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Head-to-head · Best E-readers

Boox Palma 2 vs Kobo Libra Colour

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Boox Palma 2 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.3 vs 3.9). The gap is mostly about Android users wanting app versatility — read the strengths below before deciding.

Boox Palma 2
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best E-readers
Boox Palma 2
2 sources1 derived$399.99as of Jul 31

The BOOX Palma 2 is a pocket-size e-ink reader running Android, which puts it in different territory from a Kindle. Reviewers liked the size, the full Android access, and battery life measured in weeks, with one saying it's easier to carry than their Kindle Paperwhite and more useful on the road. Android 13 and the Play Store are on board, so apps and customization are open to you. Working against it: limited RAM, a slow fingerprint reader, and software that's already behind and won't be updated. Readers who want Android flexibility should look; those who need current OS features or more speed shouldn't.

Strengths
  • — Pocketable size and lightweight design (170g) for easy portability
  • — Runs Android 13 with full access to Google Play Store and sideloading capabilities
  • — Week-long battery life with optimized e-ink display readable in bright sunlight
Watch-outs
  • — Only 6GB of RAM can lead to performance limitations
  • — Slow and unreliable fingerprint reader
  • — Based on outdated Android 13 with no planned updates
$399.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Kobo Libra Colour
Ranked #4 in Best E-readers
Kobo Libra Colour
5 sources$258.09as of Jul 31

Against the Kindle Oasis, the Kobo Libra Colour brings a color E Ink display, physical page buttons, and better connectivity. Android Central rated the battery life and the color panel highly, and Jonsdocs pointed to the intuitive interface and the improved annotation options. Reviewers were less happy with the Kobo store's limited selection and a build that feels less premium than Amazon's. Readers who want color and hardware controls should like it; those tied to Amazon's larger library or after a more premium feel in the hand won't.

Strengths
  • — Color E Ink panel with good detail and clarity, no ghosting
  • — Physical page turn buttons feel more natural and reliable than touch screen
  • — Adjustable warm light feature ideal for night reading
Watch-outs
  • — Kobo ebook store not as extensive as Amazon's
  • — Plastic design lacks the premium in-hand feel of Kindle Oasis
$258.09 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Boox Palma 2

While the Boox Palma 2 offers Android 13 access and full Play Store integration, it lacks the battery life of the Kindle (2024) and the color display of the Kobo Libra Colour. Unlike the reMarkable Paper Pro, it doesn't offer a paper-like writing experience, but it's more portable and versatile for general Android use. The Kindle Paperwhite Kids is more focused on children's reading, while the Palma 2 is better for users wanting Android flexibility.

Kobo Libra Colour

The Kobo Libra Colour offers a color E Ink display that the Kindle (2024) lacks, and it has physical buttons that the reMarkable Paper Pro doesn't provide. While it's not as portable as the Boox Palma 2, it offers better battery life than the reMarkable Paper Pro and doesn't require a subscription. Unlike the Kindle Paperwhite Kids, it's not child-focused but offers a premium reading experience with color and physical controls.

Specs side-by-side

SpecBoox Palma 2Kobo Libra Colour
BatteryWeek-longUp to two weeks
Display300ppi HD e-ink7-inch E Ink
Weight170gless than 200g
Water Resistancewater-repellent designIPX8
Resolution300 PPI150ppi
ConnectivityBluetooth, USB-CBluetooth, USB-C
Storage—32GB
Dimensions—5.69 x 6.34 x 0.33 in
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