Top Reading Tablets: Ideal for Books and Comics

Books are wonderful, but their bulk can be a challenge—ask anyone with stacks of books that can't fit on an already crammed bookshelf. If you're fortunate enough to have space for a home library, great! If not, consider switching to a reading tablet. While you might miss the tactile experience of flipping pages, tablets make building your personal library much easier and tidier. You can access a wealth of books, including many available for free, all 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### 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 features. E-readers like our top pick, the Kindle Paperwhite, focus on book formats with screens designed to emulate paper. They're limited to reading functions, so don't expect to use them for social media or streaming. On the other hand, versatile tablets like the iPad Mini can handle more tasks but may cause eye strain and have shorter battery life. Features like notetaking on the Kobo Libra Colour are great for students or anyone who likes to annotate their reading. Choosing the right tablet depends on your personal needs.

1. Kindle Paperwhite

The Best Kindle and Best Reading Tablet

Our Top Pick### Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

0The Kindle Paperwhite offers an experience akin to reading a real 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 top choice. This e-reader keeps things straightforward, focusing on a distraction-free reading experience with an easy-to-read display that reduces eye strain and extends battery life.

The latest Kindle Paperwhite boasts a slightly larger 7-inch e-ink display with a 300ppi resolution, designed to minimize blue light and glare. Enhanced contrast comes from a new thin-film transistor, and 19 LEDs ensure readability in various lighting conditions—from sunny beaches to dim tents. Adjusting the warm backlight for darker environments is easy, but for automatic adjustments and additional features, consider the Kindle Paperwhite Signature.

Performance-wise, the new Kindle Paperwhite is 20% faster than its predecessor, offering quick page turns and smooth scrolling through your book collection. Its 16GB of storage is ample for thousands of books, with cloud storage available if you need more space for audiobooks. Other handy features include customizable text and fonts, a built-in dictionary, and compatibility with borrowed books from the Libby app, which you can send to your Kindle from another device.

The Kindle Paperwhite's plastic construction keeps it slim and lightweight, preventing arm and wrist fatigue. Despite its lightweight build, it's sturdy and waterproof. With a remarkable 12-week battery life from a single 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 a great 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 Apple iPads boast screens larger than 10 inches, which can be cumbersome for avid readers. The iPhone screen, on the other hand, may be too small. The iPad Mini fills this gap perfectly with its 8.3-inch display, roughly the size of a paperback and weighing just 10.4oz. It's easy to take anywhere and comfortable to hold in one hand, yet it retains the full capabilities of Apple's top iPad models.

The Liquid Retina display with adjustable brightness and True Tone technology offers a comfortable viewing experience, though it can suffer from glare. Adding an Apple Pencil allows for easy annotations while reading. However, the vibrant screen consumes battery life more quickly than an e-ink display, lasting only 10 hours.

Powered by the A17 Pro chip, the same as in the iPhone 15 Pro, the iPad Mini handles reading apps like Apple Books, Amazon Kindle, comiXology, Libby, and Scribd with ease. It's also versatile enough for social media, streaming, and other tasks when you need a break from reading.

iPad Pro 2024 – Photos

View 7 Images3. Apple iPad Pro (2024, M4)

Best Tablet for Reading Comics and Manga

### Apple iPad Pro (2024, M4)

0Featuring an Apple M4 processor and an OLED display, the iPad Pro offers the ultimate premium tablet experience from Apple. 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 comics and manga, the iPad Pro is the ideal choice. Its 11-inch or 13-inch display remains thin and lightweight despite its size.

The OLED display is a first for iPads, offering vivid, accurate colors with excellent contrast that makes images stand out. In IGN's review of the iPad Pro, Jackie Thomas praised the display while reading Star Wars: The High Republic comics.

Powered by the M4 silicon, the iPad Pro handles demanding tasks like gaming and design effortlessly, thanks to its 8GB GPU. Aspiring comic creators will find it a perfect tool for both reading and creating. The Apple Pencil Pro support enhances artistic capabilities, and with a keyboard, it can serve as a laptop replacement. However, the price can add up quickly with these accessories.

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 the OnePlus Pad 2, a standout Android tablet for reading. It features a 12.1-inch, 3K display with 10-bit color depth and HDR support, delivering crisp, vibrant visuals. Our hands-on review noted its readability in bright sunlight.

Powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 12GB of RAM, the OnePlus Pad 2 matches the performance of top Android tablets. It ensures swift page turns and smooth navigation through reading apps. With 256GB of storage, you can store plenty of books, comics, and audiobooks. An AI toolbox can summarize articles or assist with writing, and stylus support allows for easy annotations.

Despite its premium build, the OnePlus Pad 2 is heavier, making it less comfortable for extended one-handed use. However, its 9,510mAh battery lasts up to 12 hours, and with 80W charging, it can be fully charged in less than 75 minutes.

5. Kobo Libra Colour

Best Reading and Writing Tablet

### Kobo Libra Colour

0This colorful, lightweight e-reader is easy to see and offers 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 is a strong competitor to Amazon's Kindle lineup. Its 7-inch display is ideal for reading, with ample margin space. The design, featuring wider bezels and a lightweight build, makes it easy to hold single-handed, with two buttons for page turns or touchscreen navigation.

The E-Ink Kaleido 3 display offers a 300ppi resolution in black and white and 150ppi in color, with more subdued hues akin to a newspaper. This is great for comics and graphic novels, providing easy viewing with minimal glare in bright sunlight. The ComfortLight Pro enhances readability in darker environments and reduces blue light.

Powered by a dual-core 2.0GHz processor, the Kobo Libra Colour is responsive for reading and note-taking. It integrates seamlessly with the OverDrive library. However, it's designed solely for reading and writing, not for social media or email.

The Kobo Libra Colour supports writing with the Kobo Stylus 2, allowing you to annotate books and highlight passages with your finger. Various notebooks are available for jotting notes and sketching, with some capable of converting handwriting to text. For a larger display focused on notetaking, consider the Kobo Elipsa 2E, a grayscale alternative.

How to Choose the Best Reading Tablet

Selecting the perfect reading tablet involves considering several key factors to match your specific needs, whether you're a fiction enthusiast, a student, or a professional. The display quality is crucial, as it's where your eyes will focus. E-ink technology, which mimics paper, reduces eye strain, while LCD screens are more versatile for multiple uses.

Battery life is vital for uninterrupted reading, especially on the go. Opt for tablets with long battery life to enjoy your reading without frequent recharges. Size and weight also matter for comfort during long reading sessions. Larger screens offer a more immersive experience but should remain portable and lightweight.

Best Tablets for Reading FAQ

What is the best tablet for reading according to Reddit?

Reddit users on r/androidtablets recommend the Aldocube 50 Mini and Mini Pro for their lightweight design and good screens. Others favor the Barnes & Noble Nook for its e-paper technology, which provides a reading experience similar to an actual book.

Are tablets good for reading books?

Absolutely, though LCD screens may cause more eye strain than e-ink models. Battery life is another consideration, as regular tablets often don't last as long as dedicated 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 mimics printed paper, reducing glare and eye strain while offering excellent battery life. It's also IPX8 water-resistant, making it perfect for poolside or rainy day reading.