If you've been thinking about trying Kobo or Kobo Plus, you may have one big question:
Do I need to buy a Kobo eReader to read Kobo books?
No.
You can read Kobo ebooks and use Kobo Plus without owning a Kobo eReader at all.
If you already have a compatible phone, tablet, or computer, you probably already own everything you need to start reading Kobo books.
There is one important exception, though.
You cannot use Kobo Plus directly on a Kindle eReader such as a Kindle Paperwhite, Kindle Colorsoft, Kindle Scribe, or standard Kindle.
That doesn't mean you need to throw away your Kindle or immediately buy another eReader.
You can keep your Kindle for the books you already own there and use the free Kobo Books app or Kobo Web Reader for Kobo books.
Here's exactly how it works.
What is Kobo Plus?
Kobo Plus is Rakuten Kobo's ebook and audiobook subscription service.
If you’re deciding between Kobo Plus and Kindle Unlimited, I compared the two services here.
Instead of purchasing every individual book, subscribers can read eligible books included in the Kobo Plus catalog.
Kobo currently offers more than 1.5 million ebooks through its U.S. Kobo Plus Read plan, with audiobook options available as well. New U.S. subscribers currently receive a 14-day free trial.
If you want to try Kobo Plus, you do not need to buy one of Kobo's eReaders first.
You can start the subscription, install the free Kobo Books app, and begin reading.
That's actually the way I'd recommend trying it.
Use Kobo on something you already own first.
If you later decide you love the experience and want a dedicated Kobo eReader, you can buy one then.
What devices can I use to read Kobo Plus books?
Kobo gives you several ways to read.
You can read Kobo ebooks on a Kobo eReader, through the free Kobo Books app on supported phones and tablets, or through Kobo Web Reader in a supported web browser. Kobo says your reading progress can sync between its apps, Kobo eReaders, and Web Reader.
That means you don't need a dedicated reading device at all.
You can read Kobo books on:
An iPhone or iPad
Download the free Kobo Books app from Apple's App Store. Kobo currently supports iOS 18 and newer.
An Android phone or tablet
Download the free Kobo Books app from Google Play. Kobo currently lists Android 10 and newer as supported for its app.
A computer
Kobo Web Reader lets you open Kobo ebooks through a web browser without installing a reading app.
A Kobo eReader
Of course, Kobo Plus also works directly on supported Kobo eReaders.
So buying a Kobo is an option.
It isn't an entrance fee.
Can I read Kobo Plus books on my Kindle?
This is where things get confusing because people often use the word "Kindle" to mean several different things.
If you own an actual Kindle eReader, the answer is no.
You cannot install the Kobo Books app on a Kindle Paperwhite, Kindle Colorsoft, Kindle Scribe, basic Kindle, or other standard Kindle eReader.
Amazon's Kindle eReaders are designed around Amazon's Kindle ecosystem. Kobo's official reading options are Kobo eReaders, its iOS and Android apps, and Kobo Web Reader.
So you cannot simply open the Kindle store, download the Kobo app, and start using Kobo Plus on your Paperwhite.
Can I read Kobo Plus on a Kindle Paperwhite?
No.
A Kindle Paperwhite cannot run the Kobo Books app.
Can I read Kobo Plus on Kindle Colorsoft?
No.
The same applies to Kindle Colorsoft.
Can I read Kobo Plus on a Kindle Scribe?
Again, no.
Kindle Scribe remains part of Amazon's Kindle eReader ecosystem and does not provide the Kobo Books app.
But here's the important part:
Owning a Kindle does not mean you need to replace it.
Keep reading the Kindle books already on your Kindle.
Then put the Kobo Books app on your phone or tablet for Kobo Plus.
You can use both.
No ebook divorce attorney required.
What about an Amazon Fire tablet?
An Amazon Fire tablet is different from a Kindle eReader.
Amazon originally called these devices Kindle Fire tablets, which is one reason there is so much confusion.
