Kobo
Kobo Forma
2018
80
/ 100
From $279
VS
Kobo Clara BW wins by 6
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
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
| 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.