Books are wonderful, but they can be space-consuming. If you're lucky enough to have room for a home library, that's fantastic! However, if space is at a premium, consider switching to a reading tablet. While you might miss the tactile experience of flipping through pages, a tablet offers a more manageable and clutter-free way to build a personal library, including access to free books from the comfort of your home. 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
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### Apple iPad Mini (7th Gen)
0See it at AmazonSee it at AppleSee it at Best Buy
### AppleiPad Pro (2024, M4)
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### OnePlus Pad 2
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### Kobo Libra Colour
0See it at AmazonReading tablets vary in their capabilities. E-readers, like our top pick, the Kindle Paperwhite, are designed specifically for reading, often featuring screens that mimic the look of paper. These devices are more limited in functionality—don't expect to scroll through social media or stream shows during breaks. On the other hand, general-purpose tablets like the iPad Mini offer more versatility, though their displays might cause eye strain and drain batteries faster. Features like notetaking, as seen on the Kobo Libra Colour, are beneficial for students or those who enjoy annotating their books. 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 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 buildIf your primary goal is to read, the Kindle Paperwhite is the best tablet for the job. This e-reader focuses on simplicity, so don't expect a colorful screen, stylus support, or access to emails, apps, and notifications. Instead, it minimizes distractions with an easy-to-read display that reduces eye strain and conserves battery life.
The latest Kindle Paperwhite features a slightly larger 7-inch e-ink display with a 300ppi resolution, designed to minimize blue light and glare. It includes a new thin-film transistor for improved contrast, and 19 LEDs around the screen ensure readability in various lighting conditions, from the beach to a dimly lit tent. Adjusting the warm backlight for darker environments is straightforward, and for automatic adjustments and additional enhancements, consider the Kindle Paperwhite Signature.
Compared to its predecessor, the new Kindle Paperwhite offers a 20% performance boost, resulting in swift page turns and smooth navigation through your book collection. With 16GB of storage, you have ample space for thousands of books, though audiobooks take up more room. Cloud storage is available if you need it. Other features include customizable text and font settings, an easy-to-access dictionary, and compatibility with borrowed books from the Libby app, though the app itself cannot be installed directly on the Kindle.
The Kindle Paperwhite's plastic build keeps it slim and lightweight, reducing arm and wrist fatigue. Despite its seemingly delicate design, it's sturdy and waterproof. With a compact size, it boasts an impressive 12-week battery life on a single 2.5-hour charge, making it our top choice among Kindle models.
iPad Mini (7th Gen)
Best iPad for Reading
### Apple iPad Mini (7th Gen)
0This compact iPad, weighing just over half a pound, 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 of Apple's iPads feature displays larger than 10 inches, which can be cumbersome for avid readers. The iPad Mini, with its 8.3-inch screen, strikes the perfect balance, similar in size to a paperback and weighing just 10.4 ounces. It's easy to carry and comfortable to hold in one hand, yet it retains all the capabilities of Apple's top iPad models.
The iPad Mini's Liquid Retina display, with adjustable brightness and True Tone technology, offers a pleasant reading experience in various environments, though it may suffer from glare due to its glossy screen. Pairing it with an Apple Pencil allows for easy annotations. However, its vibrant screen consumes battery life more quickly than the e-ink display of the Kindle Paperwhite, lasting up to 10 hours.
Powered by the A17 Pro chip, the same as in the iPhone 15 Pro, the iPad Mini delivers robust performance for its size 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
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3. 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 most premium Apple tablet available. 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 the world of comics or aspiring to create their own, the iPad Pro is the ideal 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 offers vivid, accurate colors with excellent contrast, making images pop. In IGN's review, Jackie Thomas praised the display while reading Star Wars: The High Republic comics.
The M4 silicon powers the iPad Pro, handling heavy workloads like gaming and design with ease, thanks to its 8GB GPU. It's perfect for creatives looking to produce comics or graphic novels. The Apple Pencil Pro support enhances artistic capabilities, and adding a keyboard transforms it into a laptop replacement, though additional accessories can increase the cost of this already expensive device.
OnePlus Pad 2 – Photos
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4. OnePlus Pad 2
Best Android Tablet for Reading
### OnePlus Pad 2
0The OnePlus Pad 2 offers 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 smartphones, also offers a compelling reading tablet. The OnePlus Pad 2 features a 12.1-inch, 3K display with 10-bit color depth and HDR support, delivering crisp, vibrant visuals. Our hands-on review noted its visibility in morning sunlight due to increased brightness.
Powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 12GB of RAM, the OnePlus Pad 2 matches the performance of the best Android tablets. It ensures smooth page turns and effortless navigation between reading apps. With 256GB of storage, it can hold numerous books, comics, and audiobooks. An AI toolbox can summarize articles or assist with writing, and stylus support enables easy annotations.
While its size and premium build make it heavier, the 9,510mAh battery lasts up to 12 hours. With 80W charging support, it can be fully charged in less than 75 minutes.
Kobo Libra Colour
Best Reading and Writing Tablet
### Kobo Libra Colour
0This colorful, lightweight e-reader is easy to read and supports stylus use. 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 directly with Amazon's Kindle lineup. Its 7-inch display is ideal for reading, with ample margin space. The design, featuring wider bezels on one side and a lightweight build, allows for comfortable one-handed use, with two buttons for easy page turns or touchscreen navigation.
The E-Ink Kaleido 3 display offers a 300ppi resolution in black and white and 150ppi in color, with more subdued hues reminiscent of a newspaper. This makes it perfect for graphic novels and comics, with minimal glare in bright sunlight. The ComfortLight Pro enhances readability in darker environments and reduces blue light.
Powered by a dual-core 2.0GHz processor, the Kobo Libra Colour ensures responsive performance for reading and note-taking. Integration with the OverDrive library is a plus. However, it's designed solely for 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 books and highlight passages with your finger. 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 best reading tablet involves considering several factors to ensure it meets your specific needs. Whether you're a fiction enthusiast, a student, or a professional, the right tablet can enhance your reading experience.
The display's quality is crucial, as it's where your eyes will focus. Eye comfort is essential for long reading sessions, with e-ink technology mimicking paper to reduce strain. E-Ink screens are gentler on the eyes, while LCDs offer more versatility for multitasking.
Battery life is vital for uninterrupted reading, especially on the go. Tablets with long battery life ensure you can enjoy your content without constantly seeking a power outlet.
Size and weight also impact comfort during extended use. Larger screens provide a more immersive experience but should not compromise portability. A lightweight, slim design makes the tablet easier to carry and hold.
Best Tablets for Reading FAQ
What is the best tablet for reading according to Reddit?
Reddit users on the r/androidtablets subreddit recommend the Aldocube 50 Mini and Mini Pro for their lightweight design and good screens. Others suggest the Barnes & Noble Nook for its e-paper technology, which offers a reading experience similar to a physical book.
Are tablets good for reading books?
Yes, tablets are suitable for reading books, though LCD screens may cause more eye strain than 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 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 battery consumption compared to LCD screens. It's also IPX8 water-resistant, making it suitable for poolside or rainy conditions.
