Top Reading Tablets: Ideal for Books and Comics

Books are a delight, but they can take up a lot of space. If you're lucky enough to have room for a home library, that's wonderful! For those of us with limited space, a reading tablet is a fantastic solution. While you might miss the tactile experience of flipping through pages, a tablet offers an easy way to build a personal library, access free books from home, and keep your space tidy. We've rounded up 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### 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 functionalities. E-readers like our top pick, the Kindle Paperwhite, focus on book formats with screens designed to mimic the look of a page. These devices are more limited in their capabilities – you won't be scrolling through social media or streaming shows during breaks. Conversely, general-purpose tablets like the iPad Mini offer more versatility but may strain your eyes and drain their batteries faster. Features like note-taking, as found on the Kobo Libra Colour, are great for students or those who enjoy annotating their books. Choosing the best tablet for your needs depends on your personal preferences.

1. Kindle Paperwhite

The Best Kindle and Best Reading Tablet

Our Top Pick### Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

0The Kindle Paperwhite offers an experience akin to reading 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 to read, the Kindle Paperwhite is the best tablet for the job. This e-reader keeps things straightforward, so don't expect a colorful screen, stylus support, or access to emails, apps, and notifications. Instead, it offers a distraction-free experience with an easy-to-read display that minimizes 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 includes a new thin-film transistor for improved contrast, and 19 LEDs around the screen ensure easy reading in any light, whether you're at the beach or in a dimly lit tent. Adjusting the warm backlight is simple, but for automatic adjustments and other enhancements, consider the Kindle Paperwhite Signature.

Compared to its predecessor, the new Kindle Paperwhite has a 20% performance boost, enabling swift page turns and smooth navigation through your book collection. With 16GB of storage, there's ample room for thousands of books. Audiobooks take up more space, but cloud storage is available if needed. Other features include customizable text and font options, an easy-to-access 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, similar to a hardcover book, reducing arm and wrist fatigue. While the design may seem less durable, it's sturdy and waterproof. Despite its compact size, this e-reader boasts an impressive 12-week battery life with just a 2.5-hour charge, making it our favorite Kindle model.

2. iPad Mini (7th Gen)

Best iPad for Reading

### Apple iPad Mini (7th Gen)

0Compact iPad weighing just over half a pound with a vibrant 8.3-inch display, perfect for reading on the go. 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 unwieldy for avid readers, while iPhones might be too small. The iPad Mini, with its 8.3-inch screen, strikes the perfect balance, akin to a paperback and weighing just 10.4 ounces. It's easy to carry and can be comfortably held with one hand, yet it retains all the capabilities of Apple's top iPad models.

The iPad Mini's Liquid Retina display, with adjustable brightness and True Tone technology, offers a superior viewing experience. However, be mindful of potential glare due to the glossy screen. Pairing it with an Apple Pencil allows for easy annotations. The battery life lasts up to 10 hours, significantly less than the Kindle Paperwhite's e-ink display.

Powered by the A17 Pro chip, the same as in the iPhone 15 Pro, the latest iPad Mini offers robust performance, supporting Apple Intelligence. It handles top reading apps like Apple Books, Amazon Kindle, comiXology, Libby, and Scribd with ease. When you need a break from reading, it's equally capable for social media, streaming, and other 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 to date. 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 who love diving into the vibrant world of comics or creating their own, the iPad Pro is the top 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, delivering vivid, accurate colors and excellent contrast that make images pop. In IGN's review, Jackie Thomas praised the display while reading Star Wars: The High Republic comics.

The M4 silicon provides ample processing power for heavy workloads, including gaming and design, with an 8GB GPU. It's perfect for creatives looking to design comics or graphic novels. The Apple Pencil Pro support enhances artistic capabilities, and with a keyboard, the iPad Pro can serve as a laptop replacement. Be aware, however, that accessories can add to 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 excellent performance, an elegant and smooth display, and overall great quality with the OnePlus Pad 2. 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, also offers a compelling reading tablet. The OnePlus Pad 2 boasts a 12.1-inch, 3K display with 10-bit color depth and HDR support. Our hands-on review found the screen to be crisp and vibrant, with excellent visibility even in bright sunlight.

Powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 12GB of RAM, the OnePlus Pad 2 rivals the best Android tablets. It ensures smooth page turns and effortless navigation through reading apps. With 256GB of storage, you can store numerous novels, comics, and audiobooks. The included AI toolbox can summarize articles or assist in writing, and stylus support facilitates annotations.

While its size and premium build make it heavier, the 9,510mAh battery lasts up to 12 hours. With 80W charging support, it can recharge in under 75 minutes if needed.

5. Kobo Libra Colour

Best Reading and Writing Tablet

### Kobo Libra Colour

0A colorful, lightweight e-reader with stylus support for easy viewing 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. The wider bezels and lightweight design make it comfortable to hold one-handed, with two buttons for easy page turns, alongside touchscreen functionality.

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. It's excellent for graphic novels and comics, providing vibrant visuals with minimal glare in bright sunlight. The ComfortLight Pro enhances readability in dim settings and reduces blue light exposure.

The Kobo Libra Colour's dual-core 2.0GHz processor ensures responsive performance, with smooth page turns and navigation. Note-taking is fluid, and 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.

The device supports the Kobo Stylus 2 for writing, allowing you to annotate books and highlight passages with a finger. 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 specific needs. Whether you're a fiction enthusiast, a student studying textbooks, or a professional managing PDFs, the right tablet can enhance your reading experience.

Display quality is crucial, as it's where your eyes will spend most of their time. For extended reading, eye comfort is vital, and features like blue light reduction or e-ink technology, which mimics paper, can help reduce strain. E-Ink screens are gentler on the eyes, while LCDs offer more versatility for multitasking.

Battery life is another important consideration, especially for reading on the go. Tablets with long battery life allow for uninterrupted reading sessions without the need to find a power outlet.

Lastly, size and weight impact comfort during long reading sessions. While larger screens offer a more immersive experience, they should not compromise portability. A lightweight, slim design ensures 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 recommend the Aldocube 50 Mini and Mini Pro for their lightweight design and good reading screen size. Others praise the Barnes & Noble Nook for its e-paper technology, which provides a reading experience similar to physical books.

Are tablets good for reading books?

Absolutely, but be aware that regular LCD screens can cause more eye strain compared to e-ink models. Also, consider battery life, as standard tablets typically don't last as long as devices 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 the look of printed paper, reducing glare, brightness issues, eye strain, and conserving battery life. It's also IPX8 water-resistant, making it perfect for poolside or rainy conditions.