiences while allowing users to engage with content through multiple senses.
Device Syncing Across Ecosystem: Seamlessly continue reading on one Kobo device and pick up where you left off on another, including tablets, smartphones, and dedicated eReaders. For frequent travelers or those sharing devices, this ensures continuity without losing place, maintaining engagement with the content.
Content Management & Collections: Download, organize, borrow from libraries, and manage purchased books across your devices. Create personalized shelves, add ratings and reviews, and access reading statistics to track progress, making content discovery and retention intuitive.
Global Availability & Format Compatibility: Downloadable on various platforms, supporting multiple eBook and audiobook formats (like EPUB, PDF, MOBI/DOCX, LRS, AZW3, MP3), ensuring broad device compatibility and access to diverse content sources worldwide, including international publications and textbooks.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Vast Digital Library Access across global retailers
Highly Customizable Reading Experience for comfort and accessibility
Seamless Multi-Device Syncing and cloud-based storage
Robust Content Management Features for personal libraries
Built-in Dictionary & Highlighting Tools for comprehension and reference

Cons:

Potential Cost Accumulation if frequently purchasing new books
Device-Specific Limitations on third-party apps (though web versions are improving)
Limited Free Content Availability compared to other platforms
Interface Differences between various app versions across devices

Similar Apps

App Name	Highlights
Amazon Kindle	Offers one of the largest digital bookstores and tight ecosystem integration with Fire devices. Known for its lending library, adjustable display, and Whispered Pages text prediction.
Apple iBooks / Apple Books	iOS-exclusive app bundled with Apple devices, offering free content from iBooks Author and access to the iBookstore. Features textbook integration, textbook rentals, and textbook-focused collections.
Google Play Books	Google Play-based platform with access to public domain works and popular titles, supporting EPUB, PDF, and TXT formats. Integrates well with Google Family Library sharing features.
OverDrive	Broad-based library lending system compatible with thousands of public, school, and public libraries. Supports various reading devices, including dedicated eReaders, smartphones, and tablets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I transfer my Kobo books to another device?
A: Transferring books is easy through the cloud system. When you download a title from the store or borrow it from a library via Kobo, it automatically syncs across all your registered Kobo devices. You can also download purchased books manually to specific devices.

Q: Are my book purchases on Kobo refundable?
A: Yes, Kobo has a standard refund policy. You can typically request refunds within a few hours of purchase for issues like incorrect book, technical errors, or problems with the purchase process.

Q: What is the difference between the Kobo app on iOS, Android, and dedicated eReaders?
A: While the core experience (library access, reading, and purchasing) is consistent, dedicated Kobo eReaders often offer a more optimized experience, especially with features like the built-in dictionary and potentially faster access to cloud content.

Q: Can I listen to audiobooks purchased elsewhere on my Kobo device?
A: Kobo primarily manages its own audiobooks, but audiobooks purchased from other stores (like Audible, Apple, or local libraries using OverDrive) can often be played on your Kobo device, depending on the retailer’s compatibility and your subscription terms.

Q: How do I borrow books from a library using the Kobo app?
A: Many public, school, and university libraries participate with Kobo’s library integration. Go to the ‘My Library’ tab or search for ‘Library Catalogues’ in the app store within Kobo, select your library’s catalogue, and borrow titles just like you would purchase them.