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

Books are undeniably wonderful, yet they can quickly take over your living space. For those fortunate enough to have room for a traditional home library, congratulations! For the rest of us, a reading tablet can be a game-changer. While you might miss the tactile pleasure of flipping through physical pages, tablets offer a convenient, clutter-free way to build a personal library, complete with free books you can access from home. We've selected 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 offer diverse functionalities. E-readers, such as our top pick, the Kindle Paperwhite, focus primarily on book formats and mimic the look of paper with their screens. These devices are more limited in their capabilities—don't expect to use them for social media or streaming. Conversely, general tablets like the iPad Mini offer more versatility but may cause eye strain due to their displays and consume battery life more quickly. Features like notetaking, as seen in the Kobo Libra Colour, are beneficial for students or those who enjoy annotating their reading. Choosing the right tablet depends on your personal needs.

1. Kindle Paperwhite

The Best Kindle and Best Reading Tablet

Our Top Pick### Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

0The Kindle Paperwhite provides a reading experience similar to 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 interested in reading, the Kindle Paperwhite stands out as the best tablet. It keeps things straightforward, focusing on a simple, easy-to-read display that reduces eye strain and conserves battery life. Expect no colorful screen, stylus support, or access to emails, apps, and notifications.

The latest Kindle Paperwhite boasts a slightly larger 7-inch e-ink display with a 300ppi resolution, designed to minimize blue light and glare. It features a new thin-film transistor for improved contrast, and 19 LEDs that wrap around the screen ensure readability in various lighting conditions, from bright beaches to dim tents. Adjusting the warm backlight for darker environments is user-friendly, but for automatic adjustments and additional enhancements, consider the Kindle Paperwhite Signature.

Compared to its predecessor, the new model offers a 20% performance increase, resulting in swift page turns and smooth library navigation. With 16GB of storage, you'll have ample space for thousands of books, though audiobooks take up more room. Cloud storage is available if needed. Other features include customizable text and font settings, and an easily accessible dictionary. Libby users can't download the app directly but can send borrowed books to their Kindle from the Libby app on another device.

The Kindle Paperwhite's plastic build keeps it slim and lightweight, preventing arm and wrist fatigue. Despite the material, it's durable and waterproof. With a remarkable 12-week battery life from a 2.5-hour charge, it's clear why this model is our top Kindle choice.

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, perfect for handheld 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. The iPhone screens are too small, but the iPad Mini strikes the perfect balance with its 8.3-inch display, resembling a paperback and weighing just 10.4oz. It's easy to carry and comfortable to hold with one hand, while still offering all the capabilities of the top iPad models.

The Liquid Retina display with adjustable brightness and True Tone technology ensures a comfortable viewing experience. However, be aware of potential glare from the glossy screen. The Apple Pencil compatibility allows for easy annotations. Battery life, however, is significantly shorter at 10 hours compared to the e-ink display on the Kindle Paperwhite.

Powered by the A17 Pro chip, the same as the iPhone 15 Pro, the iPad Mini has enough power for its size and supports Apple Intelligence. It handles all major reading apps like Apple Books, Amazon Kindle, comiXology, Libby, and Scribd effortlessly. It's also capable of handling social media, streaming, and other tasks smoothly when you need a break from reading.

iPad Pro 2024 – Photos

View 7 Images3. 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 Apple tablet experience. 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 comics and manga, 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 vibrant, accurate colors with excellent contrast, making images stand out. In IGN’s review of the iPad Pro, Jackie Thomas praised the display while reading Star Wars: The High Republic comics.

The M4 processor powers this stunning display, handling heavy workloads including gaming and design effortlessly with its 8GB GPU. Creatives looking to design their own comics or graphic novels will find the iPad Pro's capabilities ideal.

Support for the Apple Pencil Pro can elevate your artistic endeavors, and adding a keyboard transforms the iPad Pro into a laptop alternative. However, be mindful that additional accessories can quickly 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, a sleek and smooth display, and overall excellent 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 impressive smartphones, offers a fantastic reading tablet in the OnePlus Pad 2. It features a 12.1-inch, 3K display with 10-bit color depth and HDR support, delivering crisp, vibrant, and clear visuals. In our hands-on review of the OnePlus Pad 2, our tester noted the screen's visibility 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 seamless transitions between reading apps. With 256GB of storage, you can store numerous novels, comics, and audiobooks. An AI toolbox can summarize articles or assist with writing, while stylus support enables easy annotations.

While the tablet's premium build and size make it heavier, it houses a 9,510mAh battery that lasts up to 12 hours. With 80W charging, it can reach full charge in under 75 minutes if needed.

5. Kobo Libra Colour

Best Reading and Writing Tablet

### Kobo Libra Colour

0A colorful, lightweight e-reader with easy viewing and stylus support. 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, ideal for reading with ample margin space. Its design, with wider bezels on one side and a lightweight build, is comfortable for one-handed use, and features two buttons for page turning alongside touchscreen navigation.

The E-Ink Kaleido 3 display offers a 300ppi resolution in black and white and 150ppi in color, providing subdued hues similar to a newspaper. This is perfect for graphic novels and comics, minimizing glare in bright sunlight. The ComfortLight Pro enhances readability in darker environments and reduces blue light.

A dual-core 2.0GHz processor ensures responsive performance, making page turns and navigation smooth. Note-taking is fluid, and integration with the OverDrive library is a plus. However, this e-reader is dedicated solely to reading and writing, without the ability to browse social media or check emails.

The Kobo Libra Colour supports writing with the Kobo Stylus 2, allowing you to annotate any Kobo book. You can also highlight important passages using your finger. Kobo provides various notebooks for notes and sketches, some of which can convert handwriting to text. For a larger display for notetaking, 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 aligns with your needs, whether you're a fiction enthusiast, a student, or a professional. The display quality is paramount, as it's where your eyes will focus. E-ink technology, which mimics paper, and features like blue light reduction are crucial for eye comfort during long reading sessions. E-ink screens are gentler on the eyes but less versatile than LCDs for multi-purpose use.

Battery life is vital for uninterrupted reading, particularly on the go. Tablets with long-lasting batteries ensure you can enjoy your content without constant recharging. Size and weight also matter for comfort during extended use. Larger screens offer a more immersive experience, but a lightweight and 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 suggest the Aldocube 50 Mini and Mini Pro for their lightweight design and suitable screen size for reading. Others recommend 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 great for reading books, though LCD screens may cause more eye strain compared to e-ink models. Battery life is another consideration, as standard tablets typically don't last as long as e-readers like the Kindle due to their more demanding hardware.

What is the best tablet for reading outside?

For reading outdoors, the Kindle Paperwhite is ideal. Its e-ink display resembles printed paper, reducing glare, brightness, and eye strain, and it offers excellent battery life. Additionally, its IPX8 water resistance makes it suitable for poolside or rainy conditions, unlike many other tablets.