Books are undeniably wonderful, yet they can take up a lot of space—something I know all too well from the stacks of books cluttering my apartment that simply won't fit on my overflowing bookshelf. If you're fortunate enough to have room for a dedicated home library, congratulations! For the rest of us, a reading tablet is a practical solution. While you might miss the tactile pleasure of flipping through physical pages, tablets offer a clutter-free way to build a personal library, including access to free books without leaving home. To help you enjoy reading wherever you are, we've curated a list of the best tablets for an enhanced reading experience.
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 capabilities. E-readers, such as our top pick, the Kindle Paperwhite, focus on book formats with screens designed to mimic paper pages. These devices are specialized for reading, so don't expect to browse social media or stream videos on them. Conversely, general-purpose tablets like the iPad Mini offer more functionality but may cause eye strain and have shorter battery life. Features like note-taking, available on the Kobo Libra Colour, are valuable for students or those who enjoy annotating their books. Choosing the best tablet for your needs depends on your personal 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 a physical book, complete with a backlight and numerous helpful features. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen size7" E InkScreen resolution300ppiFront light19 LEDsStorage16GBBattery12 weeksDimensions5" x 7" x 0.3"Weight211gPROSGreat battery lifeWater-resistantCONSPlastic buildFor dedicated readers, the Kindle Paperwhite is the best tablet option. It keeps things straightforward, focusing solely on reading without the distractions of colorful screens, stylus support, or access to emails and apps. Its e-ink display is designed to reduce eye strain and extend battery life.
The latest Kindle Paperwhite boasts a slightly larger 7-inch e-ink display with a 300ppi resolution that helps minimize blue light and glare. Enhanced with a new thin-film transistor for better contrast and 19 LEDs surrounding the screen, it's perfect for reading in any lighting condition, from a sunny beach to a dimly lit tent. The adjustable warm backlight is ideal for darker environments, and for those seeking more features, the Kindle Paperwhite Signature offers automatic adjustments.
The new model features a 20% performance increase for swift page turns and smooth navigation through your book library. With 16GB of storage, it's ample space for thousands of books, though audiobooks may take up more room. Cloud storage is available if needed, and additional features include customizable text and font settings and an easily accessible dictionary. While the Libby app can't be directly installed on the Kindle, you can send borrowed books from the Libby app installed on another device.
The Kindle Paperwhite's plastic construction keeps it slim and lightweight, reducing arm and wrist fatigue compared to heavier books. Despite its seemingly fragile build, it's durable and waterproof. With an impressive 12-week battery life on a single 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)
0This compact iPad weighs just over half a pound and features a vibrant 8.3-inch display, making it an excellent handheld 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 Apple iPads feature large screens, which can be cumbersome for avid readers. The iPad Mini, with its 8.3-inch display, strikes the perfect balance—similar to a paperback and weighing only 10.4 ounces. It's easy to carry and comfortable to hold in one hand, ideal for reading on the go. Plus, it retains all the capabilities of the top iPad models.
The iPad Mini's Liquid Retina display, with adjustable brightness and True Tone technology, offers a delightful viewing experience. However, it may produce some glare due to its glossy finish. Pairing it with an Apple Pencil allows for easy annotations. Keep in mind, though, that its bright screen drains the battery faster than the e-ink display on the Kindle Paperwhite, offering only 10 hours of use.
Powered by the A17 Pro chip, the same as the iPhone 15 Pro, the iPad Mini provides ample power for its size and supports Apple Intelligence. It handles top reading apps like Apple Books, Amazon Kindle, comiXology, Libby, and Scribd effortlessly. It's also versatile enough for other tasks, from social media browsing to streaming, making it a great choice for those who want a multi-functional device.
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, represents the pinnacle of Apple's tablet offerings. 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 enthusiasts of comics and manga, the iPad Pro is the ultimate choice. Despite its large 11-inch or 13-inch display, it remains slim and lightweight, perfect for immersive reading.
