Top Tablets for Reading: Ideal for Books and Comics

Books are undeniably great, but they can quickly turn into bulky space invaders, especially if your apartment is anything like mine, with books piled up everywhere and an overflowing bookshelf. If you're fortunate enough to have the space for a real home library, that's fantastic! But for the rest of us, a reading tablet is a game-changer. While you might miss the tactile pleasure of flipping through pages, tablets make managing a personal library much easier and tidier. Plus, you can access a wealth of free books from the comfort of your home. We've curated a list 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 come in various forms, each with unique capabilities. E-readers like our top pick, the Kindle Paperwhite, are designed primarily for reading, often featuring e-ink screens that closely mimic the look of printed pages. These devices are more specialized and won't handle social media or streaming. In contrast, general-purpose tablets like the iPad Mini offer broader functionality but may strain your eyes and drain their batteries faster. For those who enjoy annotating texts, devices like the Kobo Libra Colour provide notetaking features, making them ideal for students or avid margin scribblers. Choosing the right one 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 akin to an actual 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. It keeps things straightforward, focusing solely on reading without the distractions of colorful screens, stylus support, or access to emails and apps. Its e-ink display is easy on the eyes and helps preserve 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. The new thin-film transistor enhances contrast, and 19 LEDs around the screen ensure readability in various lighting conditions, from bright beaches to dim tents. Adjusting the warm backlight for darker environments is simple, though for automatic adjustments and other enhancements, consider the Kindle Paperwhite Signature.

Performance has improved by 20% over the previous model, ensuring quick page turns and smooth navigation through your library. With 16GB of storage, it holds thousands of books, and cloud storage is available if you need more space for audiobooks. Other features include customizable text and font settings, an integrated dictionary, and compatibility with Libby, allowing you to send borrowed books to your Kindle from another device.

Its plastic build keeps it slim and lightweight, similar to a hardcover book, reducing arm and wrist fatigue. Despite its delicate appearance, it's sturdy and waterproof. Remarkably, it offers up to 12 weeks of battery life on a single 2.5-hour charge, making it our favorite Kindle model.

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 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 feature large displays, which can be cumbersome for avid readers. The iPad Mini, with its 8.3-inch screen, strikes the perfect balance, similar to a paperback and weighing just 10.4oz. It's easy to carry and comfortable to hold, even one-handed, while still offering the full capabilities of top iPad models.

The Liquid Retina display, with adjustable brightness and True Tone technology, ensures a delightful viewing experience, though it may cause some glare. Pairing it with an Apple Pencil allows for easy annotations. However, its vibrant screen drains the battery faster than the Kindle Paperwhite's e-ink display, lasting about 10 hours.

Powered by the A17 Pro chip, the same as the iPhone 15 Pro, the iPad Mini handles reading apps like Apple Books, Amazon Kindle, comiXology, Libby, and Scribd effortlessly. It's also versatile enough for social media, streaming, and everyday tasks, making it a well-rounded choice for those who want more from their device.

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 Apple's most premium tablet yet, perfect for diving into the world of comics and manga.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 immersed in the colorful realms of comics and manga, the iPad Pro is the ultimate choice. Despite its large 11-inch or 13-inch display, it remains sleek and lightweight.

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

Powered by the M4 silicon, the iPad Pro handles heavy workloads, including gaming and design, with ease. Its 8GB GPU makes it an ideal tool for creating comics or graphic novels. The Apple Pencil Pro support enhances artistic capabilities, and with a keyboard, it can serve as a laptop replacement, though additional accessories can increase 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

0Experience superior performance and a smooth, elegant display with the OnePlus Pad 2, a top-notch Android tablet for reading.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 as an excellent reading tablet. Its 12.1-inch, 3K display boasts 10-bit color depth and HDR support, delivering crisp, vibrant visuals. In our hands-on review, the screen remained clear even in morning sunlight due to enhanced brightness.

Powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 12GB of RAM, the OnePlus Pad 2 rivals the best Android tablets, ensuring smooth page turns and app switching. With 256GB of storage, it can house a vast library of books, comics, and audiobooks. The included AI toolbox can summarize articles or assist with writing, and stylus support facilitates easy annotations.

While its premium build makes it slightly heavier, the 9,510mAh battery lasts up to 12 hours. If it runs low, 80W fast charging brings it back to full power in under 75 minutes.

5. Kobo Libra Colour

Best Reading and Writing Tablet

### Kobo Libra Colour

0A lightweight, colorful e-reader with 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, featuring a 7-inch E-Ink Kaleido 3 display. This screen offers a 300ppi resolution in black and white and 150ppi in color, providing a subdued, newspaper-like color palette that's easy on the eyes and minimizes glare. Its ComfortLight Pro enhances readability in low light and reduces blue light exposure.

The dual-core 2.0GHz processor ensures responsive performance, with quick page turns and smooth navigation. It's also excellent for note-taking, thanks to compatibility with the Kobo Stylus 2. Users can annotate books, highlight passages, and use various notebooks for jotting down notes or sketching, some of which convert 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 ensure it aligns with your needs, whether you're reading fiction, studying textbooks, or managing work documents.

The display quality is crucial, as it's where you'll focus most of your attention. For comfort during long reading sessions, consider tablets with features like blue light reduction or e-ink technology, which closely resembles paper and reduces eye strain. While e-ink screens are gentler on the eyes, LCDs offer greater versatility for multiple uses.

Battery life is vital for uninterrupted reading, especially when you're on the go. Opt for tablets with robust battery life to enjoy your reading material without the constant need to recharge.

Size and weight also play a significant role in comfort. Larger screens offer a more immersive experience but shouldn't compromise portability. A lightweight, slim design makes it easier to carry and hold for extended 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 suitable screen size for reading. Others praise the Barnes & Noble Nook for its e-paper technology, which provides a reading experience similar to that of physical books.

Are tablets good for reading books?

Yes, tablets can be excellent for reading books, though LCD screens may cause more eye strain compared to e-ink models. Also, keep in mind that standard tablets typically have shorter battery life than e-readers like the Kindle due to more demanding hardware.

What is the best tablet for reading outside?

For reading outdoors, the Kindle Paperwhite is ideal. Its e-ink display mimics printed paper, reducing glare, brightness issues, eye strain, and preserving battery life better than LCD screens. It's also IPX8 water-resistant, making it perfect for poolside or rainy conditions.