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Will Kobo Release a Black and White Libra Model in 2025?
When Kobo dropped the Libra 2 and replaced it with the Libra Colour, reactions were… mixed. Some people were excited about the color E Ink screen, but a lot of longtime fans were bummed that Kobo ditched the Black-and-White Kobo Libra option entirely. And now, with the Libra 2 officially discontinued, those who prefer a classic BW screen are left wondering if Kobo will bring it back.
Lately, people have been talking on Reddit about a new Kobo device. This is because an FCC filing showed up. But before you get excited, this filing might not be for a Kobo product. Netronix, the company that makes it, also works with different brands. Still, there is hope that Kobo might launch something new in 2025. Maybe, just maybe, this includes a black and white version of the Libra.
Why a Black and White Kobo Libra Matters
A lot of readers still swear by BW screens, and for good reason. Theyโre sharper, easier on the eyes, and donโt have the drawbacks of color E Ink, like lower contrast or a higher price tag. Kobo already offers both BW and color options for the Clara lineup, so why not do the same for the Libra?
And letโs talk about the hardware. The Libra is one of the few Kobo models with physical page-turn buttons, which is a big deal for people who donโt love touchscreen-only navigation. Amazonโs Kindles donโt even have buttons anymore, so the Libra stands out in that department.
If Kobo does bring back a BW Libra, it would be even better if they added stylus support. The Libra Colour got it, but previous BW models didnโt. Imagine a refreshed Libra BW with a crisp 7-inch screen, killer frontlight, and the ability to jot down notes. That would be an instant favorite.
Libra BW vs. Existing Options
Right now, if you want a BW Kobo with physical buttons, your best bet is the Kobo Sage. But at $269, itโs not exactly a budget-friendly option. Plus, while the Sage has some nice upgrades, its battery life and frontlight donโt quite match the Libra 2โs perfect mix of affordability and usability. A lot of readers still consider the Libra 2 one of the best eReaders Kobo ever made.
Meanwhile, Amazon is lowering prices on the Kindle Paperwhite. This makes it a strong choice for people looking for a black and white eReader. However, it still does not have the physical buttons that fans of the Libra enjoy. If you are ready to pay more, there are fancy options like the Supernote A5 X2 Manta. But for those looking for a low-cost reader with buttons, Kobo’s current selection does not have the best option.
The Future of the Kobo Libra Line
The Libra 2 had a loyal following, and a lot of people still want to see a worthy successor with a BW screen. So far, Kobo hasnโt given any clear signs that theyโre planning one, but it seems like a missed opportunity. Thereโs definitely a gap in the market, and a 2025 release could be the perfect way to fill it.
For now, if you want a BW Kobo with page-turn buttons, your options are limited to the Sage or the more affordable Clara BW, though the Clara doesnโt have buttons. But if Kobo follows the same dual-model strategy they used for the Clara, we might just get that Libra BW after all. Fingers crossed.
Weโll be keeping an eye on any new developments, so stay tuned to see what Kobo does next!