Cobalt is our app, so let us be upfront: this comparison presents getAbstract as fairly as possible, from public information. Both services summarise non-fiction books, but they serve different audiences.
The difference fits in one sentence: getAbstract is a premium, enterprise-oriented platform with a huge library, while Cobalt is a consumer app, mobile and affordable, focused on personal development.
In short
| Criterion | Cobalt | getAbstract |
|---|---|---|
| Audience | Individuals, personal development | Professionals, enterprises |
| Library | Curated selection of non-fiction | 27,000+ summaries (business, science, etc.) |
| Format | Key concepts, ~8 min | Text 10-15 min + audio and video |
| Languages | French, English, Spanish, German, Italian | 7 languages, including French |
| Price | 7-day free trial then affordable premium | About 99 to 299 USD/year, ~30 USD/user/month for teams (check current) |
| Platforms | iOS, Android | iOS, Android, Web |
Library and positioning
getAbstract impresses with volume: over 27,000 summaries, remarkable depth on business topics, and features built for companies (team licences, learning paths, HR integrations). It is a knowledge-management tool as much as a reading app. Cobalt takes a different bet: a tighter selection of great non-fiction books, distilled into key ideas you can apply right away, without getting lost in an endless catalogue.
Price and format
This is the tipping point. getAbstract sits in a premium range, suited to a professional budget or employer funding. Cobalt is built for individual use: a 7-day free trial, then a subscription designed for a single reader, with a mobile format of a few minutes a day. Both are available in French and offer audio or text; getAbstract adds videos and podcasts on some plans.
When to choose getAbstract
getAbstract is an excellent choice if you want the largest possible library, business and scientific depth, or if your company funds access to train its teams. Its catalogue and collaborative features are hard to match.
When to choose Cobalt
Choose Cobalt if you are an individual who wants the essence of personal development, reading on mobile in a few minutes, in your language, without paying an enterprise price. It is an affordable, concrete gateway to the best ideas from books.
Want to try it? Cobalt offers a 7-day free trial on iOS and Android.