Kindle or kobo

[Flowers90]

Looking at buying an e-reader. Uk based sometimes use borrowbox from my library, they no longer support overdrive. What would you recommend a kobo or a kindle. Any advice in models appreciated.

I don't know anything about Kobo and I'm not in the UK, but I love my Kindle Paperwhite.

A kobo, I've got a Libra 2. When my old kindle's battery started to wear out I decided to replace it with a Kobo because I was frustrated I couldn't borrow books from my library here in the U.K.. Anyway I love my Libra 2 and I love being able to download books from the library via Overdrive which comes already installed on the Kobo e-readers. I also can borrow and download books via the Libby app on my phone and iPad which will then sync with my Kobo.

The only experience I had with a Kobo was many many years ago... based on that, I can't recommend it. But also should give it the benefit of the doubt.

Kindle is fantastic, but the paperwhite (2017) doesn't support BorrowBox.

My kindle fire tablet however does.
Having said that I get great books from kindle unlimited subscription including books in French and German.

If your library doesn't support Overdrive, then I think getting books on Kobo might be more difficult. Though I imagine still easier than a Kindle, which is far more locked down than Kobo. I don't know a workaround though - Reddit might be more useful.

I only really know Kindle as that's the ecosystem I'm in. With a Kindle, you're pretty locked in when you're there if you want to keep your library of books. All kindles have the same screen resolution now so the differences between the models are:

Basic
Touchscreen only
Smallest screen
Inbuilt lighting, but no option to change the colour temperature
Not waterproof

Paperwhite Basic
Touchscreen only
Larger screen than basic
Waterproof
Lighting with option change between warm and cool light

Paperwhite Signature Edition
Same as basic Paperwhite except
Wireless charging support (dock sold separately)
Auto adjusting light
Bigger storage than basic Paperwhite - though this is only likely to be an issue with audio books or graphic novels. My 11 year old Kindle is only 2GB and I've had no issues with that, so 8GB will be fine for the majority of people

Oasis
Slightly larger screen than Paperwhite
Page turn buttons
Wifi and cellular connectivity
Auto adjusting light
However, it's the only model still with micro USB charging (all others are USB-C) and it hasn't had a refresh in years

Scribe
Huge screen
Can use a stylus to write notes
Auto adjusting light
Not waterproof

If you are a heavy library user (Libby in my case) then Kobo. There are also ways of converting any Kindle books to transfer to your Kobo (it's not straightforward but there are instructions on the internet). I have a very simple Clara.

I have a Kobo Clara. Love it, but I wish I had bought a waterproof one. Will do next time.
I'm on holiday with my 8 library books uploaded from Borrowbox. It's really easy, you just need Adobe Digital Editions to transfer the download to the Kobo.
DH and my mum both have kindles with unlimited and use it a fair bit.

Op, have just checked my local library and it supports Borrowbox and Libby, but my Kobo which came with Overdrive already installed still works with my library, I just enter my email and library password and go straight into the library system.

This is copied from the Kobo site:
OverDrive will continue to work with Kobo eReaders after the OverDrive app is removed from the app store on February 23, 2022. The OverDrive app will be replaced with the Libby appto manage your content.

• In the weeks before the OverDrive app is discontinued, you'll see a final notice reminding you to upgrade to Libby.
• On May 1st 2023, when you access your library’s collection in the OverDrive app, you'll see a message that asks you to upgrade to Libby.

Also as I said earlier you have the option to browse and download books on an iPad or phone via Libby or Borrowbox and then sync to your Kobo so you can see the book there. I never actually read the books on my phone or iPad, it does my eyes in. My kobo libra2 is as good as the latest kindle paperwhite which means it is just like reading a paper book and much kinder on your eyes, also I can adjust the light depending on how dark it is.

Thanks all, was thinking from what I'd read a kobo would be my best option!

I bought a Kobo at the beginning of the first lockdown to read library books on and it's totally brilliant.

I've got a Kobo Clara which is backlit with an amber light (doesn't mess with my sleep).

I have registered with my county and the neighbouring county because one uses overdrive and the other uses BorrowBox.

Borrow box just has an additional step to go via computer, but it's worth it to read books for free.

Thoroughly recommend joining whichever neighbouring county uses overdrive too.

I have an old kindle. You can only use Amazon 🤷‍♀️

There area few American libraries that allow you to pay $40 a year or so for an out of state membership. They allow you to send books straight to kindle, unlike UK libraries who haven't arranged that with Amazon at present.

Separate question, but can you access library books via kindle? I haven’t found a way but I don’t read a huge amount.

I love my kindle and they have a great selection of books! Also east to use

If you are in the UK you can't. I can't understand why Amazon is missing this opportunity to totally dominate the market in e-readers.

Because Amazon already dominates the ebook market with Kindle and wants users of its devices to be forced to buy books through Amazon than for free with their local library.

Thanks @CrossPurposes

As I said up-thred, you can use any app including BorrowBox on a kindle fire tablet- or any other tablet you have.

Sadly not possible on kindle paperwhite ect.
But I agree, Amazon is missing out massively!