Kobo Clara BW

Name: Kobo Clara BW
Brand: Kobo
SKU: 67570

Manufacturer: Kobo

The Kobo Clara BW is a compact e-reader designed for everyday reading, offering a 6-inch self-lit e-paper touchscreen with a pixel density of 300 ppi and a resolution of 1072 x 1448 pixels. It supports anti-reflection coating and renders content across 17 screen shades, making text easy to read in a variety of lighting conditions. The device weighs 174 g and measures 9.2 mm thick, keeping it light and portable for extended use.

On the technical side, the Kobo Clara BW runs on a dual-core 1 GHz processor and comes with 16 GB of internal storage, though it does not include an external memory slot. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 4 and Wi-Fi 5 support alongside Bluetooth, while a USB Type-C port handles charging via its non-removable 1500 mAh battery. The device is rated waterproof to a depth of 2 m, carries an operating temperature range of 5–40 °C, supports text-to-speech, and is compatible with 15 file formats. An accelerometer and gyroscope are also built in.

Pros

The 6-inch e-paper display offers a pixel density of 300 ppi at a resolution of 1072 x 1448 pixels, producing sharp and detailed text for comfortable reading
The self-lit screen with anti-reflection coating allows reading in a wide range of lighting conditions without glare
A waterproof rating with a depth tolerance of 2 m makes the device suitable for use near water without risk of damage
At 174 g and 9.2 mm thick, the physical dimensions make it easy to hold for extended periods
16 GB of internal storage provides ample space for a large collection of digital books
Supports text-to-speech and is compatible with 15 file types, offering practical flexibility for different reading habits

Cons

No external memory slot means storage cannot be expanded beyond the built-in 16 GB
Fast charging and wireless charging are both absent, limiting convenience when the battery needs topping up
No 3.5 mm headset jack and no built-in speaker mean audio output depends entirely on the text-to-speech function being used through Bluetooth
The device lacks cellular connectivity, requiring a Wi-Fi network to download content remotely
No branded damage-resistant glass on the display, leaving the screen potentially more vulnerable to scratches

Who is this for?

The Kobo Clara BW is well suited to avid readers who want a dedicated device for long reading sessions, thanks to its 6-inch self-lit e-paper display with a 300 ppi pixel density that delivers sharp, eye-friendly text in varied lighting. Its waterproof rating to a depth of 2 m makes it a practical choice for reading in bathrooms, by the pool, or in other environments where water exposure is a realistic concern. With 16 GB of internal storage and compatibility with 15 file types, it also works well for users who maintain large or diverse digital libraries and prefer flexibility in the formats they read.

Who is this NOT for?

Users looking for a device that can handle tasks beyond reading will find the Kobo Clara BW limiting, as it lacks a front camera, GPS, radio, and has no cellular connectivity — making it unsuitable for those who need always-on content access without a Wi-Fi network. The absence of a 3.5 mm headset jack and a built-in speaker, combined with no fast or wireless charging, makes it a poor fit for users who rely heavily on audio features or need quick battery top-ups during busy routines. Additionally, those who consume large amounts of multimedia or need expandable storage will be constrained by the fixed 16 GB capacity and the lack of an external memory slot.

Design:

weight	174 g
volume	164.864 cm³
width	112 mm
thickness	9.2 mm
height	160 mm
lowest potential operating temperature	5 °C
maximum operating temperature	40 °C
waterproof depth rating	2 m

The Kobo Clara BW has a physical footprint of 160 mm in height and 112 mm in width, with a slim 9.2 mm thickness and a total volume of 164.864 cm³. It weighs 174 g, keeping it comfortable to hold for extended reading sessions. The device is built to operate within a temperature range of 5 °C to 40 °C and carries a waterproof depth rating of 2 m, offering reliable protection against water exposure in everyday situations.

Display:

screen size	6"
is self-lit	✓
pixel density	300 ppi
Has an e-paper display	✓
has a touch screen	✓
has anti-reflection coating	✓
resolution	1072 x 1448 px
number of screen shades	17
has branded damage-resistant glass	✕

The Kobo Clara BW features a 6-inch e-paper touchscreen with a resolution of 1072 x 1448 pixels and a pixel density of 300 ppi, delivering sharp, detailed text rendering. The display is self-lit and includes an anti-reflection coating, making it comfortable to read in both bright and low-light environments. It supports 17 screen shades, providing a range of tonal gradation for e-ink content. The screen does not include branded damage-resistant glass.

Performance:

internal storage	16GB
has an external memory slot	✕
CPU speed	2 x 1 GHz

The Kobo Clara BW is powered by a dual-core processor running at 2 x 1 GHz and comes with 16 GB of internal storage for holding a sizable digital library. It does not include an external memory slot, so the built-in storage represents the total available capacity on the device.

Connectivity:

has a cellular module	✕
supports Wi-Fi	✓
Wi-Fi version	Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Has Bluetooth	✓
has a search browser	✓
has NFC	✕
has an HDMI output	✕

The Kobo Clara BW supports Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) and Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) for wireless connectivity, along with built-in Bluetooth, covering the most common wireless standards for an e-reader. It also includes a built-in browser for web searching. The device does not feature a cellular module, NFC, or an HDMI output.

Battery:

battery power	1500 mAh
Has USB Type-C	✓
has a removable battery	✕
Supports fast charging	✕
has wireless charging	✕
has a rechargeable battery	✓
has a battery level indicator	✓

The Kobo Clara BW is equipped with a 1500 mAh rechargeable battery that is non-removable and charges via a USB Type-C port. A battery level indicator is built in, letting users keep track of remaining charge at a glance. The device does not support fast charging or wireless charging.

Features:

has a built-in speaker	✕
has dictionary	✓
supported file types	15
supports text-to-speech	✓
has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack	✕
has GPS	✕
has an accelerometer	✓
has a compass	✕
Has a radio	✕
has a front camera	✕
has a child lock	✕
has a gyroscope	✓

The Kobo Clara BW includes a built-in dictionary and supports text-to-speech, and is compatible with 15 file types, giving readers a fair degree of flexibility in the formats they can load onto the device. Motion sensing is covered by an accelerometer and a gyroscope, though the device does not include a compass or GPS. On the audio side, there is no built-in speaker and no 3.5 mm headset jack. The Clara BW also lacks a front camera, a radio, and a child lock feature.

Miscellaneous:

water resistance	Waterproof

The Kobo Clara BW carries a waterproof water resistance rating, indicating it is built to withstand water exposure rather than offering only basic splash or moisture protection.

Final Verdict

The Kobo Clara BW presents itself as a focused, well-specified e-reader for readers who want a reliable, distraction-free device. Its 300 ppi self-lit e-paper display paired with a waterproof build to 2 m depth represents a solid combination for everyday reading in varied environments. While it stays within the boundaries of its category — offering no multimedia output, no expandable storage, and no cellular connectivity — these trade-offs are consistent with a device designed specifically around the reading experience. For users whose primary need is a capable, durable e-reader with a sharp display and broad file format support, the Kobo Clara BW delivers a coherent and well-rounded package.