Books are undeniably wonderful, but they can also take up a lot of space—just ask anyone with piles of books scattered around their home because their bookshelves are bursting at the seams. If you're fortunate enough to have room for a dedicated home library, consider yourself lucky! For the rest of us, a reading tablet is a smart solution. While you might miss the tactile experience of flipping through physical pages, tablets offer a convenient and clutter-free way to build your personal library, including access to free books from the comfort of your home. To help you enjoy reading anywhere, we've rounded up some of the best tablets on the market.
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, focus on book formats and often feature screens designed to mimic the look of pages. These devices are more specialized—don't expect to use them for social media scrolling or streaming shows during breaks. On the other hand, more versatile tablets like the iPad Mini can handle a broader range of tasks, though their displays may cause more eye strain and consume battery life more quickly. Features like notetaking, as offered by the Kobo Libra Colour, are particularly useful for students or anyone who likes to annotate 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 similar 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 reading, 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 its easy-to-read display, which reduces eye strain and extends battery life.
The latest Kindle Paperwhite features a slightly larger 7-inch e-ink display with a 300ppi resolution that helps reduce blue light and glare. It also includes a new thin-film transistor to enhance contrast. Coupled with 19 LEDs around the screen, it's perfect for reading in various lighting conditions, from the beach to a dimly lit tent while camping. Adjusting the warm backlight for darker environments is simple, 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, ensuring quick page turns and smooth navigation through your library. Its 16GB of storage is ample for thousands of books, though audiobooks take up more space. Cloud storage is available if you need extra room. Other useful features include text and font adjustments for skip readers and an easily accessible dictionary. If you use Libby, you can send borrowed books to your Kindle from the Libby app on another device.
The Kindle Paperwhite's plastic construction keeps it slim and lightweight, reducing arm and wrist fatigue. While it may not seem as durable, it's sturdy and waterproof. Despite its compact size, it boasts an impressive 12-week battery life on a single 2.5-hour charge, making it our top choice for Kindle models.
iPad Mini (7th Gen)
Best iPad for Reading
### Apple iPad Mini (7th Gen)
0The iPad Mini is a compact device weighing just over half a pound, with a vibrant 8.3-inch display, making it a great handheld option for 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, which can be cumbersome for avid readers. The iPad Mini, with its 8.3-inch screen, strikes a perfect balance—similar in size to a paperback and weighing just 10.4oz, it's easy to carry and comfortable to hold in one hand while relaxing. Plus, it retains all the capabilities of the top iPad models.
The iPad Mini's stunning Liquid Retina display, with adjustable brightness and True Tone technology, offers a pleasant reading experience in various environments, though you might encounter some glare due to the glossy screen. Pairing it with an Apple Pencil allows for easy annotations. However, the bright, colorful 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 one found in the iPhone 15 Pro, the iPad Mini offers robust performance, though not as powerful as the M-series processors in the iPad Air and Pro. It supports Apple Intelligence and handles top reading apps like Apple Books, Amazon Kindle, comiXology, Libby, and Scribd with ease. It's also perfect for taking breaks from reading, as it handles social media scrolling, streaming, and everyday tasks smoothly.
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 fans of comics and manga, the iPad Pro offers an unparalleled experience. Despite its large 11-inch or 13-inch display, it remains thin and lightweight, making it ideal for diving into colorful worlds or creating your own.
The iPad Pro's OLED display is a first for iPads, delivering vivid, accurate colors and excellent contrast that make every image pop. In IGN's review of the iPad Pro, Jackie Thomas praised the display while reading the Star Wars: The High Republic comics.
The M4 silicon in the iPad Pro provides the necessary processing power to handle heavy workloads, including gaming and design, with its 8GB GPU. It's perfect for creative individuals looking to produce their own comics or graphic novels.
The Apple Pencil Pro support enhances artistic capabilities, and adding a keyboard transforms the iPad Pro into a laptop replacement. However, the cost can add up quickly for 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 great 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 impressive smartphones, also 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 crisp, vibrant clarity was evident even in bright morning sunlight, according to our hands-on review of the OnePlus Pad 2.
Powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 12GB of RAM, the OnePlus Pad 2 competes with the best Android tablets. Page turns and app navigation are smooth and instantaneous. With 256GB of storage, it can hold a vast collection of novels, comics, audiobooks, and more. The included AI toolbox can summarize articles or assist with writing, while stylus support enables easy annotations.
Despite its premium build and larger dimensions, the OnePlus Pad 2 can be heavy for one-handed use. However, it features an impressive 9,510mAh battery that lasts up to 12 hours. With 80W fast charging, you can get back to full power in under 75 minutes.
Kobo Libra Colour
Best Reading and Writing Tablet
### Kobo Libra Colour
0The Kobo Libra Colour is a lightweight e-reader with a colorful display and stylus support for easy viewing and note-taking. 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 stands as a strong competitor to Amazon's Kindle lineup. Its 7-inch display is ideal for reading, with ample margin space. The wider bezels and lightweight design make it comfortable to hold single-handed, and two buttons facilitate easy page turns, although the touchscreen can also be used.
The E-Ink Kaleido 3 display offers a 300ppi resolution in black and white and 150ppi in color. While the colors are more subdued than those on traditional tablets, reminiscent of a newspaper, they enhance the viewing experience for graphic novels and comics, minimizing glare even in bright sunlight. The ComfortLight Pro feature ensures a comfortable reading experience in darker settings and helps reduce blue light.
The Kobo Libra Colour's dual-core 2.0GHz processor is responsive, ensuring smooth page turns and navigation. Note-taking is fluid, and integration with the OverDrive library is a significant advantage. However, this e-reader is strictly for reading and writing, lacking the versatility for social media or email.
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 note-taking 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 key factors to ensure it meets your specific needs. Whether you're a fan of fiction, a student with textbooks, or a professional managing PDFs, the right tablet can enhance your reading experience.
The display quality is crucial, as it's where your eyes will focus. For extended reading sessions, eye comfort is essential. Tablets with blue light reduction or e-ink technology, which mimics paper, can help reduce eye strain. E-Ink screens are gentler on the eyes, while LCDs offer more versatility for multi-purpose use.
Battery life is vital for uninterrupted reading, especially on the go. Tablets with long-lasting batteries ensure you can enjoy your content without constantly searching for an outlet.
Finally, consider the tablet's size and weight, which affect how comfortably you can hold it for long periods. Larger screens provide an immersive experience but should not compromise portability. A lightweight, slim design makes it easier to carry and use one-handed.
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 offers a reading experience similar to a physical book.
Are tablets good for reading books?
Absolutely, but keep in mind that regular LCD screens can 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 more demanding hardware.
What is the best tablet for reading outside?
For outdoor reading, the Kindle Paperwhite is ideal. Its e-ink display mimics printed paper, reducing glare, brightness issues, and eye strain while offering excellent battery life. It's also IPX8 water-resistant, making it suitable for poolside or rainy conditions, unlike many other tablets.
