Top Tablets for Reading: Perfect for Books and Comics

Books are undeniably wonderful, but they can be cumbersome and space-consuming. If you're fortunate enough to have room for a home library, that's fantastic. However, if space is at a premium, consider switching to a reading tablet. While you might miss the tactile pleasure of flipping through pages, these devices make it easier to build a personal library, including access to free books from the comfort of your home, and they keep your space tidy. We've identified some of the best tablets to enhance your reading experience anywhere.

TL;DR - These Are the Best Tablets to Read on:

Our Top Pick### Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

0See it at Amazon### Apple iPad Mini (7th Gen)

0See it at AmazonSee it at AppleSee it at Best Buy### Apple iPad Pro (2024, M4)

0See it at AmazonSee it at Apple### OnePlus Pad 2

0See it at OnePlus### Kobo Libra Colour

0See it at AmazonReading tablets offer a range of functionalities. E-readers, such as our top choice, the Kindle Paperwhite, are designed specifically for reading, with screens that mimic the look of book pages. These devices are limited in their capabilities, so don't expect to use them for social media or video streaming. In contrast, more versatile tablets like the iPad Mini can handle a variety of tasks, though their displays might cause more eye strain and drain the battery faster. Features like note-taking, available on the Kobo Libra Colour, can be particularly useful for students or those who like to annotate their reading material. Choosing the right tablet depends on your specific needs and preferences.

1. Kindle Paperwhite

The Best Kindle and Best Reading Tablet

Our Top Pick### Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

0The Kindle Paperwhite offers a reading experience akin to a physical book, enhanced with a backlight and numerous useful features. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen size7" E InkScreen resolution300ppiFront light19 LEDsStorage16GBBattery12 weeksDimensions5" x 7" x 0.3"Weight211gPROSGreat battery lifeWater-resistantCONSPlastic buildIf your primary goal is to read, the Kindle Paperwhite is the best tablet for you. This e-reader focuses on simplicity, lacking features like a colorful screen, stylus support, or access to emails and apps. Instead, it provides a distraction-free, easy-to-read display that reduces eye strain and extends battery life.

The latest Kindle Paperwhite features a slightly larger 7-inch e-ink display with a 300ppi resolution, designed to minimize blue light and glare. It includes a new thin-film transistor for better contrast, and 19 LEDs around the screen ensure readability in various lighting conditions, from beachside to a dimly lit tent. Adjusting the warm backlight is straightforward, but for automatic adjustments and additional features, consider the Kindle Paperwhite Signature.

This model boasts a 20% performance increase over its predecessor, enabling quick page turns and smooth navigation through your book library. With 16GB of storage, you can store thousands of books, though audiobooks take up more space; cloud storage is an option if needed. Other features include customizable text and font settings, an integrated dictionary, and compatibility with the Libby app for borrowing books, albeit indirectly.

The Kindle Paperwhite's plastic construction keeps it slim and lightweight, reducing fatigue during long reading sessions. Despite its seemingly fragile build, it's sturdy and waterproof. Its impressive 12-week battery life on a single 2.5-hour charge makes it our top Kindle recommendation.

2. iPad Mini (7th Gen)

Best iPad for Reading

### Apple iPad Mini (7th Gen)

0A compact iPad weighing just over half a pound with a vibrant 8.3-inch display, ideal for handheld reading. See it at AmazonSee it at AppleSee it at Best BuyProduct SpecificationsScreen size8.3” Liquid Retina IPSScreen resolution326 ppiFront lightN/AStorage128GB, 256GB, 512GBBattery10 hoursDimensions7.69” x 5.3” x 0.25”Weight293gPROSFantastic displayCompact and portableCONSScreen glare due to glossy screenMost Apple iPads feature screens larger than 10 inches, which can be cumbersome for avid readers. The iPad Mini, with its 8.3-inch display, strikes a perfect balance, resembling a paperback in size and weighing just 10.4 ounces. It's easy to carry and comfortable to hold, even with one hand, while retaining all the capabilities of the top iPad models.

The iPad Mini's Liquid Retina display, with adjustable brightness and True Tone technology, offers a superior viewing experience, though it can be prone to glare. The Apple Pencil enhances the reading experience by allowing annotations. However, its vibrant screen consumes more power, offering only 10 hours of battery life compared to the Kindle Paperwhite's e-ink display.

Powered by the A17 Pro chip, the same as the iPhone 15 Pro, the iPad Mini handles all major reading apps like Apple Books, Amazon Kindle, comiXology, Libby, and Scribd with ease. Its performance extends beyond reading, making it suitable for social media, streaming, and daily tasks.

iPad Pro 2024 – Photos

View 7 Images3. Apple iPad Pro (2024, M4)

Best Tablet for Reading Comics and Manga

### Apple iPad Pro (2024, M4)

0The iPad Pro, equipped with an M4 processor and an OLED display, is the most premium Apple tablet to date. See it at AmazonSee it at AppleProduct SpecificationsScreen size11-inch, 13-inchScreen resolution264 ppiFront lightN/AStorage256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TBBattery10 hoursDimensions9.74" x 7.02" x 0.23", 11.09" x 8.48" x 0.20" Weight444g, 582gPROSStunning OLED displayPowerful Apple M4 processorCONSOverkill for some usersFor those who enjoy comics or wish to create their own, the iPad Pro is unparalleled. Despite its large 11-inch or 13-inch display, it remains thin and lightweight.

