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Kobo Books
Toronto, Canada
What it is
Kobo Books is a digital service for buying and listening to audiobooks. Its apps run on iOS and Android, and selected Kobo eReaders can play audiobooks through Bluetooth. Playback controls let listeners pause, fast-forward, rewind, and resume. Downloaded titles can be heard on a smartphone or tablet without an internet connection, and Bluetooth headphones or speakers can be used. Kobo offers a free plan and a 14-day trial. Kobo Plus Listen costs $7.99 a month after the trial, plus applicable taxes; Kobo Plus Read & Listen costs $9.99 a month after the trial, plus applicable taxes. The first plan includes audiobooks, while the second includes eBooks and audiobooks, but neither covers every title. Subscription credits apply only to eligible audiobooks. Kobo Plus users can open up to 15 books offline over 30 days before reconnecting and syncing. Audiobooks cannot play in Kobo Desktop or on laptop and desktop computers. iOS purchases must be made through Kobo.com. Kobo was founded in 2009 and is based in Toronto, Canada.
For and against
For
- Apps for Android and iOS
- Offline playback on phones and tablets
- Bluetooth headphones and speakers supported
- Pause, rewind, and resume controls
- 14-day trial available
Against
- No playback on laptops or desktops
- iOS purchases require Kobo.com
- Subscriptions exclude some titles
- No family sharing
The verdict
Kobo Books combines mobile and selected eReader listening with offline playback and Bluetooth. Check device restrictions, iOS purchasing, and catalogue limits before choosing a subscription.
Who it suits
It suits listeners using iOS, Android, or compatible Kobo eReaders who want audiobook playback, downloads, and Bluetooth support. It also suits readers considering Kobo Plus subscriptions, provided the catalogue limits fit their needs.
Plans and prices
Kobo Plus Listen
Audiobooks included in Kobo Plus; not every Kobo audiobook is included; cancel anytime
Read 30 Sep 2026 · kobo.com
Kobo Plus Read & Listen
eBooks and audiobooks included in Kobo Plus; not every title is included; cancel anytime
Read 30 Sep 2026 · kobo.com
On the record
- Bluetooth
- Listeners can use Bluetooth headphones or speakers with the Kobo app, and select Kobo eReaders support audiobook playback over Bluetooth.help.kobo.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Company
- Rakuten Kobo Inc. is based in Toronto, Canada, and its company page says it was founded in December 2009.tw.kobo.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Desktop limitation
- Audiobooks cannot be played in the Kobo Desktop app or on a laptop or desktop computer.help.kobo.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- iOS purchasing
- The Kobo Books app for iOS does not support in-app purchases, so audiobooks must be purchased through Kobo.com.help.kobo.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Kobo Plus catalogue
- Not every Kobo audiobook is available through a Kobo Plus subscription.kobo.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Listening devices
- Audiobooks can be listened to in the Kobo Books app for iOS or Android and on select Kobo eReaders with Bluetooth.help.kobo.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Offline Kobo Plus limit
- Kobo Plus users can open up to 15 books offline over a 30-day period in an eReader or the Kobo app before reconnecting and syncing.kobo.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Offline listening
- Downloaded audiobooks can be listened to on a smartphone or tablet without an internet connection.help.kobo.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Playback controls
- The Kobo app lets listeners pause, fast-forward, rewind, and resume audiobook playback.help.kobo.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Privacy
- Kobo says it collects personal information when people use an account, interact with its services, order content, access content, or contact customer care.authorize.kobo.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Service
- Kobo sells audiobooks and provides a digital platform for customers to listen to them.kobo.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Subscription limits
- Only eligible audiobooks can be redeemed with an audiobook subscription credit; the credit offer does not cover every title.help.kobo.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Support
- Kobo says customers can get Kobo Plus help and troubleshooting through its Help Center.kobo.com · read 30 Sep 2026
