Top Tablets for Reading: Ideal for Books and Comics

Books are wonderful, no doubt about it. However, they can also take up a lot of space—ask anyone with stacks of books cluttering their home! If you're fortunate enough to have room for a dedicated home library, that's fantastic! But if space is at a premium, consider investing in a reading tablet. While you might miss the tactile pleasure of turning pages, these devices make managing a personal library easier and less messy. Plus, they offer access to free books without leaving your home. We've identified 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### 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 a range of capabilities. E-readers, such as our top pick, the Kindle Paperwhite, focus on book formats with screens that emulate the look of printed pages. These devices are more limited in functionality—don't expect to use them for social media or streaming. On the other hand, more conventional tablets like the iPad Mini offer greater versatility, although their displays may cause eye strain and drain batteries faster. The Kobo Libra Colour's note-taking feature is particularly useful for students or those who enjoy annotating texts. 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 similar to a physical book, enhanced with a backlight and numerous convenient 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. It keeps things simple, focusing solely on reading with a display designed to minimize eye strain and conserve battery life. You won't find a colorful screen, stylus support, or access to emails, apps, and notifications here.

The latest Kindle Paperwhite features a slightly larger 7-inch e-ink display with a 300ppi resolution, reducing blue light and glare. It includes a new thin-film transistor for improved contrast and 19 LEDs around the screen for optimal readability in various lighting conditions, from bright beaches to dim camping tents. Adjusting the warm backlight for darker environments is straightforward, and for automatic adjustments and additional enhancements, consider the Kindle Paperwhite Signature.

This model boasts a 20% performance increase over its predecessor, ensuring swift page turns and smooth navigation through your book collection. With 16GB of storage, you have ample space for thousands of books, and cloud storage is available if needed. The device also supports audiobooks, text and font adjustments, and an easy-to-use dictionary. Libby users can send borrowed books to their Kindle from the Libby app installed on another device.

The Kindle Paperwhite's plastic build keeps it slim and lightweight, similar to a hardcover book, reducing arm and wrist fatigue. Despite its seemingly less durable design, it's sturdy and waterproof. With a compact size, it achieves an impressive 12-week battery life on a single 2.5-hour charge, making it our top choice among Kindle models.

2. iPad Mini (7th Gen)

Best iPad for Reading

### Apple iPad Mini (7th Gen)

0A compact iPad weighing just over half a pound, featuring 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 of Apple's iPads feature large displays, which can be cumbersome for avid readers. The iPad Mini, with its 8.3-inch screen, strikes the perfect balance—similar in size to a paperback and weighing just 10.4 ounces. It's easy to take anywhere and can be comfortably held 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, ensures a comfortable reading experience in various lighting conditions, though it may produce glare due to its glossy screen. Pairing it with an Apple Pencil allows for easy annotations. However, the 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 iPad Mini delivers 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 handles social media, streaming, and everyday tasks with ease.

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 most premium Apple tablet available. 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 usersIf you're into comics or manga, the iPad Pro is the best choice. Its 11-inch or 13-inch OLED display offers vivid, accurate colors and excellent contrast, making images pop. In IGN's review of the iPad Pro, Jackie Thomas praised the display for its performance with 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 ideal for creating your own comics or graphic novels. The Apple Pencil Pro support enhances your artistic capabilities, and adding a keyboard transforms it into a laptop replacement. Keep in mind, though, that accessories can quickly add to the cost of this already expensive device.

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 tabletsFor Android enthusiasts, the OnePlus Pad 2 is a standout choice. It features a 12.1-inch, 3K display with 10-bit color depth and HDR support, delivering crisp, vibrant visuals. In our hands-on review of the OnePlus Pad 2, we found it easily readable in morning sunlight due to its increased brightness.

Powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 12GB of RAM, it matches up well with the best Android tablets. Page turns and app switching are smooth and instantaneous. With 256GB of storage, you can store numerous novels, comics, and audiobooks. The included AI toolbox can summarize articles or assist with writing, and the stylus support allows for easy annotations.

While its premium build and dimensions make it heavier, the OnePlus Pad 2's 9,510mAh battery lasts an impressive 12 hours. If it runs low, 80W charging can bring 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 is a lightweight e-reader with a colorful display and stylus support. 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. Its 7-inch 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 ideal for graphic novels and comics, with minimal glare and easy viewing in sunlight. The ComfortLight Pro enhances readability 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 perfect for note-taking with the Kobo Stylus 2, allowing you to annotate books and highlight passages. Integration with the OverDrive library adds value, though the device is limited to reading and writing functions.

For those needing a larger screen for note-taking, the Kobo Elipsa 2E offers a grayscale alternative.

How to Choose the Best Reading Tablet

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

The display quality is crucial, as it's where your eyes will focus. Tablets with e-ink technology mimic the appearance of paper, reducing eye strain. Blue light reduction features are also important for extended reading sessions. E-ink screens are gentler on the eyes, while LCDs offer more versatility if you plan to use the tablet for other tasks.

Battery life is vital for uninterrupted reading, especially on the go. Opt for tablets with long battery life to avoid frequent charging.

Size and weight also play a role in comfort. Larger screens offer a more immersive experience but should not compromise portability. A lightweight, slim design makes the tablet easier to carry and hold for long 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 the Barnes & Noble Nook for its e-paper technology, which closely resembles reading a physical book.

Are tablets good for reading books?

Yes, tablets can be excellent for reading books, but LCD screens may 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 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 mimics printed paper, reducing glare, brightness issues, eye strain, and battery consumption compared to LCD screens. Plus, its IPX8 water resistance makes it perfect for use near water or in rainy conditions.