Top Reading Tablets: Ideal for Books and Comics

Books are undeniably wonderful, yet they can take up a lot of space—just ask anyone with stacks of books scattered around their home. If you're fortunate enough to have room for a home library, that's great! But if space is at a premium, consider switching to a reading tablet. While you might miss the tactile experience of flipping through paper pages, a tablet makes building a personal library much more manageable. You can access countless books for free from the comfort of your home, and it's far less cluttered. We've rounded up some 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 offer a range of features tailored to different needs. E-readers like our top choice, the Kindle Paperwhite, focus on book formats with screens designed to mimic the look of paper. These devices are primarily for reading and won't support activities like scrolling through social media or streaming videos. On the other hand, general-purpose tablets like the iPad Mini offer more functionality but may have displays that cause eye strain and drain batteries faster. Features like note-taking, as seen on the Kobo Libra Colour, can be particularly useful for students or those who enjoy annotating 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 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 reading, the Kindle Paperwhite is the top choice. This e-reader focuses on simplicity, lacking colorful screens, stylus support, or access to emails, apps, and notifications. Instead, it offers a distraction-free, easy-to-read display that minimizes eye strain and conserves battery life.

The latest Kindle Paperwhite features a slightly larger 7-inch e-ink display with a 300ppi resolution, designed to reduce blue light and glare. It also includes a new thin-film transistor for improved contrast. With 19 LEDs surrounding the screen, reading is comfortable in various lighting conditions, from the beach to a dimly lit tent. The warm backlight can be adjusted 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 scrolling through your book collection. With 16GB of storage, it can hold thousands of books, and while audiobooks take up more space, cloud storage is available if needed. Other features include customizable text and font settings, an easy-to-access dictionary, and compatibility with borrowed books from the Libby app, although the app itself can't be installed directly on the Kindle.

The Kindle Paperwhite's plastic build keeps it slim and lightweight, similar to a hardcover book, reducing arm and wrist fatigue. Despite the plastic construction, it's durable and waterproof. With a remarkable 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 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 come with displays of 10 inches or larger, which can be cumbersome for avid readers. The iPad Mini, with its 8.3-inch screen, is about the size of a paperback and weighs only 10.4 ounces, making it easy to carry and use comfortably in one hand. It retains all the capabilities of larger iPad models.

The iPad Mini's Liquid Retina display, with adjustable brightness and True Tone technology, ensures a pleasant reading experience in various lighting conditions, though it may suffer from glare due to its glossy screen. Pairing it with an Apple Pencil allows for easy annotations. However, its colorful screen consumes battery life faster than the e-ink display on the Kindle Paperwhite, lasting about 10 hours.

Powered by the A17 Pro chip, the same as the iPhone 15 Pro, the latest iPad Mini delivers robust performance for its size and supports Apple Intelligence. It seamlessly handles top reading apps like Apple Books, Amazon Kindle, comiXology, Libby, and Scribd, and is also capable for other tasks like social media scrolling and streaming.

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 the powerful 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 interested in diving into comics or creating 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 is a first for iPads and offers vivid colors and excellent contrast, making images pop. In IGN's review, Jackie Thomas praised the display while reading Star Wars: The High Republic comics.

The iPad Pro's M4 processor handles heavy workloads, including gaming and design, with ease, thanks to its 8GB GPU. It's an excellent tool for creative professionals interested in producing comics or graphic novels. The Apple Pencil Pro support enhances artistic capabilities, and with a keyboard, the iPad Pro can serve as a laptop replacement. However, additional accessories can significantly increase the cost of this premium device.

OnePlus Pad 2 – Photos

View 4 Images4. OnePlus Pad 2

Best Android Tablet for Reading

### OnePlus Pad 2

0Experience superior performance, a smooth and elegant display, and overall excellent 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 smartphones, offers a compelling 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, the screen was easily visible outdoors in the morning sunlight due to enhanced brightness.

The OnePlus Pad 2 is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 12GB of RAM, making it competitive with the best Android tablets. It delivers smooth page turns and transitions between reading apps. With 256GB of storage, it can store numerous books, comics, and audiobooks. An AI toolbox can summarize articles or assist in writing, and stylus support enables easy annotations.

While its size and premium build make it heavier, the 9,510mAh battery lasts up to 12 hours. With 80W fast charging, it can be fully recharged in less than 75 minutes.

5. Kobo Libra Colour

Best Reading and Writing Tablet

### Kobo Libra Colour

0This colorful, lightweight e-reader offers easy viewing and stylus support for 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 series. Its 7-inch E-Ink Kaleido 3 display offers a 300ppi resolution in black and white and a 150ppi resolution in color, providing a more subdued color palette similar to a newspaper. This makes it ideal for reading comics and graphic novels with minimal glare in bright sunlight. The ComfortLight Pro feature ensures a comfortable reading experience in darker environments while reducing blue light.

Powered by a dual-core 2.0GHz processor, the Kobo Libra Colour delivers responsive performance for reading and note-taking. It integrates seamlessly with the OverDrive library, but is designed exclusively for reading and writing, not for general-purpose use like social media or email.

The Kobo Libra Colour supports the Kobo Stylus 2 for annotating books and highlighting passages. It also offers various notebooks for jotting down notes and sketching, with some capable of converting handwriting to text. For those needing a larger display for note-taking, the Kobo Elipsa 2E is an excellent grayscale alternative.

How to Choose the Best Reading Tablet

Selecting the perfect reading tablet involves considering several key factors to ensure it aligns with your needs. Whether you're a fiction enthusiast, a student studying textbooks, or a professional managing PDFs, the right tablet can enhance your reading experience significantly.

The display's quality is paramount, as your eyes will spend most of their time on it. Features that reduce eye strain, such as blue light reduction or e-ink technology that mimics paper, are crucial for long reading sessions. E-ink screens are gentler on the eyes, while LCDs offer versatility for multiple uses.

Battery life is vital for uninterrupted reading, especially on the go. Opt for tablets with long-lasting batteries to enjoy your reading material without constantly seeking a power outlet.

Size and weight also impact comfort during extended use. Larger screens offer a more immersive experience but should not compromise portability. A slim, lightweight design makes the tablet 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 reading due to their lightweight design and suitable screen size. Others suggest the Barnes & Noble Nook for its e-paper technology, which provides a reading experience similar to physical books.

Are tablets good for reading books?

Yes, tablets are good for reading books, but keep in mind that regular 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, due to 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, minimizing glare, brightness issues, eye strain, and battery consumption compared to LCD screens. Additionally, its IPX8 water resistance makes it suitable for poolside or rainy conditions.