BookTokers, Bookstagramers, and passionate Kindle users are unhappy this week. On April 7, Amazon notified users that it would cease support for 13 devices, including nine Kindle e-readers. Amazon is already facing criticism within the literary community. Last year, Amazon initiated a significant book sale that coincided with Independent Bookstore Day. This latest announcement has left certain Kindle users feeling discontented, leading some to contemplate a switch to a Kobo.

Although Kindle is the top name in e-readers, Kobos are increasingly becoming popular. We have tested and enjoyed both the Kobo Clara and Kobo Libra; they are just as good as any Kindle device. Kobo e-readers include features that Amazon has neglected in its Kindles, such as page-turning buttons and smooth integration with Libby. However, if the choice to move to a Kobo stems from worries about your current Kindle eventually becoming outdated, a Kobo won’t remedy this situation.

The gradual phasing out of older technology is an unfortunate aspect of our contemporary world. Unlike a Kitchenaid mixer, which doesn’t need software updates to maintain functionality, a phone, computer, tablet, or e-reader inevitably will. With frequent product launches, we’ve grown accustomed to planned obsolescence. Therefore, it feels groundbreaking when Google unveils a strategy for automatic updates that enables Chromebooks to last up to ten years.

It’s noteworthy that Amazon devices older than 14 years continue to operate, highlighting their durability. Yet, it’s completely understandable if you wish to transition to a Kobo. But ensure you switch for valid reasons, as Kobo e-readers could encounter a similar fate.

If you’re contemplating switching to a Kobo from a Kindle because you believe it won’t be phased out, I have unfortunate news. Kobo also retires devices and ceases to support them with software updates. On the company’s site, there is a list of products, including e-readers, that they no longer back.

This is the destiny of any device reliant on regular software updates. Companies are driven to do this to encourage consumers to purchase new devices, even at the expense of customer satisfaction. While Kindles and Kobos may not receive updates any longer, these older devices can still function. They might lack internet access, but users can still enjoy their collection of books and add new titles by linking to a computer.

Switching to a Kobo means you’ll be unable to transfer your library. Both Kindle and Kobo implement DRM on books bought in their stores, meaning those files can only be read on the specific brand of e-reader. However, you can still access those titles through the Kindle app. Some recommend purchasing a used Kindle if you prefer to remain with the brand.

If you’re creating a pros and cons list, there remain numerous reasons to switch to a Kobo.

There are plenty of advantages to consider when looking for a Kobo. Kobo e-readers are just as fast and user-friendly as any Kindle. They feature an intuitive user interface, but there are subtle differences, such as Kobo numbering pages according to digital pages while Kindle uses physical book numbers.

Unless your Kindle library consists of DRM-free EPUB files, you won’t be able to access any books you’ve purchased in the Kindle library on your new Kobo e-reader. However, if you can overlook that, there’s much to anticipate with a Kobo.

Older Kindle models have a highly sought-after feature that the latest versions lack: page-turning buttons. With models like the Kindle 5 no longer supported and the Kindle Oasis discontinued, users lack a new Kindle option featuring page-turning buttons.

For those seeking those buttons, look towards the Kobo Libra Colour, which includes two page-turning buttons on the side, eliminating the need to tap the touchscreen. These buttons also provide additional space to hold the device comfortably. Furthermore, the Kobo Libra Colour includes something no Kindle offers, an internal gyroscope, allowing you to rotate the device to use it with the opposite hand, and the screen will automatically adjust.

For readers optimizing their reading nook with an e-reader stand, a remote simplifies the page-turning process while keeping your hands cozy under the blanket. Kobo is the pioneer e-reader brand to offer a remote compatible with their devices. We tested the Kobo remote, and it pairs via Bluetooth, significantly outperforming any generic remote you might find on Amazon for a Kindle.

Libby users utilizing a Kindle will enjoy an even more seamless integration on Kobo e-readers. On a Kobo, you can log in to your library card directly on your device, and books you borrow through Libby/Overdrive are automatically transferred to your device. The drawback is that if you own multiple library cards, you can only log into one at a time on a Kobo e-reader.

Kindle does have its own color e-readers, but Kobos are substantially cheaper. The basic Kindle Colorsoft retails for $199.99, whereas the comparable Kobo Clara Colour is only $159.99, matching the price of the Kindle Paperwhite. Therefore, if you’re considering an upgrade to a color