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Kobo Aura One — 2016
Kobo

Kobo Aura One

2016

78
/ 100
From $229
VS
Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen) wins by 10
Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen) — 2021
Amazon

Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen)

2021

88
/ 100
From $139
Specdex verdict

Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen) takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Kobo Aura One lands at 78 and Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen) at 88. That puts Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen) ahead by 10 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Kobo Aura One if…

  • ✓Weeks of battery
  • ✓Glare-free E Ink
  • ✓Lightweight

Pick Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen) if…

  • ✓Weeks of battery life
  • ✓Glare-free E Ink
  • ✓Lightweight
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Battery

Tie

Compared on the battery sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Ecosystem

Tie

Compared on the ecosystem sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Display

Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen)

Compared on the display sub-score

Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen) leads on display (88 vs 78).

Value for money

Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen) more score per dollar ($139 vs $229).

Kobo Aura One 78
vs
88 Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen)

Score breakdown

Kobo Aura One
78
display 78
speed 80
battery 94
ecosystem 84
Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen)
88
display 88
speed 82
battery 94
ecosystem 84

Specs side-by-side

Kobo Aura One versus Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen) — full spec comparison
Spec Kobo Aura One Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen)
Release year
2016
2021

Kobo Aura One

Pros
  • +Weeks of battery
  • +Glare-free E Ink
  • +Lightweight
Cons
  • −Slow refresh
  • −Ecosystem lock-in (most)
  • −Color options muted

Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen)

Pros
  • +Weeks of battery life
  • +Glare-free E Ink
  • +Lightweight
Cons
  • −Slow refresh vs LCD
  • −Ecosystem lock-in
  • −Color E Ink muted

FAQ: Kobo Aura One vs Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen)

Which is better, Kobo Aura One or Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen)? +

Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen) scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 10. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Kobo Aura One worth the price? +

At $229, Kobo Aura One delivers a Specdex score of 78 — strongest in battery.

Is Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen) worth the price? +

At $139, Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen) delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in battery.

Does Kobo Aura One or Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen) last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for display, Kobo Aura One or Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen)? +

Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen) — leads on display (88 vs 78). Compared on the display sub-score.

Which is the better value, Kobo Aura One or Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen)? +

Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen) — more score per dollar ($139 vs $229). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.