Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight 3 8GB
Score: 64/100
Kobo Clara BW
Score: 76/100Rankings
The Kobo Clara BW is a compact 6-inch e-reader with a crisp 300 PPI Carta display, ComfortLight PRO, and IPX8 waterproofing, offering broad format compatibility. Its small non-expandable storage and absence of tactile page-turn buttons are trade-offs. Best suited for readers who value portability and a glare-free screen.
The Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight 3 is a 6-inch front-lit e-ink reader with a comfortable ergonomic build and month-long battery endurance. Its limited storage, lack of expansion, and modest PDF support constrain power users. It is ideal for casual readers within the B&N ecosystem who need low-light capability.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
6 inchesbest | 6 inchesbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 175 g | 174 gbest |
— | 1,500 mAhbest | |
212 ppi | 300 ppibest | |
| ↓ lower better | 10.7 mm | 9.2 mmbest |
0.256 GB | 0.5 GBbest | |
2 GB | 16 GBbest | |
2 formats | 15 formatsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(2) | ||
Processor | 800 MHz | MediaTek MT8113L ARM A53 1 GHz |
RAM (GB) | 0.256 GB | 0.5 GB |
Display(3) | ||
Resolution (pixels) | 1024x758 pixels | 1448x1072 pixels |
Pixel Density (ppi) | 212 ppi | 300 ppi |
Frontlight Type | GlowLight | ComfortLight PRO |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 175 g | 174 g |
Thickness (mm) | 10.7 mm | 9.2 mm |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Wi‑Fi Standard | 802.11n | 802.11 ac/b/g/n |
Software(1) | ||
Supported File Formats (formats) | 2 formats | 15 formats |
Storage(1) | ||
Internal Storage (GB) | 2 GB | 16 GB |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praised the Nook GlowLight for its lightweight, ergonomic build and the bright, clear GlowLight front-lit display that rivals the Kindle Paperwhite 2 and Kobo Aura. However, they pointed out the relatively high launch price, the absence of expandable storage, and weak PDF handling as notable drawbacks.
Everyday users consistently highlight the device's portability, easy one-handed operation, long battery life, and effective GlowLight for low-light reading. Recurring complaints focus on limited internal storage, lack of a microSD slot, subpar PDF support, the rubber back feel, and occasional ghosting on the E Ink screen.
“Helpful, even GlowLight for dark reading”
Professional reviewers commend the Clara BW for its sharp, high-contrast 300 PPI E Ink screen, lightweight build, and seamless OverDrive and Bluetooth audiobook integration, noting it delivers a solid black-and-white reading experience. However, they point out the lack of physical page-turn buttons, modest battery life under heavy use, and slightly lower brightness compared to earlier models.
Everyday users praise the device's compact, lightweight feel, glare-free screen readability in bright light, long battery life, and waterproof capability, describing it as an easy entry point for new e-readers. Recurring complaints focus on the missing tactile page-turn buttons, reduced battery endurance with intensive lighting or audio, and the small size being less comfortable for larger hands.
