Discontinued
Updated: 2026/10/16

Rakuten Kobo Glo Comparison

The classic Kobo lineup that introduced 'ComfortLight' front illumination, finally making reading in the dark a reality. The series later evolved with the 'Glo HD,' bringing a crisp 300 ppi high-resolution display to the table.

✦ Debuting as Kobo's very first e-reader with a built-in front light, this iconic series quickly became a fan favorite. Thanks to its affordable price tag and sharp display, it stood out as a formidable rival to the Kindle Paperwhite.

Final Generation Model

Gen 2 (Released 2015)
kobo
6 inches180 g
Final ModelKobo Glo

Kobo Glo HD (Gen 2)

Display Specs
6" 300ppi
Monochrome
Weight
180 g
9.2mm thick
Battery & Charging
Up to 4 weeks
Micro-USB
Waterproofing
Non-waterproof
Daily splash resistant
Reference Price (tax incl.)
$129.99

Kobo Glo vs Other Rakuten Kobo Series

Explore positioning and hardware trade-offs (5-axis radar balance) between Kobo Glo and other series across the Rakuten Kobo lineup.

10 Series in Total
Currently Viewing1 models
kobo

Kobo Glo

Debuting as Kobo's very first e-reader with a built-in front light, this iconic series quickly became a fan favorite. Thanks to its affordable price tag and sharp display, it stood out as a formidable rival to the Kindle Paperwhite.

Display SizeStoragePriceCompactnessWeight
Latest: Kobo Glo HD (Gen 2)Currently Viewing Series
Current3 models

Kobo Libra

Equipped with the highly anticipated Kaleido 3 color E Ink screen, it completely transforms the way you read full-color comics and magazines. This all-in-one powerhouse includes physical page-turn buttons, full waterproofing, and seamless note-taking with the Kobo Stylus 2.

Display SizeStoragePriceCompactnessWeight
Latest: Gen 3 (2024)Series Details
Current4 models
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Kobo Clara

A travel-friendly 6-inch form factor that matches the footprint of a paperback. With an IPX8 waterproof rating, it's completely safe for the bath. The lineup offers the 'Colour' for a vivid reading experience, and the 'BW' equipped with the latest high-contrast Carta 1300 display.

Display SizeStoragePriceCompactnessWeight
Latest: Gen 3 (2024)Series Details
Discontinued1 models

Kobo Sage

Packing physical page-turn buttons and full waterproofing alongside a crisp 8-inch, high-resolution Carta 1200 display. As the pinnacle of black-and-white E Ink e-readers, it handles two-page manga spreads and magazines with absolute ease.

Display SizeStoragePriceCompactnessWeight
Latest: Gen 1 (2021)Series Details
Current2 models

Kobo Elipsa

Its A5-sized, 10.3-inch screen lets you read academic papers, professional texts, and magazines at full size. Complete with the rechargeable Kobo Stylus 2 right out of the box, it gives you complete freedom to handwrite notes and capture your ideas.

Display SizeStoragePriceCompactnessWeight
Latest: Gen 2 (2023)Series Details
Discontinued4 models
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Kobo Aura

A landmark series that pioneered waterproofing and blue-light reduction in the e-reader industry. It laid the design foundation for today’s popular Libra and Sage models.

Display SizeStoragePriceCompactnessWeight
Latest: Gen 2 (2017)Series Details
Discontinued1 models

Kobo Forma

An ultra-lightweight 8-inch e-reader utilizing a shatterproof, flexible Mobius E Ink display. This iconic model pioneered the asymmetrical grip and physical page-turn buttons for effortless one-handed reading.

Display SizeStoragePriceCompactnessWeight
Latest: Gen 1 (2018)Series Details
Discontinued1 models
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Kobo Nia

Features a highly portable, lightweight 6-inch build complete with ComfortLight front illumination. By focusing strictly on the essentials, this entry-level model delivers unbeatable value without compromising the core reading experience.

Display SizeStoragePriceCompactnessWeight
Latest: Gen 1 (2020)Series Details
Discontinued1 models
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Kobo Touch

The touchscreen pioneer that marked Kobo's arrival in Japan. By stripping away unnecessary extras and hitting an accessible price point, this historic model helped bring e-reading to the mainstream.

Display SizeStoragePriceCompactnessWeight
Latest: Gen 2 (2015)Series Details
Discontinued1 models
kobo

Kobo Mini

Smaller than a standard paperback, this 5-inch ultra-compact e-reader delivers incredible portability at a mere 134g. It’s the ultimate minimalist device designed for effortless one-handed reading on the go.

Display SizeStoragePriceCompactnessWeight
Latest: Gen 1 (2012)Series Details

All Kobo Glo Historical Models

1 Historical Models

Compare all 1 models across generations of Kobo Glo. Scroll horizontally to view full hardware specs.

Spec
kobo
Kobo Glo HD (Gen 2)
5/2015
📅Release Date
5/2015
📱Display
Monochrome
6"
300 ppi
⚖️Weight
180 g
9.2mm thick
⚡Connector
Micro-USB
💧Waterproofing
Non-waterproof
💡Adjustable Warm Light
White only (- LEDs)
🔋Battery Life
Up to 4 weeks
SpecificationView Details →

History of Kobo Glo Series

2015

Kobo Glo HD (Gen 2)

High-resolution 300 ppi 6-inch e-reader offering sharp text rendering at an accessible price.