Books are fantastic, no doubt about it. However, they can quickly become space-consuming clutter—just ask the stacks of books that have no room on my already overflowing bookshelf. If you're fortunate enough to have space 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 pleasure of flipping through pages, tablets make building a personal library incredibly convenient and tidy. Plus, you can access free books without ever leaving your home. We've rounded up some of the best tablets to make your reading experience seamless and 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
### 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 their capabilities. E-readers, like our top pick, the Kindle Paperwhite, are designed specifically for reading, often featuring e-ink 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 when you need a break from reading. On the other hand, more traditional tablets, such as the iPad Mini, offer a broader range of features but may strain your eyes and drain the battery faster. The notetaking functionality available on devices like the Kobo Libra Colour is particularly useful 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 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 focuses on simplicity, without a colorful screen, stylus support, or access to emails, apps, and notifications. Instead, it provides a distraction-free, easy-to-read display that minimizes 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 reduce blue light and glare. It features a new thin-film transistor for improved contrast and 19 LEDs around the screen, making it easy to read in any lighting condition, from the beach to a dimly lit tent. Adjusting the warm backlight in low-light settings is straightforward, but for automatic adjustments and additional enhancements, consider the Kindle Paperwhite Signature.
Compared to its predecessor, the new Kindle Paperwhite offers a 20% performance increase, resulting in swift page turns and smooth library navigation. With 16GB of storage, it's more than enough for thousands of books. Audiobooks take up more space, but cloud storage is available if you need it. Other features include customizable text and font sizes, built-in dictionary access, and compatibility with Libby, though the app must be installed on another device to send books to your Kindle.
The Kindle Paperwhite's plastic build keeps it slim and lightweight, preventing arm and wrist fatigue. Despite its modest appearance, it's durable and waterproof. With a remarkable 12-week battery life on a 2.5-hour charge, it's clear why this is our favorite Kindle model.
iPad Mini (7th Gen)
Best iPad for Reading
### Apple iPad Mini (7th Gen)
0Compact iPad weighing just over half a pound, with 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. The iPhone's screen, on the other hand, may be too small. The iPad Mini fills this gap perfectly. With an 8.3-inch display and weighing just 10.4oz, it's the size of a paperback and easy to carry anywhere, fitting comfortably in one hand for relaxed reading. Plus, 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, ensures a comfortable viewing experience in various lighting conditions. However, be aware of potential glare from the glossy screen. Pairing it with an Apple Pencil allows for easy annotations during reading, though the bright screen will drain the battery faster than the e-ink display on the Kindle Paperwhite, lasting about 10 hours.
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 seamlessly handles top reading apps like Apple Books, Amazon Kindle, comiXology, Libby, and Scribd. When you need a break from reading, it's equally adept at 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 features an Apple M4 processor and an OLED display, making it 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 usersIf you're into comics or manga, the iPad Pro is your best bet. Despite its large 11-inch or 13-inch display, it remains thin and lightweight.
The OLED display on the iPad Pro is a first for iPads and offers unparalleled color vibrancy and contrast. In IGN's review of the iPad Pro, Jackie Thomas praised the display while reading Star Wars: The High Republic comics.
The M4 processor handles the stunning visuals with ease, supporting heavy workloads like gaming and design with its 8GB GPU. For those interested in creating comics or graphic novels, the iPad Pro is an excellent tool, designed for such creative endeavors.
The Apple Pencil Pro enhances artistic capabilities, while adding a keyboard transforms the iPad Pro into a laptop replacement. Keep in mind, however, that additional accessories can quickly 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
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, known for its impressive smartphones, also offers a stellar reading tablet. The OnePlus Pad 2 features a 12.1-inch, 3K display with 10-bit color depth and HDR support. Our hands-on review praised its clarity and brightness, which remained visible even in morning sunlight.
Powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 12GB of RAM, the OnePlus Pad 2 matches the performance of the best Android tablets. Page turns are instant, and switching between reading apps is smooth. With 256GB of storage, you can store plenty of books, comics, and audiobooks. An AI toolbox can summarize articles or assist in writing, while stylus support allows for easy annotations.
Despite its premium build, the OnePlus Pad 2 is a bit heavy for one-handed use over long periods. However, its 9,510mAh battery lasts up to 12 hours, and 80W charging ensures a quick recharge in less than 75 minutes.
Kobo Libra Colour
Best Reading and Writing Tablet
### Kobo Libra Colour
0A lightweight e-reader with a colorful display and stylus support, perfect for both reading and writing. 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 includes wider bezels on one side for comfortable single-handed use, and two buttons for easy page turns, although touchscreen navigation is also available.
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 traditional tablets, they enhance the reading experience, especially for comics and graphic novels, with minimal glare even in bright sunlight. The ComfortLight Pro feature ensures a pleasant reading experience in darker environments and reduces blue light exposure.
The dual-core 2.0GHz processor inside the Kobo Libra Colour ensures responsive performance, with smooth page turns and navigation. The device supports writing with the Kobo Stylus 2, allowing you to annotate books and highlight important passages with your finger. Kobo also offers various notebooks for jotting down notes and sketching, some of which can convert handwriting to text. For a larger display for notetaking, consider the Kobo Elipsa 2E, a grayscale alternative.
How to Choose the Best Reading Tablet
Selecting the best reading tablet involves considering several key factors to ensure it meets your specific needs. Whether you're a fiction enthusiast, a student reviewing textbooks, or a professional managing PDFs, the right tablet can enhance your reading experience significantly.
Display quality is paramount, as it's where your eyes will focus. Features like blue light reduction or e-ink technology, which mimics paper, can minimize eye strain. E-ink screens are gentler on the eyes, while LCDs offer more versatility for multi-purpose use.
Battery life is crucial for uninterrupted reading, especially on the go. Opt for tablets with long-lasting batteries to enjoy your reading material without constantly searching for a power outlet.
Size and weight are also important factors for comfort during extended reading sessions. Larger screens offer a more immersive experience, but a lightweight, slim design enhances portability and ease of 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 suitable screen size for reading. Others suggest the Barnes & Noble Nook for its e-paper technology, which provides a reading experience similar to a physical book.
Are tablets good for reading books?
Absolutely, though traditional LCD screens may cause more eye strain than e-ink models. Also, consider battery life, 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 compared to LCD screens. Additionally, its IPX8 water-resistant rating ensures it can handle splashes or rain.
