iPad Kindle App vs Kobo App

[Apparition B5]

Assuming for the moment that one has the exact same library on both the Amazon Kindle and the Kobo, which app do you believe provides the better experience? Or are they both about the same?

[FlorenceArt]

I would say the Kindle app is a much better experience. However, I rarely use either of them, and I'm probably not very objective because I hate the Kobo app with a passion. Any developer who thinks it's a good idea to include social media support BEFORE a search function should go develop something else IMHO, not a reading app.

[Anthem]

They are both fine. The Kobo app is probably a bit prettier... but the Kindle app and Amazon's ecosystem behind it are vastly superior.

The number one reason I can't use the Kobo app? You can't do multi-page highlights... you know, like if a sentence starts on one page and flips over to the next one and you have to drag the highlight between the two? God... how could they not have that feature in the Kobo app like... ages ago?

Dead simple on the Kindle app.

[DaleDe]

In iOS the kindle app has a different format for its version of ePub which is different from all other platforms. It is called AZK. Apple will ship this format as needed so you get a good experience but any mobi you find laying around will only have the old mobipocket support which is fine for reading but can't do any complicated formatting. It is possible to make AZK files yourself using eBook previewer but that is an extra step and if the source is mobi then it isn't of much use anyway. It is something to be away of. See AZK in our wiki.

Dale

[49Kat]

I agree with Anthem about the Kobo app being prettier. I like the background selection. However, I find the Kobo app problematic. Even after updates that were supposed to contain bug fixes, I still have books that won't open quickly or they freeze the entire app shortly after they do open. I end up having to close the app completely when switching back and forth between books (double tap home button and swipe up). The highlight feature stopped working several updates ago so I gave up on that. I am at the point now where, even with coupon discounts, I'll be choosing books in the Kindle format even if they are a bit more expensive because I'm just sick of the hassle involved with Kobo and epubs. (Bluefire also does not work as smoothly as it should, but I've been using it for epub books that I want to highlight.)

Oh, and having to redownload my library several times after Kobo app updates...not fun.

The Kindle app just works, and it synchronizes smoothly between devices all the time and smooth synchronization between devices is one of my must haves. The only thing I don't like about the Kindle app is when I use it for library books, I have to log into my account on a web page to return the book. But it still beats dealing with an epub version of the books, which won't synchronize between devices no matter what app I use to read it. (Overdrive, Bluefire, or Kobo. Bluefire freezes during attempts to synchronize...again, not worth the hassle.)

I just want to read and enjoy books, I'm not interested in fussing and fiddling with file formats and buggy apps.

[leebase]

Neither app is "all that". If you want a great reading app, get Marvin. If you want a simple experience...then pick which store/ecosystem you want to be in and just go with that reader.