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- Best overall: Kobo Clara BW (16 GB)
- Best budget: Amazon Kindle (16 GB, 6-inch, 2024 release)
- Best premium: Kobo Libra Colour (32 GB)
- Best for children: Amazon Kindle Kids (16 GB, 6-inch, 2024 release)
- Amazon Kindle Kids is the stronger family bundle, with a protective cover, parental controls and one year of Amazon Kids+.
- Kobo Clara BW is the better pick for library flexibility, open-format support and a crisp 6-inch black-and-white screen.
- Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids adds a larger 7-inch display and IPX8 waterproofing for reading near water.
- Kobo Clara Colour displays color book covers and illustrations, while Kobo Libra Colour adds a larger screen and page buttons.
- Compare included extras, storage and reading services before choosing a Black Friday 2026 e-reader.
Amazon Kindle Kids and Kobo Clara BW suit different readers: Amazon Kindle Kids is a ready-to-use family bundle, while Kobo Clara BW gives adult readers a compact, waterproof, black-and-white reader with broad file support. Both offer 16 GB of storage and a 6-inch screen, but their software, library options and included extras set them apart.
For this Black Friday 2026 guide, I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback across seven Amazon Kindle and Kobo e-readers. My pick for most people depends on who will read: choose Amazon Kindle Kids for a child starting out, and Kobo Clara BW for an adult who values library access and format flexibility.
How We Picked
- Compared screen size, resolution, color capability and lighting features for comfortable reading.
- Checked storage, water resistance and battery-life claims against published product specifications.
- Considered family controls, included covers and subscription bundles where they form part of the product package.
- Reviewed supported file formats, library access and the strengths of each reading ecosystem.
- Focused on practical value and useful features for Black Friday 2026, without relying on temporary offer details.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Display size | Storage | Water resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Kindle Kids (16 GB, 6-inch, 2024 release) | Children and families | 6 inches | 16 GB | No |
| Kobo Clara BW (16 GB) | Compact library reading | 6 inches | 16 GB | IPX8 |
| Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids (16 GB, 7-inch, 2024 release) | Waterproof family reading | 7 inches | 16 GB | IPX8 |
| Kobo Clara Colour (16 GB) | Compact color reading | 6 inches | 16 GB | IPX8 |
| Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB, 7-inch, 2024 release) | Larger-screen Kindle reading | 7 inches | 16 GB | IPX8 |
| Kobo Libra Colour (32 GB) | Color and page buttons | 7 inches | 32 GB | IPX8 |
| Amazon Kindle (16 GB, 6-inch, 2024 release) | Simple adult reading | 6 inches | 16 GB | No |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
Amazon Kindle Kids (16 GB, 6-inch, 2024 release)
The Amazon Kindle Kids (16 GB, 6-inch, 2024 release) is the best starter e-reader for children, with a 300 ppi screen and a child-friendly bundle. The cover and one year of Amazon Kids+ add useful value for families.
Best for: Children and families who want a protected, simple first e-reader.
- Display
- 6 inches, 300 ppi
- Storage
- 16 GB
- Battery claim
- Up to 6 weeks
- Included
- Protective cover, 1 year of Amazon Kids+
- Parental controls support age-appropriate reading.
- Included cover helps protect the device.
- Sharp text on a compact, glare-free display.
- Not waterproof.
- Amazon-focused reading ecosystem.
Is the Amazon Kindle Kids (16 GB, 6-inch, 2024 release) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Amazon Kindle Kids (16 GB, 6-inch, 2024 release) is worth considering for a child who needs a simple, protected e-reader. The Amazon Kindle Kids (16 GB, 6-inch, 2024 release)'s 300 ppi display, parental controls, cover and included Kids+ year make the bundle especially practical.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#2 · Top pick
Kobo Clara BW (16 GB)
The Kobo Clara BW (16 GB) is the best compact black-and-white e-reader for library readers, with a 6-inch, 300 ppi Carta 1300 screen. The Kobo Clara BW (16 GB)'s IPX8 waterproofing and broad format support suit adults who want flexibility.
Best for: Adults who want a compact reader with waterproofing and format flexibility.
- Display
- 6 inches, 300 ppi
- Screen technology
- E Ink Carta 1300
- Storage
- 16 GB
- Water resistance
- IPX8
- Supports EPUB and other common ebook formats.
- Waterproof design suits reading by the pool or bath.
- Compact size fits easily in a small bag.
- No color display.
- No included child-focused bundle.
Is the Kobo Clara BW (16 GB) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Kobo Clara BW (16 GB) is worth buying for readers who prefer a compact, waterproof device and want format flexibility. The Kobo Clara BW (16 GB)'s 300 ppi black-and-white display is crisp for novels, while 16 GB provides room for a substantial library.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#3
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids (16 GB, 7-inch, 2024 release)
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids (16 GB, 7-inch, 2024 release) is the best premium family e-reader for children, with a 7-inch, 300 ppi display. IPX8 waterproofing adds peace of mind for reading around water.
Best for: Families who want a larger screen, waterproofing and child-focused features.
