Top Reading Tablets: Perfect for Books and Comics

Books are a wonderful source of knowledge and entertainment, but they can also take up a lot of space. For those who dream of having a home library but are constrained by space, a reading tablet is a fantastic solution. While you might miss the tactile experience of flipping through physical pages, a tablet offers a more accessible and less cluttered way to build your personal library, including free books that you can enjoy from the comfort of your home. We've curated a selection of the best tablets to enhance your reading experience wherever 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### 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 vary in their capabilities. E-readers, like our top pick, the Kindle Paperwhite, are designed specifically for reading, often featuring screens that mimic the look of a book page. These devices are more limited in functionality—don't expect to scroll through social media or stream shows while taking a break from reading. On the other hand, typical tablets like the iPad Mini offer more versatility, but their displays might cause eye strain and drain the battery faster. Note-taking features, such as those on the Kobo Libra Colour, are ideal for students or anyone who enjoys annotating their reading material. Choosing the best tablet for your needs comes down to personal preference.

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 helpful 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 simple, focusing solely on reading without the distractions of colorful screens, stylus support, or access to emails and apps. Its easy-to-read display minimizes eye strain and helps conserve battery life.

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 also features a new thin-film transistor for improved contrast. With 19 LEDs surrounding the screen, reading in any light condition—from the beach to a dimly lit tent—is effortless. You can easily adjust the warm backlight for darker environments, and for automatic adjustments and additional features, consider the Kindle Paperwhite Signature.

Compared to its predecessor, the new Kindle Paperwhite offers a 20% performance boost, ensuring swift page turns and smooth navigation through your library. Its 16GB of storage is ample for thousands of books, and while audiobooks take up more space, cloud storage is available if needed. Additional features include text and font adjustments, and an easy-to-access dictionary. If you use Libby, you can send borrowed books to your Kindle from the app installed on another device.

The Kindle Paperwhite's plastic build keeps it thin and lightweight, preventing arm and wrist fatigue. Despite its seemingly fragile design, it's sturdy and waterproof. With a compact size and an impressive 12-week battery life from a 2.5-hour charge, it's clear 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, features a vibrant 8.3-inch display, making it an excellent handheld reading option. 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 of Apple's iPads feature displays over 10 inches, which can be cumbersome for reading. On the other hand, iPhone screens are often too small. The iPad Mini, with its 8.3-inch screen, strikes a perfect balance, similar in size to a paperback and weighing just 10.4 ounces. It's easy to carry and comfortable to hold in one hand, 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, offers a pleasant viewing experience in various environments, though it may suffer from glare due to its glossy screen. Pairing it with an Apple Pencil allows for easy annotations. However, its bright, colorful screen consumes battery life more quickly than the e-ink display on the Kindle Paperwhite, lasting only 10 hours.

Powered by the A17 Pro chip, the same as in the iPhone 15 Pro, the latest iPad Mini has plenty of power for its compact size and supports Apple Intelligence. It runs top reading apps like Apple Books, Amazon Kindle, comiXology, Libby, and Scribd smoothly. 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

### Apple iPad Pro (2024, M4)

0Equipped with an Apple M4 processor and an OLED display, the iPad Pro is the most premium Apple tablet yet. 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 love diving into the colorful world of comics or want to create their own, the iPad Pro is the ultimate choice. 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 and delivers stunning visuals with vivid colors and excellent contrast, making images pop. In IGN’s review of the iPad Pro, Jackie Thomas praised the display while enjoying Star Wars: The High Republic comics.

The M4 processor provides ample power for heavy workloads, including gaming and design, with an 8GB GPU. It's perfect for creating comics or graphic novels, as it's designed for such tasks. The Apple Pencil Pro enhances artistic capabilities, and adding a keyboard transforms the iPad Pro into a laptop replacement, though additional accessories can increase the cost of this already pricey device.

OnePlus Pad 2 – Photos

View 4 Images4. OnePlus Pad 2

Best Android Tablet for Reading

### OnePlus Pad 2

0Experience excellent performance, an elegant and smooth display, and overall great quality 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 a top-notch reading tablet with the OnePlus Pad 2. It features a 12.1-inch, 3K display with 10-bit color depth and HDR support, ensuring crisp, vibrant visuals. In our hands-on review of the OnePlus Pad 2, our tester appreciated the screen's visibility in bright sunlight due to increased brightness.

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 offers smooth page turns and effortless app switching. With 256GB of storage, you can store numerous books, comics, and audiobooks. The included AI toolbox can summarize articles or assist with writing, while stylus support allows for easy annotations.

Although its premium build and size make it heavier, the OnePlus Pad 2's 9,510mAh battery lasts up to 12 hours. With 80W charging support, it can reach full charge in less than 75 minutes if needed.

5. Kobo Libra Colour

Best Reading and Writing Tablet

### Kobo Libra Colour

0This lightweight e-reader features a colorful, easy-to-view display and supports stylus use. 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 design, with wider bezels and a lightweight build, makes it comfortable to hold single-handed, while two buttons and a touchscreen allow for easy page turns.

The E-Ink Kaleido 3 display offers a 300ppi resolution in black and white and 150ppi in color, presenting subdued hues akin to a newspaper. This makes it perfect for comics and graphic novels, with minimal glare in bright sunlight. The ComfortLight Pro enhances the reading experience in darker environments and reduces blue light.

The Kobo Libra Colour's dual-core 2.0GHz processor ensures responsive performance, with smooth page turns and navigation. It's well-suited for note-taking, and its integration with the OverDrive library is a plus. However, it's limited to reading and writing, without the ability to browse social media or check emails.

The Kobo Libra Colour supports the Kobo Stylus 2 for annotating books and highlighting passages. Kobo also offers various notebooks for jotting notes and sketching, with some capable of converting handwriting to text. For a larger note-taking 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 a fiction enthusiast, a student, or a professional reading work documents. The display's quality is crucial, as it's where your eyes will focus. Opt for tablets with blue light reduction features or e-ink technology for a more comfortable reading experience. E-ink screens are gentler on the eyes, while LCDs offer versatility for multiple uses.

Battery life is another key factor, especially for on-the-go reading. Tablets with long battery life allow uninterrupted reading sessions. Finally, consider the size and weight; while larger screens can be more immersive, they should not compromise portability. A lightweight, slim design enhances comfort for extended reading.

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 screens. Others suggest the Barnes & Noble Nook for its e-paper technology, which mimics the feel of reading a physical book.

Are tablets good for reading books?

Yes, tablets are great for reading books, but keep in mind that regular LCD screens can cause more eye strain than e-ink models. Also, consider battery life, 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, minimizing glare, brightness issues, and eye strain. It's also IPX8 water-resistant, making it suitable for poolside or rainy conditions.