Fire tablets are full tablets built on Amazon's Fire OS, while Kindle Paperwhite, Colorsoft, Scribe, and the standard Kindle are dedicated eReaders.
Technically inclined users can find instructions online for sideloading Android applications onto Fire tablets. Amazon itself documents sideloading Android app packages for developers.
However, Kobo does not list Amazon Fire tablets as an officially supported Kobo Books app platform. Kobo directs Android users to download its app through Google Play.
For the average reader, I would not make sideloading your introduction to Kobo.
There are much easier options.
Use the Kobo Books app on a supported phone or tablet, use Kobo Web Reader, or eventually purchase a Kobo eReader if you decide you want one.
Can I read Kobo books in a web browser?
Yes, and this may be the easiest option of all for some readers.
Kobo Web Reader lets you access your Kobo ebook library through your browser.
You don't have to install an app.
You don't have to own a Kobo Reader.
And Kobo specifically says Web Reader can be used for ebooks you've purchased or ebooks you've added through your Kobo Plus subscription.
Kobo currently supports modern browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. Your reading progress can sync with your Kobo app or Kobo eReader.
That means you could start a book on your computer, continue on your phone later, and eventually finish it on a Kobo eReader if you own one.
One important limitation: Kobo Web Reader is for ebooks. Kobo says audiobooks are not supported through Web Reader.
How do I read Kobo Plus on my phone or tablet?
Getting started is much easier than it sounds.
Create a Kobo account and subscribe to Kobo Plus. Choose the plan that fits how you read.
Download the free Kobo Books app. Use the Apple App Store for a supported iPhone or iPad, or Google Play for a supported Android phone or tablet.
Sign into the same Kobo account you used for Kobo Plus.
Find an eligible book. Look for books marked as included with Kobo Plus and add them to your books.
Download the book and start reading.
Kobo allows subscribers to add as many Kobo Plus titles as they'd like to their books.
Once the title is in your library, download it to your device and open it.
That's really all there is to it.
How do Kobo Plus books work on an iPhone or iPad?
Apple readers have one small wrinkle.
You can use the Kobo Books app to read Kobo ebooks on a supported iPhone or iPad, but Kobo says purchases are completed through its website rather than directly inside the iOS app.
So don't be alarmed if the app seems a little different from what you're accustomed to.
You can subscribe or add the book through Kobo, then return to the Kobo Books app and sync your account.
Your book will appear in your library.
Open it and read.
How does Kobo Plus work on Android?
Android is a little more direct.
Kobo's Android app includes access to the Kobo store, and readers can browse ebooks, audiobooks, and Kobo Plus titles from within the app.
Sign into your account, choose Kobo Plus, find something that looks irresistible, add it to your books, and download it.
Alien warriors are entirely optional.
Around here, however, they do tend to turn up.
Can I read Kobo Plus offline?
Yes.
You do not need to stay connected to Wi-Fi every second you're reading.
Kobo lets you download Kobo Plus books and read offline through the Kobo Books app or a Kobo eReader.
There is an offline-use limit to be aware of. Kobo says you can open up to 15 Kobo Plus books during an offline period before you'll need to reconnect and sync again. Once you sync, you can disconnect and continue reading offline.
So Kobo Plus can still travel with you on an airplane, on vacation, or anywhere your internet connection becomes more theoretical than useful.
Just download your books before you leave.
Will Kobo remember where I stopped reading?
Yes.
Kobo syncs reading activity across supported Kobo reading options.
If you're signed into the same Kobo account and your devices have synced, you can start reading on one device and continue elsewhere. Kobo currently promotes syncing among phones, tablets, Kobo eReaders, and Kobo Web Reader.
So your reading might look something like this:
Read a chapter on your phone while waiting for an appointment.
Continue on your tablet that evening.
Sneak another chapter through Kobo Web Reader on your laptop.
