Top Tablets for Reading: Ideal for Books and Comics

Books are wonderful, but let's face it—they can take up a lot of space. If you're lucky enough to have room for a home library, that's fantastic! However, for those of us with limited space, a reading tablet is a game-changer. While you might miss the tactile experience of flipping through physical pages, the convenience and accessibility of a digital library are unmatched. Plus, you can enjoy free books without leaving your home, and it's a clutter-free solution. We've rounded up 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 come with various capabilities. E-readers, such as our top pick, the Kindle Paperwhite, are designed specifically for reading, often featuring e-ink screens that mimic the look of a printed page. These devices are more focused and won't let you scroll through social media or stream videos. On the other hand, general-use tablets like the iPad Mini offer more versatility but may cause more eye strain and drain the battery faster. Features like notetaking, as found on the Kobo Libra Colour, are great for students or those who like to annotate their books. The choice ultimately depends on your personal 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 similar 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 the job. It keeps things straightforward, focusing on a simple, easy-to-read display that minimizes eye strain and maximizes battery life. Don't expect a colorful screen, stylus support, or access to emails and apps; this e-reader is all about eliminating distractions.

The latest Kindle Paperwhite boasts a slightly larger 7-inch e-ink display with a 300ppi resolution, designed to reduce blue light and glare. It features a new thin-film transistor for better contrast and 19 LEDs around the screen, making it easy to read in any light condition, from bright beaches to dimly lit tents. The warm backlight can be manually adjusted for darker environments, but for automatic adjustments and additional features, consider the Kindle Paperwhite Signature.

With a 20% performance increase over its predecessor, the new Kindle Paperwhite offers quick page turns and smooth scrolling through your digital library. Its 16GB storage is ample for thousands of books, though audiobooks take up more space; cloud storage is available if needed. Additional features include customizable text and font settings, an integrated dictionary, and compatibility with borrowed books from the Libby app, although you'll need to send them from another device.

The Kindle Paperwhite's plastic build keeps it slim and lightweight, reducing arm and wrist fatigue. Despite its seemingly delicate design, it's sturdy and waterproof. With a 12-week battery life on a single 2.5-hour charge, it's easy to see why this is our favorite Kindle model.

2. iPad Mini (7th Gen)

Best iPad for Reading

### Apple iPad Mini (7th Gen)

0This compact iPad, weighing just over half a pound, boasts a vibrant 8.3-inch display, making it an excellent handheld option for 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, while iPhone screens may be too small. The iPad Mini, with its 8.3-inch display, strikes the perfect balance, similar in size to a paperback and weighing only 10.4 ounces. It's easy to carry and comfortable to hold, even with one hand, yet it retains all the capabilities of the top iPad models.

The Liquid Retina display with adjustable brightness and True Tone technology offers a pleasant reading experience, though be prepared for some glare. Pairing with an Apple Pencil allows for easy annotations. However, the colorful screen drains the battery faster than an e-ink display like the Kindle Paperwhite, lasting about 10 hours.

Powered by the A17 Pro chip, the same as the iPhone 15 Pro, the iPad Mini offers robust performance for its size and supports Apple Intelligence. It seamlessly runs top reading apps like Apple Books, Amazon Kindle, comiXology, Libby, and Scribd. When you need a break from reading, it's equally adept at handling 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, represents the pinnacle of Apple's tablet offerings. 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 looking to dive into the vibrant world of comics or even create their own, the iPad Pro is the ideal choice. Despite its large 11-inch or 13-inch display, it remains thin and lightweight.

The iPad Pro's OLED display, a first for iPads, offers unparalleled color accuracy and contrast, making images pop. In IGN's review of the iPad Pro, Jackie Thomas praised the display while reading Star Wars: The High Republic comics.

The M4 processor provides the necessary power for heavy workloads, including gaming and design, with an 8GB GPU. It's perfect for creatives looking to produce comics or graphic novels. The Apple Pencil Pro enhances artistic capabilities, and with a keyboard, it can serve as a laptop replacement. However, the cost can escalate quickly with additional accessories.

OnePlus Pad 2 – Photos

View 4 Images4. OnePlus Pad 2

Best Android Tablet for Reading

### OnePlus Pad 2

0The OnePlus Pad 2 offers excellent performance, a smooth and elegant display, and overall high quality. 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 produces excellent reading tablets. The OnePlus Pad 2 features a stunning 12.1-inch, 3K display with 10-bit color depth and HDR support. Its clarity and brightness were highlighted in our hands-on review of the OnePlus Pad 2, where our tester could easily read outdoors in the 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 app switching. With 256GB of storage, it can hold numerous books, comics, and audiobooks. An AI toolbox can summarize articles or assist with writing, and stylus support enables easy annotations.

While the tablet's size and premium build make it heavier, lessening comfort for prolonged one-handed use, it boasts a 9,510mAh battery that lasts 12 hours. When it needs recharging, 80W charging brings it back to full power in under 75 minutes.

5. Kobo Libra Colour

Best Reading and Writing Tablet

### Kobo Libra Colour

0The Kobo Libra Colour offers a colorful, lightweight e-reader with 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, perfect for reading with ample margin space. Its design, featuring wider bezels on one side and a lightweight build, allows for comfortable single-handed use, while physical buttons and a touchscreen provide easy page navigation.

The E-Ink Kaleido 3 display offers a 300ppi resolution in black and white and 150ppi in color, delivering a newspaper-like appearance with subdued colors. This makes it ideal for comics and graphic novels, with minimal glare even in bright sunlight. The ComfortLight Pro enhances readability in dim settings and reduces blue light.

A dual-core 2.0GHz processor ensures responsive performance for reading and note-taking. Integration with the OverDrive library is a bonus. However, this e-reader is dedicated solely to reading and writing, without the ability to browse social media or check emails.

The Kobo Libra Colour supports writing with the Kobo Stylus 2, allowing you to annotate books and highlight passages. It also includes various notebooks for jotting down notes and sketching, some of which can convert handwriting to text. For a larger notetaking display, consider the Kobo Elipsa 2E, a grayscale alternative.

How to Choose the Best Reading Tablet

Choosing the best reading tablet involves considering several factors to ensure it meets your specific needs. Whether you're reading fiction, reviewing textbooks, or managing PDFs, the right tablet can enhance your reading experience.

The display quality is crucial since your eyes will be focused on it for extended periods. Tablets with blue light reduction features or e-ink technology, which resembles paper, help reduce eye strain. While e-ink screens are gentler on the eyes, LCDs offer more versatility for multi-purpose use.

Battery life is another vital aspect, especially for reading on the go. A tablet with long battery life ensures you can read without constantly seeking a power outlet.

Finally, consider the size and weight of the tablet. Larger screens can provide a more immersive experience, but they should remain portable and comfortable to hold for long periods. A slim, lightweight 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 often recommend the Aldocube 50 Mini and Mini Pro for reading due to their lightweight design and good screen size. Others suggest Barnes & Noble's Nook for its e-paper technology, which closely mimics the experience of reading a physical book.

Are tablets good for reading books?

Yes, tablets are excellent for reading books, though regular LCD screens can cause more eye strain than e-ink models. Battery life is also a 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 resembles printed paper, reducing glare, brightness issues, eye strain, and preserving battery life compared to LCD screens. It's also IPX8 water-resistant, making it suitable for use near water or in the rain.