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12 reviews
Jun, 2025
alaTest has collected and analyzed 12 reviews of Kobo Forma. The average rating for this product is 3.7/5, compared to an average rating of 4.3/5 for other products in the same category for all reviews. People are impressed by the size and usability. The design and portability also get good feedback, but many are critical about the reliability and performance.
screen, portability, design, usability, size
price, durability, performance, reliability
We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other products in the same category the Kobo Forma is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 91/100 = Excellent quality.
Expert review by : Max Parker (trustedreviews.com)
The Kobo Forma is a seriously expensive e-reader that looks to rival the Kindle Oasis. But it's let down by a few strange decisions.
Lovely, big screen ; Kobo’s software has some nice touches ; Unique design is surprisingly comfortable
Ugly ; Slow, plodding UI ; Bookstore can’t match Amazon’s ; Super-expensive
A few decent features aren't enough to justify the Kobo Forma's steep price.
Expert review by : James Peckham (techradar.com)
A high-end alternative to the Kindle
Strong battery life ; Comfortable reading experience ; Waterproof build
Lacklustre design ; Limited ebook store ; Very expensive
The Kobo Forma is good for its waterproof design and big screen, but it doesn't reach the heights of the Kindle Oasis. However, it's a suitable alternative if you want to avoid Amazon, or you're already embedded in the Kobo ecosystem.
TechAdvisor Recommended
Expert review by : David Price (techadvisor.co.uk)
The Kobo Forma is an attractive premium eReader with a big screen and great water resistance. Here's our review
Expert review by : Steven Winkelman (digitaltrends.com)
With its gorgeous eight-inch E Ink display and impressive hardware, the Kobo Forma is a premium ebook reader that goes up against the likes of Amazon's second generation Kindle Oasis. But at $280, it comes in at more than twice the price other...
Crisp, large display ; Display lighting adjusts to environment ; Intuitive user interface with in-depth reading stats ; Overdrive integration allows checking out books from local libraries
Build quality feels cheap ; Home button is spongy and in awkward location
At $280, the Kobo Forma is on the expensive side of ebook readers. While we wish the build quality reflected its premium price point, it is still an excellent value for serious readers.
Expert review by : Sascha Segan (pcmag.com)
Kobo's top-of-the-line ebook reader is great if you feel other options are too cramped, but it's more device than most people need.
Expert review by : Séamus Bellamy (pcworld.com)
The Kobo Forma is waterproof and insanely light, but quality control issues and a high price keep it from being a Kindle-killer.
Crisp, bright display ; Comfortable to hold for hours, in multiple orientations ; Free reading content via OverDrive and Pocket ; Waterproof
Expensive ; Questionable quality control ; No audiobook functionality ; Touch controls cannot be turned off before exposing device to liquids
Those who consume a lot of graphic content, or whose eyesight requires them to use a larger font size while reading, will love the Kobo Forma’s crisp, expansive display. That the Forma is waterproof and insanely light, and offers multiple methods to...
Expert review by : Sandra Vogel Sandra Vogel (zdnet.com)
The Kobo Forma may not have a 3G option, but it does support the ePUB format and public library loans, making it a credible alternative to the Kindle Oasis.
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