GoKawiilReader poll finds most Kindle owners planning to ditch Amazon after DRM tightening
A community poll of over 2,100 respondents found that more than 70% of Kindle users have either already moved to rivals like Kobo or Boox, or plan to switch on their next upgrade, following Amazon's August update that closed a Libby lending loophole and tightened DRM restrictions on the Kindle Oasis. About 33% said they've already switched, while 37.7% said they intend to leave Amazon's ecosystem for a future device.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Amazon's e-reader dominance has long rested on brand loyalty and lock-in through its proprietary format and DRM, but this backlash suggests that tightening restrictions on purchased content can erode goodwill quickly. If a meaningful share of loyal readers follow through on switching, it could open real market share for competitors like Kobo and Boox, which offer more open formats and library integrations.
- Amazon's DRM and Libby loophole fix triggered strong reader backlash
- Over 70% of poll respondents are moving or plan to move away from Kindle
- Kobo and Boox are emerging as the main beneficiaries of Kindle discontent
Kobo Clara BW e-reader — If Amazon's DRM tightening has you eyeing the exit, Kobo's Clara BW is the classic alternative, with a glare-free E Ink screen and built-in OverDrive library borrowing. It supports EPUB files directly, so your own sideloaded books just work.
See Kobo Clara BW e-reader on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: androidauthority.com, 2026-09-03
Published there as: “Poll shows Amazon’s Kindle DRM crackdown is backfiring with loyal ebook fans”
Read the original report → The summary and analysis above are GoKawiil's own, written from reporting by the source above. Facts and quotes belong to the original publisher.