Top Reading Tablets: Perfect for Books and Comics

Books are a delight, no doubt about it. Yet, they can take up a lot of space—just ask the stacks in my apartment that can't squeeze onto my overflowing bookshelf. If you're fortunate enough to have room for a dedicated home library, fantastic! But for the rest of us, a reading tablet is a game-changer. While you might miss the tactile pleasure of a real book, the convenience of carrying a whole library in your pocket, along with the ability to access free books without leaving your home, is unmatched. Plus, it's a lot less cluttered. We've rounded up some of the best tablets to make your reading experience smoother and more enjoyable, 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### AppleiPad 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 in various forms, each with unique capabilities. E-readers, like our top pick, the Kindle Paperwhite, focus on book formats and often feature screens designed to mimic the look of pages. These devices are more 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 strain your eyes more and drain batteries faster. For those who enjoy taking notes or writing in margins, the Kobo Libra Colour's notetaking functionality is particularly useful. Choosing the right tablet depends on your personal 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 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 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 enhanced contrast, complemented by 19 LEDs that wrap around the screen, making it readable in various lighting conditions, from bright beaches to dimly lit tents. The warm backlight can be adjusted for darker environments, but for automatic adjustments and additional enhancements, consider the Kindle Paperwhite Signature.

Compared to its predecessor, the new Kindle Paperwhite boasts a 20% performance increase, ensuring quick page turns and smooth library navigation. With 16GB of storage, there's ample room for thousands of books, though audiobooks take up more space. Cloud storage is available if you run out of space, which is unlikely. Other features include text and font adjustments, an integrated dictionary, and the ability to send borrowed books from the Libby app to your Kindle.

The Kindle Paperwhite's plastic build keeps it slim and lightweight, reducing arm and wrist fatigue. Despite its appearance, it's durable and waterproof. Its compact size doesn't compromise its impressive 12-week battery life on a single 2.5-hour charge, making it 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, featuring a vibrant 8.3-inch display, ideal 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 of Apple’s iPads feature large displays, often exceeding 10 inches, which can be cumbersome for avid readers. The iPad Mini, with its 8.3-inch screen, strikes the perfect balance between size and readability, weighing just 10.4oz. It's easy to take anywhere and comfortable to hold with one hand, all while offering the full capabilities of Apple's top iPad models.

The iPad Mini's Liquid Retina display, complete with adjustable brightness and True Tone technology, ensures a comfortable reading experience in various environments, though it may suffer from glare. The Apple Pencil can enhance your reading by allowing easy annotations. However, its vibrant screen consumes more battery, lasting only 10 hours compared to the Kindle Paperwhite's e-ink display.

Powered by the A17 Pro chip, the same as the iPhone 15 Pro, the iPad Mini offers robust performance for its size and supports Apple Intelligence. It effortlessly runs top reading apps like Apple Books, Amazon Kindle, comiXology, Libby, and Scribd. When you need a break, it's equally adept at social media scrolling, streaming, and other 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 most premium Apple tablet yet. 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 diving into comics or manga, or even looking to 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 its vivid colors and excellent contrast make images pop. In IGN’s review of the iPad Pro, Jackie Thomas praised the display while enjoying Star Wars: The High Republic comics.

The M4 processor handles demanding tasks with ease, from gaming to design, powered by an 8GB GPU. Creatives can utilize this tablet to produce comics or graphic novels, as it's designed for such tasks.

Support for the Apple Pencil Pro enhances artistic capabilities, and adding a keyboard turns the iPad Pro into a laptop replacement. However, the cost can escalate quickly with these accessories.

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 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, renowned for our favorite smartphones, offers a compelling reading tablet. The OnePlus Pad 2 features a spectacular 12.1-inch, 3K display with 10-bit color depth and HDR support. Its clarity and vibrancy make it ideal for reading, and in our hands-on review of the OnePlus Pad 2, our tester found it readable even in morning sunlight thanks to enhanced brightness.

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

While the tablet's size and premium build make it heavier, its 9,510mAh battery lasts up to 12 hours. With 80W fast charging, it can recharge in less than 75 minutes.

5. Kobo Libra Colour

Best Reading and Writing Tablet

### Kobo Libra Colour

0A colorful, lightweight e-reader with easy-to-see display 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 rivals Amazon’s Kindle lineup with its 7-inch display, perfect for reading with ample margin space. Its design, with wider bezels on one side and a lightweight build, allows for comfortable one-handed use, and two buttons facilitate easy page turns.

The E-Ink Kaleido 3 display offers a 300ppi resolution in black and white and 150ppi in color, delivering a more subdued color palette similar to a newspaper. This makes it ideal for comics and graphic novels, reducing glare and enhancing readability in bright sunlight. The ComfortLight Pro ensures a pleasant reading experience in darker environments and reduces blue light.

Powered by a dual-core 2.0GHz processor, the Kobo Libra Colour offers 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, without the ability to access social media or emails.

The Kobo Libra Colour supports the Kobo Stylus 2 for writing and highlighting. It offers various notebooks for jotting down notes and sketching, with some capable of converting handwriting to text. For a larger display focused on notetaking, the Kobo Elipsa 2E is a great grayscale alternative.

How to Choose the Best Reading Tablet

Selecting the ideal reading tablet involves considering several key factors to ensure it aligns with your needs. Whether you're a fiction enthusiast, a student with textbooks, or a professional dealing with PDFs, the right tablet can transform your reading experience.

The quality of the display is crucial, as your eyes will spend most of their time on it. Features like blue light reduction or e-ink technology, which simulates the look of paper, can help minimize eye strain. E-ink screens are gentler on the eyes, though LCDs offer more versatility for multi-purpose use.

Battery life is vital for uninterrupted reading, especially on the go. Opt for tablets with robust battery life to enjoy your reading materials without the constant need for recharging.

Lastly, consider the size and weight, as they impact the comfort of holding the tablet for extended periods. Larger screens offer a more immersive experience but should not sacrifice portability. A slim, lightweight design enhances ease of use and portability.

Best Tablets for Reading FAQ

What is the best tablet for reading according to Reddit?

Reddit users, particularly on r/androidtablets, recommend the Aldocube 50 Mini and Mini Pro for their lightweight design and good screens suitable for reading. Others favor Barnes & Noble's Nook for its e-paper technology, which closely mimics the feel of a physical book.

Are tablets good for reading books?

Yes, but standard LCD screens may cause more eye fatigue than e-ink models. Also, consider battery life, as most tablets 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 extending battery life compared to LCD screens. Its IPX8 water resistance also makes it suitable for poolside or rainy conditions.