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Kobo Forma — 2018
Kobo

Kobo Forma

2018

80
/ 100
From $279
VS
Kobo Forma wins by 2
Kobo Aura One — 2016
Kobo

Kobo Aura One

2016

78
/ 100
From $229
Specdex verdict

Kobo Forma takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Kobo Forma lands at 80 and Kobo Aura One at 78. That puts Kobo Forma ahead by 2 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Kobo Forma if…

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

Pick Kobo Aura One 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.

Speed

Tie

Compared on the speed sub-score

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

Value for money

Kobo Aura One

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Kobo Aura One more score per dollar ($229 vs $279).

Kobo Forma 80
vs
78 Kobo Aura One

Score breakdown

Kobo Forma
80
display 80
speed 80
battery 94
ecosystem 84
Kobo Aura One
78
display 78
speed 80
battery 94
ecosystem 84

Specs side-by-side

Kobo Forma versus Kobo Aura One — full spec comparison
Spec Kobo Forma Kobo Aura One
Release year
2018
2016

Kobo Forma

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

Kobo Aura One

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

FAQ: Kobo Forma vs Kobo Aura One

Which is better, Kobo Forma or Kobo Aura One? +

Kobo Forma scores 80 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Kobo Forma worth the price? +

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

Is Kobo Aura One worth the price? +

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

Does Kobo Forma or Kobo Aura One 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 the better value, Kobo Forma or Kobo Aura One? +

Kobo Aura One — more score per dollar ($229 vs $279). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.