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Kobo Forma — 2018
Kobo

Kobo Forma

2018

80
/ 100
From $279
VS
Kobo Clara BW wins by 6
Kobo Clara BW — 2024
Kobo

Kobo Clara BW

2024

86
/ 100
From $129
Specdex verdict

Kobo Clara BW takes it — here’s why.

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

Pick Kobo Forma if…

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

Pick Kobo Clara BW 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

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 Forma 80
vs
86 Kobo Clara BW

Score breakdown

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

Specs side-by-side

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

Kobo Forma

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

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

FAQ: Kobo Forma vs Kobo Clara BW

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

Kobo Clara BW scores 86 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 6. 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 Clara BW worth the price? +

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

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

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

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

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