Top Tablets for Reading: Perfect for Books and Comics

Books are wonderful, but they can take up a lot of space—just ask the stacks of books that don’t fit on my already overflowing bookshelf. If you're fortunate enough to have room for a home library, that’s fantastic! But for those of us with limited space, a reading tablet is a game-changer. While you might miss the tactile experience of flipping through pages, tablets offer a convenient, clutter-free way to build your personal library, including access to free books from the comfort of your home. 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 diverse functionalities. E-readers like our top pick, the Kindle Paperwhite, are designed primarily for reading books, with screens that emulate the look of paper. These devices are more limited in their capabilities—don't expect to scroll through social media or stream videos on them. On the other hand, general-purpose tablets like the iPad Mini can handle a variety of tasks, though their displays might strain your eyes and drain the battery faster. Features like note-taking, as seen on the Kobo Libra Colour, are beneficial for students or those who enjoy annotating their reading materials. 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 an experience similar to reading 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 your primary goal is to read, the Kindle Paperwhite is the best tablet for the job. This e-reader keeps things straightforward, so don't expect a colorful screen, stylus support, or access to emails, apps, and notifications. Instead, it minimizes distractions with a simple, easy-to-read display that reduces eye strain and extends battery life.

The latest Kindle Paperwhite features a slightly larger 7-inch e-ink display with a 300ppi resolution, which helps reduce blue light and glare. It also includes a new thin-film transistor for improved contrast. Coupled with 19 LEDs around the screen, reading is comfortable in various lighting conditions, from the beach to a dimly lit tent during a camping trip. You can easily adjust the warm backlight for darker spaces, but 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 quick page turns and smooth navigation through your book collection. With 16GB of storage, you have ample space for thousands of books. Audiobooks take up more room, but cloud storage is available if you need it. Other features include adjustable text and font sizes, built-in dictionary access, and the ability to send borrowed books from the Libby app to your Kindle.

The Kindle Paperwhite's plastic build keeps it slim and lightweight, reducing arm and wrist fatigue. Despite the plastic construction, it's durable and waterproof. Even with its compact size, this e-reader boasts an impressive 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 weighs just over half a pound and features a vibrant 8.3-inch display, making it an excellent handheld 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 that are 10 inches or larger. For avid readers, these can be too large, while iPhone screens might be too small. The iPad Mini, with its 8.3-inch display, strikes the perfect balance, resembling a paperback and weighing just 10.4oz. It's easy to carry and comfortable to hold in one hand, making it ideal for relaxing reading sessions. Moreover, it offers all the capabilities of Apple's top iPad models.

The iPad Mini's stunning Liquid Retina display, with adjustable brightness and True Tone technology, ensures a comfortable reading experience in various environments, though it may reflect some glare. Pairing it with an Apple Pencil allows for easy annotations. However, its vibrant screen drains the battery faster than the e-ink display of the Kindle Paperwhite, lasting only 10 hours.

Powered by the A17 Pro chip, the same one found in the iPhone 15 Pro, the latest iPad Mini offers robust performance. While not as powerful as the M-series processors in the iPad Air and Pro models, it's more than sufficient for its size and supports Apple Intelligence. Using top reading apps like Apple Books, Amazon Kindle, comiXology, Libby, and Scribd is seamless. When you want to take a break from reading, the iPad Mini handles social media scrolling, 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, offers the most premium Apple tablet experience 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 usersIf you're passionate about comics or manga, or even interested in creating your 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 sets a new standard with its vivid colors and exceptional contrast, making every image pop. In IGN’s review of the iPad Pro, Jackie Thomas praised the display's impact while reading the Star Wars: The High Republic comics.

The M4 processor ensures the iPad Pro can handle intensive tasks like gaming or design with ease, thanks to its 8GB GPU. It's an excellent tool for creators looking to make their own comics or graphic novels.

With Apple Pencil Pro support, your artistic endeavors can reach new heights, and adding a keyboard transforms the iPad Pro into a laptop replacement. Be prepared, though, as the cost of accessories can add up quickly on this already expensive device.

OnePlus Pad 2 – Photos

View 4 Images4. OnePlus Pad 2

Best Android Tablet for Reading

### OnePlus Pad 2

0Experience excellent performance, a smooth and elegant 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, also offers a stellar reading tablet. The OnePlus Pad 2 boasts a 12.1-inch, 3K display with 10-bit color depth and HDR support. Its brightness upgrade ensures readability even in direct sunlight, as noted in our hands-on review of the OnePlus Pad 2.

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, you can store plenty of books, comics, and audiobooks. The included AI toolbox can summarize articles or assist in writing, while stylus support enables easy annotations.

Despite its premium build, the tablet's weight makes it less comfortable for extended one-handed use. However, its 9,510mAh battery lasts up to 12 hours. If it runs low, 80W charging can fully recharge it in under 75 minutes.

5. Kobo Libra Colour

Best Reading and Writing Tablet

### Kobo Libra Colour

0This colorful, lightweight e-reader features a clear display and supports stylus use 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 rivals Amazon’s Kindle lineup with its 7-inch E-Ink Kaleido 3 display, offering a 300ppi resolution in black and white and 150ppi in color. The colors are more muted, resembling a newspaper, which is ideal for comics and graphic novels, providing a comfortable reading experience with minimal glare. The ComfortLight Pro feature ensures a pleasant reading experience in low light and reduces blue light exposure.

A dual-core 2.0GHz processor ensures responsive performance, with quick page turns and smooth navigation. Note-taking is also fluid, and the integration with the OverDrive library adds value. However, the Kobo Libra Colour is designed solely for 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 with a finger. It also offers various notebooks for jotting down notes and sketching, some of which can convert handwriting to text. For a larger display, consider the Kobo Elipsa 2E, a grayscale alternative.

How to Choose the Best Reading Tablet

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

The quality of the display is crucial, as it's where your eyes will focus. Tablets with features to reduce blue light or e-ink technology, which mimics paper, can minimize eye strain. While e-ink screens are gentler on the eyes, LCD screens offer more versatility for multiple uses.

Battery life is vital for uninterrupted reading, especially when traveling. Opt for tablets with long-lasting batteries to avoid frequent recharging.

Finally, consider the size and weight of the tablet, as these affect comfort during long reading sessions. Larger screens provide a more immersive experience but should not compromise portability. A lightweight, slim design is ideal for easy carrying and one-handed 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 their lightweight design and suitable screen size for reading. Some also suggest Barnes & Noble's Nook for its e-paper technology, which closely resembles the experience of reading a physical book.

Are tablets good for reading books?

Absolutely, though LCD screens may cause more eye strain than e-ink models. Also, keep in mind that standard tablets typically have shorter battery life compared to dedicated 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, which mimics printed paper, reduces glare and eye strain and conserves battery life better than LCD screens. Additionally, it's IPX8 water-resistant, making it perfect for poolside or rainy conditions.