Top Reading Tablets: Choose the Best for Books and Comics

Books are wonderful, there's no doubt about it. However, their bulkiness can be a challenge, especially when you're trying to manage space in your home. If you're fortunate enough to have room for a dedicated home library, that's fantastic! For the rest of us, a reading tablet is a game-changer. While you might miss the tactile feel of a physical book, these devices make building a personal library much easier and less cluttered. Plus, you can access countless free books from the comfort of your home. We've handpicked 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 features tailored to different needs. E-readers, such as our top pick, the Kindle Paperwhite, focus on book formats with screens designed to mimic the look of paper. These devices are more specialized, so don't expect to use them for social media or streaming. On the flip side, more versatile tablets like the iPad Mini offer a broader range of functions, though their displays might cause more eye strain and drain batteries faster. Features like note-taking, as seen in the Kobo Libra Colour, are particularly useful for students or anyone who likes to annotate their reading material. The best choice for you 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 an experience similar to reading 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 buildFor dedicated readers, the Kindle Paperwhite is the ideal choice. It keeps the focus solely on reading, without the distractions of colorful screens, stylus support, or notifications. The device's simple, eye-friendly display helps reduce strain and conserve battery life.

The latest model features a slightly larger 7-inch e-ink display with a 300ppi resolution, reducing blue light and glare. A new thin-film transistor improves contrast, and 19 LEDs around the screen ensure readability in any lighting condition, from bright beaches to dim camping tents. The warm backlight is easily adjustable for darker environments, and for automatic adjustments and additional enhancements, consider the Kindle Paperwhite Signature.

With a 20% performance boost over its predecessor, page turns and scrolling are smoother than ever. The 16GB of storage is ample for thousands of books, and cloud storage is available if you need more space for audiobooks. Other features include customizable text and font options, an accessible dictionary, and compatibility with Libby, where you can send borrowed books to your Kindle from the app installed on another device.

The Kindle Paperwhite's plastic build keeps it slim and lightweight, preventing arm and wrist fatigue. Despite its design, it's sturdy and waterproof. With an impressive 12-week battery life on a single 2.5-hour charge, it's clear why this is our top 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 choice for handheld 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 displays larger than 10 inches, which can be cumbersome for avid readers. Conversely, iPhone screens might be too small. The iPad Mini bridges this gap with its 8.3-inch display, about the size of a paperback, and weighs just 10.4 ounces. It's easy to carry and comfortable to hold, even one-handed, while offering all the capabilities of top iPad models.

The Liquid Retina display with adjustable brightness and True Tone technology ensures a comfortable reading experience in various settings, though you might encounter some glare. The Apple Pencil compatibility is great for annotations. However, the vibrant screen consumes more power, offering only 10 hours of battery life compared to the e-ink displays on Kindles.

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 perfect for breaks, as you can smoothly navigate social media, stream content, and perform daily tasks.

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 ultimate premium Apple tablet. 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 comic and manga enthusiasts, the iPad Pro is the top choice. Despite its large 11-inch or 13-inch display, it remains thin and lightweight.

The OLED display is a first for iPads and offers vivid colors and excellent contrast, making images pop. In IGN's review of the iPad Pro, Jackie Thomas praised the display for enhancing the reading experience of Star Wars: The High Republic comics.

Powered by the M4 processor, the iPad Pro handles demanding tasks like gaming and design effortlessly. Its 8GB GPU makes it ideal for creating comics or graphic novels. The Apple Pencil Pro support enhances artistic work, and adding a keyboard transforms it into a laptop replacement, though the cost can add up quickly.

OnePlus Pad 2 – Photos

View 4 Images4. OnePlus Pad 2

Best Android Tablet for Reading

### OnePlus Pad 2

0The OnePlus Pad 2 delivers 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 tabletsOnePlus, known for its smartphones, offers a compelling reading tablet with the OnePlus Pad 2. Its 12.1-inch, 3K display boasts 10-bit color depth and HDR support, delivering crisp, vibrant visuals. Our hands-on review confirmed its readability even in bright sunlight.

Powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 12GB of RAM, the OnePlus Pad 2 performs admirably. Page turns are quick, and switching between reading apps is smooth. With 256GB of storage, it can hold numerous books, comics, and audiobooks. The AI toolbox aids in summarizing articles and writing, while stylus support enables easy annotations.

Though its premium build makes it heavier, the 9,510mAh battery lasts up to 12 hours. When it needs recharging, the 80W fast charging capability gets it back to full power in less than 75 minutes.

5. Kobo Libra Colour

Best Reading and Writing Tablet

### Kobo Libra Colour

0This lightweight e-reader features a colorful display and stylus support, making it perfect for reading and writing. 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 300ppi in black and white and 150ppi in color. The colors are more muted, similar to a newspaper, but still enhance the reading of comics and graphic novels. The ComfortLight Pro feature reduces blue light, making it comfortable for reading in low-light conditions.

With a dual-core 2.0GHz processor, the Kobo Libra Colour ensures responsive page turns and smooth navigation. It's ideal for note-taking with the Kobo Stylus 2, allowing you to annotate books and highlight passages. The integration with the OverDrive library is a bonus. However, this e-reader is strictly for reading and writing, without the ability to browse social media or check emails.

For those needing a larger display for note-taking, the Kobo Elipsa 2E is a great alternative, albeit in grayscale.

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 diving into novels, studying textbooks, or managing work documents, the right tablet can transform your reading experience.

The display quality is crucial, as your eyes will be focused on it for extended periods. Features like blue light reduction or e-ink technology, which mimics paper, can minimize eye strain. E-ink screens are gentler on the eyes but less versatile than LCDs, which are better for multitasking.

Battery life is another vital aspect, especially for reading on the go. A tablet with long battery life ensures you won't be interrupted by the need to charge.

Finally, consider the size and weight of the tablet. Larger screens provide a more immersive experience, but they should remain portable and comfortable to hold for long sessions. A lightweight, slim design makes it easier to carry and use one-handed.

Best Tablets for Reading FAQ

What is the best tablet for reading according to Reddit?

Reddit users, particularly on the r/androidtablets subreddit, 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 an actual book.

Are tablets good for reading books?

Absolutely, though standard LCD screens can cause more eye strain than e-ink models. Battery life is another consideration, as typical tablets may not 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 and eye strain, and it's IPX8 water-resistant, making it suitable for poolside or rainy conditions.