It also comes with plenty of text size adjustments which largely keeps you from missing that bigger screen. While I personally prefer a slightly larger screen, like the 6.8-inch display on the Kindle Paperwhite, the Clara 2E is a nice size to comfortably hold with one hand or to throw in a handbag without taking up space. Similar to both the Clara HD and the latest Kindle model, the Clara 2E comes with a sunken six-inch display and 300 ppi resolution for sharp, crisp text. This is great news for those who love a beach or bathtime read, as it gives you plenty of time to fish it out of the water the next time it takes an unexpected dip. Speaking of the ocean, the Clara 2E now has an IPX8 rating too, which allows it to survive for up to 60 minutes in two metres of water. While I am always a little sceptical of exactly how ‘green’ any tech product really is, this commitment is still great to see – especially given some of the plastic it uses was ocean bound. Though both Amazon and Rakuten have been using recycled plastics in ereaders for quite some time, this is the highest percentage we’ve seen on a model so far, beating out the new Kindle (2022) which only uses around 30-75 per cent. Of course, no product is perfect and the Clara 2E is no exception, but for those not already enmeshed in Amazon’s ecosystem (or those looking to get out of it), this ereader is a great mid-range option. It’s also made of 85 per cent recycled plastic, making it the most eco-friendly option currently available. The Clara 2E meanwhile introduces plenty of upgrades that make it a serious alternative to models like the new Kindle (2022).

While its predecessor, the Kobo Clara HD, was a great device in its own right, its features are now lagging behind more recent ereader models. While Amazon has largely dominated the market so far, Kobo has been quietly offering a range of high-quality alternatives.

When it comes to buying an ereader, shoppers really only have two brand choices: Amazon’s Kindle or Rakuten’s Kobo.

Kobo clara 2