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Kobo Clara BW — 2024
Kobo

Kobo Clara BW

2024

86
/ 100
From $129
VS
Kobo Clara BW wins by 6
Kobo Forma — 2018
Kobo

Kobo Forma

2018

80
/ 100
From $279
Specdex verdict

Kobo Clara BW takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Kobo Clara BW lands at 86 and Kobo Forma at 80. That puts Kobo Clara BW ahead by 6 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Kobo Clara BW if…

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

Pick Kobo Forma if…

  • ✓Weeks of battery
  • ✓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

Kobo Clara BW

Compared on the display sub-score

Kobo Clara BW leads on display (86 vs 80).

Value for money

Kobo Clara BW

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Kobo Clara BW more score per dollar ($129 vs $279).

Kobo Clara BW 86
vs
80 Kobo Forma

Score breakdown

Kobo Clara BW
86
display 86
speed 82
battery 94
ecosystem 84
Kobo Forma
80
display 80
speed 80
battery 94
ecosystem 84

Specs side-by-side

Kobo Clara BW versus Kobo Forma — full spec comparison
Spec Kobo Clara BW Kobo Forma
Release year
2024
2018

Kobo Clara BW

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

Kobo Forma

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

FAQ: Kobo Clara BW vs Kobo Forma

Which is better, Kobo Clara BW or Kobo Forma? +

Kobo Clara BW scores 86 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 6. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Kobo Clara BW worth the price? +

At $129, Kobo Clara BW delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in battery.

Is Kobo Forma worth the price? +

At $279, Kobo Forma delivers a Specdex score of 80 — strongest in battery.

Does Kobo Clara BW or Kobo Forma 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 Clara BW or Kobo Forma? +

Kobo Clara BW — leads on display (86 vs 80). Compared on the display sub-score.

Which is the better value, Kobo Clara BW or Kobo Forma? +

Kobo Clara BW — more score per dollar ($129 vs $279). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.