Is Kobo a Chinese company?

No, Kobo is not a Chinese company; it's a Canadian company (founded in Toronto) that is a subsidiary of the Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten, though its devices are manufactured in Asia, likely in China or Taiwan. Kobo was originally launched by Indigo Books & Music, but Rakuten acquired it in 2011.

Is Kobo made in China?

Kobo was founded in Canada, is headquartered in Canada, and has the majority of our employees, including me, are here. Our corporate owner since 2012 is Rakuten, which makes us Japanese-owned. Our ereaders are designed and engineered in Toronto and manufactured in Taipei and outside Shanghai.

Who is Kobo owned by?

Owned by Tokyo-based Rakuten Group, Inc. and headquartered in Toronto, Rakuten Kobo's millions of worldwide users can read anytime, anywhere, and on any device.

Which one is better, Kindle or Kobo?

Neither Kobo nor Kindle is universally "better"; the best choice depends on your priorities, with Kobo often preferred by those wanting more flexibility, library integration (OverDrive), and open file support (EPUB), while Kindle excels with a smoother interface, larger bookstore, Audible integration, and simpler Amazon ecosystem. Kobo offers deeper customization and library borrowing directly on the device, whereas Kindle provides a seamless Amazon experience but locks you into their format. 

Is Rakuten a Chinese company?

(楽天グループ株式会社, Rakuten Gurūpu kabushikigaisha; pronounced [ɾakɯ̥teɴ], lit. 'Optimism') is a Japanese technology conglomerate based in Tokyo, founded by Hiroshi Mikitani in 1997.

O.D. Kobo, China's Internet Whiz- Investor, Chinese News TV

Can Rakuten be trusted?

Yes, Rakuten is a legitimate and reputable company that offers real cash back and coupons for online shopping, with many users reporting positive experiences receiving payments via check or PayPal quarterly. While it's a real service, users need to activate the program before shopping and wait for quarterly payments, but it's a trusted platform backed by a large corporation, making it a solid way to earn rewards on everyday purchases, notes.
 

Is Rakuten an ethical company?

Rakuten's Approach

One of our Brand Concepts – part of the Rakuten Shugi – reads Behave Ethically: Integrity. In the Rakuten Group Code of Ethics, we have cemented our commitment to maintaining a high ethical standard while conducting business with integrity.

What are the disadvantages of Kobo?

Kobo e-readers' main drawbacks include inconsistent battery life compared to some competitors, a less seamless ecosystem for sideloaded books (no automatic sync), potential software bugs or freezes, slower download speeds, and limited accessory options compared to Amazon Kindles, with some users also noting recessed screens that trap dust and slower charging times.
 

Can I put Kindle books on Kobo?

Yes, you can put Kindle books on a Kobo, but not directly; you need to use a computer, the free software Calibre, and a special plugin to remove Amazon's Digital Rights Management (DRM) and convert the files from Kindle's format (like AZW) to Kobo's preferred EPUB format, a process that involves downloading books via the Kindle for PC app, managing them in Calibre, converting them, and then sideloading them to your device, according to this YouTube video and this YouTube video. 

Why do people like Kobo?

Kobo offers many different models for your specific reading needs, but they're most known for their color displays. They bring all the satisfaction of staring at a beautifully color-organized bookshelf but are far more convenient. The Kobo Clara Colour is perfect for readers who: Want a compact reading device.

Why is everyone switching to Kobo?

People are switching to Kobo from Kindle primarily due to Amazon removing direct ebook downloads, which sparked concerns about digital ownership and control, pushing users towards Kobo's more open ecosystem that supports various formats (like EPUB), easier sideloading, and features like Overdrive integration for library books, offering greater flexibility and perceived "ownership" of purchased titles. Kobo's device accessibility via Amazon's storefront and its user-friendly features also attract new adopters.
 

Is Amazon no longer allowing Kindle downloads?

Yes, Amazon stopped allowing direct "Download & Transfer via USB" for Kindle books from its website on February 26, 2025, meaning you can't easily download DRM-protected files to a computer for backup or transfer to non-Kindle devices. You can still get books on Wi-Fi enabled Kindles and apps via the "Deliver to Device" option, but users who rely on USB transfers for older devices or other e-readers are affected. 

What happens if Kobo goes out of business?