The iPad Pro's OLED display is a first for iPads and offers unparalleled color accuracy and contrast, making images truly pop. In IGN’s review of the iPad Pro, Jackie Thomas praised the display while reading Star Wars: The High Republic comics.
Powered by the M4 chip, the iPad Pro handles demanding tasks effortlessly, including gaming and design. Its 8GB GPU ensures smooth performance, ideal for those interested in creating their own comics or graphic novels. The Apple Pencil Pro support enhances artistic capabilities, and with a keyboard, the iPad Pro can serve as a laptop replacement. Just be aware that accessories can add to the already high cost.
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 vibrant display, and overall superior 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, offers a top-tier reading tablet with the OnePlus Pad 2. Its 12.1-inch, 3K display boasts 10-bit color depth and HDR support, ensuring crisp, vibrant visuals. In our hands-on review of the OnePlus Pad 2, the screen's visibility in morning sunlight was particularly noted.
With a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 12GB of RAM, the OnePlus Pad 2 competes with the best Android tablets. It offers seamless page turns and smooth transitions between reading apps. The 256GB storage capacity can house a vast collection of novels, comics, and audiobooks. An AI toolbox helps with article summaries and writing assistance, while stylus support enables easy annotations.
Though slightly heavier due to its size and premium build, the OnePlus Pad 2 features a robust 9,510mAh battery that lasts up to 12 hours. With 80W charging, you can quickly recharge it to full capacity in less than 75 minutes.
Kobo Libra Colour
Best Reading and Writing Tablet
### Kobo Libra Colour
0This colorful, lightweight e-reader offers easy viewing and stylus support for 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 rivals Amazon's Kindle lineup with its 7-inch display, perfect for comfortable reading with ample margin space. Its design, featuring wider bezels on one side and a lightweight build, allows for easy one-handed use, while buttons and touchscreen options facilitate page turns.
The E-Ink Kaleido 3 display offers a 300ppi resolution in black and white and 150ppi in color, with subdued hues resembling a newspaper. This makes it ideal for graphic novels and comics, providing a glare-free reading experience even in bright sunlight. The ComfortLight Pro feature enhances readability in dimmer settings while reducing blue light.
Powered by a dual-core 2.0GHz processor, the Kobo Libra Colour offers responsive performance for reading and note-taking. Integration with the OverDrive library is a bonus. However, this e-reader is strictly for reading and writing, without the capability for social media or email.
The Kobo Libra Colour supports the Kobo Stylus 2 for writing directly on books, with colorful highlighting available using a finger. It also offers various notebooks for jotting notes and sketching, some of which can convert handwriting to text. For those needing a larger screen for notetaking, the Kobo Elipsa 2E is a suitable grayscale alternative.
How to Choose the Best Reading Tablet
Selecting the right reading tablet involves considering several factors to match your specific needs, whether you're a fiction enthusiast, a student, or a professional dealing with PDFs. The display's quality is crucial, as it's where you'll focus your attention. Tablets with e-ink technology, which mimics paper, or those with blue light reduction features, can help minimize eye strain. E-ink screens are gentler on the eyes but less versatile, while LCD screens offer more functionality.
Battery life is another key consideration, especially for on-the-go readers. Opt for a tablet with a long-lasting battery to enjoy uninterrupted reading sessions. Finally, size and weight impact comfort during extended use. A larger screen can enhance immersion, but a lightweight, slim design is essential for portability and ease of handling.
Best Tablets for Reading FAQ
What is the best tablet for reading according to Reddit?
On the r/androidtablets subreddit, users 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?
Yes, tablets can be excellent for reading books, though LCD screens may cause more eye strain compared to e-ink models. Also, consider that standard tablets typically have shorter battery life than e-readers 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, which resembles printed paper, minimizes glare, brightness issues, eye strain, and battery drain compared to LCD screens. Its IPX8 water resistance also makes it suitable for use near water, unlike many other tablets.
