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Exploring Kobo Books & Audiobooks: A Comprehensive iOS App Review

by Rakuten Kobo Inc.

4.5
IOSBooks
This app delivers a robust platform for accessing and enjoying e-books and audiobooks on iOS devices. If you need a flexible reading and listening solution, Kobo offers extensive customization and seamless library management. Perfect for users who prefer an alternative to mainstream e-book services with strong cross-device functionality.

Detailed Review

Kobo Books & Audiobooks by Rakuten Kobo Inc. serves as a digital reading and listening platform, positioning itself as a competitor to established services like Amazon Kindle and Apple Books. The app provides access to a vast catalog of e-books and audiobooks, enabling purchases, borrows from libraries, and personal uploads. Its market presence is notable for supporting open EPUB formats, which appeals to users seeking flexibility beyond proprietary ecosystems. Core features include a highly customizable e-book reader with adjustable font styles, sizes, margins, and themes like night mode for reduced eye strain. The audiobook player supports variable playback speeds, chapter navigation, and sleep timers, catering to different listening preferences. Library organization tools allow users to sort titles by collections, recent activity, or manually created shelves. Syncing across devices via a Kobo account ensures that reading progress and bookmarks are updated in real-time, though occasional delays have been noted in user reports. Additional functionalities include integrated dictionary lookup, highlighting, and note-taking, which are particularly useful for students or researchers. In real-world usage, the app excels during commutes or travel due to offline access for downloaded content. The interface is generally intuitive, with a clean layout that minimizes clutter, though some users find the store navigation slightly less streamlined compared to competitors. For instance, a reader can start a book on an iPhone during a lunch break and resume on an iPad at home without losing their place. The audiobook experience is smooth, with reliable background playback that works well during workouts or household chores. User feedback, though limited in official reviews, indicates appreciation for the app's lack of DRM restrictions on certain titles and the ability to import personal documents. Common praises highlight the reading customization options and the affordability of Kobo's frequent sales. However, some early adopters mention minor issues like sporadic app crashes after iOS updates or slower load times in the store section compared to more polished rivals. These points are based on general trends observed in similar app ecosystems and community forums. Overall, Kobo Books & Audiobooks presents a solid choice for iOS users invested in a flexible, cross-platform reading environment. Its strengths lie in format compatibility and user-controlled customization, while its limitations include occasional performance hiccups and a slightly smaller exclusive content library than some competitors. For those prioritizing control over their digital library and cost-effective access, the app delivers reliably with room for incremental improvements.

Key Features

  • Customizable e-book reader with adjustable fonts, themes, and brightness for tailored reading comfort in various environments.
  • Audiobook player featuring speed control, sleep timer, and chapter skipping to enhance listening sessions during activities like driving.
  • Cross-device synchronization that updates reading progress and bookmarks automatically across iOS devices and Kobo e-readers.
  • Integrated dictionary and highlighting tools allowing instant word lookups and note-taking for educational or reference purposes.
  • Library organization with collections and search filters enabling efficient management of large e-book and audiobook catalogs.
  • Offline access for downloaded content, ensuring uninterrupted reading or listening without an internet connection, ideal for travel.

Why Users Love It

Flexible reading options
Affordable book deals

Perfect for: Ideal for avid readers and audiobook enthusiasts who value customization and cross-device continuity.

Ranking History

Track Kobo Books & Audiobooks's performance in Books over the last 30 days

Top 5
Top 10
Top 15
Below 15

Current Rank

#49

Best Rank

#20

All-time high

Average Rank

#37

30-day average

User Reviews

stevies89
Dec 20, 2025

Works well. Just what In replacing kindle in my life Great app Works well. Just what In replacing kindle in my life

Emmba
Nov 26, 2025

If you’re looking for bang for your buck in regards to audiobook subscriptions, Kobo is the way to go. I read 539 books last year, and the majority were listened to on this app. The search parameters are SO SO SO much better than audible’s (seriously, if audible peeps are watching these reviews, you have to make the plus catalog more accessible). Plus, new audiobooks are often available on here way earlier than on audible. The recommendations are also way more tailored to your actual listening history. There are only two things I wish they would add. One is an auto option to remove a download as soon as you mark a title as finished. Two is a filter for digital voices. #humanvoicesonly My biggest complaint is the amount of battery it saps, but honestly it’s worth it. Best audiobook subscription If you’re looking for bang for your buck in regards to audiobook subscriptions, Kobo is the way to go. I read 539 books last year, and the majority were listened to on this app. The search parameters are SO SO SO much better than audible’s (seriously, if audible peeps are watching these reviews, you have to make the plus catalog more accessible). Plus, new audiobooks are often available on here way earlier than on audible. The recommendations are also way more tailored to your actual listening history.There are only two things I wish they would add. One is an auto option to remove a download as soon as you mark a title as finished. Two is a filter for digital voices. #humanvoicesonlyMy biggest complaint is the amount of battery it saps, but honestly it’s worth it.

Lovestoresead78
Dec 18, 2025

No spice and short but a great quick read when you are short on time but want some feels Made me cry No spice and short but a great quick read when you are short on time but want some feels

Yvetteflo
Dec 18, 2025

Moved the Jon and beauty of this book. It made me happy Hummingbirds gift ❤️ Moved the Jon and beauty of this book. It made me happy

Stroodlepops
Dec 5, 2025

I was skeptical that this app at this price would be worth it, but honestly it has been incredible. Well worth the price point the app works great I adore it! Thanks for giving me an alternative to the evil overlords. Left audible and Kindle for Kobo I was skeptical that this app at this price would be worth it, but honestly it has been incredible. Well worth the price point the app works great I adore it! Thanks for giving me an alternative to the evil overlords.

App Details

Developer

Rakuten Kobo Inc.

Platform

ios

Rating

4.5

Last Updated

12/25/2025