Kobo Clara Colour
Quick take
The Kobo Clara Colour is a lightweight 6-inch color E Ink eReader built for comfortable, on-the-go reading. It adds a Kaleido 3 color display with multi-color highlighting, plus ComfortLight PRO and Dark Mode, and it is designed to be waterproof (IPX8) for everyday worry-free use. The main caveat is that E Ink color is meant to be easy on the eyes, not as vibrant as a tablet screen.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Compact 6-inch design (about 6.14 ounces) that is easy to hold for commuting or travel
- Color E Ink (Kaleido 3) plus multi-color highlighting for notes, annotations, and nonfiction reference
- ComfortLight PRO for adjustable lighting, including a Dark Mode option
- Waterproof design with IPX8 rating (up to 60 minutes in up to 2 meters)
- Battery life rated at about 2 weeks for typical use patterns
Cons
- Color E Ink typically looks less saturated than tablet displays, even when the content is in color
- Limited storage capacity at 16GB, so large libraries may require some management
- Internet browsing can feel slower than phones or tablets, based on user experiences
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence points to a consistent theme: the Kobo Clara Colour is an easy-to-live-with, comfortable eReader that feels portable and simple to use. Readers often highlight the color display as a meaningful upgrade, especially for multi-color highlighting and reading nonfiction or books where visual organization matters. Many also mention that Dark Mode and adjustable lighting contribute to eye comfort during longer sessions. Setup and day-to-day usability are frequently described as straightforward, and battery life is seen as a strong benefit for people who do not want to charge often. Feedback is more mixed on performance for tasks like web browsing, with some users noting it can feel slower than they expect from a phone or tablet.
Who this eReader is best for
- People who want color E Ink without going bigger. The 6-inch screen size and low weight make it a strong choice for pocket-friendly reading and for holding one-handed.
- Readers who highlight and color-code. Multi-color highlighting is a practical feature for nonfiction, study notes, and readers who like to visually separate themes.
- Anyone sensitive to glare or blue light. ComfortLight PRO reduces blue light and the device also supports Dark Mode, which helps reduce eye strain in low-light conditions.
- People who want waterproof everyday durability. The IPX8 rating is designed for peace of mind around water exposure.
- Users interested in audiobook support. If you like switching between reading and listening, audiobook capability is built in.
Key features that affect daily use
6-inch color E Ink Kaleido 3, and what “color” really means
The Clara Colour uses a 6-inch E Ink Kaleido 3 display, aimed at adding color without sacrificing the low-glare, paper-like reading experience. Color on E Ink is not intended to match the vibrancy of backlit LCD or OLED screens, but users generally find it valuable for highlighting and cover visuals, especially when you want to differentiate notes by color.
ComfortLight PRO and Dark Mode for reading at any hour
ComfortLight PRO automatically reduces blue light, and you can personalize reading comfort by adjusting things like font size and line spacing. Dark Mode gives you another way to make nighttime reading more comfortable.
Multi-color highlighting and easy reference
Color highlighting is one of the standout day-to-day reasons to choose this model. Being able to add, erase, or change colors supports different reading workflows, like tagging important passages in a way that is faster to scan later.
Waterproof design (IPX8)
With an IPX8 rating, the Clara Colour is built to handle waterproof use for up to 60 minutes in up to 2 meters. That matters if you read by the pool, travel often, or simply want confidence near bathrooms, kitchens, or rainy commutes.
Battery life you can plan around
Battery life is rated at about two weeks, which is a real advantage if you want reading to stay uninterrupted. This also helps for people who forget to charge gadgets frequently.
Pros and cons in plain language
Pros you will likely notice quickly
- Portability: The small footprint and low weight make it easy to bring along.
- Convenient comfort features: Dark Mode and ComfortLight PRO help reduce strain.
- More engaging nonfiction and study: Multi-color highlighting supports better organization.
- Water resistance: IPX8 helps reduce worry during everyday use.
Tradeoffs to keep in mind
- Color is more subtle than a tablet: Expect a softer, less saturated look.
- Storage is modest: 16GB is often fine, but heavy users may need to manage content.
- Not a web-first device: If you plan to browse the internet frequently, performance may not feel as responsive as a phone.
Price and availability
Pricing varies by retailer and promotions. If you are comparing against other eReaders, focus less on the sticker price and more on your must-haves (color, comfort lighting, waterproofing, and whether you care about button-free navigation).
Is the Kobo Clara Colour worth it?
The Kobo Clara Colour is worth considering if you want a compact, comfortable eReader with a color E Ink screen, multi-color highlighting, adjustable lighting (including Dark Mode), and waterproof design. It is a good fit for commuters, casual travelers, and readers who like to annotate and keep information visually organized. If your priority is maximum screen vibrancy for graphics or you mainly want fast web browsing like a tablet, you may want to look at other device categories or focus on monochrome eReaders (depending on your reading style and budget).
Simple alternatives by buyer need
- If you want warm-light comfort more than color: prioritize an eReader that offers warm light features, even if you give up color.
- If you want a bigger screen for reading and studying: consider a larger Kobo model in the same ecosystem.
- If color is a nice-to-have but not essential: monochrome models may deliver sharper contrast and faster “reading-like” performance for everyday text.
FAQ
Is the Kobo Clara Colour good for reading in the dark?
Yes. It includes ComfortLight PRO for adjustable lighting and it offers a Dark Mode option, which is helpful for low-light reading comfort.
How waterproof is the Kobo Clara Colour?
It is rated IPX8, designed for waterproof protection up to 60 minutes in up to 2 meters of water.
Does the color E Ink screen look as vibrant as a tablet?
No, color E Ink is generally less saturated than tablet displays. The value tends to show up most with readability and features like multi-color highlighting, not with tablet-level vibrancy.
What storage size does it have?
It comes with 16GB of storage.
How is the battery life?
Battery life is rated at about two weeks, depending on usage.
Can it work with library borrowing?
Yes, it supports OverDrive-style library integration, so you can check out and place holds for library books.
Can you use it for audiobooks?
Yes. Audiobooks support is included, making it easier to switch between reading and listening.
View latest price on Amazon: Buy on Amazon
Specifications
| Product Title | Kobo Clara Colour | Colour eReader | 6” Glare-Free Colour E Ink Kaleido™ 3 Display | Dark Mode Option | Waterproof | Audiobooks | 16GB of Storage | Black |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > eBook Readers & Accessories > eBook Readers |
| Brand | Kobo |
| Manufacturer | Rakuten Kobo |
| Model Name | Kobo Clara |
| Model Number | N367-TP-BK-S-CK |
| Color | Black |
| Item Weight | 6.14 Ounces |
| Display Technology | Electronic Ink |
| Connectivity Technology | Wi-Fi |
| Screen Size | 6 Inches |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 16 GB |
| Battery Average Life | 2 weeks |
| Native Resolution | 1024 x 768 |
| File Format | EPUB, PDF, [possibly] MOBI |
| Other Special Features of the Product | Color Display, High-Resolution Graphics, Environmentally Friendly Design |
| Battery Description | Lithium-Ion Polymer |
| Compatible Devices | [Common e-book reading devices and platforms, such as Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Kobo's own apps] |
| Human-Interface Input | Touchscreen |
| Bluetooth support? | No |
| Night vision | No |
| Processor Speed | 2 GHz |
| Built-In Media | eReader |
| UPC | 681495009664 |
| Mfr Part Number | N367-TP-BK-S-CK |
| Warranty Description | 1 Year Limited Warranty |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
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