Top Reading Tablets: Perfect for Books and Comics

Books are a treasure, there's no doubt about that. However, they can quickly turn into bulky space invaders, especially when you're dealing with piles that won't fit on an already overflowing bookshelf. If you're fortunate enough to have space for a real home library, consider yourself lucky. For the rest of us, a reading tablet is a game-changer. While you might miss the tactile pleasure of flipping through pages, the convenience and accessibility of a digital library can't be beaten. Plus, you can enjoy countless books for free from the comfort of your home, without the clutter. We've curated a selection of the best tablets to enhance your reading experience, no matter where 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 offer a range of features tailored to different needs. E-readers, like our top pick, the Kindle Paperwhite, focus on book formats with screens designed to mimic the look of printed pages. These devices are specialized for reading and won't support activities like social media scrolling or streaming. On the other hand, general-purpose tablets such as the iPad Mini offer more versatility, but their screens can strain your eyes over time and drain battery life more quickly. For those who enjoy taking notes or annotating, options like the Kobo Libra Colour provide useful features. The choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences and reading habits.

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 numerous practical 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 ultimate choice. It keeps things simple, focusing solely on reading without the distractions of colorful screens, stylus support, or access to emails and notifications. Its display is designed to reduce eye strain and extend battery life.

The latest Kindle Paperwhite features a slightly larger 7-inch e-ink display with a 300ppi resolution, reducing blue light and glare. The inclusion of a new thin-film transistor enhances contrast, while the 19 LEDs around the screen ensure readability in any lighting condition, from bright beaches to dim tents. The warm backlight can be easily adjusted for darker environments, and for automatic adjustments and other enhancements, consider the Kindle Paperwhite Signature.

Compared to its predecessor, the new Kindle Paperwhite boasts a 20% performance increase, ensuring smooth page turns and library navigation. Its 16GB of storage is ample for thousands of books, with audiobooks taking up more space but supplemented by cloud storage if needed. Additional features include text and font adjustments and a built-in dictionary. While Libby users can't download the app directly, they can send borrowed books to their Kindle from the Libby app on another device.

The Kindle Paperwhite's plastic build keeps it slim, akin to a hardcover book, reducing arm and wrist fatigue. Despite its lightweight design, it's sturdy and waterproof. With a remarkable 12-week battery life on a 2.5-hour charge, it's clear why this model is our favorite Kindle.

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 choice for portable 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 large displays, which can be cumbersome for avid readers. The iPad Mini, with its 8.3-inch screen, strikes a 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 the full functionality of Apple's top iPad models.

The iPad Mini's Liquid Retina display, with adjustable brightness and True Tone technology, ensures a comfortable reading experience. However, be aware of potential glare from the glossy screen. The addition of an Apple Pencil allows for easy annotations. The battery life lasts about 10 hours, which is shorter than e-ink displays like the Kindle Paperwhite.

Powered by the A17 Pro chip, the same as the iPhone 15 Pro, the iPad Mini offers robust performance and supports Apple Intelligence. It handles top reading apps like Apple Books, Amazon Kindle, comiXology, Libby, and Scribd effortlessly. Additionally, it's perfect for taking breaks with social media, streaming, or everyday tasks.

iPad Pro 2024 – Photos

View 7 Images3. Apple iPad Pro (2024, M4)

Best Tablet for Reading Comics and Manga

### Apple iPad Pro (2024, M4)

0Featuring an Apple M4 processor and an OLED display, the iPad Pro offers the ultimate premium 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 fans of comics and manga, the iPad Pro is the top choice. Its large 11-inch or 13-inch OLED display delivers vibrant colors and excellent contrast, bringing images to life. In IGN's review of the iPad Pro, Jackie Thomas praised the display's performance while reading Star Wars: The High Republic comics.

The M4 processor powers the iPad Pro, handling demanding tasks like gaming and design with ease. Its 8GB GPU ensures smooth performance, making it ideal for creating comics or graphic novels. The Apple Pencil Pro enhances artistic work, and attaching a keyboard transforms it into a laptop replacement. However, the cost of these accessories can add up, making the iPad Pro a significant investment.

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 the OnePlus Pad 2, a top Android tablet for reading. It features a 12.1-inch, 3K display with 10-bit color depth and HDR support, ensuring crisp, vibrant visuals. In our hands-on review of the OnePlus Pad 2, the tester noted its visibility in direct sunlight due to enhanced brightness.

The OnePlus Pad 2 is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 12GB of RAM, offering smooth performance for reading and multitasking. Its 256GB storage accommodates a vast library of content, while an AI toolbox can summarize articles and assist with writing. Stylus support adds the convenience of annotations.

Despite its premium build, the OnePlus Pad 2 is heavier, making one-handed use less comfortable. However, its 9,510mAh battery lasts up to 12 hours, and 80W fast charging ensures quick recharges, reaching full capacity in under 75 minutes.

5. Kobo Libra Colour

Best Reading and Writing Tablet

### Kobo Libra Colour

0This colorful, lightweight e-reader features a clear display and supports stylus use for 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 stands as a strong competitor to Amazon's Kindle series. Its 7-inch E-Ink Kaleido 3 display offers a 300ppi resolution in black and white and 150ppi in color, providing a newspaper-like appearance with vibrant graphics for comics and novels. The ComfortLight Pro feature reduces blue light for comfortable reading in dim environments.

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 significant advantage. However, it's designed solely for reading and writing, lacking the versatility for other tasks.

The Kobo Libra Colour supports writing with the Kobo Stylus 2, allowing users to annotate books and highlight passages. It also offers various notebooks for note-taking and sketching, with some capable of converting handwriting to text. For a larger display, consider the Kobo Elipsa 2E, an excellent grayscale alternative.

How to Choose the Best Reading Tablet

Choosing the right reading tablet involves considering several factors to match your specific needs, whether you're into fiction, textbooks, or professional documents. The display quality is crucial, as your eyes will spend the most time there. E-Ink screens offer a paper-like reading experience and reduce eye strain, while LCD screens provide more versatility for other uses. Battery life is essential for uninterrupted reading, especially on the go. Finally, consider the size and weight; a lightweight, slim design enhances portability and comfort for long reading sessions.

Best Tablets for Reading FAQ

What is the best tablet for reading according to Reddit?

Reddit users, particularly 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, offering a reading experience similar to that of a physical book.

Are tablets good for reading books?

Yes, tablets are excellent for reading books, though standard LCD screens may tire your eyes faster than e-ink models. Battery life is also a consideration, as most tablets don't last as long as devices 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 mimics printed paper, reducing glare and eye strain. It's also IPX8 water-resistant, making it suitable for poolside or rainy conditions.