The Best Reading Tablets: Get the Right Tablet for Books and Comics

Books are undeniably wonderful, but they can also be bulky and take up a lot of space—as anyone with stacks of books cluttering their apartment can attest. If you're fortunate enough to have room for a home library, consider yourself lucky! For the rest of us, a reading tablet is the perfect solution. While you might miss the tactile pleasure of flipping through paper pages, these devices offer a convenient way to build a personal library, including access to free books from the comfort of your home, without the clutter. We've selected some of the best tablets to enhance your reading experience, no matter where you are.

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### AppleiPad 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 diverse features to suit different needs. E-readers like our top pick, the Kindle Paperwhite, are designed specifically for books, with screens that simulate the look of printed pages. These devices are streamlined for reading and won't distract you with social media or video streaming. In contrast, general-purpose tablets like the iPad Mini offer more versatility but may cause more eye strain and drain batteries faster. Features like note-taking, available on the Kobo Libra Colour, are particularly useful for students or anyone who likes to annotate their reading material. Choosing the right tablet depends on your personal preferences and needs.

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 by 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 reading is your primary goal, the Kindle Paperwhite is the best tablet for the job. This e-reader keeps things straightforward, focusing solely on reading without the distractions of colorful screens, stylus support, or notifications. Its display is easy on the eyes and helps preserve battery life.

The latest Kindle Paperwhite boasts a slightly larger 7-inch e-ink display with a 300ppi resolution, which minimizes blue light and glare. A new thin-film transistor improves contrast, and the 19 LEDs around the screen ensure readability in any lighting condition, from bright beaches to dimly lit tents. You can easily adjust the warm backlight for darker environments, or opt for the Kindle Paperwhite Signature for automatic adjustments and additional enhancements.

Performance-wise, the new Kindle Paperwhite is 20% faster than its predecessor, offering quick page turns and smooth navigation through your book collection. With 16GB of storage, you'll have room for thousands of books, and cloud storage is available if you need more space. Other features include customizable text and font settings and an integrated dictionary. While Libby users can't download the app directly, they can send books to their Kindle from another device.

The Kindle Paperwhite's plastic build keeps it slim and lightweight, reducing fatigue during long reading sessions. Despite its lightweight construction, it's durable and waterproof. With a remarkable 12-week battery life after a 2.5-hour charge, it's easy to understand why this is our top Kindle model.

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 reading on the go. 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 large displays, which can be unwieldy for avid readers. The iPad Mini, with its 8.3-inch screen, strikes the perfect balance between portability and readability, similar to a paperback book and weighing just 10.4oz. It's easy to carry and comfortable to hold, yet it retains all the capabilities of Apple's top iPad models.

The iPad Mini's Liquid Retina display, with adjustable brightness and True Tone technology, provides a comfortable reading experience in various lighting conditions. However, the glossy screen may cause glare. The Apple Pencil compatibility allows for easy annotations. Keep in mind, though, that the 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 delivers smooth performance and supports Apple Intelligence. It's perfect for using top reading apps like Apple Books, Amazon Kindle, comiXology, Libby, and Scribd. When you need a break from reading, it's just as efficient for social media, streaming, and everyday tasks.

iPad Pro 2024 – Photos

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

Best Tablet for Reading Comics and Manga

### AppleiPad Pro (2024, M4)

0The iPad Pro, equipped with an Apple M4 processor and an OLED display, is the premium choice for an Apple tablet. 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 comic and manga enthusiasts, the iPad Pro offers an immersive experience. Despite its large 11-inch or 13-inch display, it remains slim and lightweight.

The OLED display on the iPad Pro is a first for iPads, and its vivid colors and excellent contrast make images pop. In IGN’s review of the iPad Pro, Jackie Thomas praised the display for its ability to enhance the reading experience, particularly with Star Wars: The High Republic comics.

The M4 chip ensures that the iPad Pro can handle demanding tasks like gaming and design with ease. It's also ideal for creating comics or graphic novels. The Apple Pencil Pro compatibility enhances artistic capabilities, and adding a keyboard transforms it into a laptop replacement. However, the cost of these accessories 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, elegant 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, also offers a fantastic reading tablet with the OnePlus Pad 2. Its 12.1-inch, 3K display boasts 10-bit color depth and HDR support, delivering crisp and vibrant visuals. In our hands-on review of the OnePlus Pad 2, the screen's brightness allowed for comfortable reading even in morning sunlight.

Powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 12GB of RAM, the OnePlus Pad 2 competes with the best Android tablets. It ensures smooth page turns and effortless navigation through reading apps. With 256GB of storage, you can store plenty of books, comics, and audiobooks. The AI toolbox can summarize articles or assist with writing, while stylus support enables easy annotations.

Though the OnePlus Pad 2 is heavier, making it less comfortable for one-handed use, its 9,510mAh battery lasts up to 12 hours. Additionally, 80W fast charging can fully recharge the device 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 rivals Amazon's Kindle lineup with its 7-inch display, ideal for reading and note-taking. Its ergonomic design, with wider bezels and a lightweight build, allows for comfortable one-handed use, and physical buttons facilitate easy page turning.

The E-Ink Kaleido 3 display offers a 300ppi resolution in black and white and 150ppi in color, providing a newspaper-like appearance with subdued colors. It's perfect for comics and graphic novels, with minimal glare even in bright sunlight. The ComfortLight Pro feature enhances readability in darker environments and reduces blue light exposure.

The Kobo Libra Colour's dual-core 2.0GHz processor ensures responsive performance, with smooth page turns and easy navigation. The device also supports note-taking with the Kobo Stylus 2, allowing you to annotate books and highlight passages. Integration with the OverDrive library is a bonus, but remember, this e-reader is designed solely for reading and writing, without the ability to browse social media or check emails.

For those needing a larger display for note-taking, the Kobo Elipsa 2E is a great grayscale alternative.

How to Choose the Best Reading Tablet

Choosing the best reading tablet involves considering several key factors to ensure it meets your needs. Whether you're a fiction enthusiast, a student with textbooks, or a professional dealing with PDFs, the right tablet can transform your reading experience.

First, focus on display quality. Since you'll be spending a lot of time looking at the screen, a comfortable display is essential. E-ink technology, which mimics the look of paper, and features like blue light reduction can minimize eye strain. While e-ink screens are gentler on the eyes, LCD screens offer more versatility for other uses.

Battery life is crucial for uninterrupted reading, especially on the go. Opt for tablets with long-lasting batteries to enjoy your reading without constantly needing to recharge.

Finally, consider the size and weight of the tablet. Larger screens can enhance immersion, but they shouldn't compromise portability. A slim, lightweight design makes it easier to carry and hold for extended periods.

Best Tablets for Reading FAQ

What is the best tablet for reading according to Reddit?

Reddit users on the r/androidtablets subreddit often recommend the Aldocube 50 Mini and Mini Pro for their lightweight design and good reading screens. Others suggest Barnes & Noble's Nook for its e-paper technology, which offers a reading experience similar to that of a physical book.

Are tablets good for reading books?

Absolutely, though traditional LCD screens may cause more eye strain than e-ink models. Also, keep in mind that standard tablets generally have shorter battery life than e-readers like the Kindle due to their more demanding hardware.

What is the best tablet for reading outside?

For outdoor reading, the Kindle Paperwhite is ideal. Its e-ink display resembles printed paper, reducing glare, brightness issues, and eye strain. It's also IPX8 water-resistant, making it perfect for poolside or rainy day reading.