Top Tablets for Reading: Ideal for Books and Comics

Books are undeniably wonderful, but they can also be cumbersome and take up a lot of space, as anyone with overflowing bookshelves can attest. If you're fortunate enough to have room for a dedicated home library, that's fantastic! For those of us without that luxury, a reading tablet is a game-changer. While you might miss the tactile experience of flipping through pages, the convenience and accessibility of a digital library are unmatched. Not only can you access a vast collection of books from the comfort of your home, many of which are available for free, but you also keep your space tidy. We've curated a list of the best tablets to enhance your reading experience, no matter where 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 vary in their capabilities. E-readers, such as our top pick, the Kindle Paperwhite, focus primarily on book formats and feature screens designed to mimic the appearance of printed pages. These devices are more limited in function; don't expect to use them for social media scrolling or streaming shows. Conversely, general-purpose tablets like the iPad Mini offer a broader range of functions but may strain your eyes due to their displays and drain batteries more quickly. Notetaking features, as seen in the Kobo Libra Colour, are particularly useful for students or avid annotators. Your choice 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 that of a physical book, enhanced with a backlight and a host of 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 ultimate tablet for you. It keeps things straightforward, focusing solely on providing a distraction-free reading experience with an easy-on-the-eyes display that also conserves battery life.

The latest Kindle Paperwhite boasts a slightly larger 7-inch e-ink display with a 300ppi resolution, designed to reduce blue light and glare. A new thin-film transistor improves contrast, while 19 LEDs around the screen facilitate comfortable reading in any lighting condition, from bright beaches to dimly lit tents. The warm backlight can be easily adjusted for darker environments, and for those seeking additional features, the Kindle Paperwhite Signature offers automatic adjustments.

Compared to its predecessor, the new Kindle Paperwhite offers a 20% performance increase, ensuring swift page turns and smooth navigation through your digital library. With 16GB of storage, you have ample space for thousands of books. Although audiobooks take up more room, cloud storage is available if needed. Other features include customizable text and font sizes, an integrated dictionary, and compatibility with borrowed books from the Libby app.

The Kindle Paperwhite's plastic construction keeps it slim and lightweight, preventing fatigue during extended reading sessions. Despite its delicate appearance, it's durable and waterproof. With an impressive 12-week battery life from a single 2.5-hour charge, it's no wonder 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, offers a vibrant 8.3-inch display, making it an excellent 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 of Apple’s iPads feature displays larger than 10 inches, which can be cumbersome for avid readers. Conversely, iPhone screens are often too small. The iPad Mini bridges this gap with its 8.3-inch display, resembling a paperback in size and weighing just 10.4 ounces, making it perfect for portability and comfortable one-handed use. It retains the full functionality of larger iPads.

The iPad Mini's Liquid Retina display, with adjustable brightness and True Tone technology, ensures a comfortable viewing experience. However, be aware of potential screen glare. The Apple Pencil compatibility enhances the reading experience by allowing easy annotations. Despite its vibrant screen, the battery life is shorter at 10 hours, compared to the e-ink display of the Kindle Paperwhite.

Powered by the A17 Pro chip, the same as the iPhone 15 Pro, the iPad Mini offers 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 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, 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 usersIf you're passionate about diving into comics or even creating your own, the iPad Pro is unparalleled. Its 11-inch or 13-inch OLED display offers vivid, accurate colors and exceptional contrast, making every panel pop. In IGN’s review of the iPad Pro, Jackie Thomas praised the display while reading Star Wars: The High Republic comics.

The M4 silicon chip powers the iPad Pro, effortlessly handling heavy workloads, including gaming and design, with an 8GB GPU. This makes it an ideal tool for creatives looking to craft their own comics or graphic novels. The Apple Pencil Pro enhances artistic capabilities, while adding a keyboard transforms the iPad Pro into a laptop alternative, though the cost of accessories can add up.

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 construction. 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, renowned for its smartphones, delivers a formidable reading tablet with the OnePlus Pad 2. It features a spectacular 12.1-inch 3K display with 10-bit color depth and HDR support, ensuring crisp, vibrant visuals. In our hands-on review of the OnePlus Pad 2, the screen's visibility in bright sunlight was particularly impressive.

Powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 12GB of RAM, the OnePlus Pad 2 competes with the best Android tablets, delivering swift page turns and smooth app transitions. With 256GB of storage, it accommodates a vast library of books, comics, and audiobooks. An AI toolbox helps summarize articles and assist in writing, while stylus support allows for easy annotations.

Despite its premium build, the OnePlus Pad 2 is on the heavier side, which may affect comfort during long reading sessions. However, its 9,510mAh battery offers up to 12 hours of use, and 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

0The Kobo Libra Colour is a lightweight e-reader with a colorful display and stylus support, perfect for both reading and 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 lineup. Its 7-inch E-Ink Kaleido 3 display offers a 300ppi resolution in black and white and 150ppi in color, providing a comfortable reading experience with minimal glare. The colors are more subdued, resembling a newspaper, but still enhance comics and graphic novels.

The Kobo Libra Colour's dual-core 2.0GHz processor ensures responsive performance, with quick page turns and smooth navigation. The device also supports writing with the Kobo Stylus 2, allowing you to annotate books and take notes in various notebooks, some of which convert handwriting to text. For those seeking a larger display for notetaking, the Kobo Elipsa 2E offers a grayscale alternative.

How to Choose the Best Reading Tablet

Selecting the ideal reading tablet involves considering several key factors to ensure it aligns with your specific needs. Whether you're a dedicated fiction reader, a student poring over textbooks, or a professional navigating through countless PDFs, the right tablet can significantly enhance your reading experience.

The display quality is crucial, as it's where you'll focus most of your attention. Features like blue light reduction or e-ink technology, which mimics paper, can help minimize eye strain. E-Ink screens are gentler on the eyes, while LCDs offer greater versatility for multi-purpose use.

Battery life is another vital consideration, especially for avid readers on the go. Opt for tablets with robust battery life to enjoy uninterrupted reading sessions without the need for frequent charging.

Finally, consider the size and weight of the tablet, as these factors affect how comfortably you can hold it for extended periods. Larger screens provide a more immersive reading experience, but they should not compromise portability. A lightweight, slim design enhances ease of use and portability.

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. Others praise the Barnes & Noble Nook for its e-paper technology, which closely mimics the feel of reading a physical book.

Are tablets good for reading books?

Absolutely, though traditional LCD screens can cause more eye strain than e-ink models. Battery life is another factor to consider, 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 an excellent choice. Its e-ink display resembles printed paper, minimizing glare, brightness, eye strain, and battery drain compared to LCD screens. Additionally, its IPX8 water resistance makes it perfect for poolside or rainy day reading.