Books are undeniably wonderful, yet they can quickly become bulky space invaders, especially if you're like me, with piles of books scattered around your apartment that can't fit on an already overflowing bookshelf. If you're fortunate enough to have room for a dedicated home library, congratulations! But for the rest of us, a reading tablet is a game-changer. While you might miss the tactile pleasure of flipping through paper pages, tablets make building a personal library much more manageable and clutter-free. Plus, they offer access to countless books you can enjoy for free from the comfort of your home. We've rounded up some of the best tablets to enhance your reading experience anywhere.
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)
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### OnePlus Pad 2
0See it at OnePlus
### Kobo Libra Colour
0See it at AmazonReading tablets come with a variety of capabilities. E-readers, such as our top pick, the Kindle Paperwhite, are designed specifically for book formats, often featuring screens that mimic the look of paper. These devices are more limited in functionality—don't expect to browse social media or stream videos when you need a break from reading. Conversely, more traditional tablets, like the iPad Mini, offer broader functionality, though their displays might cause eye strain and drain batteries more quickly. Features like notetaking, available on the Kobo Libra Colour, are particularly useful for students or anyone who enjoys annotating their reading materials. Choosing the right tablet depends on your specific 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 remarkably close to that of a physical book, enhanced with a backlight and numerous user-friendly features. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen size7" E InkScreen resolution300ppiFront light19 LEDsStorage16GBBattery12 weeksDimensions5" x 7" x 0.3"Weight211gPROSGreat battery lifeWater-resistantCONSPlastic buildIf reading is your sole focus, the Kindle Paperwhite is the top choice. This e-reader keeps things simple, with no colorful screen, stylus support, or access to emails, apps, and notifications. It eliminates distractions with a straightforward, easy-to-read display that 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 includes a new thin-film transistor for enhanced contrast, and 19 LEDs around the screen ensure readability in various lighting conditions, whether you're at the beach or camping in a dimly lit tent. Adjusting the warm backlight in darker environments is straightforward, but for automatic adjustments and additional features, consider the Kindle Paperwhite Signature.
Compared to its predecessor, the new Kindle Paperwhite offers a 20% performance boost, resulting in quick page turns and smooth library navigation. Its 16GB of storage, while modest compared to other tablets, is ample for thousands of books. Audiobooks consume more space, but cloud storage is available if you ever run out of room. Other features include customizable text and font sizes, an integrated dictionary, and compatibility with Libby, though the app must be installed on another device to send borrowed books to your Kindle.
The Kindle Paperwhite's plastic build keeps it slim and lightweight, reducing arm and wrist fatigue. Despite its less robust appearance, it's durable and waterproof. With a compact design, this e-reader delivers an impressive 12-week battery life on 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 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 screens over 10 inches, which can be too large for avid readers, while iPhone screens are often too small. The iPad Mini, with its 8.3-inch display, strikes the perfect balance, resembling the size of a paperback and weighing just 10.4 ounces. Its portability makes it easy to carry and comfortable to hold in one hand, even when lying down. Plus, it retains all the capabilities of Apple's top iPad models.
Readers will appreciate the stunning Liquid Retina display with adjustable brightness and True Tone technology, ensuring a pleasant reading experience in various lighting conditions. However, be mindful of potential glare due to the glossy screen. Pairing an Apple Pencil allows for easy annotations while reading, though the bright, colorful screen consumes battery life faster than the e-ink display on the Kindle Paperwhite, lasting only 10 hours.
The latest iPad Mini runs on the A17 Pro chip, the same as the iPhone 15 Pro, offering robust performance for its size and supporting Apple Intelligence. Using top reading apps like Apple Books, Amazon Kindle, comiXology, Libby, and Scribd is seamless. Additionally, it's perfect for taking breaks to scroll through social media, stream content, or handle 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, powered by the Apple M4 processor and featuring an OLED display, represents the pinnacle of Apple's tablet technology. 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 who love diving into the colorful worlds of comics or even creating their own, the iPad Pro is the ultimate tool. Despite its large 11-inch or 13-inch display, it remains thin and lightweight.
The iPad Pro's OLED display is a first for the series and sets a new standard with its vivid, accurate colors and excellent contrast, making every image pop. In IGN's review of the iPad Pro, Jackie Thomas praised the display while reading Star Wars: The High Republic comics.