The iPad Pro's OLED display is a first for iPads, offering vivid colors and exceptional contrast, making images pop. Jackie Thomas from IGN praised this display while reading Star Wars: The High Republic comics.

The M4 processor powers the iPad Pro, handling intensive tasks like gaming and design effortlessly with its 8GB GPU. This makes it an ideal tool for creating comics or graphic novels. The Apple Pencil Pro support enhances artistic capabilities, and adding a keyboard turns it into a laptop alternative, though the cost can add up quickly.

OnePlus Pad 2 – Photos

View 4 Images4. OnePlus Pad 2

Best Android Tablet for Reading

### OnePlus Pad 2

0Experience excellent performance and a smooth, high-quality display with the OnePlus Pad 2. See it at OnePlusProduct SpecificationsScreen size12.1”Screen resolution303ppiFront lightN/AStorage256GBBattery12 hoursDimensions10.6" x 7.7" x 0.26"Weight584gPROSAmple storage80W fast charging supportCONSHeavier than other tabletsOnePlus, known for its impressive smartphones, offers the OnePlus Pad 2, a top Android tablet for reading. It features a 12.1-inch, 3K display with 10-bit color depth and HDR support, providing crisp, vibrant visuals. Our hands-on review confirmed its visibility in bright sunlight.

Powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 12GB of RAM, the OnePlus Pad 2 matches the performance of the best Android tablets. It ensures smooth page turns and effortless app switching, with 256GB of storage for your reading material. An AI toolbox assists with article summaries and writing, while stylus support enables easy annotations.

Despite its premium build, the OnePlus Pad 2 is heavier, making one-handed use less comfortable. However, its 9,510mAh battery lasts up to 12 hours, and 80W charging can fully recharge it in under 75 minutes.

5. Kobo Libra Colour

Best Reading and Writing Tablet

### Kobo Libra Colour

0A lightweight e-reader with a colorful display and stylus support for easy viewing and note-taking. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen size7” E-Ink Kaleido 3Screen resolution300ppi (black and white), 150ppi (color)Front lightYesStorage32GBBattery40 daysDimensions6.34 x 5.69 x 0.33Weight201gPROSColorful e-Ink display for easy viewingStylus support for note-takingCONSOnly good for reading and writingThe Kobo Libra Colour competes directly with Amazon's Kindle lineup, featuring a 7-inch display ideal for reading and margin space. Its design with wider bezels and lightweight build allows for single-handed use, with buttons for easy page turns.

The E-Ink Kaleido 3 display offers a 300ppi resolution in black and white and 150ppi in color, resembling a newspaper's subdued hues. This makes it perfect for comics and graphic novels, reducing glare in bright light. The ComfortLight Pro feature enhances readability in dim settings and reduces blue light.

Powered by a dual-core 2.0GHz processor, the Kobo Libra Colour ensures responsive performance for reading and note-taking. It integrates with the OverDrive library, though it's limited to reading and writing tasks. The Kobo Stylus 2 allows for annotations and colorful highlighting, with notebooks for note-taking and sketching, some of which convert handwriting to text. For a larger display, consider the Kobo Elipsa 2E.

How to Choose the Best Reading Tablet

Selecting the ideal reading tablet involves considering several key factors to ensure it aligns with your needs. Whether you enjoy fiction, study textbooks, or manage professional documents, the right tablet can enhance your reading experience.

The display quality is crucial, as it's where you'll focus most of your attention. For extended reading, consider tablets with features that reduce eye strain, such as blue light reduction or e-ink technology, which mimics paper.

Battery life is vital for uninterrupted reading, especially on the go. Opt for tablets with long-lasting batteries to enjoy your reading without frequent recharges.

Lastly, consider the tablet's size and weight for comfort during long reading sessions. Larger screens offer immersion, but a lightweight, slim design enhances portability and ease of use.

Best Tablets for Reading FAQ

What is the best tablet for reading according to Reddit?

Reddit users on the r/androidtablets subreddit recommend the Aldocube 50 Mini and Mini Pro for their lightweight design and suitable screen size for reading. Others suggest the Barnes & Noble Nook for its e-paper technology, which closely resembles the reading experience of a physical book.

Are tablets good for reading books?

Yes, tablets are excellent for reading books, though LCD screens may cause more eye strain compared to e-ink models. Battery life is another consideration, as standard tablets typically don't last as long as e-readers like the Kindle.

What is the best tablet for reading outside?

For outdoor reading, the Kindle Paperwhite is ideal. Its e-ink display mimics printed paper, reducing glare, brightness, eye strain, and conserving battery life. It's also IPX8 water-resistant, making it suitable for poolside or rainy conditions.