Books are fantastic, no doubt about it. But let's face it, they can take up a lot of space—ask anyone with stacks of books that can't fit on their already overflowing bookshelves. If you're fortunate enough to have room for a home library, that's wonderful! For the rest of us, a reading tablet is a game-changer. While you might miss the tactile feel of a physical book, tablets make building a personal library much more manageable and less cluttered. Plus, you can access a wealth of free books from the comfort of your home. We've rounded up some of the best tablets to enhance your reading experience anywhere you go.
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 offer a range of capabilities. E-readers, like our top pick, the Kindle Paperwhite, are designed specifically for reading, with screens that emulate the look of paper. These devices are more focused and won't support activities like social media scrolling or video streaming. On the other hand, general-purpose tablets, such as the iPad Mini, offer more versatility but can strain your eyes and drain batteries faster. Features like note-taking, available on devices like the Kobo Libra Colour, are particularly useful for students or anyone who enjoys annotating texts. Choosing the right tablet depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Kindle Paperwhite
The Best Kindle and Best Reading Tablet
Our Top Pick### Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
0The Kindle Paperwhite offers a reading experience akin to a physical 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 buildFor those solely interested in reading, the Kindle Paperwhite is the top choice. It's straightforward, focusing on a clear, easy-to-read display that minimizes eye strain and conserves battery life. Don't expect features like a color screen, stylus support, or access to emails and apps; instead, enjoy a distraction-free reading environment.
The latest Kindle Paperwhite features a slightly larger 7-inch e-ink display with a 300ppi resolution, designed to reduce blue light and glare. It includes a new thin-film transistor for enhanced contrast and 19 LEDs for even lighting, making it perfect for reading in various conditions, from bright beaches to dimly lit tents. Adjusting the warm backlight for darker environments is simple, and for automatic adjustments and additional features, consider the Kindle Paperwhite Signature.
Compared to its predecessor, the new model offers a 20% performance boost for quicker page turns and smooth navigation through your book library. With 16GB of storage, it can hold thousands of books, and while audiobooks take up more space, cloud storage is available if needed. Other features include customizable text and font settings, an accessible dictionary, and compatibility with the Libby app for borrowing books.
The Kindle Paperwhite's plastic build keeps it slim and lightweight, preventing arm and wrist fatigue. Despite its design, it's durable and waterproof, boasting an impressive 12-week battery life from a single 2.5-hour charge. This makes it our top Kindle model.
iPad Mini (7th Gen)
Best iPad for Reading
### Apple iPad Mini (7th Gen)
0Compact and weighing just over half a pound, the iPad Mini features a vibrant 8.3-inch display, making it an excellent handheld reading device. 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 iPads feature screens larger than 10 inches, which can be cumbersome for avid readers. The iPad Mini, with its 8.3-inch display, strikes the perfect balance—similar to a paperback in size and weight at just 10.4 ounces. It's easy to carry and comfortable to hold, even one-handed, while retaining all the capabilities of larger iPad models.
The iPad Mini's Liquid Retina display with adjustable brightness and True Tone technology offers a superior reading experience, though it may reflect some glare. Pairing it with an Apple Pencil allows for easy annotations. However, its vibrant screen consumes battery life more quickly, lasting about 10 hours.
Powered by the A17 Pro chip, the same as the iPhone 15 Pro, the iPad Mini delivers robust performance with support for Apple Intelligence. It's perfect for using top reading apps like Apple Books, Amazon Kindle, comiXology, Libby, and Scribd. When you need a break, it handles social media, streaming, and everyday tasks with ease.
iPad Pro 2024 – Photos
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3. Apple iPad Pro (2024, M4)
Best Tablet for Reading Comics and Manga
### Apple iPad Pro (2024, M4)
0The iPad Pro, equipped with an Apple M4 processor and an OLED display, offers the most premium reading experience 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 enthusiasts of comics and manga, the iPad Pro is unparalleled. Despite its large 11-inch or 13-inch screen, it remains thin and lightweight.
The iPad Pro's OLED display is a first for iPads, offering vibrant, accurate colors and excellent contrast that make 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 processor ensures smooth performance for demanding tasks like gaming or design, with an 8GB GPU. It's ideal for creating your own comics or graphic novels. The Apple Pencil Pro enhances artistic capabilities, and with a keyboard, it can replace a laptop. Be aware, though, that additional accessories can increase the cost of this already expensive device.
OnePlus Pad 2 – Photos
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4. OnePlus Pad 2
Best Android Tablet for Reading
### OnePlus Pad 2
0Experience excellent performance and a smooth, elegant display 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, offers the OnePlus Pad 2 as a top Android reading tablet. It features a 12.1-inch, 3K display with 10-bit color depth and HDR support, ensuring crisp, vibrant images. Our hands-on review of the OnePlus Pad 2 highlighted its visibility in bright sunlight.
Powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 12GB of RAM, it matches the performance of the best Android tablets. Page turns are instant, and switching between reading apps is seamless. With 256GB of storage, it can hold numerous books, comics, and audiobooks. An AI toolbox aids in summarizing articles and writing, while stylus support enables easy annotations.
Though heavier, making it less comfortable for one-handed use, the OnePlus Pad 2 boasts a 9,510mAh battery that lasts 12 hours. With 80W charging, it can reach full power in under 75 minutes.
Kobo Libra Colour
Best Reading and Writing Tablet
### Kobo Libra Colour
0A colorful, lightweight e-reader with stylus support, perfect 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 with Amazon's Kindle, offering a 7-inch E-Ink Kaleido 3 display that's ideal for reading. Its design allows for comfortable one-handed use with wide bezels and page-turn buttons, plus touchscreen navigation.
The display provides a 300ppi resolution in black and white and 150ppi in color, resembling a newspaper's subdued hues. It's perfect for graphic novels and comics, with minimal glare in bright sunlight. The ComfortLight Pro enhances readability in low light and reduces blue light exposure.
A dual-core 2.0GHz processor ensures responsive performance for page turns and note-taking. The Kobo Libra Colour integrates with the OverDrive library, but it's limited to reading and writing functions.
Compatible with the Kobo Stylus 2, you can annotate books and highlight passages. Kobo also offers notebooks for note-taking and sketching, with some converting handwriting to text. For a larger display, consider the Kobo Elipsa 2E, a grayscale alternative.
How to Choose the Best Reading Tablet
Selecting the ideal reading tablet involves considering several key factors to ensure it meets your reading needs, whether you're a fiction enthusiast, a student, or a professional. The display quality is crucial, as your eyes will spend a lot of time on it. E-ink screens, which mimic paper, are easier on the eyes and ideal for long reading sessions, while LCD screens offer more versatility for other tasks.
Battery life is essential for uninterrupted reading, particularly when you're on the go. Tablets with long battery life are perfect for enjoying books and documents without needing frequent charging.
Size and weight also play a role in comfort. Larger screens provide 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 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 offers a reading experience similar to physical books.
Are tablets good for reading books?
Yes, but traditional LCD screens can tire your eyes more quickly than e-ink models. Consider battery life as well, as standard tablets often 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 printed paper, minimizing glare, brightness issues, eye strain, and battery consumption compared to LCD screens. It's also IPX8 water-resistant, making it suitable for poolside or rainy conditions.