- Display
- 7 inches, 300 ppi
- Storage
- 16 GB
- Battery claim
- Up to 12 weeks
- Water resistance
- IPX8
- Included
- Protective cover, 1 year of Amazon Kids+
- Larger screen gives text more room.
- Waterproof build is useful for travel and poolside reading.
- Combines parental controls with a protective cover.
- Larger body is less pocketable than the basic Kindle Kids.
- Amazon-centered content selection.
Is the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids (16 GB, 7-inch, 2024 release) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids (16 GB, 7-inch, 2024 release) is worth considering for families who want a larger waterproof screen and child controls. The included cover and Kids+ year make it a more complete package than a basic e-reader.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#4
Kobo Clara Colour (16 GB)
The Kobo Clara Colour (16 GB) is the best compact color e-reader for readers who want illustrated covers and comics, with a 6-inch Kaleido 3 display. The screen renders black-and-white content at 300 ppi and color at 150 ppi.
Best for: Readers who want color book covers, comics and a compact waterproof reader.
- Display
- 6 inches; 300 ppi black-and-white, 150 ppi color
- Screen technology
- Kaleido 3
- Storage
- 16 GB
- Water resistance
- IPX8
- Color display brings illustrations and covers to life.
- Waterproof design supports worry-free reading near water.
- Compact size and Kobo format support suit travel.
- Color resolution is lower than black-and-white resolution.
- Color is less vivid than on a tablet.
Is the Kobo Clara Colour (16 GB) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Kobo Clara Colour (16 GB) is worth buying if color covers, comics or illustrated books matter more than maximum black-and-white contrast. The compact 6-inch screen, IPX8 protection and 16 GB storage make it a capable everyday reader.
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#5
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB, 7-inch, 2024 release)
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB, 7-inch, 2024 release) is the best all-around Amazon e-reader for adults, with a 7-inch, 300 ppi screen and IPX8 waterproofing. The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB, 7-inch, 2024 release)'s larger display suits longer reading sessions.
Best for: Adults who want a larger waterproof screen in the Kindle ecosystem.
- Display
- 7 inches, 300 ppi
- Storage
- 16 GB
- Battery claim
- Up to 12 weeks
- Water resistance
- IPX8
- Large, high-resolution display is comfortable for extended reading.
- Waterproofing supports reading near water.
- Long battery-life claim reduces charging interruptions.
- Amazon content and services shape the reading experience.
- Larger footprint than a 6-inch reader.
Is the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB, 7-inch, 2024 release) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB, 7-inch, 2024 release) is worth considering for adults who want a sharp, spacious display and waterproofing. The 7-inch screen and 16 GB storage suit a broad reading library without adding color features.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6
Kobo Libra Colour (32 GB)
The Kobo Libra Colour (32 GB) is the best feature-rich Kobo for readers who want color and physical page buttons, with a 7-inch display. The Kobo Libra Colour (32 GB)'s 32 GB storage and IPX8 rating suit a large, varied library.
Best for: Readers who want color, page buttons and more storage in a waterproof reader.
- Display
- 7 inches; 300 ppi black-and-white, 150 ppi color
- Storage
- 32 GB
- Water resistance
- IPX8
- Controls
- Physical page-turn buttons
- Page buttons make one-handed reading easier.
- Color screen supports comics and illustrated books.
- 32 GB storage gives larger libraries more room.
- Larger body is less compact than the Clara models.
- Kobo Stylus 2 is sold separately.
Is the Kobo Libra Colour (32 GB) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Kobo Libra Colour (32 GB) is worth buying for readers who want page buttons, color and generous storage. A 7-inch screen, IPX8 protection and Kobo format support make the device a versatile choice for books, comics and notes.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7
Amazon Kindle (16 GB, 6-inch, 2024 release)
The Amazon Kindle (16 GB, 6-inch, 2024 release) is the best simple budget-style pick for adults who want a light Kindle, with a 6-inch, 300 ppi display. The compact design keeps the core reading experience straightforward.
Best for: Readers who want a light, uncomplicated e-reader for ebooks.
- Display
- 6 inches, 300 ppi
- Storage
- 16 GB
- Battery claim
- Up to 6 weeks
- Water resistance
- None
- Small and light for commuting.
- Sharp text on a 300 ppi display.
- Simple option for readers already using Kindle.
- Not waterproof.
- Does not include the Kids bundle or a larger Paperwhite screen.
Is the Amazon Kindle (16 GB, 6-inch, 2024 release) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Amazon Kindle (16 GB, 6-inch, 2024 release) is worth considering for adults who want a lightweight reader for novels and ebooks. The Amazon Kindle (16 GB, 6-inch, 2024 release)'s 300 ppi screen and 16 GB storage cover core reading needs without the extra features of a Paperwhite.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
Which is better, Kindle Kids or Kobo Clara BW?
Amazon Kindle Kids suits families; Kobo Clara BW suits readers who want format flexibility. Both have a 6-inch, 300 ppi screen and 16 GB of storage. Their main differences are family features, waterproofing and ebook support.
Amazon Kindle Kids includes a protective cover, parental controls and one year of Amazon Kids+. Kobo Clara BW has IPX8 water resistance and supports EPUB, but does not include Kindle’s child-focused services.
