Books are a joy to read, but their physical bulk can be a challenge for those of us with limited space. For those fortunate enough to have room for a home library, congratulations! For the rest of us, a reading tablet offers a practical solution. While you might miss the tactile experience of flipping through pages, the convenience and accessibility of digital libraries cannot be overstated. Plus, you can access countless free books from the comfort of your home, without the clutter. We've curated a list 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 come with a range of capabilities. E-readers, like our top pick, the Kindle Paperwhite, are designed specifically for book formats, often featuring screens that mimic the look of paper. These devices are limited in functionality—don't expect to scroll through social media or stream shows during breaks. Conversely, general-purpose tablets like the iPad Mini offer more versatility, though their displays might cause more eye strain and drain batteries faster. Features like notetaking, as found on the Kobo Libra Colour, are invaluable for students or those who like to annotate their reading. Choosing the right tablet depends on your personal 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 that of an actual book, enhanced by 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 buildIf your primary goal is to read, the Kindle Paperwhite is the top choice. This e-reader keeps things straightforward, so don't expect a colorful screen, stylus support, or access to emails, apps, and notifications. Instead, it minimizes distractions with its easy-to-read display, which reduces eye strain and conserves battery life.
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 the 19 LEDs surrounding the screen ensure readability in various lighting conditions, from sunny beaches to dim camping tents. Adjusting the warm backlight for darker spaces is simple, but for automatic adjustments and additional enhancements, consider the Kindle Paperwhite Signature.
Compared to its predecessor, the new Kindle Paperwhite offers a 20% performance boost, enabling swift page turns and smooth navigation through your library. While 16GB of storage might seem modest, it's ample for thousands of books. Audiobooks take up more space, but cloud storage is available if needed. Other features include customizable text and font settings, an easy-to-access dictionary, and compatibility with Libby for sending borrowed books to your Kindle from another device.
The Kindle Paperwhite's plastic build keeps it slim and lightweight, reducing arm and wrist fatigue compared to heftier hardcovers. Despite its seemingly fragile design, it's sturdy and waterproof. With a remarkable 12-week battery life from just a 2.5-hour charge, it's clear why this model is our favorite Kindle.
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 Apple iPads feature screens larger than 10 inches, which can be cumbersome for avid readers. On the other hand, iPhone screens are often too small. The iPad Mini, with its 8.3-inch display and lightweight 10.4oz build, strikes the perfect balance. It's easy to carry and comfortable to hold in one hand, making it ideal for reading anywhere. Despite its smaller size, it retains all the capabilities of the top iPad models.
The iPad Mini's Liquid Retina display, complete with adjustable brightness and True Tone technology, offers a delightful reading experience in various environments. However, be aware of potential glare from its glossy screen. Pairing it with an Apple Pencil allows for easy annotations. The battery life, while shorter at 10 hours compared to e-ink displays like the Kindle Paperwhite, remains adequate for most needs.
Powered by the A17 Pro chip, the same as in the iPhone 15 Pro, the iPad Mini offers robust performance for its size and supports Apple Intelligence. It runs top reading apps like Apple Books, Amazon Kindle, comiXology, Libby, and Scribd smoothly. When you need a break from reading, the iPad Mini 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, with its powerful M4 processor and stunning OLED display, is the most premium Apple 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 those looking to dive into the vivid world of comics or even create their own, the iPad Pro is the ultimate choice. Despite its large 11-inch or 13-inch display, it remains thin and lightweight.
The iPad Pro's OLED display is a first for iPads and sets a new standard with its vibrant, accurate colors and exceptional contrast. In IGN's review, Jackie Thomas praised the display while reading Star Wars: The High Republic comics.
The M4 processor ensures the iPad Pro can handle demanding tasks, from gaming to design, with its 8GB GPU. Creatives will find it an excellent tool for making comics or graphic novels, as it's built to support such endeavors.
The Apple Pencil Pro enhances artistic capabilities, while a keyboard transforms the iPad Pro into a laptop replacement. Be mindful, though, as additional accessories can significantly increase the cost of this already pricey device.
OnePlus Pad 2 – Photos
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4. OnePlus Pad 2
Best Android Tablet for Reading
### OnePlus Pad 2
0Experience excellent performance, an elegant and 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 impressive smartphones, also offers a top-notch reading tablet. The OnePlus Pad 2 features a stunning 12.1-inch, 3K display with 10-bit color depth and HDR support. Our hands-on review noted its excellent visibility in morning sunlight, thanks to increased brightness.
Powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 12GB of RAM, the OnePlus Pad 2 competes with the best Android tablets. Page turns are instantaneous, and navigating between reading apps is seamless. With 256GB of storage, it can hold numerous novels, comics, audiobooks, and more. An AI toolbox can summarize articles or assist with writing, while stylus support enables easy annotations.
While its size and premium build make it heavier, the 9,510mAh battery lasts up to 12 hours. When it needs a recharge, 80W charging brings it back to full power in less than 75 minutes.
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 is a strong contender against Amazon's Kindle lineup. Its 7-inch display is ideal for reading, with ample margin space. The wider bezels and lightweight design allow for comfortable one-handed use, with physical buttons for easy page turns and touchscreen functionality.
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 viewing experience for graphic novels and comics, reducing glare in bright sunlight. The ComfortLight Pro feature ensures comfortable reading in darker environments and helps reduce blue light exposure.
A dual-core 2.0GHz processor ensures responsive performance for most tasks, including snappy page turns and smooth navigation. Note-taking is fluid, and integration with the OverDrive library is a nice touch. However, the Kobo Libra Colour is strictly for reading and writing, not for browsing social media or checking emails.
The Kobo Libra Colour supports writing with the Kobo Stylus 2, allowing you to annotate books and highlight passages. Kobo also offers various notebooks for jotting notes and sketching, with some capable of converting handwriting to text. For those needing a larger display for notetaking, the Kobo Elipsa 2E is an excellent grayscale alternative.
How to Choose the Best Reading Tablet
Selecting the perfect reading tablet involves evaluating several key factors to match your specific needs. Whether you're into fiction, textbooks, or professional documents, the right tablet can transform your reading experience.
The display's quality is crucial, as it's where your eyes will focus. Eye comfort is vital for long reading sessions, with e-ink technology and blue light reduction features helping to minimize strain. E-Ink screens are gentler on the eyes, while LCDs offer more versatility for multitasking.
Battery life is another critical consideration, especially for on-the-go reading. Opt for tablets with robust battery life to avoid interruptions.
Finally, consider the tablet's size and weight. Larger screens can enhance immersion but should not compromise portability. A lightweight, slim design facilitates comfortable, one-handed reading.
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 suitable screen size for reading. Others praise the Barnes & Noble Nook for its e-paper technology, which closely mimics the feel of a traditional book.
Are tablets good for reading books?
Absolutely, though traditional LCD screens may cause more eye fatigue than e-ink models. Battery life is also a factor, as standard tablets typically 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 resembles printed paper, reducing glare, brightness issues, eye strain, and conserving battery life better than LCD screens. Plus, its IPX8 water-resistant rating makes it resilient against splashes or rain.
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