Eventually buy a Kobo eReader and continue there.
Your library isn't confined to one screen.
Do I need to transfer all my Kindle books to Kobo?
No.
And I really don't recommend turning this into a giant migration project.
You don't need to convert your existing Kindle library before you can start using Kobo.
You don't need to delete the Kindle app.
You don't need to stop using your Kindle.
You can simply use both ecosystems.
Keep Amazon books in your Kindle library.
Read those books on your Kindle.
Use Kobo for Kobo purchases and Kobo Plus books.
Install both the Kindle app and Kobo Books app on the same phone or tablet if you want.
They're apps, not rival kingdoms demanding a blood oath.
Can I move Kobo Plus subscription books onto my Kindle?
No.
Kobo Plus titles are subscription books. They aren't ordinary DRM-free ebook files that you purchase, download, and then send wherever you want.
Kobo's own support information makes clear that Kobo Plus access is meant to happen through its supported reading environment. For example, Kobo specifically says Kobo Plus books cannot simply be downloaded and imported to unsupported Sony eReaders.
So don't plan on subscribing to Kobo Plus, downloading a Kobo Plus ebook, and transferring it onto your Kindle Paperwhite.
Instead, read that Kobo Plus book through the Kobo Books app, Kobo Web Reader, or a Kobo eReader.
Do I need to buy a Kobo eReader eventually?
Only if you want one.
There are good reasons to enjoy a dedicated eReader.
E-ink screens are comfortable for long reading sessions.
A dedicated reader has fewer distractions.
Battery life can be excellent.
And some readers simply prefer holding an eReader instead of a phone.
But none of that means you need to buy a Kobo before you can try Kobo Plus.
In fact, readers discussing the move from Kindle Unlimited to Kobo Plus frequently suggest trying the Kobo app and subscription first, then deciding whether buying another eReader makes sense.
I think that's excellent advice.
Try the books.
Try the app.
See whether Kobo Plus has enough of what you love to read.
Then worry about hardware.
What if I already love my Kindle?
Keep it.
Seriously.
This isn't a demand that you choose a team.
If your Kindle Paperwhite still works beautifully, there is no reason it has to become an expensive coaster just because you want to read outside Amazon too.
You can keep using it.
What changes is that Amazon no longer has to be the only place you read ebooks.
Your Kindle can hold your Kindle books.
Your phone or tablet can hold your Kobo books.
If you eventually decide you'd rather have a Kobo eReader for Kobo Plus, that's another option.
You choose.
Can I read Miranda Martin books through Kobo Plus?
Yes.
Many of my books are available outside Amazon, including books available through Kobo and Kobo Plus.
That's one reason I'm writing this series of guides.
I know a lot of my readers have spent years reading almost entirely through Kindle and Kindle Unlimited.
When I say, “You can read me on Kobo,” I don't want the next thought to be:
Great. Now I have to buy another device.
You don't.
If you already own a compatible phone, tablet, or computer, you can start there.
Search for Miranda Martin on Kobo and look for books marked as included with Kobo Plus.
Add one.
Open the Kobo app.
Come find your next alien warrior, dragon, impossible world, or woman who refuses to be small.
The story doesn't care which rectangle you're holding.
So, do I need a Kobo to read Kobo books?
No.
You do not need a Kobo eReader to read Kobo books or use Kobo Plus.
You can read using the free Kobo Books app on compatible iPhone, iPad, Android phones, and Android tablets. You can also read Kobo Plus ebooks with Kobo Web Reader on supported browsers.
What you cannot do is install Kobo Plus directly on a Kindle eReader such as a Kindle Paperwhite, Kindle Colorsoft, Kindle Scribe, or basic Kindle.
But you don't have to replace that Kindle either.
Keep it.
Use it.
Add Kobo alongside it.
The easiest way to start reading outside Amazon isn't replacing every device you own.
It's simply giving yourself another place to find books.
