Top Reading Tablets: Perfect for Books and Comics

Books are undeniably wonderful, but they can also become cumbersome space occupiers—just ask the stacks of books that don't fit on my already overflowing bookshelf. If you're fortunate enough to have room for a 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, these devices make it incredibly convenient to build a personal library without cluttering your space, and you can even access free books from the comfort of your home. We've rounded up some of the best tablets to enhance your reading experience wherever 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 functionalities. E-readers like our top choice, the Kindle Paperwhite, are designed specifically for book formats and often feature screens that emulate the look of paper. These devices are limited to reading, so don't expect to use them for social media or streaming videos. On the other hand, general-purpose tablets like the iPad Mini offer more versatility, but their displays can strain your eyes and drain batteries more quickly. Features like notetaking, available on the Kobo Libra Colour, are particularly useful for students or those who enjoy annotating their books. Choosing the right tablet depends on your specific needs and preferences.

1. 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 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 top choice. It focuses on simplicity, eschewing colorful screens, stylus support, and access to emails, apps, and notifications. Instead, it provides a distraction-free, easy-to-read display that minimizes eye strain and maximizes battery life.

The latest Kindle Paperwhite boasts 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 improved contrast and 19 LEDs around the screen, making it easy to read in various lighting conditions, from the beach to a dimly lit tent. The warm backlight is adjustable for darker environments, and for additional features like automatic adjustments, consider the Kindle Paperwhite Signature.

Compared to its predecessor, the new Kindle Paperwhite offers a 20% performance boost, ensuring swift page turns and smooth library navigation. Its 16GB storage capacity is ample for thousands of books, though audiobooks take up more space. Cloud storage is available if you need it. Additional features include text and font adjustments and an easy-to-access dictionary. While Libby users can't download the app directly to their Kindle, they can send borrowed books to it from the Libby app on another device.

The Kindle Paperwhite's plastic build keeps it thin and lightweight, reducing arm and wrist fatigue. Despite its modest appearance, 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)

0This compact iPad weighs just over half a pound and features a vibrant 8.3-inch display, making it an excellent handheld reading option.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 Apple iPads boast displays larger than 10 inches, which can be cumbersome for avid readers. Conversely, iPhone screens may be too small. The iPad Mini, with its 8.3-inch display, strikes the perfect balance, resembling a paperback in size and weighing just 10.4oz. Its portability and ease of use, even with one hand, make it ideal for reading on the go, while still offering the full capabilities of larger iPad models.

The iPad Mini's Liquid Retina display, with adjustable brightness and True Tone technology, ensures a comfortable reading experience in various environments. However, its glossy screen can cause glare. Pairing it with an Apple Pencil allows for easy annotations. Keep in mind, though, that its vibrant screen consumes more battery power than the e-ink display of the Kindle Paperwhite, lasting about 10 hours.

Powered by the A17 Pro chip, the same as the iPhone 15 Pro, the iPad Mini delivers robust performance and supports Apple Intelligence. It seamlessly runs top reading apps like Apple Books, Amazon Kindle, comiXology, Libby, and Scribd. When you need a break from reading, it's equally adept at handling social media, streaming, and everyday 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 pinnacle of Apple's tablet offerings.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 ultimate choice. Its large 11-inch or 13-inch display remains impressively thin and lightweight.

The OLED display on the iPad Pro is a first for iPads and offers stunning visuals with vivid colors and excellent contrast. In IGN's review of the iPad Pro, Jackie Thomas praised the display while enjoying Star Wars: The High Republic comics.

Powered by the M4 silicon, the iPad Pro can handle demanding tasks like gaming and design with ease, thanks to its 8GB GPU. It's ideal for creatives looking to produce comics or graphic novels. The Apple Pencil Pro support enhances artistic capabilities, and with a keyboard attachment, it can serve as a laptop replacement. However, the cost of accessories can add up quickly.

OnePlus Pad 2 – Photos

View 4 Images4. OnePlus Pad 2

Best Android Tablet for Reading

### OnePlus Pad 2

0Experience excellent performance, a smooth and elegant display, and overall high 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, also offers a stellar reading tablet. The OnePlus Pad 2 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 bright morning 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 app navigation. With 256GB of storage, you can store numerous books, comics, and audiobooks. An AI toolbox can summarize articles or assist with writing, while stylus support facilitates 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 with 80W fast charging, it can be fully charged in less than 75 minutes.

5. Kobo Libra Colour

Best Reading and Writing Tablet

### Kobo Libra Colour

0This lightweight e-reader features a colorful display and supports stylus use, making it perfect for both 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 is a strong contender against Amazon's Kindle lineup. Its 7-inch display is ideal for reading, with ample margin space. The design includes wider bezels on one side and a lightweight build for easy single-handed use, with page-turn buttons and touchscreen navigation.

Kobo's E-Ink Kaleido 3 display offers a 300ppi resolution in black and white and 150ppi in color. While the colors are more subdued than those on traditional tablets, they enhance the readability of comics and graphic novels, minimizing glare in bright sunlight. The ComfortLight Pro feature ensures a comfortable reading experience in dim lighting and reduces blue light exposure.

Powered by a dual-core 2.0GHz processor, the Kobo Libra Colour provides responsive performance for page turns and navigation. It also supports smooth note-taking and integrates with the OverDrive library. However, it's designed solely for reading and writing, without the capability for social media or email.

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

How to Choose the Best Reading Tablet

Selecting the perfect reading tablet involves considering several key factors to ensure it aligns with your needs. Whether you're a fiction enthusiast, a student poring over textbooks, or a professional navigating through work PDFs, the right tablet can enhance your reading experience significantly.

The display quality is crucial, as your eyes will be focused on it for extended periods. Tablets with features like blue light reduction or e-ink technology, which resembles paper, can reduce eye strain. E-ink screens are gentler on the eyes, while LCDs offer more versatility for multiple uses.

Battery life is another critical factor, especially if you read on the go. Opt for tablets with robust battery life to enjoy uninterrupted reading sessions.

Finally, consider the size and weight of the tablet, as these impact comfort during long reading sessions. Larger screens can provide a more immersive experience, but they should remain portable and easy to handle with one hand.

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 suitable for reading. Others suggest the Barnes & Noble Nook, praised for its e-paper technology that mimics the feel of a physical book.

Are tablets good for reading books?

Absolutely, but keep in mind that regular LCD screens may cause more eye fatigue compared to e-ink models. Also, consider battery life, 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 outdoor reading, the Kindle Paperwhite is the ideal choice. Its e-ink display mimics printed paper, reducing glare, brightness issues, eye strain, and battery consumption compared to LCD screens. It's also IPX8 water-resistant, making it perfect for poolside or rainy day reading.