We compared two popular 6 inch e-readers: the newest-generation Amazon Kindle with ads, and the waterproof Kobo Clara BW.
What we looked at
Display and front light, stated battery life, waterproofing, storage and audiobook support, materials, and price.
The verdict
If you want the lower price, a light and compact reader and a stated 6 weeks of battery, the Kindle is the value pick, though this is the with-ads version. If you'd rather pay more for full IPX8 waterproofing, adjustable colour temperature and audiobook support, the Kobo Clara BW is the more feature-rich option.
The cheaper, lighter pick with a stated 6-week battery, but it is the with-ads version and has no waterproof rating listed.
Full IPX8 waterproofing, adjustable colour temperature and audiobook support, but it costs noticeably more than the Kindle.
Amazon Kindle (Newest Gen, 16GB, With Ads, Black) — Best Value
Intended for: Marketed as the lightest and most compact Kindle, with a 6 inch glare-free display, an adjustable front light, dark mode, faster page turns and up to 6 weeks of battery life.
What we liked
- Cheaper than the Kobo Clara BW on these listings
- Lightest and most compact Kindle, with a 6 inch glare-free display
- Adjustable front light stated to be 25% brighter at maximum, plus dark mode
- Up to 6 weeks of battery life stated on a single charge
- 16GB holds thousands of books, magazines and comics, with a Kindle Unlimited subscription available
Worth knowing
- This is the with-ads version
- No waterproof rating in the listing, unlike the Kobo's IPX8
- No audiobook support mentioned in the listing highlights
Best for
- Buyers who want the lower-priced, light and compact e-reader
- Readers who are happy in the Kindle and Kindle Unlimited ecosystem
- Anyone who values a stated 6-week battery life
Not ideal for
- Anyone who wants to read in the bath or by the pool
- Buyers who want Bluetooth audiobooks on the device
Kobo Clara BW eReader (6 inch, Waterproof, 16GB, Black) — Waterproof Pick
Intended for: Marketed as a 6 inch waterproof e-reader with a glare-free E Ink Carta 1300 HD touchscreen, ComfortLight PRO front light, optional dark mode, 16GB of storage and audiobook support.
What we liked
- Full IPX8 waterproofing, stated to survive up to 60 minutes in up to 2 metres of water
- ComfortLight PRO adjusts brightness, colour temperature and blue light
- Glare-free 6 inch E Ink Carta 1300 HD touchscreen with optional dark mode
- 16GB stated to hold up to 12,000 eBooks or 75 Kobo audiobooks
- Made with recycled and ocean-bound plastic, with repairability in mind
Worth knowing
- Costs noticeably more than the Kindle on these listings
- Battery life is described only as 'weeks', not the Kindle's stated 6 weeks
Best for
- Readers who want a waterproof e-reader for the bath, beach or pool
- Anyone who wants to adjust colour temperature and blue light
- Buyers who want audiobook support and a stated repairability focus
Not ideal for
- Budget-conscious buyers comparing price first
- Anyone who wants a stated battery life figure
