Kobo Arc

Overview

TechSpot Metascore

Based on 31 expert reviews

Excellent:

1
Good:

19
Average:

7
Bad:

4

Pros:

Full access to Google Play store.
Durable design.
Customizable interface.

Cons:

Outdated version of Android.
Reflective screen; Bookstore lacks magazines and periodicals.

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Last revision on June 5, 2015

Reviewers Liked

Full access to Google Play store
Durable design
Customizable interface
Social integration
Fast performance
High-quality audio
Good-looking screen
Sturdy build quality
Full Google Play access

Reviewers Didn't Like

Outdated version of Android
Reflective screen; Bookstore lacks magazines and periodicals
No Bluetooth
Needs to be more price- or feature-competitive with Google Nexus 7
Short battery life
No storage expansion
Lacks GPS
Lacks Bluetooth
Lacks HDMI-out
Highly reflective screen

Competitors and Related Products

Our editors hand-pick related products using a variety of criteria: direct competitors targeting the same market segment, or devices that are similar in size, performance, or feature sets.

Expert reviews and ratings

Kobo's upped its game since the bitterly disappointing Vox, but this 7-incher just doesn't offer enough to distinguish itself from the...

By Engadget on January 17, 2014

With wide file support, a fast processor and a great screen, it's the Arc Tapestries and Discover features that make this a well thought-out and good value attempt at an Android ereader-cum-tablet that makes the walled garden approach of others seem...

By tech.uk.msn.com on December 27, 2013

The Kobo Arc 10HD is a powerful tablet with some great reading features let down by a far from perfect screen and bulky, uncomfortable design.

By TrustedReviews on November 29, 2013

Like the Amazon Kindle Fire HD, the Kobo Arc is designed for reading ebooks and consuming other types of content. That means this 7" device features a highly modified version of Android that's tightly linked to Kobo's own content stores.The home screen...

By micromart.co.uk on September 25, 2013

It's a great shame, as otherwise the Kobo could be the perfect choice for those looking for a cheap Android tablet. If movies and general app use are your priorities it's well worth a look, but if music matters there are better options available. See...

By What Hi-Fi? on September 12, 2013

With full access to the Google Play store and a slick interface, the Kobo Arc represents a strong alternative to other 7-inch...

By LaptopMag on March 15, 2013

This smart-looking Android tablet/e-reader performs well, and its custom "Tapestries" UI has much to recommend. Only the lack of a few key features and the need for more aggressive pricing keep it from stardom....

By Computer Shopper on March 13, 2013

The Kobo Arc tablet straddles two Android tablet personality types. It's a basic, $200 tablet with a friendly user interface meant to be easily grasped by less tech-savvy users. But it also offers the openness and full access to the Google Play app...

By Digital Trends on February 26, 2013

The Kobo Arc is a huge advance on the Kobo Vox, and a very credible alternative to the Kindle Fire HD or Google Nexus 7. Unlike the Kindle, it doesn't tie you in to a particular apps, books, music and movies ecosystem, and you're free to flit between...

By IT Pro Portal on February 14, 2013

The Kobo Arc shows that, after the poor Vox tablet, Kobo does know how to do things other than make E-ink eReaders. With a keen price, decent innards and a respectable, if not great, screen, it's a serious contender in the low-cost tablet space that the...

By Trusted Reviews on February 08, 2013

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Kobo Arc

Overview

Pros & Cons

Reviews

TechSpot Metascore

Pros:

Cons:

Reviewers Liked

Reviewers Didn't Like

Competitors and Related Products

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 2013

Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 7

Barnes & Noble Nook HD+

Kobo Aura H2O

Expert reviews and ratings