Top Tablets for Reading: Ideal for Books and Comics

Books are undeniably wonderful, yet they can quickly become bulky space-eaters—just ask anyone with piles of books scattered around their home that don't fit on an already overstuffed bookshelf. If you're fortunate enough to have space for a real home library, congratulations! For the rest of us, a reading tablet can be a game-changer. While you might miss the tactile joy of flipping through physical pages, a tablet makes building a personal library much more manageable and less messy. Plus, you can access a wealth of books for free without leaving your home. We've identified some of the best tablets to enhance your reading experience anywhere.

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, such as our top pick, the Kindle Paperwhite, are designed specifically for book formats and often feature screens that mimic paper. These devices are more limited in functionality—don't expect to scroll through social media or stream shows during breaks. On the other hand, more versatile tablets like the iPad Mini can handle a broader range of tasks, though their displays might cause eye strain and drain the battery faster. Notetaking features, like those on the Kobo Libra Colour, are particularly useful for students or those who enjoy annotating margins. Choosing the best option depends on your specific needs.

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 an actual book, enhanced with a backlight and numerous convenient 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 best tablet for the task. This e-reader focuses on simplicity, so you won't find a colorful screen, stylus support, or access to emails, apps, and notifications. Instead, it minimizes distractions with an easy-to-read display that reduces eye strain and conserves battery life.

The latest Kindle Paperwhite features a slightly larger 7-inch e-ink display with a 300ppi resolution that helps reduce blue light and glare. It also includes a new thin-film transistor for improved contrast. The 19 LEDs surrounding the screen ensure readability in various lighting conditions, whether at the beach or in a dimly lit tent on a camping trip. Adjusting the warm backlight for darker environments is straightforward, and for automatic adjustments and additional features, consider the Kindle Paperwhite Signature.

Compared to its predecessor, the new Kindle Paperwhite boasts a 20% performance increase, enabling fast page turns and smooth navigation through your book library. With 16GB of storage, it's more than sufficient for thousands of books, though audiobooks take up more space. Cloud storage is available if needed. Additional features include text and font adjustments for different readers and an accessible dictionary. Libby users can send borrowed books to their Kindle from the Libby app installed on another device.

The Kindle Paperwhite's plastic build keeps it slim and lightweight, reducing arm and wrist fatigue. Despite its lightweight design, it's sturdy and waterproof. With a compact size, it achieves an impressive 12-week battery life on a 2.5-hour charge, making it our top choice among Kindle models.

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 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 screens larger than 10 inches, which can be too big for avid readers. The iPad Mini, with its 8.3-inch display, offers a size comparable to a paperback and weighs just 10.4 ounces, making it easy to carry and use one-handed. It maintains the full functionality of the top iPad models.

The iPad Mini's Liquid Retina display, with adjustable brightness and True Tone technology, provides a comfortable reading experience, though it may experience some glare. Pairing it with an Apple Pencil allows for easy annotations. However, its colorful screen consumes battery life more quickly than the e-ink display of the Kindle Paperwhite, lasting around 10 hours.

Powered by the A17 Pro chip, the same as in the iPhone 15 Pro, the iPad Mini delivers 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 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, is the most premium Apple tablet yet. 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 world of comics or looking 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 OLED display on the iPad Pro is a first for iPads and offers vivid, accurate colors with excellent contrast, making every image pop. In IGN’s review of the iPad Pro, Jackie Thomas praised the display while reading Star Wars: The High Republic comics.

The iPad Pro's M4 silicon provides ample processing power for heavy workloads, including gaming and design, with an 8GB GPU. Creatives can use it to make comics or graphic novels, as it's designed for such tasks.

With Apple Pencil Pro support, your artistic endeavors can reach new heights, and adding a keyboard transforms the iPad Pro into a laptop replacement. Just be aware that 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

0The OnePlus Pad 2 offers excellent performance, an elegant and smooth display, and overall great 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 our favorite smartphones, also offers a top-notch reading tablet. The OnePlus Pad 2 features a 12.1-inch, 3K display with 10-bit color depth and HDR support. In our hands-on review of the OnePlus Pad 2, we noted its visibility even in morning sunlight due to improved brightness.

Powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 12GB of RAM, the OnePlus Pad 2 rivals the best Android tablets. It offers smooth page turns and seamless app transitions. With 256GB of storage, it can hold numerous books, comics, and audiobooks. The included AI toolbox can summarize articles or assist with writing, while stylus support enables easy annotations.

Though its premium build and size make it heavier, it includes a robust 9,510mAh battery that lasts 12 hours. When the battery runs low, 80W charging can fully recharge it 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, making it ideal for 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 display is ideal for reading, with ample margin space. Wider bezels and a lightweight design make it comfortable to hold one-handed, while two buttons simplify page turns, which can also be done via the touchscreen.

Kobo's E-Ink Kaleido 3 display offers a 300ppi resolution in black and white and 150ppi in color, with subdued hues similar to a newspaper. This makes it perfect for graphic novels and comics, reducing glare in bright sunlight. The ComfortLight Pro enhances readability in darker environments and reduces blue light exposure.

The Kobo Libra Colour's dual-core 2.0GHz processor ensures responsive performance for page turns and navigation. Note-taking is fluid, and integration with the OverDrive library is a valuable feature. However, this e-reader is strictly for reading and writing, without capabilities for social media or email.

The Kobo Libra Colour supports writing with the Kobo Stylus 2, allowing you to annotate books and highlight passages. Kobo also offers various notebooks for jotting down notes and sketching, some of which can convert handwriting to text. For a larger display for note-taking, consider the Kobo Elipsa 2E, a grayscale alternative.

How to Choose the Best Reading Tablet

Selecting the best reading tablet involves considering several key factors to ensure it meets your needs, whether you're a fiction enthusiast, a student, or a professional handling PDFs. The display's 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, while LCDs offer more versatility for multi-purpose use.

Battery life is vital for uninterrupted reading, particularly when you're on the go. Tablets with long battery life allow you to enjoy your reading material without constantly seeking a power source.

Size and weight also play a significant role in comfort during prolonged use. Larger screens offer a more immersive experience but shouldn't compromise portability. A slim, lightweight design enhances ease of carrying and one-handed 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 screens. Others suggest Barnes & Noble's Nook for its e-paper technology, which closely resembles reading an actual book.

Are tablets good for reading books?

Absolutely, though LCD screens can cause more eye strain than e-ink models. Also, consider battery life, as standard tablets typically don't last as long as e-readers like the Kindle due to more demanding hardware.

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, eye strain, and conserves battery life better than LCD screens. It's also IPX8 water-resistant, making it suitable for poolside or rainy conditions.