Top Reading Tablets: Choose the Perfect Device for Books and Comics

Books are wonderful, but they can quickly become space-consuming clutter. If you're fortunate enough to have room for a home library, that's fantastic! For the rest of us, a reading tablet is a game-changer. While you might miss the tactile experience of flipping through pages, the convenience and tidiness of a digital library are unmatched. Plus, you can access 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 vary in their capabilities. E-readers, like our top pick, the Kindle Paperwhite, are designed primarily for reading books and feature screens that mimic the look of paper. These devices are more limited in functionality, so don't expect to scroll through social media or stream videos on them. On the other hand, general-purpose tablets like the iPad Mini offer more versatility, though their displays might cause more eye strain and drain batteries faster. Features like notetaking, as seen in the Kobo Libra Colour, are perfect for students or those who enjoy annotating their books. 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 a reading experience similar to that of a physical 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 buildFor those solely focused on reading, the Kindle Paperwhite is the ideal choice. This e-reader keeps things straightforward, lacking a colorful screen, stylus support, or access to emails, apps, and notifications. Instead, it offers a distraction-free, easy-to-read display that minimizes eye strain and maximizes battery life.

The latest Kindle Paperwhite boasts a slightly larger 7-inch e-ink display with a 300ppi resolution, which helps reduce blue light and glare. It also features a new thin-film transistor for improved contrast. With 19 LEDs surrounding the screen, reading in any light condition, from the beach to a dimly lit tent, is effortless. Adjusting the warm backlight for darker environments is simple, but for automatic adjustments and additional enhancements, consider the Kindle Paperwhite Signature.

Compared to its predecessor, the new Kindle Paperwhite offers a 20% performance boost, resulting in swift page turns and smooth library navigation. Its 16GB of storage is ample for thousands of books, though audiobooks take up more space; cloud storage is available if needed. Other features include text and font adjustments for easier reading and an accessible dictionary. If you use Libby, 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, reducing arm and wrist fatigue. Despite its seemingly less durable design, it's sturdy and waterproof. With a remarkable 12-week battery life on a 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 an excellent handheld option for 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 are often too small. The iPad Mini, with its 8.3-inch display, strikes the perfect balance, resembling a paperback in size and weighing just 10.4oz. It's easy to carry and comfortable to hold with one hand, yet it retains all the capabilities of the top iPad models.

The iPad Mini's Liquid Retina display, with adjustable brightness and True Tone technology, ensures a comfortable viewing experience in various lighting conditions. However, be prepared for some glare. Pairing it with an Apple Pencil allows for easy annotations. Keep in mind that the vibrant screen consumes battery life more quickly than the e-ink display on the Kindle Paperwhite, lasting only 10 hours.

Powered by the A17 Pro chip, the same as in the iPhone 15 Pro, the latest iPad Mini offers robust performance for its size and supports Apple Intelligence. It effortlessly runs top reading apps like Apple Books, Amazon Kindle, comiXology, Libby, and Scribd. When you need a break from reading, it's equally adept at handling social media, streaming, and everyday 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 most premium Apple tablet available. 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 vibrant world of comics or aspiring to create their 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 offers unparalleled color accuracy and contrast, making images 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 powers the stunning display, handling heavy workloads like gaming and design with ease, thanks to its 8GB GPU. Creatives will find it an ideal tool for crafting comics or graphic novels.

The Apple Pencil Pro enhances artistic capabilities, and adding a keyboard transforms the iPad Pro into a laptop replacement. However, be aware that accessories can significantly 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

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 impressive smartphones, also offers a top-notch reading tablet. The OnePlus Pad 2 features a stunning 12.1-inch, 3K display with 10-bit color depth and HDR support. Its clarity and vibrancy were evident in our hands-on review of the OnePlus Pad 2, where our tester could easily read the screen in morning sunlight due to enhanced brightness.

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 navigation between reading apps. With 256GB of storage, it can hold numerous novels, comics, and audiobooks. An AI toolbox can summarize articles or assist with writing, while stylus support enables easy annotations.

Despite its premium build and size, the OnePlus Pad 2 is somewhat heavy, making one-handed use less comfortable. However, its 9,510mAh battery lasts up to 12 hours, and 80W charging can recharge it in under 75 minutes.

5. Kobo Libra Colour

Best Reading and Writing Tablet

### Kobo Libra Colour

0This colorful, lightweight e-reader is easy to read and supports stylus use. 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 display, perfect for reading with ample margin space. Its design, featuring wider bezels on one side and a lightweight build, allows for comfortable one-handed use, with two buttons for easy 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 reminiscent of a newspaper. This makes it ideal for comics and graphic novels, providing a glare-free experience in bright sunlight. The ComfortLight Pro enhances readability in darker environments and reduces blue light.

The Kobo Libra Colour's dual-core 2.0GHz processor ensures responsive performance for reading and note-taking. Its integration with the OverDrive library is a valuable feature. However, it's designed exclusively for reading and writing, lacking the versatility 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. Kobo also offers various notebooks for jotting down notes and sketching, some of which can convert handwriting to text. For a larger notetaking display, consider the Kobo Elipsa 2E, a grayscale alternative.

How to Choose the Best Reading Tablet

Selecting the best reading tablet involves considering several factors to ensure it meets your specific needs. Whether you're a fiction enthusiast, a student, or a professional dealing with PDFs, the right tablet can enhance your reading experience.

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

Battery life is vital for uninterrupted reading, especially on the go. Opt for tablets with long-lasting batteries to enjoy your reading without constant recharging.

Size and weight also impact comfort during extended reading sessions. Larger screens offer a more immersive experience, but a lightweight, slim design enhances portability and ease of 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 good reading screens. Others suggest the Barnes & Noble Nook for its e-paper technology, which closely resembles reading a physical book.

Are tablets good for reading books?

Yes, tablets are excellent for reading books, though LCD screens may cause more eye strain than e-ink models. Consider battery life, as standard tablets typically don't last as long as 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, similar to printed paper, reduces glare, brightness issues, and eye strain. It's also IPX8 water-resistant, making it perfect for poolside or rainy conditions.