If Kobo went out of business, you'd likely lose access to their store, apps, and cloud sync, but your purchased eBooks (DRM-free ePubs) would remain yours, accessible on other eReaders or apps, though older, DRM-protected books might need special handling or transfer to another service like Adobe Digital Editions. For users of other services like Sony Reader or Overdrive that integrated with Kobo, a process would likely occur where those libraries would be transferred or you'd receive emails to migrate to another platform. The key takeaway: you'd need to switch ecosystems, but you wouldn't lose all your books, especially if you have DRM-free files. 

What is the most popular eReader in China?

1. ONYX BOOX (CHINESE BRAND) BOOX, also known as Onyx Boox (文石BOOX), currently is China's top e-book reader brand, produced by Onyx International Inc., which mostly produces E Ink (ePaper) devices. Onyx Boox was founded in 2008 by a team from IBM, Google, and Microsoft.

Is Kobo an American company?

Rakuten Kobo Inc., or simply Kobo, is a Canadian company that sells ebooks, audiobooks, e-readers and formerly tablet computers.

Does Amazon sell Kobo?

Amazon.ca: Kobo - EBook Readers & Accessories: Electronics.

Which is better, Kindle or Kobo?

Neither Kobo nor Kindle is universally "better"; the best choice depends on your priorities, with Kobo often preferred by those wanting more flexibility, library integration (OverDrive), and open file support (EPUB), while Kindle excels with a smoother interface, larger bookstore, Audible integration, and simpler Amazon ecosystem. Kobo offers deeper customization and library borrowing directly on the device, whereas Kindle provides a seamless Amazon experience but locks you into their format. 

How do you buy books on Kobo?

Buy a book on your Kobo eReader

1. Go to your Home screen.
2. Tap the. ...
3. Find a book you want to buy in one of these ways: ...
4. If you've shopped with Kobo before and saved your billing information, go to step 10.
5. Use the keyboard to enter your billing address and credit card information. ...
6. Tap Continue.
7. Review your order.

What devices can you read Kobo books on?

Android and iOS devices:

• Android smartphones or tablets that support version 6.0 and higher.
• Apple smartphones or tablets (iPhone, iPad, and 6th generation iPod Touch) that support iOS 12 or later.
• Apple CarPlay using the Kobo Books app for iOS.

Can I use Kobo without internet?

Reading Kobo Plus books in your Kobo Desktop app while offline. You can read up to 15 Kobo Plus books from your library in your Kobo Desktop app while offline. After your trial period for offline reading expires, you'll need to re-connect to Wi Fi and sync Kobo Desktop to continue reading.

Where is the most ethical place to buy eBooks?

EBooks.com is our recommended alternative to Amazon with a high score (Amazon is at the bottom of our score table). View their profile on our website. The eBooks.com site includes over 1.7 million ebooks and sells into every country in the world including Antarctica and the International Space Station!

Which is the best Kobo eReader to buy?

The best Kobo eReader depends on your needs: the Kobo Libra Colour is top for color comics/PDFs and notes with stylus support, while the Kobo Clara BW (Black & White) offers excellent portability and value for general novel reading. For a premium grayscale experience with physical buttons and waterproofing, the Libra 2 is a beloved choice, whereas the Sage offers stylus capabilities for note-takers who don't need color.
 

Why are so many people leaving Amazon?

People quit Amazon due to a demanding, fast-paced culture leading to burnout, high workloads, strict performance metrics, competitive/cutthroat environments, and issues with management or work-life balance, especially with long hours and challenging return-to-office policies, alongside concerns about safety, compensation structures, and HR policies. Turnover is high, with many leaving within the first couple of years, seeking better work-life integration and less pressure. 

What is the least ethical company?

As part of our 25th Birthday celebrations Ethical Consumer asked its readers to vote for who they thought was the least ethical company over the last 25 years. Nestlé 'won' with 15% of the vote, finishing just above Monsanto (14%) and the UK's number one tax avoider Amazon (12%).

Can you trust Rakuten?

Yes, Rakuten is a legitimate and reputable company that offers real cash back and coupons for online shopping, with many users reporting positive experiences receiving payments via check or PayPal quarterly. While it's a real service, users need to activate the program before shopping and wait for quarterly payments, but it's a trusted platform backed by a large corporation, making it a solid way to earn rewards on everyday purchases, notes.