Kobo Books

What Kobo Books is

Kobo Books is a digital service for buying and listening to audiobooks, with apps for iOS and Android and playback on select Kobo eReaders with Bluetooth. The mobile app supports pausing, fast-forwarding, rewinding, and resuming. Downloaded audiobooks can be played on a smartphone or tablet without an internet connection, and the app works with Bluetooth headphones and speakers. Kobo Plus Listen costs $7.99 a month after a 14-day free trial, plus applicable taxes. Kobo Plus Read & Listen costs $9.99 a month after the trial, plus applicable taxes. The first subscription includes audiobooks, while the second includes eBooks and audiobooks, but neither catalogue includes every title. Subscription credits also apply only to eligible audiobooks. Audiobooks cannot be played in Kobo Desktop or on a laptop or desktop computer. The iOS app does not support in-app purchases, so audiobooks must be bought through Kobo.com. Kobo Plus users can open up to 15 books offline in an eReader or app during a 30-day period before reconnecting and syncing.

Who it suits

Kobo Books suits listeners who want audiobook purchases or a Kobo Plus subscription on a phone, tablet, or select Bluetooth-equipped Kobo eReader. Readers wanting eBooks as well as audiobooks can consider Read & Listen, while checking that desired titles are included.

Limits

Kobo Plus Listen costs $7.99 a month after the 14-day trial, plus applicable taxes; Kobo Plus Read & Listen costs $9.99 a month after the trial, plus applicable taxes. Neither plan includes every title, and Kobo Plus users can open up to 15 books offline over 30 days before reconnecting and syncing.

Getting started

1. Visit https://www.kobo.com/audiobooks.
2. Choose the Kobo Books app for iOS or Android, or use a select Kobo eReader with Bluetooth.
3. Use a Kobo account to access content.
4. Choose whether to use the free plan or start a 14-day Kobo Plus trial.
5. On iOS, purchase audiobooks through Kobo.com.
6. Download audiobooks in the app to listen offline on a smartphone or tablet.

Verdict

Kobo Books provides mobile audiobook playback, offline listening, and two Kobo Plus options with a 14-day trial. Check catalogue and device limitations before subscribing, especially if you listen on a computer or want a particular title.