When comparing NOOK: Read eBooks & Magazines vs Kobo Books, the Slant community recommends Kobo Books for most people. In the question“What are the best eBook readers on Android?” Kobo Books is ranked 13th while NOOK: Read eBooks & Magazines is ranked 20th. The most important reason people chose Kobo Books is:
The Kobo eBook store offers a separate file download (most of the time) from within a users browser. this file is called and .ascm file and is what is used to add an .epub to the [Adobe Digital Edition software](https://www.adobe.com/solutions/ebook/digital-editions/download.html).
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Pros
Pro Cloud sync
NOOK offers a cloud sync feature that will sync all of the users eBooks, notes, bookmarks as well as read position. This way multiple devices and apps can be used by simply logging into ones own account, to then simply sync everything to enjoy the exact same experience no matter what they are using.
Pro Built in store
A built in store to purchase eBooks, magazines, newspapers, comic books and graphic novels is one of the main functions of the app. Making a convenient all in one solution for ones eBooks needs.
Pro Bookmarks
There is a bookmark features that is simply used by tapping in the top right corner in order to dog ear the page. Tapping in the same place again will un-bookmark the page
Pro 8 adjustable fonts
The Nook app for Android has 8 adjustable fonts, that all have selectable sizes as well.
Pro Offers separate Adobe Digital Editions downloads
The Kobo eBook store offers a separate file download (most of the time) from within a users browser. this file is called and .ascm file and is what is used to add an .epub to the Adobe Digital Edition software.
Pro Send eBooks as gift
Kobo Books eBook store allows users to send eBooks as gifts to their friends and loved ones.
Pro Self publish
Kobo offers a way for users to self publish their own eBooks with a service called Writing Life.
Pro Many coupons
Kobo often offers a lot of coupons for their eBook store. Some being as high as 80% off coupons. Though most only work on non agency eBooks, so not that great if the user only reads the newest of releases.
Cons
Con Spyware
Collects personal info.
Con Does not support audiobooks
Despite the fact that the new 4.0 NOOK app supports video and enhanced eBooks, it still does not support purchasing or playing audiobooks. Though Nook does offer a separate app for those that do want the function.
Con Not all eBooks sold on the site are Adobe Digital Editions compatible (.epub)
For some reason not all the eBooks available on the Kobo eBook site are downloadable as .ascm files. Most likely Kobo leaves this up to the publisher, as Houghton Mifflin Harcourt does not have a single book on the Kobo store that offers a separate .ascm download. What most users are unaware of is that the Kobo store is not primarily an .epub bookstore. Kobo uses a proprietary format called .kepub that only works on their own Kobo branded devices. Many of the books they sell do offer a separate .ascm file download, but not all. What exacerbates this issue is that there is currently no way for a user to know if an .ascm will be offered until after purchase.
Con Kobo randomly changes prices
Depending on whether a user is logged in, different prices will be shown on non agency eBooks. Non agency eBooks allow for Kobo to set the price of the title instead of the publisher and sadly it does appear as though Kobo has taken advantage of this to entice new users into thinking their books are priced lower than they actually are.