Such a stunning display demands significant processing power, which the iPad Pro's M4 chip delivers effortlessly. It handles heavy workloads, including gaming and design, with an 8GB GPU. Those interested in creating comics or graphic novels will find this tablet an ideal tool, designed to support such creative endeavors.
The Apple Pencil Pro support can elevate your artistic work, and adding a keyboard transforms the iPad Pro into a laptop replacement. Just be aware that accessories can quickly increase the cost of this already premium 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 sleek and smooth display, and overall high 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 spectacular 12.1-inch, 3K display with 10-bit color depth and HDR support, delivering crisp, vibrant visuals. In our hands-on review of the OnePlus Pad 2, our tester noted the screen's visibility even in bright morning sunlight, thanks to its enhanced brightness.
Powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 12GB of RAM, the OnePlus Pad 2 competes with the best Android tablets. It ensures instant page turns and smooth navigation through reading apps. With 256GB of storage, it can accommodate numerous novels, comics, audiobooks, and more. The included AI toolbox can summarize articles or assist in writing, while stylus support enables easy annotations.
Though its premium build and size make it heavier, the OnePlus Pad 2 boasts a 9,510mAh battery that lasted 12 hours in our tests. With 80W charging support, you can fully recharge it in under 75 minutes if needed.
Kobo Libra Colour
Best Reading and Writing Tablet
### Kobo Libra Colour
0This colorful, lightweight e-reader offers easy viewing and stylus support for a seamless reading and writing experience. 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 wider bezels on one side and lightweight design make it comfortable to hold single-handedly, while two buttons facilitate easy page turns, though the touchscreen also allows for page switching.
Kobo's E-Ink Kaleido 3 display offers a 300ppi resolution in black and white and a 150ppi resolution in color. Unlike traditional tablets, the colors are more subdued, resembling a newspaper's appearance. Still, comics and graphic novels look great, adding life to the screen while minimizing glare in bright sunlight. The ComfortLight Pro enhances the reading experience in darker settings and reduces blue light.
Powered by a dual-core 2.0GHz processor, the Kobo Libra Colour is responsive for most tasks, with smooth page turns and navigation. Note-taking is fluid, and integration with the OverDrive library is a notable feature. However, this e-reader is dedicated solely to reading and writing, so don't expect to use it for social media or email.
The Kobo Libra Colour supports writing with the Kobo Stylus 2, allowing you to annotate any Kobo book. You can also highlight passages with your finger. Beyond marking up books, Kobo 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, an excellent grayscale alternative.
How to Choose the Best Reading Tablet
Selecting the ideal reading tablet involves considering several factors to ensure it meets your specific needs. Whether you're a fan of fiction, a student navigating textbooks, or a professional dealing with endless PDFs, the right tablet can enhance your reading experience significantly.
Display quality is crucial since your eyes will be focused on the screen. Eye comfort is vital, especially during long reading sessions. Tablets with blue light reduction features or e-ink technology, which mimic the look of paper, can minimize eye strain. E-ink screens are gentler on the eyes, but LCDs offer versatility for multiple uses.
Long battery life is essential for uninterrupted reading, particularly when you're on the go. Opt for tablets with robust battery life to enjoy your books, magazines, or documents without the constant search for a power outlet.
Finally, size and weight impact how comfortably you can hold the tablet for extended periods. Larger screens offer a more immersive reading experience but should not compromise portability. A lightweight, slim design makes it easier to carry and hold with one hand.
Best Tablets for Reading FAQ
What is the best tablet for reading according to Reddit?
For advice on the best reading tablet, Reddit users on the r/androidtablets subreddit highlight several favorites. The top recommendation is often the Aldocube 50 Mini and Mini Pro, praised for their lightweight design and suitable screen size for reading. Other users recommend Barnes & Noble's Nook, valued for its e-paper technology that closely mimics the reading experience of a physical book.
Are tablets good for reading books?
Absolutely, though standard LCD screens can cause eye fatigue more quickly than e-ink models. Also, keep in mind that battery life on most tablets isn't as long-lasting as devices like the Kindle, given their more demanding hardware.
What is the best tablet for reading outside?
For outdoor reading, the Kindle Paperwhite is ideal. Its e-ink display, which resembles printed paper, significantly reduces glare, brightness issues, eye strain, and battery consumption compared to LCD screens. Additionally, its IPX8 water resistance makes it perfect for poolside or rainy-day reading without worry.
