Books are wonderful, no doubt about it. However, they can be quite the space hogs—just ask the stacks of books cluttering my apartment, which can't all fit on my packed bookshelf. If you're fortunate enough to have the room for a real home library, consider yourself lucky! For the rest of us, a reading tablet is a game-changer. While you might miss the tactile sensation of flipping through pages, these devices offer a convenient way to build a personal library, including access to free books from the comfort of your home, all while keeping things tidy. We've rounded up some of the best tablets to enhance your reading experience, 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
### 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 capabilities. E-readers, like our top pick, the Kindle Paperwhite, are designed primarily for book formats, often featuring screens that simulate the look of paper. These devices are more specialized and won't let you scroll through social media or stream shows during breaks. On the other hand, general-purpose tablets like the iPad Mini offer a broader range of functions, though their displays might cause eye strain and drain the battery faster. Features like notetaking, available on devices like the Kobo Libra Colour, are particularly useful for students or those who enjoy annotating their reading materials. The best choice depends on your personal preferences and needs.
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 a physical book, enhanced with a backlight and a suite of practical features. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen size7" E InkScreen resolution300ppiFront light19 LEDsStorage16GBBattery12 weeksDimensions5" x 7" x 0.3"Weight211gPROSGreat battery lifeWater-resistantCONSPlastic buildFor those focused purely on reading, the Kindle Paperwhite is the ultimate tablet. This e-reader keeps things straightforward, without a colorful screen, stylus support, or access to emails, apps, and notifications. Its design minimizes distractions with a clear, easy-to-read display that reduces eye strain and extends 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 also features a new thin-film transistor for improved contrast. With 19 LEDs surrounding the screen, reading in various lighting conditions—from the beach to a dimly lit tent—is effortless. The warm backlight can be easily adjusted for darker environments, and for those wanting automatic adjustments and additional enhancements, the Kindle Paperwhite Signature is an option to consider.
Compared to its previous model, 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, it provides ample space for thousands of books, though audiobooks take up more room. Cloud storage is available if you need more space. Other useful features include customizable text and font settings, and an accessible dictionary. If you use Libby, you can't download the app directly onto your Kindle, but you can send borrowed books to it from another device.
The Kindle Paperwhite's plastic construction keeps it slim, much like a hardcover book, reducing arm and wrist fatigue. While it may not seem as durable, it's sturdy and waterproof. Despite its compact size, it achieves an impressive 12-week battery life with just a 2.5-hour charge, making it our favorite Kindle model.
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 choice for on-the-go 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 displays larger than 10 inches, which can be cumbersome for avid readers, while iPhone screens are often too small. The iPad Mini fills this gap perfectly, with an 8.3-inch screen that's roughly the size of a paperback and weighs just 10.4 ounces. It's easy to carry and comfortable to hold in one hand, ideal for relaxed reading sessions. Plus, it retains all the capabilities of Apple's top iPad models.
The iPad Mini's Liquid Retina display is a standout, with adjustable brightness and True Tone technology ensuring a comfortable viewing experience in various lighting conditions. However, be aware of potential glare from its glossy screen. The Apple Pencil enhances its utility for annotations. While the colorful screen is a delight, it consumes battery faster than the e-ink display of the Kindle Paperwhite, offering only 10 hours of use.
Powered by the A17 Pro chip, the same as the iPhone 15 Pro, the latest iPad Mini provides robust performance, though not as powerful as the M-series chips in the iPad Air and Pro models. It supports Apple Intelligence and handles reading apps like Apple Books, Amazon Kindle, comiXology, Libby, and Scribd with ease. When you need a break from reading, it's equally adept at social media, streaming, and other tasks.
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, equipped with an Apple M4 processor and an OLED display, offers the most premium reading experience from Apple. 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 is unparalleled. Its 11-inch or 13-inch display remains sleek and lightweight despite its size.
The OLED display on the iPad Pro is a first for iPads and is truly captivating. Its vivid colors and high contrast bring images to life. 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 chip handles demanding tasks with ease, from gaming to graphic design, thanks to its 8GB GPU. It's perfect for those looking to create their own comics or graphic novels. The Apple Pencil Pro enhances artistic capabilities, and with a keyboard, it can serve as a laptop replacement. Keep in mind, however, that additional accessories can increase costs significantly.
OnePlus Pad 2 – Photos
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4. OnePlus Pad 2
Best Android Tablet for Reading
### OnePlus Pad 2
0The OnePlus Pad 2 delivers exceptional performance, a smooth display, and high-quality construction. 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, offers the OnePlus Pad 2, a top-notch Android reading tablet. Its 12.1-inch, 3K display features 10-bit color depth and HDR support, providing crisp, vibrant visuals. In our hands-on review of the OnePlus Pad 2, we found the screen easy to read even in bright outdoor light.
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 app transitions, with 256GB of storage for your reading material. An AI toolbox helps summarize articles and assist with writing, while stylus support aids in note-taking.
Despite its premium build and size, the OnePlus Pad 2 can be heavy for prolonged one-handed use. However, its 9,510mAh battery lasts up to 12 hours, and with 80W charging, it can be fully charged in under 75 minutes.
Kobo Libra Colour
Best Reading and Writing Tablet
### Kobo Libra Colour
0This colorful, lightweight e-reader offers 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 rivals Amazon's Kindle lineup with its 7-inch display, ideal for reading and note-taking. Its wider bezels and lightweight design allow for comfortable one-handed use, with physical buttons for easy page turns.
The E-Ink Kaleido 3 display offers a 300ppi resolution in black and white and 150ppi in color, providing a newspaper-like appearance with subdued hues. This makes it excellent for reading comics and graphic novels outdoors with minimal glare. The ComfortLight Pro feature enhances readability in low light and reduces blue light exposure.
The Kobo Libra Colour is equipped with a dual-core 2.0GHz processor for responsive performance, making page turns and navigation smooth. It also supports writing with the Kobo Stylus 2, allowing for annotations and highlighting. Kobo's integration with the OverDrive library is a bonus, though the device is limited to reading and writing functions.
For those needing a larger display for notetaking, the Kobo Elipsa 2E is a great grayscale alternative.
How to Choose the Best Reading Tablet
Selecting the perfect reading tablet involves considering various factors to ensure it aligns with your needs. Whether you're into fiction, studying from textbooks, or managing work-related PDFs, the right tablet can significantly enhance your reading experience.
The display quality is crucial since your eyes will be fixed on it. Tablets with e-ink technology, which mimics the look of paper, or those with blue light reduction features, help minimize eye strain. E-ink screens are gentler on the eyes, though LCD screens offer more versatility for multitasking.
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 impact comfort during extended reading sessions. Larger screens may be more immersive but should remain portable. A slim, lightweight design facilitates easy transport and one-handed use.
Best Tablets for Reading FAQ
What is the best tablet for reading according to Reddit?
Reddit users on r/androidtablets 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, offering a reading experience similar to physical books.
Are tablets good for reading books?
Yes, tablets are excellent for reading books, though LCD screens may cause more eye strain than e-ink models. Consider battery life as well, as standard tablets generally 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, reducing glare, brightness issues, and eye strain. It's also IPX8 water-resistant, making it perfect for use by the pool or in rainy conditions.
