I have a Kobo eBook Reader, specifically the Kobo Libra Colour. It has become my primary ebook reading device. So when Kobo announced their Kobo Remote, I hopped on the bandwagon on the first day and bought one.
I ordered on Dec 2 and it arrived on Dec 15 for me in Singapore.
What is Kobo Remote?
Kobo Remote is a new, first‑party Bluetooth page‑turner designed exclusively for Kobo, giving you truly hands‑free reading on compatible Kobo eReaders and the Kobo Books app. It comes in Black and White and focuses on effortless navigation, long battery life, and an ergonomic, clip‑free design that keeps you immersed in your story.
Kobo Remote is a compact wireless remote that lets you turn pages on your Kobo eReader or in the Kobo Books app without touching the screen. It pairs over Bluetooth and is engineered specifically for Kobo’s own ecosystem, so it feels like an extension of the device rather than a generic accessory.
Unlike third‑party page turners, Kobo Remote is marketed as the only remote custom‑built for Kobo eReaders, with hardware and software tuned for page‑turn responsiveness. This tight integration helps reduce pairing friction and keeps the experience consistent across supported models.
Design and build
Kobo Remote is available in two colours, Black and White, so you can match or contrast it with your eReader. The body is slim, lightweight and ergonomically sculpted for long reading sessions, minimizing hand and wrist strain.
The front layout is intentionally simple: a larger button to page forward and a smaller one to move backward, so you can navigate by feel without looking down. Kobo also uses a clip‑free design, so the remote never physically obstructs your screen, unlike clamp‑style page‑turners that mount on the bezel.
Key features and controls
Once paired via Bluetooth, the remote’s controls are straightforward: press the larger button to move to the next page and the smaller button to go back. The buttons are tuned for reading, so a single click advances a page, helping you stay in rhythm without accidental skips.
Kobo Remote is optimized primarily for eBooks, but it can also handle basic playback functions for Kobo Audiobooks, such as skipping forward or backward by around 30 seconds. This makes it useful whether you are following text on‑screen or listening with Bluetooth headphones through a supported eReader.
Battery life and everyday use
Kobo Remote runs on a single AAA battery, giving you months of typical use before you need to swap it out. Because it uses a standard replaceable battery, there is no need to worry about proprietary chargers or downtime while it recharges.
Intelligent sleep/wake behaviour helps preserve battery life: the remote can go to sleep when inactive but remains paired and wakes quickly when you press a button. Combined with its low weight and comfortable shape, this makes it ideal for “reading marathons” on the sofa, in bed, or during long flights.
Compatibility and pricing in Singapore
Kobo Remote is designed for Bluetooth‑enabled Kobo eReaders, including recent models such as Kobo Libra Colour, Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Clara Colour, Kobo Clara BW, Kobo Clara 2E, Kobo Sage, Kobo Elipsa and Elipsa 2E. A recent firmware update (4.44.23552) added specific support for the remote, including easier Bluetooth access from the status bar on newer devices.
In Singapore, Kobo Remote is priced at S$49.90 and sold through the official Rakuten Kobo eReader Store and selected local retailers. But it is sold out at the time of writing this article 🙂
Video of Me Using Kobo Remote
To Solve a First World Problem…
Conclusion on Kobo Remote
Guess it is a good buy if you do read a lot in bed or in cafe. You pop up the reader by a stand and just lie down on your bed and click away. Or sit in the cafe and just click away.
First world problem deserves a first world solution.
