Top Reading Tablets: Perfect for Books and Comics

Books are undeniably wonderful, yet they can be quite the space hogs—just ask the piles of books cluttering my apartment, unable to fit on my already overflowing bookshelf. If you're fortunate enough to have room for a home library, congratulations! But for those of us with limited space, a reading tablet is a game-changer. While you might miss the tactile pleasure of flipping through physical pages, tablets offer a convenient way to build a personal library, complete with free books accessible from the comfort of your home, and they keep things 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### 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 vary in capabilities. E-readers, such as our top pick, the Kindle Paperwhite, focus on book formats with screens designed to mimic paper. These devices are more limited in function—don't expect to browse social media or stream videos during breaks. Conversely, general-purpose tablets like the iPad Mini offer more versatility, but their displays might cause eye strain and drain batteries faster. Note-taking features, like those on the Kobo Libra Colour, are ideal for students or anyone who likes to annotate. Choosing the right tablet depends on your specific needs.

1. Kindle Paperwhite

The Best Kindle and Best Reading Tablet

Our Top Pick### Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

0The Kindle Paperwhite brings the essence of reading a physical book to your fingertips, with the added benefits of a backlight and numerous 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 reading, the Kindle Paperwhite is the top choice. It keeps things simple, without a colorful screen, stylus support, or access to emails, apps, and notifications. Instead, it offers a distraction-free, easy-to-read display that minimizes eye strain and extends battery life.

The latest Kindle Paperwhite features a 7-inch e-ink display with a 300ppi resolution, reducing blue light and glare. A new thin-film transistor improves contrast, and 19 LEDs around the screen ensure readability in various lighting conditions, from bright beaches to dim tents. Adjusting the warm backlight is simple, and for automatic adjustments, consider the Kindle Paperwhite Signature.

The new model boasts a 20% performance boost for quicker page turns and smooth library navigation. With 16GB of storage, you have ample space for thousands of books. Audiobooks consume more space, but cloud storage is available if needed. Additional features include customizable text and font settings and an easily accessible dictionary. While Libby users can't download the app directly, you can send borrowed books from the Libby app to your Kindle.

The Kindle Paperwhite's plastic build keeps it slim and lightweight, preventing arm and wrist fatigue. Though it may seem less durable, it's sturdy and waterproof. With a 12-week battery life from a 2.5-hour charge, it's easy to see why this is our favorite Kindle model.

2. iPad Mini (7th Gen)

Best iPad for Reading

### Apple iPad Mini (7th Gen)

0A compact 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 Apple iPads feature large screens, which can be cumbersome for avid readers. The iPad Mini, with its 8.3-inch display, is about the size of a paperback and weighs just 10.4oz, making it easy to carry and comfortable to hold in one hand. It retains all the functionality of the top iPad models.

The iPad Mini's Liquid Retina display, with adjustable brightness and True Tone technology, offers a delightful reading experience, though it may suffer from glare. Pairing it with an Apple Pencil allows for easy annotations. However, the colorful screen drains the battery faster than the e-ink display on the Kindle Paperwhite, lasting only 10 hours.

Powered by the A17 Pro chip, the same as the iPhone 15 Pro, the iPad Mini offers robust performance and supports Apple Intelligence. It runs all major reading apps smoothly, including Apple Books, Amazon Kindle, comiXology, Libby, and Scribd. It's also capable for non-reading tasks like social media and streaming.

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 Apple's most premium 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 comic and manga enthusiasts, the iPad Pro offers an immersive experience. With its 11-inch or 13-inch OLED display, it delivers vivid colors and excellent contrast, making images pop. In IGN’s review of the iPad Pro, Jackie Thomas praised the display while reading Star Wars: The High Republic comics.

The iPad Pro's M4 silicon handles heavy workloads, including gaming and design, with ease. Creatives can use it to craft their own comics or graphic novels, supported by the powerful 8GB GPU. The Apple Pencil Pro enhances artistic capabilities, and a keyboard can transform it into a laptop replacement, though additional accessories add to the cost.

OnePlus Pad 2 – Photos

View 4 Images4. OnePlus Pad 2

Best Android Tablet for Reading

### OnePlus Pad 2

0Experience excellent performance, a 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, offers a compelling reading tablet with the OnePlus Pad 2. Its 12.1-inch, 3K display boasts 10-bit color depth and HDR support, delivering crisp, vibrant visuals. In our hands-on review of the OnePlus Pad 2, we noted its visibility in morning sunlight, thanks to increased brightness.

Powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 12GB of RAM, the OnePlus Pad 2 matches the best Android tablets in performance. Page turns are instantaneous, and navigating between reading apps is smooth. With 256GB of storage, it can hold numerous novels, comics, and audiobooks. An AI toolbox helps summarize articles or assist in writing, and stylus support enables easy annotations.

Though its premium build makes it heavier, the OnePlus Pad 2 features a 9,510mAh battery that lasts 12 hours. With 80W fast charging, it can reach full charge in under 75 minutes.

5. Kobo Libra Colour

Best Reading and Writing Tablet

### Kobo Libra Colour

0A lightweight e-reader with a colorful display and 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 with Amazon’s Kindle lineup, featuring a 7-inch E-Ink Kaleido 3 display. It offers a 300ppi resolution in black and white and 150ppi in color, with a newspaper-like appearance. Comics and graphic novels benefit from the added color, while the display remains glare-free in bright sunlight. The ComfortLight Pro enhances readability in low light and reduces blue light.

Powered by a dual-core 2.0GHz processor, the Kobo Libra Colour ensures responsive performance. Page turns are quick, and navigation is smooth. Note-taking with the Kobo Stylus 2 is fluid, and the integration with the OverDrive library is a valuable feature. However, this e-reader is designed solely for reading and writing, without the capability for social media or email.

The Kobo Libra Colour supports writing on all Kobo books, with colorful highlighting and note-taking features. Various notebooks are available for jotting down notes and sketching, some of which 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 best reading tablet involves considering several factors to meet your specific needs, whether you're reading fiction, textbooks, or professional documents. The display quality is crucial, as your eyes will spend most time there. E-ink technology, which mimics paper, can reduce eye strain, while LCD screens offer versatility for other uses.

Battery life is vital for uninterrupted reading, especially on the go. Opt for tablets with long battery life to avoid frequent charging. Size and weight also matter for comfort during extended reading sessions. A lightweight, slim design enhances portability 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 often recommend the Aldocube 50 Mini and Mini Pro for their lightweight design and good screens, ideal for reading. Others suggest the Barnes & Noble Nook for its e-paper technology, which provides a reading experience similar to physical books.

Are tablets good for reading books?

Yes, but keep in mind that LCD screens may cause more eye strain compared to e-ink models. Also, consider battery life, as standard tablets typically don't last as long as e-readers like the Kindle.

What is the best tablet for reading outside?

For outdoor reading, the Kindle Paperwhite is ideal. Its e-ink display resembles printed paper, minimizing glare, brightness issues, eye strain, and battery consumption compared to LCD screens. Its IPX8 water resistance also makes it perfect for poolside or rainy day reading.