Choose Amazon Kindle Kids for a child’s first reader. Choose Kobo Clara BW for waterproofing and access to ebooks from varied sources.
Is Kobo Clara BW good for children?
Kobo Clara BW works for children who need a compact, waterproof reader. Its 6-inch, 300 ppi screen and 16 GB of storage suit everyday reading and travel.
Amazon Kindle Kids is the more complete option for a young first-time reader, with parental controls, a protective cover and one year of Amazon Kids+. Families with an established Kobo library may prefer Kobo Clara BW for EPUB support and compatibility with their existing books.
What are the biggest differences between Kindle and Kobo?
Amazon Kindle and Kobo differ most in their stores and file support. Amazon Kindle Kids and Kobo Clara BW share a 6-inch, 300 ppi screen, but Amazon offers family services while Kobo supports EPUB and other common formats.
Amazon Kindle connects with Kindle ebooks, Amazon Kids+ and family controls. Kobo Clara BW gives readers a direct option for many non-Kindle ebooks. Library borrowing depends on local services, so check compatibility before buying.
Choose Amazon Kindle for Amazon services and family tools, or Kobo for broader file compatibility.
Should you buy a color e-reader or a black-and-white model?
Kobo Clara BW suits text-first reading, with black-and-white text at 300 ppi. Kobo Clara Colour shows black-and-white content at 300 ppi and color at 150 ppi on its 6-inch screen.
Color helps with comics, diagrams and illustrated books, but the display differs from a bright tablet screen. For novels, Kobo Clara BW offers crisp text; for illustrated reading, Kobo Clara Colour adds color.
Kobo Libra Colour has a 7-inch color screen, 32 GB of storage and physical page buttons. Choose based on the books you read most.
What should shoppers compare for Black Friday 2026?
Compare screen size, storage, waterproofing, accessories and services. Amazon Kindle Kids and Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids include child-focused features. Kobo Clara BW and Kobo Clara Colour are compact waterproof options.
Amazon Kindle Kids includes a cover and one year of Amazon Kids+. Kobo Libra Colour offers 32 GB of storage, color and page buttons. Amazon Kindle Paperwhite models have a 7-inch screen and IPX8 water resistance.
Check the exact model and bundle contents on the product listing. Choose the reader that fits its user and ebook collection.
Buying Guide
Choose the right screen size
Amazon Kindle and Kobo Clara models have 6-inch displays. Amazon Kindle Paperwhite and Kobo Libra Colour have 7-inch screens. Pick 6 inches for portability or 7 inches for larger text and more room per page.
Decide if color matters
Kobo Clara BW suits novels and other text-first reading. Kobo Clara Colour and Kobo Libra Colour show color at 150 ppi for comics and illustrated books. Color e-ink looks different from a tablet.
Check waterproofing
Kobo Clara BW, Kobo Clara Colour, Kobo Libra Colour and the listed Amazon Kindle Paperwhite models have IPX8 water resistance. Amazon Kindle and Amazon Kindle Kids do not. Choose a waterproof model for reading near water or extra protection while traveling.
Match the store and file formats
Amazon Kindle suits readers who use Kindle books and Amazon family services. Kobo Clara BW supports EPUB and other common formats. Check local library-service compatibility before choosing an ecosystem.
Compare included extras and capacity
Amazon Kindle Kids includes a cover and one year of Amazon Kids+. Kobo Libra Colour has 32 GB of storage; the other listed models have 16 GB. Compare the bundle and storage with the size of your ebook library.
FAQ
Is Kindle Kids better than Kobo Clara BW for a child?
Amazon Kindle Kids is the better fit for most children because it includes parental controls, a protective cover and one year of Amazon Kids+. Kobo Clara BW is a capable 6-inch waterproof reader, but its strengths are EPUB support and format flexibility rather than child-focused extras.
Does Kobo Clara BW support EPUB books?
Kobo Clara BW supports EPUB, along with other common ebook formats. That support makes Kobo Clara BW useful for readers with books from compatible non-Kindle sources. Check the source’s format and any library-service requirements before buying or transferring an ebook.
Is Kobo Clara BW waterproof?
Kobo Clara BW has an IPX8 water-resistance rating. The rating makes the reader a suitable choice for reading near water, but follow the manufacturer’s care guidance and avoid treating water resistance as a reason to expose any device unnecessarily.
Does Amazon Kindle Kids include a cover?
Amazon Kindle Kids (16 GB, 6-inch, 2024 release) includes a protective cover as part of its family-focused package. The cover helps protect the reader during everyday use, and the package also includes parental controls and one year of Amazon Kids+.
Which is better for comics, Kobo Clara Colour or Kobo Libra Colour?
Kobo Libra Colour is the stronger choice for comics when a larger 7-inch screen, physical page buttons and 32 GB of storage matter. Kobo Clara Colour is smaller, with a 6-inch display and 16 GB of storage, so it suits readers who prioritize portability.
Which Kindle is best for reading near water?
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB, 7-inch, 2024 release) is a good adult Kindle for reading near water because it has IPX8 water resistance. Families who want the same larger-screen and waterproof combination with child-focused features can choose Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids.